Everyday I'm Hustlin'

Now that I finally am done traveling I have a moment to sit down and re-cap what I've seen and where I've been!

Vegas - You may have seen my post about Vegas. Vegas is one of those places where you over indulge for maybe 48 hours and then curse the place on your travels home. I can't even tell you how many times the phrase "I hate Vegas I'm never coming back" has come out of my mouth, and how many times I have gone back....But honestly, we did Vegas right, and I had an absolute blast even at a sales conference.

Austin - Austin, TX is like a home away from home...(and home) to me. I grew up on the east coast, I currently reside in Los Angeles, and I spend about a month every year in Austin, TX for SXSW. I've already shared my delicious Vegan findings with you and suggestions for restaurants - but here are some more suggestions in case you are ever traveling through.

Silhouette - Located on 7th and Congress, this place is a quiet get away from the hustle and bustle of 6th street and has surprisingly good prices for food and cocktails. Try the Miami Roll and the Avocado Roll - and if you're feeling a little crazy try the "Shiso Cray Cray" cocktail.

Hoboken Pie - For an extra $3 you can make a Vegan pizza with Daiya cheese! Any toppings you want - I rocked the pineapple and mushroom, but they have TONS of veggies to choose from.

Fogo De Chao - Yes, I know, it's an Authentic Brazilian Steakhouse, but if you are traveling with meat eaters (as I was) don't count this place out as a Vegan Heaven! Their salad bar is TO DIE FOR.... something I still dream about at night. The best part is that you can ask what anything and everything is cooked in, and they will provide any sides for you without butter or cheese. Yay Fogo!

There are so many other resources to finding new and exciting places to try as well. I like this site: VegAustin

Family / Friends visiting - In between all my travels I had the privilege of having my amazing Mother and my best friend from home come to visit. I made both of them eat mostly Vegan with me all weekend, and I have to say both were pleasantly surprised at how delicious it was.

Susan G Komen Run - This was an awesome race and an overall amazing experience. I finished 17th out of all the ladies in the group, 56th overall - yay Vegan athletes!

If/when this race comes to your town, get involved! It was so inspiring watching a parade of breast cancer survivors walking around with HUGE smiles on their faces because they fought and won. The only thing we can do is raise money for the cause so more of us can fight and win, or learn how it's possible to not have to fight at all (*whole foods plant based diet cough*).

And there you have my last few months!

Vegan in Texas

Hey ya'll! Writing my blog from Austin, TX this week as SXSW kicks off. Every year I'm in austin 1-2 times for music festivals and this year I have to say it'll be hard not hitting up Moonshine for baked brie, or Jimmy Johns for a late night veggie sandwich with cheese!

However today I did have a chance to stop by one of my favorite 24 hour spots - Magnolia Cafe.

I ordered the Portobello Mushroom Fajitas. Besides the fact that they neglected to take the cheese off of part of my beans... they were delicious! I did notice this place has a lot better selection for Vegetarians than Vegans, however I do highly recommend their food. Especially during SXSW when you are up until the wee hours drinking for free and watching live music.

And yes... I ate the whole thing after my 4 mile jog down the river this morning. If you've never been to Austin I really suggest you make a trip. Drinks and Food are cheap, there is amazing grub everywhere you go (Like a Vegan Sausage at 2am from a food truck?!), there is music everywhere, and the people are so friendly. Not to mention, it's damn beautiful here!

More updates on SXSW to come when I start exploring tons of new music. In the meantime go check out RAC - awesome DJs who are wicked cute to boot!

Vegan in Vegas

View from the Palazzo where we stayed

I spent 3 days in Las Vegas last week for work. I thought it would be most challenging to find something to eat on a limited menu, but it turns out chefs are VERY accommodating when it comes to diet restrictions. I can still hear them in the back of my head bitching about the Vegan in the restaurant who doesn't know what real food is, while potentially throwing a stick of butter in my pasta.... HOWEVER I can honestly say Charlie Palmer's in the Four Seasons makes a damn good veggie pasta. It was simple just julianne veggies with a garlic, chive, and olive oil sauce. I also learned burritos are a traveling Vegan's best friend, and even hotels can make up on the spot Vegan options - don't be surprised if it looks like crap, but who can really cook veggies wrong with the right sauce, am I right, or am I right?

I also learned that Vegas hotels have THE COOLEST gyms in them. I never expected to see climbing walls, and they are rarely packed with people. Take advantage! Yes you may be still sleeping at noon, after a long night out gambling and drinking until 6AM with your co-workers or friends, but if you dare desire to sweat out that hangover bring your gym clothes to Vegas. Do it. Seriously. Especially since now you know you can eat in abundance all over Las Vegas just like everyone else.

Stayed tuned - it seems this month is full of fun filled adventures as I take off to Austin this week for SXSW. I call it....Vegan in Texas (now there's an oxymoron).