adventures - Leslie Durso

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Cruzer Pizza

By Leslie · Comments (0) · February 7th, 2012

I can’t believe I am just discovering Cruzer Pizza! They are a 100% vegan pizza place in Los Feliz, CA. Now, I was pretty skeptical mainly because I don’t love the taste of fake cheese. But I have to say, I really really enjoyed my pizza! By recommendations from my fabulous twitter friends, I ordered the quarry girl (yes, named after the one and only). It’s piled with olive oil, garlic, mushrooms, vegan sausage, and fresh basil. It was bursting with flavor which I loved. The crust was very nice, thin-ish and perfectly crispy.

I do wish there was more of a restaurant to Cruzer Pizza. I’d love if it had more of a real pizzeria feel, but with the few bar stools facing the wall, the place is really a take out and delivery restaurant. If you are in Los Angeles, definitely make the trip over, you won’t be disappointed! I can’t wait to go back and try more like the Falafel Mediterranean pizza and the Ratatouille pizza!

Cruzer Pizza

4449 Prospect Ave.
Los Angeles, CA
Phone:323-666-0600

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Categories : adventures, Restaurant Reviews, Restaurant Reviews Los Angeles

A Very Veggie Dinner at Cru

By Leslie · Comments (4) · January 6th, 2012

Last night I had the pleasure of attending a dinner party with some pretty fabulous people The wonderful folks at Open Sky (have you been? you should!) hosted Ironman triathlete Brendan Brazier and a few of us lucky writers (code for: bloggers). I was so excited to eat at Cru because I have heard so many wonderful things! It’s located in Silverlake right off of Sunset and serves mainly raw vegan food with a few cooked dishes as well. I have to thank the wonderful Lynn from TheActorsDiet for letting me borrow all these fabulous pics of the evening.

The restaurant is not large, but we managed to squeeze in. And there is me with none other than miss Lynn

The food started rolling out and I didn’t want it ever to end! These spring rolls were super yummy!

Sure there was the “typical” raw food menu staples: nachos, pizza, lasagna etc. and all were done very well!

the raw nachos

Two stand out dishes were Lynn’s Quisotto (quinoa risotto that you will find me trying to replicate very soon!):

and my Mac n’ Cheese:

The evening ended with a divine piece of banana creme pie that you should order as an appetizer because it’s soooo good!

The fabulous ladies from Open Sky even sent us home with wonderful goodie bags! Inside were Brendan’s cookbook, Devin Alexander‘s The Biggest Loser’s Cookbook, and some yummies from Brendan’s line of nutrition packed foods Vega. A little review: I think all of my readers out there will really enjoy Brendan’s book Thrive! It’s filled with fabulous vegan raw and cooked recipes from some of my favorite restaurants all over the country! Devin’s book has some great workout tips and if you are a fan of the show you’ll be really happy! The only thing is that the book focusses a lot on meat and protein in that form so if you are a veg there isn’t too much for you in it…

Cru

1521 Griffith Park Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90026

tel: (323) 667-1551

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Categories : adventures, featured, Restaurant Reviews Los Angeles

Eataly, New York City

By Leslie · Comments (4) · October 19th, 2011

Eataly should have it’s own zip code! A veritable Disneyworld for Italian foodies (and wannabes), Eataly takes up 50,000 square feet of the Gramercy Park neighborhood. It’s owned and run by Mario Batali and Lidia and Joe Bastianich. Lidia is considered the Grandmother of Italian cooking in America. Joe is her winemaking/entrepreneur son and Mario, well, turn on the Food Network and he’s probably on. Eataly is restaurants, markets, a school, a store, basically everything anyone would ever need to become Italian… I think Mario might be a little disappointed to not be born Italian… what do you think?

So, if you can maneuver your way through the mass amounts of tourists, there is some pretty cool stuff going on here. The two restaurants that I ate at were fantastic and the produce I bought and cooked was excellent.

The first restaurant I hit up was La Pizza & La Pasta. Of course I had to start with a little Italian beer

I brought along my friend Laura (an incredible photographer BTW) and we shared a plate of the quadrati ricotta e spinaci (spinach and ricotta ravioli) to start. They were delightful little pillows of joy in a creamy buttery sauce topped with pistachios.

