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parsley
by Molly Kay Stoltz
Urban Herbal Girl here. Have you ever wondered why they place that piece of parsley on your plate at restaraunts? To add color? To freshen your breath? Yes and no. Turns out it might be the healthiest item on your plate.
Parsley contains the more vitamin C than any other plant and the most iron of any green leafy veggie. It is very high in iron, beta-carotenel chlorophyll, and vitamin A, B, E, K, and folic acid. It’s pretty much awesome! I’ll take some parsley over iceberg lettuce any day. Read the rest of this entry »
by Lydia Krupinski
I’ve been thinking a lot about eating seasonally lately. With it being early February I’ve found myself desperate for fresh greens and veggies. But then I wonder – what in the world is in season this time of year?
What I discovered were not only the choice produce items for the month – but also some fantastic websites that give targeted recommendations of what’s best to eat in your region now. Epicurious has a national Peak-Season Map that provides a list of produce for individual states. Going a step further, Smarter Living;s ‘eat local‘ pages highlight suggestions and the farmer’s markets in the area that will carry the goods.
So when planning your upcoming meals and grocery trips, pop onto one of these two sites before heading out. You’ll find that you’ll be living, and saving, green in the process.
Posted by Molly Kay Stoltz
Ginger is a familiar herb. Its golden root and slightly spicy taste has appeared in cuisine throughout the world, from China to the Caribbean. Its yellow flowers can also be found surrounding people’s homes in sub-tropical climates. Ginger is accessible in most grocery stores, and is incredibly easy to add to your diet.
Ginger is fantastic for a few reasons. It is considered a primary herb for boosting the reproductive, respiratory, and digestive systems because it helps improve circulation, making its effects felt throughout the body. Ginger can also be used over long periods of time with no known side effects (as long as it is used in moderation!). Read the rest of this entry »
by David Downs
Late last month Lydia and I headed to Ravenswood to meet up with a group of artists for the Ravenswood Art Walk (RAW). The Lillstreet Art Center was our meeting place to begin the event.
On the first floor of Lillstreet, next to the shop, is First Slice Cafe. Being the “sweet-tooths” we are, a visit to the cafe was just as important as seeing the artwork. First Slice is a fully functioning cafe with your common assortment of espresso drinks – from lattes to mochas. They also offer lunch items, cookies, scones and other fare.
What they are best known for are their super delicious gourmet pies! Probably the best in the city, their assortment includes chocolate peanut butter, apple, pumpkin cheese cake, the decadent chocolate mousse and many, many others. They offer pies by the slice or you can purchase the whole thing, and they do catering too! But First Slice goes well beyond creamy puffy pastries. Read the rest of this entry »
Tis the season to start planning your 2011 edible gardens. City dwellers must overcome the myth and fear that growing veggies is only for those with a stiff mortgage and plenty of land mass. Those of us who live in apartments and high rises can overcome this obstacle by employing some creative solutions:
Urbio Vertical Garden: This up-and-coming design team is currently collecting funds via Kickstarter to turn their urban jungle ideas into reality. Their concept of magnetic and adjustable plastic planters is brilliant, modern, and functional. Let Urbio be your inspiration. Read the rest of this entry »
If you’re looking to try a vegan lifestyle, there is no time better than the present as World Vegan Week commences on Sunday. In addition to promoting the lifestyle itself, Chicago’s version of Vegan Week also challenges local restaurants to add vegan options to their traditional meat-centric menus.
Show your support for businesses who have chosen to take a step in a compassionate direction by visiting the locations below between October 24th and 31st. Thanks to local non-profit Mercy for Animals for putting this list together! Also – don’t forget to gorge on the delicious foods at some of Chicago’s finest vegetarian and vegan haunts that stay meat free year round! Visit our links page here for our favorites.
by Lydia Krupinski
It’s August and all of the seeding, germination, and planting efforts are paying off! We’ve had our fair share of tasty harvests, bitter greens, and downright mysteries – so I thought it was high time to share an update on my great urban container veggie garden experiment.
Photo by Barbara Wiebel
Summer is the season for fest hopping in the city. With about 10 different street fairs taking place each weekend, it’s the perfect way to plan a day: ride your bike, grab a snack, purchase local goodies, people watch and listen to live music. The only drawback (besides scorching heat and sweaty fest goers) is that for veg heads like myself, it’s difficult finding ethical nosh.
Veggie Fest to the rescue!
This annual vegetarian fair combines the outdoor vending spirit with yummy animal-free feasting. Taking place next weekend, this is the one fair not to be missed by those who opt-out of meat and their loving supporters. We recommend gathering friends and car pooling to this event, unless you’re up for a loooong bike ride.
Photo by Barbara Weibel
What: Veggie Fest
When: Saturday, August 7th 11am-8pm
Sunday, August 8th 11am-7pm
Where: 4S175 Naperville Road, Naperville
Cost: Free!
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