Holiday Walk 2010

Every year, my friend Jeremy organizes a walk to take in the holiday sites around New York City. This was my first year doing it, and luckily, the weather was cooperative (for a December night in NYC) - 40 degrees-plus!

We started in the Starbucks at the SE corner of Washington Square Park - I picked up a hot apple cider to go, and we were off to our first site: the arch at WSP.



Then we walked up 5th Avenue and over to Union Square where we elbowed our way through the holiday market before taking the subway up to Macy's.


There, we went from window to window for a 3-D storytelling of "Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus." Afterwards, it was on to the windows at Lord & Taylor (not as impressive) and then the snowflakes and bubbles light show on the Saks 5th Avenue building. Along the way, I picked up a paper bag of.....ROASTED CHESTNUTS! Haven't had those since I was in Europe last year.

We munched our way to the tree at Rockefeller:


and then ended our evening in St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Many thanks to Jeremy for organizing, and to the others for joining! I had a great time and am looking forward to next year's walk.

Old Bay Tofu Cakes

From Tal Ronnen's recipe book:

On a bed of pan-roasted summer vegetables (peas, corn, cherry tomatoes, shallot), topped with beet and apple relish and horseradish cashew cream sauce.

Yup, I eat well. :)

Thanksliving 2010

You may recall that my first ever blog post was about last year's Thanksliving event at Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary - it was at that event that I decided to get serious about being vegan. This year's dinner took place this past Sunday, and it was a blast - of course. We pet animals, ate well, drank some, bought merch, bid successfully on a winter coat by Vaute Couture (thanks, David!), and scored some goodie bags. Below, a brief recap and some pics.

This is Petunia. She came to say hello while we were waiting for the tent to open.


These are some happy piggies cuddling and napping.


Here's dinner (which followed some amazing appetizers - black-eyed pea cakes - and preceded some insane desserts - pumpkin cheesecake). Butternut squash chowder w/ roasted corn, wild rice pilaf, kale salad, sweet potato w/ vanilla, and a seitan cutlet w/ mushroom gravy. TAY-stee!


Here's speaker number 1, Dan Piraro - comedian, cartoonist, and WFAS board member.


Here's speaker number 2, Bruce Friedrich, of PETA - I bought his book (cowritten w/ Vegan Outreach's Matt Ball), The Animal Activist's Handbook, which he signed for me (I'm reading it now).


And here's Jenny Brown - cofounder of WFAS! Jenny led the live auction, which brilliantly took place after we were a bit liquored up and more inclined to bid like maniacs (thanks, David!).


And here's a little goat who came to bid us farewell - come back and see us soon!

Fashion's Night Out

Friday, September 10, 2010 at 6pm began New York City's second annual Fashion's Night Out - and what a night! Two other friends and I started our evening in SoHo (technically JUST outside the bounds of the historic district of SoHo) at Cafe Noir on Thompson and Grand - one of my favorite little bars (and usually pretty international in clientele - always fun).

We then went wandering the cobblestone streets of SoHo proper, which were TEEMING with others who wanted to see and be seen. I did my best to appear as bright-lights-big-city as possible (I got my hair highlighted and done that day!), but I was no match for the uber hip and young. Hahahahaha.

*Sigh.*

It's ok - here you can see I'm smiling ear-to-ear nonetheless, posing in front of the Chanel store on Spring and Mercer Streets.

And here's my good friend Inessa: she's a lot better at dressing up and looking the part of a fashionista (could be because she's six feet tall, Russian and stunning - grrrrr):

Our other friend requested to be cropped out of the photo, so she will remain anonymous. :)

We made our way over to Wooster and Prince to visit with another friend who was hawking her awesome wares on the street (Pillows for the People). She was too pooped to party, though, so the rest of us popped into the Issey Miyake store for some free bubbly and a peek at their...er..."crinkly" line. We found it to be a bit too...crinkly. But the bubbly was nice.

