I find the term "ethical vegans" to be hilarious. I understand what is meant by it, but it is not an accurate term to describe people who care about animal rights versus other vegans. One who is a vegan for environmental reasons or health reasons is also an ethical vegan, just one with a different ethic than animal rights.

Surprising Great Vegan Meal Found in Unlikely North Austin Location

If you happen to be in North Austin (or anywhere within reasonable driving distance) and want a wickedly good vegan meal, do check out the Balkan Cafe and Grill on North Lamar. Their Djuvec stew is one of the best vegan meals I have had in a long, long time. It is tomato- and paprika-based. It has thick chunks of carrots and potatoes and other vegetables. It is served with a flat bread. The only other vegan item on the menu is the ajvar dipping sauce, which is also fantastic. It is sweet peppers and eggplant. http://www.balkancafeandgrill.com/

Vegan Shoes Galore!

It is so exciting seeing more and more vegan shoe options on the market. How come I am the last to hear about Doc Martens' line of vegan shoes? Go plant power!  http://www.drmartens.com/us/c/Womens-Vegan

I created a new addition to the variety of taco fillings I am quite proud of: sautéed portabellas with Mexican oregano and red wine vinegar. It's an explosion of flavor.

Is Eating Meat Like Smoking Cigarettes?

I like this argument comparing consumption of meat to tobacco. Here is a little of what Kathy Freston says in her article:

"When I think about the effect of animal products on human health, I'm reminded of how quickly we've done a national about face on tobacco, and I look forward to the day when the Times magazine has a similar apology from someone who promoted animal products -- because the evidence is in and it continues to grow: Animal products kill a lot more Americans than tobacco does.

The West's three biggest killers -- heart disease, cancer, and stroke -- are linked to excessive animal product consumption, and vegetarians have much lower risks of all three. Vegetarians also have a fraction of the obesity and diabetes rates of the general population -- of course, both diseases are at epidemic levels and are only getting worse."

Freston makes a strong case. Here is the rest of the article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kathy-freston/animal-products-cancer_b_1316222.html

Vegan Food on the Road: Spiral Diner

We got to enjoy some yummy food at Spiral Diner in Dallas. This was our first time at the Dallas location. They are just as good. Seriously, why are there not more Spiral Diners in our state? We got a jerk and meatball sub sandwiches.

Recreating Flavors of Childhood: Teriyaki and Rice

My mother learned how to cook really well when she lived in Japan, where I was born. I was raised with an assortment of Japanese dishes, and even to this day, I go back to those flavors when I cook. One of my favorite dishes that she made was chicken teriyaki  because the sweet, thick sauce that it cooked in could be poured over and mixed with the rice. Today, I roasted some broccoli and sautéed cremini mushrooms and mixed them with the cooked brown rice. Then I made a sweet garbanzo bean teriyaki and topped the rice mixture with it. The sauce of the garbanzo beans makes the rice so addictive.