Of course we had to order pizza I ordered the Napoli which is just tomato sauce, oregano, garlic, and basil:

Mario always makes a good pizza and this one is no exception, but I have to say, his pizzas are best at Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles and I have to credit Nancy Silverton for being the best bread maker in the country. But this pizza is amazing and you should order it!

The following day I went back for more… This time eating at Le Verdure. The vegetable restaurant! A Veggie Dreamgirl’s dream! They do serve some cheese here, but clearly state on the menu what is vegan and what is not. We had to start with the special of the day appetizer. Fried shishito peppers topped with oyster salt:

Mmmmmm! So good! Then we got a few salads, the raw vegetable salad

and the special of the day salad which was heirloom tomatoes, cucumber, basil and a little fresh ricotta cheese.

Everything was fabulous! You could taste the freshness of all the ingredients and the love behind this entire complex.

Now if you are of the meat eating presuasion, there are plenty of things for you to enjoy as well… just check out the list of restaurants.

This place is a must. Must see, must eat, must experience! Just try to stay away during lunch time.

Eataly

200 5th AVENUE

NEW YORK, NY 10010

Entrances on 5th Avenue and 23rd Street

212.229.2560

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Categories : adventures, Restaurant Reviews: New York

Restaurant Review: La Bella Ferrara, New York

By Leslie · Comments (2) · October 18th, 2011

If you are looking for authentic New York Italian pastries, this is the only place to go. Now, I can't tell you about all of the pastries: a. because there are so many to choose from and b. because I only ever order two things from here.

It's a family tradition to come to this bakery for cannoli's and the sfogliatelle. You are probably familiar with what cannoli's are, but sfogliatelle (In Italian means many layers) look like clam shells and they are filled with ricotta flavored with candied orange rind. They are super super super tasty when done right! Here they are lined up in their case:

And cut in half:

Their cannoli's are also out of this world! Seriously, you aren't going to find better in NY!

Braving the trip down to tourist filled little Italy is well worth it for the pastries at La Bella Ferrara! PS just don't confuse it with Ferrara's down the street, totally different place

La Bella Ferrara

108 Mulberry St. (between Canal & Hester St.)

New York, NY 10013

212.966.7867

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Categories : adventures, Restaurant Reviews: New York

Restaurant Review: Pure Food & Wine, New York City

By Leslie · Comments (3) · October 17th, 2011

According to the New York's tourism board, there are 18,696 restaurants in New York City! From the research I've done, only about 77 of them are vegetarian… So I started my trip at where many New Yorkers consider vegan mecca… Pure Food and Wine. It's raw fine dining. I was so excited to go, I've been hearing about it from just about everyone. So I grabbed my friend Sarah and we headed to Union Square.

We ordered the portobello burger and the lasagna. Both tasted fabulous! It's lovely to see a fabulous vegan raw restaurant in New York.

That being said, I'm a little torn on this place. The food was really good, not the best raw vegan food I've ever had, but certainly delicious. But it was really the tiiiiiny portions (see the picture where my burger is barely bigger than the cherry tomato) with large price tags that got me. I understood that the combo of being in NY and it being a raw food restaurant that the prices would be higher than I'm used to on the west coast, but the entrees are $24-$26… that's double what I was expecting.

The restaurant definitely has wonderful food and a full bar which is rare to find in a raw spot so if you are with a group of veggies, definitely check it out. Just remember to bring your wallet!

Pure Food and Wine

54 Irving Place

New York, NY 10003

212.477.1010

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Categories : adventures, Restaurant Reviews: New York

The Beachhouse at The Moana Surfrider, Honolulu, HI

By Leslie · Comments (1) · September 30th, 2011

Since we were in Hawaii for only 48 hours and most of it was on the set of Hawaii Five-0, we didn't get to explore the island that much. Autumn and I did stumble upon this darling hotel and fabulous restaurant where we grabbed a decadent breakfast. The hotel is the Moana Surfrider by Westin. It's one of the most historic hotels in the area at 110 years old. The charm is intoxicating! It's exactly how I pictured Hawaii would be.

PS I lifted this beautiful shot from their website because mine did not turn out so well

When we saw the hotel, we knew we just had to go in and explore. We spotted The Beachhouse and decided that was where we had to get breakfast. (They also serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner) There is a beautiful wrap around porch where we sat out. Everything is beautiful here, from the gorgeous banyan tree in the center courtyard to the lattes:

We skipped the buffet and went for ordering a la carte. I ordered the coconut almond crunch waffles that are described on the menu as being "laced with coconut almond streusel and whipped honey-rum butter and warm maple syrup on the side".

