Book Picks - Michael Pollan

Organic Theme Park highly recommends Michael Pollan's books, Omnivore's Dilemma and The Botany of Desire. These are must read books for all who embrace the organic food lifestyle. In Omnivore's Dilemma, Michael writes about "Big Organic" and the conventional imagery of "supermarket pastoral" dispelling the notion of "farm animals living as they did in the books we read as children." Organic companies such as Earthbound Farm, Cascadian Farm, Cal-Organics and even Rosie Organic Chicken are discussed. It will give you an insight on both conventional and organic business. In The Botany of Desire, the author takes us on a journey deep into four familiar plants - the apple, the tulip, cannabis, and the potato (with the "human desire that link their destinies to our own"). Definitely worthy of adding to your library or virtual bookshelf !

Axe Sunday Brunch - Venice, CA

Organic Theme Park takes you to a Sunday Brunch at Axe Restaurant in Venice, California. Chef and owner, Joanna Moore has created a relaxing and minimalist designed vegan organic restaurant now in its 10th year on Abbot Kinney Blvd. The name Axe (pronounced ashay) is a salutation from Yoruba (where Nigeria is today) that means "go with the power of the Gods and Goddesses."

Sshhh! There's no name outside the building . . .don't let it intimidate you from entering.However, I do suggest reservations as guests line up outside!

Here is Axe's simple Sunday brunch menu. I love Axe's principles which embraces local organic farmers, seasonality of produce and earth friendly sustainability.

So what is Axe's Sunday brunch specialty? An absolute must is an order of their 9 grain pancakes with berries!

Of all my travels, this is the "holy grail" of vegan organic pancakes. Also served with genuine maple syrup!! These 9 grain pancakes have a wonderful nutty texture with the berries mostly hidden under. Perfection !!

Another great dish is their rice bowl with tofu, bean sprouts, carrot, cucumber, onion, cabbage, basil, mint with sesame dressing.

Here Kelli shows off her minimalist organic omelette of parmesan, goat cheese, scallion, spinach and basil.

Go early and don't forget to make your reservations for Sunday brunch at Axe!

Flore Vegan Cuisine

For those of you Los Angelenos who venture to the East side of town, there's an organic-vegan sidewalk cafe style restaurant in Silver Lake called Flore that's worth a visit. While not chic in design or presentation like M Cafe, it's definitely more bohemian and a fun "people-watching" dining experience!

The late summer sun was setting at 8PM was we arrived for dinner.

A table outside is an absolute must especially on a summer evening (warning - too hot inside so wait for a table to open up outside). A delicious basmati brown rice bowl with kale, baked tofu, avocado, shredded carrot, daikon sprouts, raw sunflower seeds with a tahini dressing was yummy. Save room for vegan-organic desserts . . .

Lot's of cup cakes !!!

Even chocolate with agave or maple syrup sweeteners.

Or settle on this organic chocolate-strawberry gluten-free cake ! Flore Vegan Cuisine is definitely an organic-vegan restuarant to add to your list !

Turmeric - The Spice For Longevity

One of my favorite spices is turmeric which is a component of curry. Did you know it is also used as an herbal beverage in Okinawa, Japan? Could turmeric be a diet secret for the Okinawans whose population is known for its longevity? Turmeric has been used for generations in Asian countries to control infection and reduce scar formation. The spice's active chemical, curcumin, has been shown to act as an antioxidant and an antimicrobial. Studies have also shown that extracts of turmeric root can reduce the secretion of acid by the stomach to protect against inflammation and reduce ulcers. Turmeric has been shown to have a protective effect on the liver by clearing harmful toxins as well as preventing damage. Turmeric may also relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Current research by Cornell University shows promise for curcumin's positive effect on breast cancer.

How to add turmeric to you daily diet? Sprinkle it on your salmon or tofu, add it to soups and as the Okinawans - make an herbal beverage. Turmeric is available at Whole Foods (organic) found in the spice section, or you can purchase it elsewhere in capsules, fluid extracts and tinctures.

Kreation Organic Cafe - Santa Monica, CA

When in Santa Monica, California, be sure to stop for breakfast or lunch at Kreation. It's a great organic sidewalk cafe that is also a certified green business. While small, clients were waiting for this healthy dining alternative.

Their homemade Hummus is a must - garnished with organic California walnut oil and fresh parsley (bring on the omega 3's).

Their menu features an abundance of superfoods like turmeric, pomegranate, acai, quinoa, blueberries and flax. Definitely, a restaurant to support and enjoy when in Santa Monica.

Brentwood Farmers' Market

Beautiful day to check out the Brentwood, California, Farmers' Market.

Our kind of "checkerboard" - all superfruits!

Love this sign and selection!

Mmmm . . . some early dapple pluots !

Even all natural vegetarian soup from The Gourmet Soup Kitchen !

Japanese Melon Green Tea

You know Summer is coming with the arrival of new fruity loose teas that can be enjoyed iced down or warm. Le Palais Gourmet with its flagship store in Beverly Hills, California, has debuted this wonderful, Japanese melon green tea called, "Midori Sencha." It is certified organic and given a special distinction with a gold and white, "Special Reserve" label.

Not only is the loose green tea beautiful with orange and yellow flower petals set against the tea leaves, but the aroma has a sweet yet subtle fragrance that comes through even when steeped.The liquor color is pale green with no bitterness! Le Palais Gourmet describes this tea as using the finest lightly steamed organic Japanese Sencha and blended with two kinds of Japanese melons. It is truly amazing!