David Wolfe seminar i.e. best ever

my signed copy of Eating for Beauty by David Wolfe

It's hard to know where to start. I can't possibly recount all the enlightening tidbits that David Wolfe passed on (you may just have to experience him for yourself), or describe all of the wonderful connections I made with Parisian, European, and even Connecticutian raw foodies and raw enthusiasts alike at the seminar in Paris this weekend.  But I can describe how I felt...recharged, re-inspired and rawmazing, to say the least.

I look forward to implementing the lessons I learned...spending more time in physical contact with the earth ("grounding"), searching for spring water in the Alps, and integrating more wild edibles, superfoods and superherbs into my diet...and all this knowing that I have even more raw company to do it with :).

Some raw food sourcing advice: If you are in Europe, Katarina De Vos's website Health XL distributes many of David Wolfe's products.  Also, there's a woman in Paris who started an online boutique with yummy raw dehydrated treats, "Manger vivant et végétal" (I tried her crackers, they were delish). Finally, I learned about Orkos, which sells high quality raw nut and fruit products (even really raw cashews) and also ships to France.

If you want to read more about the seminar, check out Arletty's blog post.  She really captured the essence of the event.

Rainy Sunday Chili

What's a better Sunday rainy day activity than making some raw Chili?  Beside the walking in the rain to the market part, it was definitely the perfect way to spend my morning. After reaching out for some inspiration, Prana's Chef extraordinaire Chris shared a chili recipe with me that I couldn't wait to make. And now that it's crafted, I've already eaten three bowls!  Why is it green you might ask?  Well, I handcranked a bushel of celery juice to add to the soup base, and it was worth the crankin' and the color change!  I won't give any more of Chris's secrets away, but I will say that celery juice gave it just the right flavor.  I'm looking forward to enjoying this batch throughout the week :).  Thanks Chris!

Sunday's harvest from the local organic market

Brrrr

Winter is approaching in Grenoble.  The mountains are snowcapped and I wear my fleece jacket, cashmere scarf and wool socks...indoors.  This morning my host dad came downstairs to tell me he'd be turning the heat on later today.  Finally! I look forward to practicing yoga in temperatures above 45 degrees (F)!


As it has become increasingly colder I've been naturally leaning towards richer, warming foods.  While munching on some sprouted pumpkin seeds this afternoon I got the idea to make a pumpkin seed soup: Blended pumpkin seeds and tomatoes, lucuma powder, shallot, a little bit of olive oil, rosemary, dulse, carrot and most importantly, CAYENNE PEPPER, turned out to be a subtly spicy and very satisfying lunch to combat the chilliness that surrounds me. 

Yesterday was a cloudy and cold day too.  It felt very much like Fall as I cracked open a bunch of walnuts while sipping on some cinnamon-spice tea.  Walnut season is in full bloom in Grenoble.  Walnuts or "noix" are sold mostly in bulk and in the shell, but you can find some shelled and in smaller quantities at a higher price at the markets.  Since 1938 Grenoble has been recognized as "Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée" for walnuts, which basically means that Grenoble is considered to grow the best quality walnuts, and the growers here adhere to a high set of standards.

A bientôt and wishing you warmth wherever you are!

Inspiration, anyone?

Tonight I made one of my favorites, zucchini "pasta" with marinara sauce.  I topped it off with some marinated mushrooms, string beans, baby cucumber and hemp seeds. It was beyond delicious! 

That said, the taste of boredom has begun to creep into my palate. It's been a month and 12 days of mostly repeating the same simple good 'ole recipes and often making big salad after big salad.  Sure, its the best, most nutritious, big salad ever, but it's time to switch it up!  So I ask you, dear readers, any ideas for something different?  Entrees and desserts that don't require a high speed blender, exotic ingredients or a dehydrator? Send me some inspiration!

More Raw Company!

Bonjour friends!

There's a great social network site I want to share with you called "C'Cru".  It's like a French raw facebook...and it's a great way to connect with other French and French speaking raw foodists and enthusiasts!

Happy Monday!

dulse sprinkled salad

Raw company

I might have to take back what I said in my first post about being the only raw vegan in France. There exists another! Yesterday I came across Arletty Abady's insightful blog, L'Atelier Cruisine.  She's a raw vegan living in Paris and she organizes raw potlucks and gatherings...So if you're in Paris, get in touch with her!  I was also thrilled to learn that Arletty is bringing raw food guru, David Wolfe, to Paris to give a seminar Thursday and Friday October 21st-22nd.  OF COURSE I'm going.  And I'm super excited to connect with the raw community here!  In fact, I'm quite relieved:  I didn't realize how lonely I felt being raw in France until I found out I wasn't alone at all.

Lovely lettuce at Place Saint-André

Today I made my weekly shopping trip to the organic local market at Place Saint-André in the city center.  Every morning Thursday through Sunday you will find a handful of local farmers (even gardeners!) selling the best produce around: Heirloom tomatoes, flowers, walnuts, honey, herbs, a wide array of greens and more!

La Ferme des Pras Olive Tapenade

There was also an incredible flea market across the river at Quai St. Laurent and Quai Mounier today.  It put any flea market I've ever visited to shame.  This place had everything from jewlery to furniture to ancient French postcards...postcards that have actually been sent!  And the stands went on for what felt like miles.  I was also happy to see the local producer, La Ferme des Pras, selling their olive tapenade that I bought mid-September at the YESS eco-festival at Parc Mistral.   I got some more and ate it for lunch today with some delicious flax chips my friends from Prana sent me.  So yummy! 


I will leave you one of my recent raw creations: avocado rosemary soup topped with broccoli, heirloom tomatoes, hemp seed, dulse, and my very own homegrown alfalfa sprouts.  Bon appétit and Happy 10-10-10!

Rosemary Avo Soup

French fig heaven

When I woke up this morning I found a wonderful surprise outside my door:

 What a delicious way to start the day!  On my list of favorite things, figs have gotta be up there--and I think my friends Stephanie and Carrie figured that one out :).  Fig trees are everywhere in Grenoble.  When I first arrived here I was in french fig heaven.  I'd never seen a fig tree before, let alone pick one!  It didn't take long for me to develop a keen eye for the unique foliage of the fig tree.  Now I snack on this fabulous fruit almost every day as I spot trees on my walk to and from school.

The fig I ate this morning!

Sadly, fig season is nearing its end.  So if you're in France, pick 'em while they're fresh!

A fig tree overhanging my neighbor's fence. If it's over the fence it's free game, right?