Vegan in Tamarindo,Costa Rica

As I sit here I am reminiscing about travelling and what I would give to just hop on a plane right now and go exploring. Oh the days where we could hop on a plane, no hassle, no fuss, no temperature checks. One day I hope we go back to a somewhat normal way of travelling but for now I will take the memories and the anticipation of travelling again soon.

For now as I reminisce, I want to recommend some vegan restaurants at one of my favourite places I have travelled so far, Costa Rica! If you are a vegan Costa Rica is the place to go. So many fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, rice and vegan options at so many restaurants, it was not difficult for me being a vegan in this beautiful country. When you go to Costa Rica a lot of the tourism consists of North American Gringos as they call us and in the tourist areas such as Tamarindo where we stayed, most of the residents are also North American. So this makes it very common to have access to vegan and vegetarian options around the town of Tamarindo. Costa Rica is also a very popular travel destination as well as the perfect place to call home if you’re looking for that tropical beach lifestyle.

Tamarindo is a beautiful spot to stay or visit during your trip to Costa Rica. It is located in the Guanacaste Province and is the perfect destination for sun, sand and surf.  This beach is known as a surfers haven as the water is warm and the waves are big. So if you are going to Tamarindo you have to take a surf lesson from one of the locals on the beach. Tamarindo beach is also known to have one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen in my life and tourists and locals flock here just to see the view. There are so many things to do here and the post could be written solely on this beautiful town. Another great positive is the food! There are so many options in Tamarindo as it is such a tourist destination, there are vegan restaurants as well as spots that have a fully separate vegan menu.

Im going to list the top 5 places I recommend with vegan options when visiting Tamarindo, Costa Rica:

Juice Cafe Tamarindo 

This beautiful spot off the beach boasts organic coffee, cold pressed juices, acai bowls, smoothies and GF and Vegan treats. It is also family, dog and monkey friendly in case some little guy decides to join you for breakfast.

El Pelicano 

This cute little spot is located off the main street of Tamarindo Beach. El Pelicano is the perfect spot if you want to have a romantic and classy dinner with your significant other or for a night out that you want to get a bit dressier for. This spot is known for more of their seafood dishes but they also have many vegan options on their menus. I got a risotto with veggies and it was a 10/10. On the night I went to this restaurant my boyfriend and I had just gotten engaged and the staff was more than accommodating and excited to celebrate with us!

Waffle Monkey 

This great little spot located right on the beach is great for a quick bite after a surf or a breakfast spot with a great view. They offer amazing waffles and delicious coffee right on the beach. They have a whole vegan menu with the option to make whatever you want vegan as well. The staff is also amazing and so knowledgable in all things Tamarindo. The owner of waffle monkey gave us a bunch of recommendations on places to see and visit while we were in the area. Highly recommend visiting this spot!

Dragonfly Bar & Grill

Dragonfly bar & grill is one of the most popular dinner spots in Tamarindo. It is a great open concept restaurant with a menu full of vegan options! They have an extensive list of cocktails, wine and craft beer as well. The service was great, the food was great and the atmosphere was perfect. Highly recommend!

Green Papaya Taco Bar

Ok so if you are a vegan and staying in Tamarindo you have to go to this place! This restaurant has an entire vegan menu and let me tell you when I say it was difficult to choose what I wanted to eat as there are so many options. This is the spot you will visit 5 times when you are in Tamarindo. The price point is right, the options are endless and the food is amazing. Do not miss this spot when you are visiting Costa Rica, they offer the culture of the country with the most amazing flavours!

 

Last but not least…

Shop the local farmers market and make your own food

On the second day we were in Tamarindo a local had told us about the local market that happens every Saturday on the main street. So we loaded up our baskets and purchased fresh fruits, vegetables, breads, spices and souvenirs. I highly recommend doing this as the restaurants can become very expensive in the main tourist areas of Tamarindo and for us we spent most of our days exploring so it was great to have supplies to pack a lunch and head on our way. Also great to have a more relaxed morning and have breakfast in your Air BNB.

If you have been to Tamarindo let me know some of your favourites! One day I strive to be one of those Gringos who jump ship and move to Costa Rica permanently.