These waffles were heavenly!! The texture was the perfect crunch and softness. The flavors were beautiful and uber decadent! And the menu has plenty of vegetarian options.

For all you meat eaters, Autumn ordered the beachhouse wrap. Click the name for the description

Overall, a definite on my list of recommendations for anyone heading to Waikiki! The only minor complaint I have to say about Hawaii is I can't believe how expensive everything is. I guess I was just not expecting New York prices in Hawaii, but it's true. When you come here, be prepared to spend a little more. Here is one deal that I found: in honor of the hotel being 110 years old, it's offering $110 a night rooms! That's a deal if you ask me! Check the website for all the details.

The Beachhouse

2365 Kalakaua Ave.

Honolulu, Hawaii 96815

PS Don't forget to enter the Hawaii Giveaway!!

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Categories : adventures, Adventures: Hawaii, Restaurant Reviews: Hawaii

Green String Farm

By Leslie · Comments (4) · September 28th, 2011

So my adventures at Cline Cellars continue to Green String Farm…

We met up with Bob Cannard who runs the farms for Cline Cellars and Green String Institute. Bob is a character. The only way to describe him is as if Indiana Jones gave up archeology to become a farmer. Bob is full of life and incredibly passionate about what he does. The steps we take to create organic farming are things he has always done and believed in. "Organic" is much more than just a saying here, it's a complete way of life. They truly believe in growing in harmony with the land around them. Bob says he is in the "business of growing complete food" and that he grows "happy complete plants with energetic flavor". For him, it's about a true balance of life. And what a difference it makes…his produce is some of the best I've ever tasted! Apparently I'm not the only one, Green String Farm supplies Alice Waters' Chez Panisse with their vegetables. And if it's good enough for Alice…

Here's Bob in the farm shop with some beautiful chard:

The shop doesn't just sell produce, it also sells house-made olive oil, vinegar, cheese, nuts, and jarred items.

How cute that they post a daily recipe to use all of that beautiful in-season produce:

This place is a must stop! Look at the view from the parking lot!:

In addition to being a farm, Green String is also a school. Click here to find out more about the Green String Institute.

So after my incredibly educational experience, I couldn't wait to get my ingredients home to make something fabulous! When we were at the shop, I had to get these golden roma tomatoes:

Gorgeous right?! I decided I would make a golden tomato sauce and serve it over some fresh spinach pasta. I humbly say this is the best sauce I've ever made…these tomatoes were the tastiest things I've ever eaten. Just proves how much fresh ingredients can be. Check back in tomorrow for the recipe

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Categories : adventures, Adventures: Napa/Sonoma

Cline Cellars Winery

By Leslie · Comments (1) · September 27th, 2011

We had an epic trip to Cline Cellars! If you are in the Sonoma/Carneros area, I highly suggest stopping by! Not only will you be tasting some of the best (and most eco-friendly) wine in the area, but you'll also get an education. This post is going to be broken up into two because there is just so much to talk about! I could probably spend a week, but I won't bore you Today's post is about the wine tasting and tasting property. Tomorrow's I'll talk more about their organic farm and wine pairings.

Clines tasting room is located inside this farm house from the 1850's:

That's not all the history you'll find here. The property was the original site of the Sonoma Mission and they have a museum behind this house that holds the original California mission models that were debuted at the 1939 Worlds Fair. You'll also finds some of the most gorgeous grounds to stroll around and plenty of picnic tables for a breezy lunch.

Those are the property donkeys, Puddin' and Daisy, how cute are they? We met up with Bob who gave us a tour of the property and some tastings.

Bob explained all about the history of the winery and gave great insight to the wine. Here he is with a bottle of the 2010 Ancient Vines Mourvedre. (PS it's pronounced moor-VED-druh) It was fabulous! Aside from it being spectacular wine, when you pull the label off the back there are recipes that pair perfectly with the wine. Genius, right? Another one of my favorite things about Cline is the price points. I like to say the wine here is priced to drink. This fantastic bottle will only set you back $18.00! Most of the wines here are under $20 and my friends, when you've been around Napa a few times, you realize how soon your wallet can empty…

Another great wine is the 2010 Cashmere:

It's silky smooth and has a beautiful long lingering finish. On top of that, a percentage of all sales from this wine go to help fight breast cancer and since breast cancer awareness is October, maybe you should think about picking up a bottle or two.