By then, we had done about as much wandering and seeing and being seen as we needed to, so we headed back to the East Village (the BEST place in New York City to be!) for a bite to eat and a bit to drink before calling it a night.

All in all, a pretty decent evening, and I'd say a must-do again next year!

Hello, fellow New York Progressives -

A few of us decided that what we collectively need is a once-a-month gathering of like-minded folks - many of us working at like-minded organizations - where we can socialize, catch up, have fun and otherwise be in touch about our community and shared interests outside the context of work.

First Tuesdays of the month seem to be as good as any, and the Penny Farthing is willing to host - it's a great space, close to Union Square (and other) subway lines, and with drink specials (discounts on beer, wine and well drinks) for the "official" duration of our gatherings (630-8:00pm). AND, they are opening up their private space downstairs just for us.

RSVP on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=149377831747936

Our first event is Tuesday, September 7, 2010 @ 6:30pm. We will be doing "shout outs" at 7:30pm - when folks can promote their groups, causes, events etc. for 30 seconds. Feel free to bring literature and business cards - and progressive friends!

We look forward to seeing you there!

-SueZQ

...New York City, Let Me Count the Ways

So for what seems like the millionth (consecutive) time this summer, I walked out of my apartment into miserable heat and humidity - non-stop 90 degree temps...for WEEKS on end...blah.

(That last sentence should have ended with several exclamation points, but the weather sapped me of the energy needed to make that punctuation effort.)

This is the worst summer I've experienced in terms of temperature, because there has been almost no reprieve. And so this morning, once again, I was beading sweat after walking just half a block to the bus stop. Which means, once again, I started my work day off looking like a drowned rat - and feeling very, very, very irritable.

But!

This is actually not a post about my sweat and misery (how boring! - not to mention a bit disgusting...) but about my need to "turn that frown upside down" (omg, can't believe I just used that phrase) so to speak - instead of bitching about NYC and this summer heat, how about I make a list of the top ten things I love about New York?!

Yeah, every once in a while I can surprise... :)

So here we go (and this is on the fly).

1. No American city has more vegan restaurants (this is true) - and no neighborhood in the city has more than the East Village (as far as I can tell).

2. And that's why I love Alphabet City (my 'hood!).

3. I've met some really cool people here - that I couldn't have met anywhere else (you know who you are...).

4. Out of town friends will visit you.

5. It's easy to get to your out of town friends (especially if they live in Europe).

6. The nonprofit sector is second to none - especially if your politics are progressive.

7. My legs are often my mode of transportation.

8. If you need something, you can find it.

9. If you need something at 4:30am - you can find it.

10. Nothing beats having drinks outdoors on balmy summer evenings.

And with that...I think it's time to grab a drink! :)

The Drum Major Institute for Public Policy

Now that the World Cup is over (everything else in my life shuts down during the WC - and, btw, shout out to La Furia Roja and all the team's supporters), it's time to move on to other (not *more* but *other*) serious business: where I work.

The Drum Major Institute for Public Policy is a progressive public policy think tank located in New York City's Financial District. Why do we matter? Because the Left needs an answer to the Right's 40 year lead on building the infrastructure to support and promote their conservative ideology. This infrastructure (credit to The Practical Progressive by Erica Payne) - ideas generation, litigation, message framing, lobbying, etc. - has assured the Right its political dominance, which the Left is only now learning - and beginning - to break. As Ms. Payne said, we are "structurally outmatched."

Yes, you should be scared.

But DMI exists to help address this disparity, and for that, we can all be thankful - and supportive. Here's a bit more about my awesome organization:

The Drum Major Institute for Public Policy (DMI), a think tank founded during the civil rights movement, partners with advocates, organizers, elected officials, and other leaders to strengthen policymaking in cities and for cities. The most progressive urban policies expand our national understanding of what government can accomplish. Historically, the results have been seen and felt in a variety of ways: better housing options, better safety net protections, better transit access, better workplace rights, better environmental regulations, better assimilation of immigrants, better infrastructure investments. We help cities advance in order to improve the lives of all people in the United States. Our research, analysis, communications, and media efforts focus on how the biggest opportunities for addressing America’s challenges can be found—and seized—in cities.

