Apr 7, 2017
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When you're raw-eating, smoothie-addicted, California vegan trash. (Plus several pounds of berries, and beets)🍌🍎🍏🍊🍋🍉🍐🍓🌈 #raw #rawvegan #smoothieaddict #greensmoothie #vegansofinstagram #whatveganseat #vegantrash
First Taste: Apteka. Pittsburgh, PA.
Former Pierogi Night pop-up aficionados have “softly” opened their own permanent space: Apteka. This humbled eatery celebrates Central and Eastern European fare in a minimalistic, yet oh-so-cozy space. White painted brick illuminated by beams of light, fabric draped from floor to ceiling separating spaces, and simple wooden fixtures throughout a relatively small footprint create a beautiful contrast with an unadulterated warmth.
Hopes were styled like an urban legend; the creation of this establishment was anticipated by many. Pop-up after pop-up, you would hear pierogi goers share heard stories with other pierogi goers. “I hear they just signed a lease”,“I think this is going to be the last Pierogi Night before they announce the restaurant,” were common. The stories would slightly differ dependent on who you were standing next to, but each story carried the same anticipation.
A flood of joyous panic erupted online when word got out that, “the Pierogi Night place” was open. Anxious as a child, I was eager to visit. On Apteka’s 15th day of life, I introduced myself.
It’s adorable how humbled these restauranteurs are. With the vibe, service, food experienced, "Soft” is far from reality. Pierogi stuffed with sauerkraut and mushrooms, others filled smoked potatoes, parsnip, and turnip greens, cabbage rolls filled with buckwheat, roasted tomato, and bay boletes, it was clear: Apteka hit the ground running.
Between each blissful bite, I sipped on bourbon with pickled prune and sage then later enjoyed several bites of spiced gingerbread with prune preserves and poached pears, then an apple tart with dried fruit compote. It was love at first, second, third, forth, and then fifth bite. The experience of that night has stayed with me like the conclusion of successful novel. I can’t wait to return.
“This is a vegetable restaurant. Everything is vegan” - http://aptekapgh.com
It’s amazing what owners Tomasz and Kate have created. To feel so welcomed, and such excitement at an establishment that is only an infant (newborn to be exact) is incredibly rare. It has to be the passion and genuine kindness that radiate from their being, there is no other explanation.
Cruelty Free, Dyeable Eggs found at Target!
Packaged under the “Spritz” brand, these eggs are only $1.50 (for a six count) and can be dyed using traditional egg-dying methods. There is no need for cruelty with an option like this.
Why are eggs from animals cruel? Cage-free, that’s good right?
Well, there is no nice way to put it, the egg industry abuses and exploits chickens for their eggs; organic, cage-free, whatever. Before you get defensive try to convince yourself that: “Eggs are meant to be eaten” or “God put animals on this earth for us to use” or even, “I know this guy, who knows this guy, who works on a farm and he said they are nice to chickens” -- Do some quick research for yourself. Google it.
Finding cruelty-free, animal egg alternatives means:
Less need for beaks to be cut/burned off.
Less crammed cages.
Less mass murders of “useless” male chicks.
Less starvation/scare tactics to force molting.
Less food waste.
With so much cruelty in the industry, why are animal eggs still a paramount ritual of Easter?!
The Emperor’s New Clothes
No, not the vain Emperor from the children’s fable, I am speaking of the Emperor of Eats, the Monarch of Munching, the Sovereign of Snacking: THUNDERBIRD BAR.
I first fell in love with Thunderbird in June of 2013 when I stumbled upon a few flavors at Whole Foods. At that time, they were known as Thunderbird Energetica. I first fell in love with the name, then lust at first bite. Recently, my loves have gone through a bit of a makeover. In their transition to becoming better than ever, Thunderbird bars are now dressed in a beautiful, minimalistic packaging, with an improved softer texture, and straight forward branding. Although “Energetica” was (sadly) dropped from the name, there is no need to worry – these bars are incredible! Why, you ask? All ingredients are nutrient dense, plant-based, NON-GMO, and freaking delicious. You heard me, these aren’t your average date and nut bars that reside in the overpopulated, pre-packaged, portable snack-food aisle. No Sir nor Ma'am, these badass flavor combinations are sure to stand out and satisfy all of your snacking needs.
The Line Up:
Almond + Apricot + Vanilla
Classically comfortable, this bar is simple but beloved. Vanilla, almonds, apricot, and quinoa sing in harmony with one another, like a beautiful, scrumptious quartet.
Cacao + Hemp + Walnut
Classic brownie companions chocolate and walnut, combine with hemp seeds, coconut, mint, cacao and chia for a unique yet familiar experience.
Cherry + Walnut + Cinnamon
Who would have thought that tart cherries, crunchy buckwheat groats, earthy walnuts, sweet potato, cinnamon, turmeric and black lava salt could all get along? Apparently they can, because this bar is one enjoyable experience!
Cashew + Fig + Carrot
A robust fig flavor with creamy cashews & vanilla counterbalancing the subtle savoriness of the nutmeg, carrot, and himalayan sea salt.
Hemp + Sunflower + Pumpkin Seed
Mostly composed of seeds and nuts, this bar stands out from the crowd as a roasted, savory snack that is warmed by a touch of cinnamon. A great option when you are seeking a less sweet, more savory snack.
Hazelnut + Coffee + Maca
A complex treat with coffee beans and hazelnut, smooth hints of cocoa and vanilla, and a touch of sweetness from dates. The maca root adds a unique depth to an already deep, dark and delightful snack. My absolute favorite Thunderbird Bar.
Lemon + Cashew + Apricot
Gratifyingly refreshing. Apricot and lemon dance ever-so-nicely together in this bar. Reminiscent of one enjoying a tall glass of lemonade on a warm-weathered day.
Pecans + Goji + Pistachios
Pecans are the star in this bar, with supporting roles of golden berries, goji berries, and mulberries. I personally think pistachio would have been a better leading lady, but nonetheless, this bar is tasty.
Pineapple + Mango + Papaya
This bar would be the Kimmy Gibbler of the Thunderbird Family. With prunes, papaya, raisins, mango, pineapple and crunchy buckwheat groats, this bar is bazaar in the best ways possible.
If you are into labels, these bad boys and girls are:
Non-GMO Certified
Gluten Free Certified
Paleo Certified
Vegan
Kosher
Grain Free
Soy Free
Dairy Free
Free from Added Sugar
Heros
Champions
& Role Models
Honestly, If you haven’t experienced Thunderbird Bars you are missing out.
Check them out on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and the Interweb.
A special thank you from John Q for the Thunder! Although the kind folks at Thunderbird Bar provided the products mentioned, the thoughts, opinions, and photos are my own.
Breakfast for the win.
Why do 100 hundred push-ups a day for 100 days?! Well, let me ask you: Why not?! It only takes a few moments to squeeze 10-20 pushups in at a time & if you can do 5 sets of 20 throughout your day...What do you have to lose?