Raw : An Organic Experience

          I recently visited a unique restaurant located in the Port Credit area. Raw Aura is a tiny and casual restaurant that prides itself in offering customers with delicious, nutritious food options in an environmentally and friendly fashion. Raw only uses 100% raw ingredients in its menu items, from appetizers to desserts. Eating a raw diet means that the food is not being heated over 43C/105F. This way of eating translates to easy digestion and retaining the digestive enzymes, vitamins and mineral components in the food.  The kitchen is stocked with plant only ingredients, including, the finest fruits, vegetables, greens, sprouts, nuts and seeds.  Their menus states that their food is gluten, diary and sugar free.

          For my appetizer, I ordered the recommended “Ravioli” which was created with red beets, creamy cashew ricotta cheese, red pepper marinara sauce and kale chips. My main dish was the “Yellow Coconut Curry Noodles.” This handcrafted dish was made with cashews, coconut oil, ginger, garlic, lemongrass, pineapples, lentils, red peppers and red onions tossed with zucchini noodles. I loved the different flavours in this dish and the simplicity of the presentation. I could taste almost every ingredient and found this to be quite filling after having an appetizer. Finally, for dessert, I sampled the decadent chocolate banana cake which was flavourful and creamy. Remember all of their cakes and cheesecakes are made gluten and diary free. So if you have sensitivity to gluten or are lactose intolerant, please leave room for dessert. Raw offers an amazing selection of delicacies! I rinsed my whole meal down with a lemon meringue smoothie made from hemp milk, lemon juice, dates, bananas and fresh vanilla bean. I loved my little cozy spot by the window and their tree trunk tables. Raw is every tree huggers dream. Raw Aura is located on 94 Lakeshore Road East in Mississauga. They have friendly staff, clean washrooms, fresh juice/smoothies to go, and catering. Please check out www.raw-aura.com for more information on their menu and calendar of events. You got to eat here! Raw you have inspired me to eat more RAW food! Thank you!

By Sara Mody

 "Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food."
Hippocrates

Quinoa and Kale Soup

Everyone who knows me, knows how much I love quinoa. Here is my one of my favourite recipes for a quinoa soup to keep you healthy and warm this season. 

Ingredients

• 1 sweet onion - medium diced
• 2 celery stalks - medium diced
• 3 carrots - medium diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil - or enough to cover the bottom of the pot
• 2 cloves garlic - finely chopped
• 2 cups fresh zucchini - medium diced (about 1 medium or 2 small
• 1 bell pepper - medium diced
• 4 cups of water
• 1 15-ounce can of chickpeas or any beans of your choice ( they are high in fibre)
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups kale - stems removed
• 1 teaspoon turmeric (or to taste)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. I place a large stockpot over medium heat and add the onions, carrots and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes or until softened.
2. Then I add my garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes and cook for about one minute or until garlic begins to color.
3. Add the zucchini and the green beans, season with salt and pepper, add the turmeric, stir and cook for about 3 minutes.
4. I usually lower the heat to medium/low and  the soup to gently boil (uncovered) for about 20 minutes.
5. Add the quinoa and cover for 15 minutes.
6. Remove the cover, add the kale and the canned beans (more water if needed) bring back to a gentle boil and cook for another 5 minutes or just until the kale is tender.

The Big Crow

The Big Crow is located at 176 Dupont Street, Toronto. You will see a sign out on the front of the street (beside the "Food" signage), but the restaurant itself is located in the back of Rose and Sons, down a little alleyway covered with birch trees and Holiday lights. This cozy little backyard feeling restaurant provides a warm ambiance and friendly service. The staff greets you with information about daily specials and a brief history of the restaurant. Inspired by Algonquin Park, canoe trips and camping, the menu gives a creative flare to Canadian cuisine. I loved the huge picnic tables and the dim lighting. I felt as though I was dining in a large tent in someone’s backyard. I recommend the steel head trout poke with peanuts, chili, and ginger. I recommend sampling the garlic bread, sour pickles, and particularly the kimchi created by David Chang. Even the potatoe salad had an interesting flare to it, as it was created with squash, brussels, maple, and cider. I was able to taste a variety of different dishes since the menu is designed for enjoying it with your guests. I was appreciative with the Big Crow's selection in the provision of local beer along with the traditional options. I would highly recommend checking out this restaurant for a relaxed atmosphere with your pals while engaging in open conversations in an outdoor inspired setting. 

By Sara Mody

http://roseandsonsbigcrow.com

Inspiration Necklace

One night I was inspired to create necklaces for Christmas gifts for my girlfriends. I wanted to put charms on the top of the glass bottles that represented my friends personalities, such as, a dolphin or a guitar. Since I love feathers I also wanted to include those in the glass jar with positive words that would provide my friends with a message. It is a message in a bottle. If you are interested in one of my necklaces, I can take special orders to create one that matches your personality. $15