BOO-YAH! :)

Forza Azzurri!!!!

I'm waaay overdue for a post (been working hard at my new job!), and with four days to go until the world's greatest sporting event begins, what better excuse to blog than the Italian national soccer team?

Here's a shot of the reigning world champions after their fourth (count 'em: that's FOUR stars!!!!) World Cup victory (July 9, 2006 - best day of my life):


And here's a close up of our captain (the very beautiful Fabio Cannavaro - in his club (Juventus) shirt):


I became a fan of the Azzurri during the 1994 World Cup - the days of Paolo Maldini (my all-time favorite player - a) because he's beautiful and b) because I played his position in high school - left fullback), Roberto Baggio (Il Divin Codino), Gianluca Pagliuca ("brutally handsome" was the description used), et al. That year, we made it to the finals, but lost to Brazil (my second most hated soccer team - because everyone else cheers for them and I have to be a contrarian...plus they keep frickin' winning!) in a penalty shoot out (120 minutes plus of pure agony). Ugh.

And I had to wait 12 years to see them advance again to the finals - this time against my most hated soccer team - Les Bleus! In soccer - as in most sports - it's important to have a nemesis (or two). Makes things more exciting.

See, I hate the French team because they eliminated Italy in 1998 (and then went on to win the WC) and in the Euro 2000 final, as Italy was poised to win the tournament 1-0, the referee invents an overtime minute and France scores the equaliser. And THEN, in supplemental play, Trezeguet scores the golden goal...and once again, I am crushed. ARGH!!!

So July 9, 2006 - again, 120 minutes plus of agonizing play (an extraordinary save by Gigi Buffon stopped a killer header by Zidane) before going to penalty shoot out - only the Azzurri can torment their fans like this (seriously, only twice has the World Cup final gone to penalties and both times Italy played...). And we all know how it ended - FOUR STARS!!!! Woot! Woot!

And now, it's four years later, and World Cup fever once again has taken hold. I'm sad to see that a couple of my favorite players will not be playing: Luca Toni and Fabio Grosso (hero of 2006). But excited to see Cannavaro back as captain. Can we defend the title? Hopefully well - but I have a feeling this could be Spain's year (Euro 2008 champions). Germany, too, have a shot I think...though with Ballack out on injury (Kevin-Prince Boateng, I hate you!), their prospects waned a bit. At least they won't have that klutz of a goalkeep (yes, still resentful that Klinsman chose Lehmann over Ollie Kahn - who I am certain would've been able to block that shot from Grosso that sent Germany out of the tournament...though of course I don't regret the outcome).

PHEW! Ok, I think I've vented enough. Forza Azzurri!!!!

Meet Bella

It's Bella (aka Kell-Bell, Bella-butt, Bella-belle)!


Like the boys (Rooney and Casper), Bella was rescued by Zani's Furry Friends. She is about 2 years old and part Maine Coon. She is really people-friendly...but scares the bejeezus out of Rooney (especially) and Casper, despite her pint-size. She loves catnip and head rubs.

A little bit of Taiwan in Texas

So, I was in Texas this past weekend (San Antonio - didn't make it to Fiesta, though) visiting the folks. I spent most of the time eating mom's awesome Chinese food (and shopping for work clothes for my new job). Except for the one day the family trekked up to Austin to check out a Chinese vegetarian restaurant (for my sake) - which turned out to be a bust because access was blocked by some sort of bicycling "round up" race thing-a-ma-bob.

So. We headed over to a Chinese strip mall where my parents dumped me off at a Taiwanese cafe while they went next door and had Cantonese BBQ (blech). Below, my "lunch" - which, if you grew up on these dishes, was actually pretty exciting.

