Tag Archives: vegan-friendly

Cooking with Class

Posted on August 15, 2012 by in Food & Drink, New York

Written by Nell Alk. Photo #1 by Nell Alk, photos #2-5 by Danielle Ricciardi.

Chef Daniel Strong affably instructs

There’s something about the folks at Haven’s Kitchen that we at Cllctv really appreciate. It isn’t that they’re entirely vegan (they’re not); it’s their recognition of the ever-growing community that is. Beyond their coffee counter, which caters to plant-powered people with soy and almond milks as well as scrumptious dairy- and egg-free chocolate chip cookies (more than can be said of most omni outposts, even in progressive NYC), they also offer cruelty-free cooking and baking classes in their spacious, well-equipped teaching kitchen.

Veggie Burgers and Vegan BeerChickpea & Olive, a young catering company comprised of cute couple Danielle Ricciardi and Daniel Strong (at top), hosted just such a class in mid-July. (Strong was previously sous chef at Dell’Anima, so he knows his slicing, dicing, and otherwise; Ricciardi currently tends bar and waits tables there, while handling operations for C&O.) The theme of the lesson? Veggie Burgers and Vegan Beer, which, on this occasion, was broadly compelling enough to attract more non-vegans than vegans. 

As about a dozen aproned, culinary-curious New Yorkers gathered ’round the island stovetop at HK, Strong started off with knife basics (including how to properly cut onions, which is more specialized than you’d think), then proceeded to show us how to prepare the various elements of the patty. Once put through a food processor but before being cooked, we sampled the delicious mix of black beans, hominy corn, and several other ingredients including ancho and guajillo chiles, which added both sweetness and kick. Read More…

Heading Toward the Light

Posted on June 21, 2012 by in Activism, Arts & Entertainment, Food & Drink, New York, Nightlife, Vegan

Written by Dan Mims. Photos #2-4 courtesy of Derek Goodwin.
a custom light fixture atop the roof of Aurora Lampworks

Like many good things, Aurora Lampworks, a lighting restoration and custom fabrication house (see example above), is a little hard to find. 172 North Eleventh Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is the address, and that’s good enough for determining the block. Along that stretch, I walk right by the narrow, nondescript door that looks at best like a side entry, not for public use. Failing any likelier options, my feet wander back and eyes scan around, finally settling upon a tiny wooden sign high above, adorned with a lightbulb carving. Read More…

Something for Everyone

Posted on May 24, 2012 by in Activism, Food & Drink, New York, People, Places, vegan-friendly

An interview with Haven’s Kitchen owner Alison Schneider by Nell Alk.

Alison Schneider in the lounge of Haven's Kitchen

Meet Alison Schneider—the glowing, self-effacing brainchild behind Haven’s Kitchen in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. Haven is a multi-purpose culinary space on a mission of sustainability, located in le plus chic carriage house we’ve ever had the pleasure of stumbling upon. (Literally. When it initially opened a few months back, I twisted my ankle doing a double take while walking past. No joke!) Read More…

In Prom We Trust

Posted on May 18, 2012 by in Events, New York, People, Things To Do, Vegan

An interview with Veggie Prom organizer Jessica Mahady by Dan Mims.

Jessica Mahady | Veggie Prom

Jessica Mahady is the force behind (cue booming reverb effect) Veggie Conquest. Started as the banner for a series of vegan cooking competitions, VC has struck a different (and, to my personal joy, decidedly dancier and drinkier) chord with its annual themed parties Veg-O-Ween and Veggie Prom.

The latter is particularly beloved by NYC’s vegan-positive socialites, who can relive the best (and pave over the worst) aspects of that unnerving adolescent milestone, only this time as adults who have the benefit of years of serious partying under their belts. And who can legally drink alcohol. And who don’t have to sneak a bag of peanuts in because the local catering company thinks being a vegan means you get the fish option.

Rest assured that Mahady, as a vegan herself (no surprise there), knows the difference between animal and plant. The 2012 Prom is tonight, starting at 8pm, which means you only have a few hours left to buy your ridiculously reasonable $10 advance tickets ($15 at the door; proceeds benefit animal protection org Mercy For Animals). For those of you who are just finding out about this and are thinking that you don’t have time to find a prom date or prom attire, don’t worry—there’s no need to couple up, and, as a New Yorker, you almost certainly already have an outfit that’ll pass muster. What I’m saying is: no excuses!

To help savor this moment of delicious anticipation, we spoke with Mahady about Veggie Prom’s origin story, her own high school prom, and what to expect at tonight’s much-awaited soirée. Read More…

Spring Cleaning for Your Temple

Posted on April 23, 2012 by in Food & Drink, Health & Wellness, Los Angeles, New York, vegan-friendly

Written by Nell Alk. 

Body & Eden

If there’s one thing I can’t get enough of, it’s fresh fruits and vegetables. But unlike processed and refined products (known to some as “frankenfoods”), which are repeatedly modified and rebranded as the latest and greatest, organic goods in their natural state rarely receive the ever-popular “new-and-improved” makeover campaign. Read More…

No Eggs and Bakin’

Posted on April 2, 2012 by in Food & Drink, New York, Vegan

by Nell Alk. 

Blossom Bakery assortmentWhat used to be Cocoa V recently reopened as Blossom Bakery, a new go-to for all your sweets needs. Formerly a romantic chocolate shop, the space now feels friendlier with bright lighting in place of dim, plus fresh white walls to herald the new beginning. Dimensions have shrunk somewhat, but with the sizeable front window and the door flung open, the atmosphere is anything but stuffy. Conversational customers and upbeat, knowledgeable staff round out the inviting vibe. And, while it is close quarters (intimate, in a good way, would be more accurate), it ain’t slim pickin’s.

Blossom Bakery quiche and croissantIndeed, the menu boasts a surprising range of eats and treats, both savory and sweet. Those familiar with the other members of the Bakery’s family—Blossom, Cafe Blossom, and Blossom Du Jour—won’t be surprised to learn that no animals were harmed in the making of these goodies, though they might still be surprised at how much gustatory pleasure has been gained in the process. In addition to old favorites, like their yummy, crumbly-crusted vegan quiche and the best hot chocolate I’ve ever tasted, newbies abound. From their pain au chocolat (chocolate-stuffed croissant) to a shredded coconut cream-filled chocolate cookie sandwich, dieters and diabetics beware: Blossom Bakery brings it. Then again, BB is thinking about those who seek low or no sugar, too. Their raw key lime pie, which was silky smooth, tangy-tart, and impossibly refreshing, boasts no added sugar. Gluten-free options are also readily available, from red velvet cupcakes to chocolate chip peanut butter cookies.

Raw Key Lime Pie at Blossom BakeryWhat I can’t stop fantasizing about? The jalapeño cheddar corn muffin. Gluten-free and made with tapioca-based Daiya cheese, this hot little number had me at nom. I was just sad I had to share. Other favorites include the apple pie (just like mom used to make), the Betterfinger shake, and the kouign-amann (pronounced “Queen Aman”). The latter is a Brittany, France-originating pastry to which BB does some serious justice with flaky layers of rich dough accented with sugar and salt, then toasted on top for an extra special finish. These, we’re told, along with the croissants and quiches, tend to sell out on weekends within two hours of opening. One more reason to become an early bird. 

in sum
Blossom Bakery
Purveyor of vegan baked goods.
Also offering gluten-free and sugar-free options.
174 9th Avenue in Chelsea (map)
8am-9pm Mon-Thurs | Fri 8am-10pm | Sat 9am-10pm | Sun 10am-7pm
(212) 242.3339 | www.blossombakerynyc.com