Getting ready to go home to the US for a visit to the family. I will be on the Eastcoast - NYC, Westchester, upstate NY, and South Jersey/Philly area. Coincidentally, NYC has just be crowned the Most Vegan-friendly city in America.
Since living in regional Australia means limited vegan choices (for the time being, because I live in hope!), I am super-excited for all the vegan options and to get really inspired.
Since will be a holiday from my day job and my casual academic/PhD night job (although I probably won't get completely away from it), for me this is an exciting way to spend a break: Family and Food. Some people find taking a long bath or a walk in the park relaxing. I am one of those people who finds creative cooking really relaxing. I think this is because it uses different areas of my brain and skills.
I will try to spend a good amount of the time exploring food and hanging with my family. My sisters and partners are increasingly veg and going towards vegan, so will be helpful co-conspirators. My mom, while a dedicated carnivore, has become a bit more flexible. To be conciliatory I have also found a few restaurants near her that have both vegan and non-vegan menus.
So far, my planning includes compiling lots of vegan restaurants and cafes to try on a personalized Google Map.
I think though I'm most excited about trips to Wholefoods and just regular supermarkets where there will be lots of choices I've only heard about. I'm particularly interested in the Earth Balance snacks, the mayos (Just Mayo, Vegenaise), Field Roast, Gardein and all the vegan cheeses we don't have widely here (Daiya, Follow your heart, Teese, artisan nut cheese).
I'm also looking forward to doing a trip off to Vegan Treats in Bethlehem, PA.
I shall be endeavouring to update this blog more regularly both on the trip and with my vegan cooking and recipes. Fear not, I have been cooking up a vegan storm. However, I have been slack with documenting and updating.