Seaweed

Pickled Cabbage Salad

Tofu!

The takeaway: after ignoring Chinese food in my cooking adventures, I think I'm now inspired to try my hand at a few dishes. Really, how can you go wrong with seaweed, cabbage and tofu???

Comedy for Karma, people!

Dear all,

Buy your ticket to the 3rd annual Comedy for Karma benefit, supporting everybody's favorite animal charity: Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary!

Thursday, April 1 @ 8pm (doors open at 730pm)

Gotham Comedy Club
208 W. 23rd Street (between 7th & 8th Aves.)
New York City

$50 general admission in advance
$100 reserved seating in advance

Star-studded line up! Check it out by clicking HERE.

You like comedy, right?!
You like animals, right?!
You want good karma, right?!

So BUY A TICKET! And have a ton of fun with the coolest farmed animal sanctuary around.

Love,
me

Meet my newest mini!

This is the awesome multi-media miniature (Magenta Flower) I just bought from an artist friend, Joyce Pommer. I have been wanting one of her minis forever and when I saw this one at the Architectural Digest Home Design Show at Pier 94 yesterday (awesome - and overwhelming! - event, btw...and with a GREAT eco/go green side event at Pier 92), I bought it on the spot. How happy and spring-like is this?!

(The colors are much more vibrant live so you'll have to come and visit my mini in person - I also have two others by another artist friend Elisa Pritzker...perhaps I need a mini exhibition, with wine of course!)

For more information about Joyce's gallery, check out the Franklin 54 Gallery blog.

Look at the awesome new bag I got yesterday from Mooshoes - the Jorja bag by Matt & Nat (I've been wanting a Mat & Nat bag forEVer! And it's in coral, which I think is the color this spring (and maybe purple, but coral matches my latest lipstick buys).

The bag, of course, is cruelty-free. :)

Someone Stop Me (or, Terri follow up)

Today, for the fourth time in just one week, I went to Terri's for lunch - and I pretty much never go out for lunch (never), nor for dinner for that matter. So what's gotten into me? Tasty vegan deliciousness, that's what. Normally I have to do it myself - but not anymore!

I ordered the quesadilla (yes, the Daiya kick continues) and the Brazilian Bombshell smoothie (I sort of needed the vitamin/energy boost today...ahem) - and of course, they did not disappoint. The quesadilla oozed cheesy-sauce goodness, the 'chicken' had a really nice smoky flavor to it and...I might have to become a regular smoothie drinker now (though the shakes also need to be investigated - hello? BUTTERFINGER?).

Then I met owners Craig and Mike - two super-nice guys who've been part of NYC's vegan food scene for quite some time (Blossom - one of my favorite restaurants...and they support Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary - and Candle 79 - haven't been yet, but it's on my list). And I'm not just saying that because Craig gave me a baked-in-house apple cider donut (thanks, Craig!). Or because he's letting me put out WFAS brochures. But it didn't hurt, either. :)

But, yes - I am eating my way through the menu at Terri's. Below, a chronology of my meals:

Friday, March 5 - dinner. Bacon Cheddar Chicken Ranch and Meatball Sub (this seriously tasted like a *MEAT*ball sub).

Monday, March 8 - dinner. Buffalo Chicken and Chickpea Tuna Melt. My friend and I argued over which of these four sandwiches was the tastiest - we still can't decide. EVERYthing is consistently excellent. No joke. Which is why I'm eating my way through the menu (because I know it's all good!).

Wednesday, March 10 - coffee break. Cupcake and coffee! I was planning to enjoy both back at the office...but the cupcake never made it that far.

Friday, March 12 - lunch. Quesadilla, Brazilian Bombshell smoothie and donut (haven't tried it yet - will do so after I'm done posting so I can give it my full attention).