Enjoy!

XX

Turning a blind eye – Carnivore Society

Have you ever heard of the saying “turning a blind eye”? What does that even mean and why is it relevant to this post. Well according to Wikipedia it means “an idiom describing the ignoring of undesirable information.” Today, in our society this happens all too often.

I want to talk about those who turn a blind eye to a plant based living, veganism and vegetarianism. When most of us meet someone who falls into one of these categories they immediately have so many questions, so many doubts and never look behind the real reason as to why this person may have changed their lifestyle habits. For me, personally, I became vegan for a few different reasons, number one would be the animals. I watched a documentary called forks over knives and it changed my life and the way that I see animal farming. However, I have been a vegetarian since I was 13 when I watched some youtube videos on animal production.

Saying that, there are many reasons I have became vegan and many reasons others do to. Today, it feels like a lot of people turn a blind eye to what is really going on in animal production, farming and manufacturing just to name a few. I had a conversation with someone and this really brought a light to the situation. People tend to not want to know or see the truth, they act like things aren’t real to justify their actions. How do we make a change? How do we change someone else’s mind so that they can see the truth?

I for one have always had my own opinions, thoughts and beliefs on situations with animal, livestock production and animal farming. However, I have never been the one to push my beliefs or feelings on others as I believe everyone has their own opinions and beliefs. When it comes to animals, I don’t understand why people can’t see the horrific animal abuse that is happening everyday for the benefit of a humans tastebuds. How do we get others to see this and not turn a blind eye? What can you or me do to make a change and change ones perspective? The world, the animals, the environment needs our help.

Enjoy,

 

XX

Vegan in a society that views it as extreme

More and more people are adopting plant based/ vegan diets around the world. So why is it still considered extreme? Why do people have an opinion on you the moment you mention the word vegan?

I have been a vegan for over two years and no matter who I tell, where I am or what context I tell a person it is always the same three response, “I could never be vegan”, “Don’t you miss meat?”, “How do you get enough protein?” Ok, but why? Why do people have this speculation that veganism is difficult or that were deficient in all vitamins OR THAT WE MISS MEAT! I don’t even know what meat tastes like! Nor am I deficient in any vitamins (doctor confirmed) and lastly I too once said I could never be vegan (while being vegetarian).

“Veganism is classified as the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in diet, and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals.” Yes I am vegan and yes I am proud of it.

People see vegans as extreme because they see us as thinking were superior, judgemental or that were all hippies. For me, I love vegetables, I love animals and I love my body and planet earth.

I have a list of reasons why I am vegan. Have you watched The Game Changers, Forks over knives or read books like How not to die or The Green Print? Once you do it will change your perception on becoming a vegan or people who are vegan. Please do not judge someone based upon their beliefs, I don’t judge you or make assumptions because you’re a meat eater?

Open your eyes its the 21st century we need to make a change if its not a lifestyle change its a day to day change. Animal products are not sustainable for our planet nor is the way we treat the animals to take their lives away. Dogs are just as smart as pigs, chickens are compassionate animals and cows love one another like humans. How can we see this as ok? Maybe this is the reason people think vegans are extreme, because we care for another life other than our own?

I have been vegan for over 2 years and I will never go back. I am not saying I am perfect, I have eaten products that I am aware have milk by products in them. I still live my life as a normal human but I make a conscious effort of knowing what I eat before I eat it. Every little change can be a big change! Check out the websites below and learn for yourself its more simple than you think:

http://www.vegansociety.com

http://www.vegan.com

http://www.vegan.org

Enjoy!

xx

 

What I ate in Spain as a vegan

This past summer I went on my first adventure to Europe and visited beautiful Spain! Spanish culture is and has always been one of my favourites so when the opportunity was there to travel to this amazing country I took it.

Spain has so much history and with only being there for 11 days we had a lot of ground to cover. On our 11 day journey we went to Barcelona, Madrid and Ibiza. With each city being completely its own, with a vast array of food, monuments, shopping and Spanish culture.