Also on the property is the cutest little farm stand ever!

All of the produce is from their Green String Farm which I'll talk about tomorrow.

The facts:

Cline Cellars

24737 Arnold Drive/Highway 121

Sonoma, CA 95476

Tours and information

Wine price per bottle: $11-$32

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Categories : adventures, Adventures: Napa/Sonoma

Downtown Bakery in Healdsburg, CA

By Leslie · Comments (1) · September 23rd, 2011

Thanks to the recommendation from the uber talented Meg Perroti we found our way into the Downtown Bakery in Healdsburg to find a little breakfast. Meg said they have the best croissants and I'll admit that I'm a little bit of a snob when it comes to croissants. I've had the pleasure of going to France a few times and that kinda ruined croissants from anywhere else in the world for me. That said… these were the best croissants I may have ever had. They were the perfect amount of moist and flakey and had a just barely crispy and still gooey outside. The inside was a buttery pillow of deliciousness! Seriously worth the seven hour drive back up there to get another one. While we were there, we also picked up a baguette and a french macaroon. The baguette was fabulous, but I was a little disappointed with the macaroon, but I wouldn't let overshadow how much I loved the croissants. In addition, they also make beautiful cakes, cupcakes, rolls, pastries, etc.

Bottom line: if you are going to or are in Sonoma, go to the Downtown Bakery and Creamery! You won't regret it!

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Categories : adventures, Adventures: Napa/Sonoma

Domaine Carneros Winery

By Leslie · Comments (4) · September 22nd, 2011

A little slice of the Loire Valley placed right in the middle of Napa. The chateau at Domaine Carneros is modeled after the historic Taittinger-owned Château de la Marquetterie in Champagne. It is just stunning and a lovely way to spend your afternoon.

I decided to make this a stop on our trip because I love sparkling wine! (who doesn't?) Domaine Carneros makes some of the best in the business along with some fantastic pinot noirs. When you come to this winery you are going to want to sit out on the balconies overlooking the vineyards and take in the surroundings as you taste your wines.

After you find the perfect seat, you then have to choose which flights and tastings you'd like. They have a few different options.

Our fabulous guide Heather suggested the grande tasting with the cheese pairing. Now not to worry, all the cheeses come from local artisans and are all made with vegetarian rennet. This cheese plate comes with 3 cheeses the bellweather carmody, the Mt. Tam (from Cowgirl Creamery one of my favorites!) and midnight moon. Along with the cheeses you get some crackers, cashews, dried apricots and pears. A pretty nice little presentation if you ask me!

It's so hard to critique anything about this winery… we had a lovely time and all of the wines were exceptional! One of my favorites is the 2007 brut rose. As soon as Heather suggested that is would make a nice breakfast or brunch wine, I immediately knew it needed to be served with my vegan whole wheat peach pancakes.

Two of my other favorites include the 2005 Le Reve Blanc de Blancs and The Famous Gate 2008 Carneros Pinot Noir.

The Blanc de Blancs (pictured below) is an estate grown blend of 99% chardonnay and 1% pinot blanc. It's been aged in the bottle for a minimum of 5 years. Yada, yada, yada, the stuff tasted incredible! It's a perfect special occasion wine!

I really do love this winery! It's elegant without being obnoxious. The wines are delicious and the people at Domaine Carneros makes it a fun and educational experience.

If you get a chance, definitely add this winery to your list of must tries!

The facts:

Domaine Carneros

1240 Duhig Road

Napa, CA 94559

Tours and tasting information

Tasting price: Tour: $25 Table Service: $16-$25

Wine price per bottle: $24-$96

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Categories : adventures, Adventures: Napa/Sonoma

Archive for adventures

Cruzer Pizza

A Very Veggie Dinner at Cru

Eataly, New York City

Restaurant Review: La Bella Ferrara, New York

Restaurant Review: Pure Food & Wine, New York City

The Beachhouse at The Moana Surfrider, Honolulu, HI

Green String Farm

Cline Cellars Winery

Downtown Bakery in Healdsburg, CA

Domaine Carneros Winery

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