If you haven't been to Terri's yet, GO. You don't know what you're missing - vegan, vegetarian, veg-friendly, anti-veg...this place will not disappoint. And if you're a friend of mine who's going, make sure you invite me!

Terri

On Friday, I checked out a new vegan eatery in New York City's Flatiron/Chelsea neighborhood (three blocks from my office!!) - Terri, which I learned about here on Supervegan, but which was also reviewed here at VegNews. I ordered the Bacon Cheddar Chicken Ranch and Meatball Sub (dinner for two - I'm not a total glutton) - and I had a VERY hard time choosing just two items from the mouth-watering menu. Needless to say, the sandwiches were OUTstanding.

What's great about Terri is that it doesn't make any sort of fuss about being vegan - meaning, an unsuspecting meateater might wander in and be surprised after one delicious bite that it's all cruelty-free. The "cheese" is listed as "Daiya mozzarella and cheddar," which vegans know is an awesome new product that came on the market last year, but which non-vegans might assume is just some brand of mozzarella or cheddar. Hehehe...little do they know, and they certainly couldn't tell by tasting.

Talk about normalizing the vegan diet. This is a great start! And I can't wait to go back and try out the other items - next time, I might even throw in a vegan cupcake for dessert! :)

(Postscript: In fact, as it turns out, I just made last minute plans to eat there again tonight!)

Snownami!

Here is an image from my apartment window (not the greatest view in the world, obviously), smack in the middle of last week's blizzard.  At the time, snow was still coming down and accumulating - about 48 hours of nonstop snowfall in all.  That's a lot of snow!  

Needless to say, I am so ready for spring.  T-minus three weeks and counting...

Vegan Paella Madness!

As promised in my previous post, things are getting more exciting around here, what with my new vegan cookbooks and all. Last night, I made a vegan paella from The Conscious Cook (Tal Ronnen - see previous post for link). Below, an image of the finished product in all its lovely tastiness.


And, an extreme close up:



Special ingredients included:

- Field Roast Italian (seitan) sausage, which was recommended by Tal Ronnen...but in the future, I'll stick with Tofurkey's Italian sausage, which I think has a better texture and flavor (sorry, Field Roast!);
- Oyster mushrooms sprinkled with Nori (seaweed) for that extra seafood-iness (a brilliant new cooking tip to add to my repertoire!); and
- Artichokes cooked in white wine.

And because it's just plain wrong to enjoy such tastiness alone, I invited a good friend over who came bearing a bottle of Barolo, which paired nicely with this hearty dish. Don't you wish you could've joined in the fun? :)

Cats

I got nothing exciting going on in my life right now (i.e., I got nothing to blog about - but stay tuned! - hopefully this will change, especially now that I've added yet another vegan cookbook to my shelf: Tal Ronnen's the Conscious Cook, which joins Veganomicon and Vegan Soul Kitchen), but since it's been almost a month since I made my last entry, I figured I should say something. So, voila! Meet my cats. :)

Here's Casper - 3 1/2 year old male Turkish Angora mix (polydactyl! - thus, the nickname given by a friend: Fuzzymodo) - adopted from Zani's Furry Friends May 2008.

Casper is a little dandy - he loves cuddling, treats and brushing, and is the most tolerant cat you'll ever meet. He talks a lot.

This is Rooney (aka Rooney-tunes) - 3 year old male domestic shorthair - also adopted from Zani's in October 2009 to keep Casper company when my beloved Niamh passed away. Unfortunately, Rooney is a bully (and demands attention and affection quite insistently), and aggravates Casper to no end - I come home daily to bits of white fur strewn around the apartment.

The good news is, they do actually get along...sometimes (mutual cleaning sessions!).

And here is Niamh. I got her when she was a wee kitten from a rescue on the Upper West Side.

Niamh lived to be 14 1/2 years old - not nearly long enough. She kept me company as I moved from coast to coast and back - my pretty little calico baby.

Rest in Peace, Neemie.