cupcakerandom

Jul 25 2010

my birthday cupcakes!

amazing!

May 09 2010

snip from lesweetroad:

Jivamuktea Cafe- vegan yogi stop

One weekend, as I walked down my usual Union Square block radius, I stumbled across a second floor cafe across the street from the movie theater. As I entered the yoga center, I could immediately tell their JivamukTea Cafe, did not get much public traffic coming through it. The first thing I instantly notice were the huge stain glass windows that illuminatied the entire room. If only the weather wasn’t so shot that day and the clouds would of parted, I’d imagine that there would be a vast amount of sunlight coming through those widows. Still, there was a sense of tranquility being a floor up and I felt pulled away from all the hustle and bustle. In one of the far corners grew several types of greenery. A staff members was nice enough to cut me a taste of their fresh lentil and sunflower seed spourts. The plants had such an alluring earthy scent and tasted incredibly fresh, crisp, and meaty.
Near the coffee bar or better said, tea bar, sat a small display case with cakes and other goodies, and my heart was set on a whooppi pie. The gobs, another name for the baked goods, traditionally are from the Pennsylvania Dutch and New England culture, and usually made of two small, chocolate, disk-shaped cakes with a sweet, creamy frosting sandwiched between them. Only, the girl at the counter explained that all the desserts where vegan and that this particular whooppi pie was pumpkin flavored , with a ‘cream cheese’ center. In addition to my whooppi pie, I order a cup of their love blend tea. There is a delightful aroma of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves that hit my nose before I put the fork to my mouth. The cream cheese frosting was overbearing in its sweetness, but the tea help to break the sugar some, as well as complement the other flavors. On the other hand, the cake layers had a nice balance and the pumpkin’s natural moisture made chewing close to effortless.
Then as I sat and sipped my tea, I couldn’t help wonder, is yoga more then just a form of exercise or is it more a way of life? Just observing the individuals around me, it seamed yoga was indeed a life-style. Sharon Gannon, one of the founders of Jivsmukti Yoga Center, believes that yoga is internal spiritual activism. A yogi, she explains, “is someone who strives to live harmoniously with the earth [I am teaching] vegetarianism, environmentalism and the need to take political action… What could be more physical than what you eat, where you live, and what kind of world you share with others?”
It was evidential at that ponit how Sharon’s philosophy encompassed and was represented in the JivamukTea Cafe ethics.

So after following with this concept, there was yet another element of surprise when discovering that the executive chef for JivamukTea Cafe is Ayinde Howell. Some may not be as firmilar with Mr. Howell, but he’s is a real entrepreneur in the studio, kitchen, home, and film. Currently, this rapper, actor, chef, producer is a Brooklyn resident, but back in Seattle, his hometown, Ayinde and his father had partnered to open Hillside Quickies Vegan Sandwich Shop near the University of Washington. As his other interests began to soar, Howell eventually gave his half of the shop to his sister. His most recent film appearance was for the indie film, “White Lies, Black Sheep,” back in July. Ayinde Howell’s personal site is still under a face lift, but you can visit his myspace profile, www.myspace.com/ayindehowell, for a closer look at his musical side.

Possibly this cafe is not everyones cup of tea, but I feel its important to understand and respect the philosophies and genuine life-styles of others. I was a vegetarian at one time, roughly 3 years, and it allowed me to appreciate and better comprehend the benefits of ‘green’ eating. I’ve learned how food affects my body, my state of being, and my global environment. These days, ignorance is not something we can easily hide behind anymore. Most of us have access to the Internet and it allows us to obtain an endless and broader distribution of information. With that said, I believe its our responsibility to use our guiding resources wisely and often.

So if you’re a health-nut, vegan, hippie, open mined individual, or just looking for a great cup of tea then JivamukTea Cafe is a worthy visit.

visit them at: 841 Broadway, 2nd Fl.New York, NY 10003 (above Cosi)

or look into their yoga programs by visiting the center’s web site for more info at:

www.jivamuktiyoga.com

good karma onto you!

Apr 27 2010

3

andyhowell:

A Year of Fauchon

Apr 27 2010

1

snip from lesweetroad:

Dogmatic- the under dog

My journey begins at the charming little eatery, Dogmatic. Its clean,urban, tiled walls makes you feel cool to even be eating inside, especially since you see so many curious spectators wanting and wondering from the window.

Dogmatic started off as a vendors cart that use to be off Bleeker and Hudson, now a gourmet hot dog stop that offers a new yuppie version of one of the greatest foods out there. Jeremy Spector, chef of Employees Only, believes that the fear of eating those mysterious hot dogs should be a thing of the past. Photo: Donald Bowers

They offer a variety of fancy mouth watering sauces with your baguette and link, like yogurt mint, sun-dried tomato feta, or truffle Gruyere. Only, lets not lose focus on Dogmatic’s sweeter side.
There are boards posted with the chef’s daily recommendations. I read one exclaiming that they had the best vanilla ice cream you’ve ever tasted and naturally, i was up for the challenge.

Only my interest was sparked more by their soft serve peanut butter ice cream. As a kid, I remember my mom treating herself with a packet of Nutter Butter every so often and splitting them with me. The instant the ice cream hit the heat of my tongue, it glided gracefully all over my taste buds. There was an effortless flavor of my beloved peanut shaped cookie, yet the texture was such a soft creaminess that it reminded me that i was eating ice cream and not a Nutter Butter. If you are that spoon full of peanut butter eater, then i highly recommend you head over to Dogmatic to get yourself a taste. If you feel like taking it a notch up, then you must request your ice cream with their non-fat chocolate sauce. Chocolate and peanut butter who could go wrong.
Dogmatic is located at:

26 E. 17th St. (Broadway) 212-414-0600
of course you can also visit their website for more cool facts and info at
eatdogmatic.com

Apr 27 2010

1

snip and transfer from lesweetroad:

who is cupcakerandom?
sugar rush: a quick fast look at the insider

I’m sure you all heard the saying, ‘when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.’

well, while everyone was making drinks, i used my lemons for making pie. Besides, stressed is just desserts spelled backwards and honestly, whose day isn’t a little better after a good piece of chocolate?

After high school, I attended the California School of Culinary Arts and eventually graduated from their Le Cordon Blu Pâtisserie & Baking program. Despite my educational background, I’m just another gal with a healthy appreciation of all things sweet. With that said, the entire purpose of this blog is to give you a one stop, personal collection of my sugar odyssey.

I hope to tickle your sweet tooth just a little bit and hopefully not short end you the sugar like most other review-types do.

Currently, I’m a New York resident and here is where I roam the busy hustle and bustle streets to find what’s good (& not so good).

Join me.
As I like to say, ’ life is too long to have dessert last’.