We hear it all the time: “Diet, diet, diet!” But how many of us actually adhere to this call to amend our eating habits? Health is important to a long and comfortable lifestyle. Vegetarianism is deeply rooted in the Bible and has become a large part of our society. The avid presence of processed foods and hormonal meats has raised concern among us all. Parents want to make sure their kids are able to grow in perfect health and diet is at the forefront of these concerns.
The Healthy Food in Fashion Fall Gala addressed some of our concerns. The program hosted over 20 NYC vegan restaurants at the New York Academy of Medicine, who gave out samples of some of their finest vegetarian dishes and beverages. The silent auction that took place was to raise funds to bring vegetarian food programs to more schools in New York. Their slogan: “Better Health.Better Grades.Better Behavior.” I couldn’t advocate for this change in diet even more; such a change is necessary to give our children more options.
I tasted some of the best organic and vegan baked goods, pizza, drank some of the best vegan juices and organic wines. Russell Simmons was in the building. The host of the night was Robin Quivers. The following lists the contributors and the dishes they offered (best believe I made my way around to each table; mouth-gasmic!):
1. Candle Cafe & Candle 79
Chimichurris * Aracini w/Marinara *Plantain Chips & Guacamole Dip
candlecafe.com * candle79.com
2. Chef Laura Dardi
Organic Praline Pumpkin Pie *Cardamom and Candied Ginger Shortbread Cookies
Live Apple Crisp *Fall Marinated Kale Salad on Crostini
chefldardi@aol.com
3. EchoChef Love Catering
echocheflove.com
4. 4Course Vegan
4coursevegan.com
5. Fran Costigan, Author, Culinary Instructor
Vegan and Gluten-Free Bittersweet and Ginger Chocolate Truffles
francostigan.com
6. Franchia
Soy BBQ “Chicken” Satay, Crispy Tofu Sushi Rolls
Vegetarian California Rolls
7. HENRY’S
Kale Salad
henrysnyc.com
8. iEat Green
ieatgreen.com
9. Live Jolly Foods
“Cheese” Ravioli, Italian Herbed Ravioli, Cashew Orange Chocolate Truffle,
Brazil Nut Vanilla Truffle, Double Chocolate Goji Truffle, Chocolate-Dipped Pie Pieces
livejollyfoods.com
10. Natural Kitchen Cooking School
Dandelion Apple Smoothies *Pecan Nut Balls
naturalkitchenschool.com
11. Chef Yoli Ouiya
Home-Free Cheesecake Cuties (Gluten-Free Available)
Seared Seitan with Special Sauce
yoliouiya.com
12. Pure Food & Wine
Lemon Cheesecake on Gingerbread Cookie with Poached Pear
purefoodandwine.com
13. Rama Sushi
Assorted Artisan Sushi
ramasushi.com
14. Red Bamboo
Grilled Bourbon “Chicken” (plant-based)
redbamboo-nyc.com
15. Sacred Chow
Seitan w/ Thai BBQ *GF Grilled Tofu Spa Salad *GF Sunny Lentil Plate
sacredchow.com
16. Slice, The Perfect Food
Herb Crusted Organic Vegan Pizza made with Daiya Dairy-Free Cheese
sliceperfect.com
17. Stogo
Gourmet Organic Dairy-Free Ice Cream
stogonyc.com
18. Veggiecation
Pumpkin Chili and Black Eyed Pea Spread with Garlic and Cumin
veggiecation.com
19. V-Spot
Black Bean and Sweet Plaintain Empanadas
thevspotcafe.com
20. Inko’s Teas
healthywhitetea.com
21. Lakewood Organic Juice
lakewoodjuices.com
22. Ayala’s Herbal Water
herbalwater.com
23. Peak Organic Beer
peakbrewing.com
The EXPERIENCE BLOG 