Tuesday, September 8, 2009

THE RAW DEAL 

in Vancouver, BC

Consider yourself lucky if you accidently find yourself in West Vancouver for a day or so!  Take the highest floor at the hotel and enjoy the views of the English Bay or simply walk a couple of miles over to the beach with a million friends to see the International Fireworks Competition!  It was pouring rain and the heat from the road made steam rise up around the biking taxis while the rest of us walked towards the beach and the music and the show.. 3, 2, 1, loud and clear was the most beautiful display of fireworks I’d ever seen.  What rain?  Who cares?  The man behind me played the bagpipes as he walked along.  HMMMM…NICE… 

Just hours before, I found myself walking along busy streets in downtown Vancouver, looking for one little place called, “Gorilla Raw Foods”.  I saw Cannabis Bars and Artists walking with their guitars, some with drums.  A few of the street living people apologized before they asked for money, some just rattled their tin containers, worn from the blind eye of the city (another subject altogether).  Then, just around the corner was Gorilla Raw Foods.  They were closing for the day, but let me in and offered some Thai Wraps (collard wraps – yum) and, of course I had some cacao brownies.  After taking a more direct route back to the hotel I began to wish I’d the time to taste more of the menu and have a dining experience.  But, after all, they were kind enough to let me in to buy what they had leftover from the day and that was the way this day was designed.  I was gifted with the kindness of a stranger who welcomed me in from the long walk and offered what he had!  A very cool vibe indeed and the smell of cannabis in the air brought back memories of a flower child time.  Peace and love… oh, Vancouver Rocks!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

THE RAW DEAL in Seattle, Washington


Summers in Seattle!  What more could you want after a long walk in the Art Park on the Bay?  A visit to the #1 voted Raw/Vegan/Vegetarian restaurant in the city.  Chaco Canyon Organic Cafe.  It's roomy and the folks who work there are genuinely happy to see you.  Anise served us happily while explaining different things on the menu.  I noticed she smiled and acknowledge the line out the door from time to time.. as if to say,  I'll be right with you. NICE.  Carrot/ginger juice was divine and hit the spot (as usual) and we helped ourselves to the free purified water counter.  First the soup! A bright green soup.. rich with watercress.. yum! nice and cool.  Then came the Green Sprouted Salad with citrus/cilantro dressing...delicious!  Next the Nacho's entree with flaxseed tortilla chips.  That Guac Rawked!  Finally, I had to get my daily Cacao fix. The masterfully made Fudge Brownie with nuts.  That kept me floating for a good while!  What a pleasant way to end a perfect afternoon!  Visit: www.chacocanyoncafe.com