Cinnamon Power

Did you know that cinnamon was listed as an herb with medicinal properties dating back to Chinese literature as early as 2700 BC ? It is now known that cinnamon raises vitality, warms the system, stimulates all the vital functions of the body, counteracts congestion, improves digestion and can even aid as a treatment for nausea. There is also evidence that cinnamon can lower levels of cholesterol and blood sugars. The natural cinnamon plant (you can see the bark above in the photo) has essential oils which have been found to stimulate movement in the gastrointestinal tract and act as a natural gas-reliever.

So add cinnamon to your daily diet ritual by sprinkling it on your oatmeal, yogurt or evening adding it to your favorite herbal tea. When purchasing your cinnamon, buy "non-irradiated" as noted on the spice jar in the photo above.

Brain Food - Walnuts

Something as simple as walnuts should be called the "superfood nut." Why? Walnuts contain brain loving omega -3 oils which also benefit the heart. Did you know consuming walnuts can also calm and moisten dry skin? Yes, nature's internal moisturizer! Another bonus, research on walnuts has found a unique vitamin E thought to suppress prostate and lung cancer cell division.
So, enjoy some walnuts everyday for these wonderful benefits.

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.

Julie & Julia

Advanced screenings of "Julie & Julia" are now playing at Organic Theme Park ! This is the first film based on a blog by Julie Powell who began documenting her on-line daily experiences cooking each of the 524 recipes in Julia Child's iconic cookbook,
"Mastering the Art of French Cooking." Sure to be the must-see movie of the summer for foodies, "Julie & Julia" starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams . . . opens August 7th !

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 !

Akasha Restaurant, Culver City - California

Join me on a V.I.P. visit to Akasha, an organic restaurant in Culver City, California. Chef & owner, Akasha Redmond, began to realize her dream restaurant while catering to the stars using healthful ingredients. Her culinary credentials include - author, "Hollywood Dish;" a twenty-year plus history producing events at the Sundance Film Festival, cooking at the Golden Temple vegan restaurant to being hand-picked as private chef to Barbra Streisand.

The main dining room has great scale with beautiful light and even an outside area for al fresco dining. While it looks empty - don't let it fool you as we just entered before lunch. The celebrity crowd devotees also include Brad Pitt and Ed Norton who recently held court.

The menu is varied . . . and even organic pizza's - I loved the "La Quercia Prosciutto" with oregonzola, figs, carmelized onions, arugula and olive oil. The grilled salmon nicoise salad was amazing too. Wonderful all organic comfort food like sweet potato fries with ginger sea salt.

There's even an artisan bakery with desserts & pastries made with organic flours, sweeteners, and superfoods like acai and goji berries. Definitely make Akasha a must organic dining experience when in Southern California!

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!