 

We spent 4 days in Barcelona which was my favourite city by far. Barcelona is more of a tourist city but maybe thats what makes it so exciting. In Barcelona as you walk towards the mediterranean sea adjacent to the cruise port is the neighborhood of La Barceloneta. This has the ever most famous Sant Sebastià Beach, where locals go to sunbathe, surf, and socialize in the many seafood restaurants and tapas venues that overlook the sea. There are so many options for food spots along this area, you can find vegan and vegetarian dishes pretty much anywhere in La Barceloneta. I found a spot with a fully vegan dish which I of course accompanied with some sangria and bread. Also most of the people in Barcelona speak both English and Spanish so it is much easier to converse with a server in regards to dietary concerns. Oh and another great thing about Spain.. wine is cheaper than water. So indulge and enjoy. Most dishes in Barcelona consist or rice, pasta bread and there are a lot of great salad options as well. I could write a whole blog on sight seeing as there is so much to do and see in Barcelona! But off to our next destination.. Ibiza!

 

So unlike Barcelona, Ibiza did not have as many options.. for a vegan at least. Ibiza caters to the “American diet” as it is mostly fast food joints, bar style foods and small markets that carry your basic necessities like bread and milk. As Ibiza is pegged as more of a party island I don’t think food is topping their concerns as to what will attract the tourists. As I walking along the downtown core of Ibiza with my friend searching for a restaurant that might have two options or at this point just one option for me to eat, the choices were limited. We ended up at a restaurant called “The American Diner” which consisted of a meal that included a bland double stacked cucumber sandwich (no chicken option) and fresh from frozen french fries. But after a night of partying we did manage to find a place called “The Burger Joint” which is like a fast food burger spot in Spain. Thankfully they had the impossible burger which I obviously got with onion rings and it was one of the best meals I had in days, sad to say. So, overall Ibiza is a great spot to go party, lay on a beautiful beach or go paddle boarding and island hopping (which we got to do!) and see some amazing shows but do not expect it to be a culinary experience, at least not on the south side of the island!

 

Lastly, Madrid! If you ARE looking for a culinary experience this is the place to go! Madrid is the culture, heat and capital of Spain. There is so much to do and see and eat! While we were in Madrid for a short 3 days we explored the many sights to see, we went shopping and ate a lot of food. Madrid has a lot of Spain’s traditional dishes like paella, tapas, bread and authentic Spanish wines. I loved Madrid a lot because it really felt like we were in Spain while we were there most of the residents only speak Spanish and there is a restaurant on every corner, more like every other store on the street is a restaurant. Madrid is lined with so many options for anything you’re looking for, mind you every restaurant carries the traditional Spanish dishes. Also not to mention the shopping there is amazing! You can find so many beautiful pieces of clothing and if you’re in Madrid make sure to hit up the market on Sunday. It is Spain’s largest market and it is full of vendors offering authentic clothing, food and anything you could imagine!

 

I cannot wait to visit Spain again and enjoy all their culture has to offer. Overall the options are not immense for a vegan but there are options. Don’t be afraid to explore, enjoy and live a little oh and drink a lot of wine!

Enjoy

XX

Vegan Caesar Dressing

Just because were vegan does not mean we have to miss out on all of the creamy delicious dressing that everyone loves! I found when I became vegan one thing that was difficult for me was finding a salad dressing that I actually enjoyed. So Im sure like most people I resorted to olive oil and lemon juice, which is healthy and delicious but sometimes we need a little more!

This dressing is simple, quick and you won’t even be able to tell that it is 100% vegan. I made this dressing on a kale salad that I made for some friends and one of my friends tell’s me every time she sees me that she craves this dressing!  All of these ingredients (if you’re vegan) are ones I am sure you have in your cupboard. This dressing does require a food processor or a blending tool like the magic bullet as a simple whisk is not enough.

 

Hope you enjoy this recipe!

Ingredients

1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard

2 Tbsp Nutritional Yeast

1/2 cup Vegan Mayonnaise

1 tsp Crushed Garlic

2 Tbsp Lemon Juice

1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Tamari sauce)

1 Tbsp Maple Syrup

1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/4 tsp White Vinegar (apple cider vinegar)

1. Add all ingredients to a food processor.
2. Make your delicious kale salad.
3. Add to your salad.
4. Store for up to one week.

Enjoy!

xx