Paris When It Sizzles

Paris was fantastic! The weather, despite threatening reports, was amazing and the company couldn't have been better.

Some of the vegan highlights included:

1. finding a great bio shop, Bio Coop Lemo, where I bought a selection of dried goods to keep me going throughout the three days. They are attempting to start a chain of bio-shops in Paris, and I say go for it! The selection was great in both the veg/fruit aisle and they had some wonderful looking sundries that I unfortunately had no room for. The three locations can be found here - if you are in Paris for holiday I recommend checking it out! The only down side of this little grocery stop was buying a package of quince spread and keeping it in my purse all day to only discover (after wondering why on earth my leg was so sticky) that it had exploded.

2. a great veg*n dinner on Saturday night with the Ladies and Kevin. We ate at a little vegetarian (with loads of vegan options) place close to Notre Dame. It was heaving! Totally packed. Although I had a spectacular time with my friends (who were horrible to me and kept topping up a wine glass that seemed to be drinking itself), the food really wasn't that great. My avocado appetizer was tasteless, and the main was just a whack of couscous and a seitan log. They also disappointed me by promising vegan sorbet and not being able to deliver...they did manage to cut up a mango, pour some raspberries on it and deliver it to my table..... But, no worries, that is what exploring is all about. :) Please note the Sad Vegan Face ("Sorry Madame, but there is no vegan sorbet tonight") and then Happy Vegan Face ("Here is a mango")













3. sushi!!! I think I have mentioned my pension for vegan Japanese treats before. When I lived in Toronto it was a weekly treat to head down to college street and devour a plate of maki. But, here in the rainy land of Belgium, it is hard hard hard to find maki that isn't under 8 euros for a cucumber roll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't mind paying big bucks if it makes sense...but COME ON. So, it has become tradition for K and I to head straight for any/all sushi options when ever on holiday. This trip didn't disappoint me - lots of avocado rolls and some great miso soup. And K is just about the coolest guy to sit down quietly with for lunch in the middle of a busy city.

I admit to having zero new recipes of at-home recipes to share.....due to this unrelenting tummy ache that seems to come and go. But - I have a whole weekend ahead of me and I have plans to use my newest cookbook......VEGAN CUPCAKES TAKE OVER THE WORLD! Can't wait.