Everything listed under: nyc

During my most recent trip to Los Angeles, no less than five people asked/told me to move back. And I am tempted. During a run on the beach last week, the sun sparkling on the crashing waves, traces of salt water, literally, splashing on my face turned up toward the setting sun, I thought to myself, this is heaven. But this was heaven at that time. I've also had moments when I've truly felt no more at peace and at home than in the middle of the hustle and bustle of NYC. As I was staring into the sun across the sea, I was moved, literally, to tears. Miranda Lambert’s most recent song entitled, “The House That Built Me” popped on my iPod. A song about a woman who seems to have lost her authenticity returns home one last time to find some sense of who she is. As a tear rolled down my cheek, I myself felt confused and questioned, "Where is home? Where do I feel most at peace?" So many have called me a ‘wanderer’. Someone who never settles in one place, as if I am constantly looking for or chasing something. Often I’ve felt uncomfortable with that description and felt the need to defend myself. But in that instance, I a revelation came to me. As clear as the day is long. It doesn't matter what coast I'm on. I spent over 11 years of my life in Los Angeles and built a world for myself here where amazing things have happened and dreams have come true. At the same time, when I’m in NYC, I am reminded of my roots and the house and people who have built ME. Without those, I would not have been able to spread my wings, explore unchartered waters and fly. And the many opportunities that still lie ahead.

The answer is that I can feel at home and at peace either place and anywhere.I have always followed my heart when deciding on a place to live or a job to take. I’ve tried to let opportunities direct me and to take advantage of them without fear. And I will continue to do so, no matter where the path leads: Los Angeles, New York, New England or Timbuktu.
Yes, some may call it wandering. I prefer to call it living.

Why does having fun result in me HURTING the next day? Actually the next TWO days, as I just don't recover like I used to! The weekend started out innocently enough. Although I really didn't want to get ready for early work drinks at 5:30pm, I drug myself into the shower to head to one of my favorite restaurants in the city, TABLA in Gramercy Park. The weather was heating up and they have an outdoor patio. Perfect for cocktails with out of town guests, co-hosts of the Atlanta based radio show, Dr. Fitness and the Fat Guy, also known as Dr. Adam Shafran and Lee Kantor. Who, I may add, are particularly funny. I've done several interviews with these guys to promote my DVD's and I always have a blast! It was nice to finally meet them in person. They were very impressed with my choice of venue and by the time we finally secured an outdoor table, I was ready for the cocktail. I've also been particularly obsessed with one of life's most perfect food: the avocado! Does it get any better? Let me answer that for you . . . . NO. I would seriously question someone who doesn't adore the avocado. The only problem is that with an avocado, you must anticipate your cravings. Typically stores just don't have a wide selection of ripe, ready to go avocados. They take at least a day if not two to get to the perfect firm mushy consistency that melts in your mouth like butter. True nirvana. And I just found this website with a boatload of recipes all including the avocado. Ok, back to Friday night. Of all the amazing dishes on Tabla's menu, I went for the Guacamole (of course) with burdock root chips. Oh sweet heaven. Tabla does this typical Mexican dip much different. Big chunks of fresh avocado seasoned with one of my favorite spices, cumin, often used in Indian foods. A perfect snack, a perfect drink and perfect weather made for a perfect early evening with my out of town guests. After a pleasant walk down to Union Square and a brief visit to lululemon with Adam and Lee, I decided to head home early and get some rest, dreams of dancing avocados in my head! My dinner plans fell through (Dare I say I was stood up? That's a whole other story ... ) and I wanted to get up early and get a jump start on my Saturday anyway. 
If you've seen what's going on here in NYC (besides suspicious car bombs in Times Square!), you'll know I awoke to some serious sweltering heat, a la August style. With no air on in our building yet, I resigned myself to sweating the rest of the day! Which was a fine detox. After many morning chores and cleaning, I headed out to Central Park to get my run on. But after the initial 15 minute jog to get to the park, my knees weren't having it. So I settled onto a piece of greenery which became my own personal yoga mat. One hour later, and feeling dandy, I headed home, again, full of dreams of avocados! I had been invited to a Kentucky Derby party but wanted to make sure I at least had a snack before I moved on to a gathering of alcohol and what was sure to be not so good for me food. My plans were foiled. There were no ripe avocados to be found at any of my local stores. I was so disappointed, a little pissed off to be frank, but settled for a snack a little less satisfying. After a healthy afternoon, I was ready to head downtown for an adult beverage and somewhat mellow evening. I was wrong about the mellow evening, but dead on about one thing: BAD food. We're talking Kentucky Fried Chicken bad. And if you've ever thought to yourself, "Eh, it's chicken. Protein. How bad can it be for me?" Check out their latest greatest invention, the Double Down. I get ill just thinking about it. I mean I know the FDA is a relatively useless institution, but I'm shocked even THEY let this hit the market. To be honest, KFC wasn't even tempting to me. Maybe had I been hungry I would have succumbed, but I wasn't even close. Which is why it's always important to know where you're going and prepare accordingly. But on the flip side, a GREAT party. I met a lot of new fun people and even ran into an old friend I already knew. Small world. My favorite vegan yogi, Rachel and I eventually were ready to leave the temptation of Double Downs and bad mac and cheese to hit up on of my favorite vegan joints in the city, COUNTER in the East Village. Although, don't get me wrong, vegans have their version of junk food too. I certainly never feel deprived of anything. Can you say "Chickpea Popcorn"?!!? Rachel and I downed these puppies like nobody's business. I assumed they were just garbanzo beans cooked in olive oil, although I couldn't tell if they were roasted or pan fried. No matter, they are next on my list to try at home or for a dinner party! I would sprinkle with cumin and cayenne, and of course, sea salt! This recipe cooks them in olive oil in the pan and uses different seasonings, but it's definitely something to play with and a nice break from my traditional fave, hummus! OK, you may be asking "Where is the FUN in all of this? Sure, it sounds like fun and all, but til it hurts? Not so much." Well not YET. After a few more small plates like red quinoa with broccoli and avocado (See? Avocado!!!!) and Spaghetti Squash Spaghettini, PLUS a super delish panini with lentil walnut pate and rosemary aioli (Did I mention the apple cobbler with cashew milk ice cream? Ugh. . . ) I was ready to roll on out of Counter and walk off some serious calories all the way home. However, somehow, I got suckered into going to another party down in the Village. My friend had me at 'cute sports guys'. I'm so easy. Let the debauchery begin. Rachel and I moved on to Oliver's in the Village and stepped into a frat party. I'm sure these people were all very nice, but I was seriously over it. And the guys were cute, but not THAT cute. Ha. After about ten minutes, Rachel and I were ready to call it quits and my friend Lisa, a firecracker of personality, insisted we meet a certain sports anchor and golf writer. (To protect the not so innocent, I will let them remain anonymous) And those two are the ones that kept us at Oliver's til 3am. They had wit, smarts, HEIGHT, and charm out the wazoo. And, I for one, fell for it, hook, line and sinker. Stupid girl. Not to say I wasn't having a great time, but I felt like such a sorority chick, dancing in a bar to late night versions of "Boom Boom Pow" and "Toxic" (hoping I danced off some of that dessert!) And I hadn't had that physical, chemical attraction to someone in a while. It sucked me in and kept me there. I'll spare you the gory details, but there's just something about walking through NYC on a hot steamy muggy night/morning and kissing on the curb. Damn sports guys. Too make a long story MUCH shorter, I wasn't asleep til about 5am. And awoke at 11am. And I am NOT my sparkly shiny best on 6 hours sleep. I'm an eight hour girl all the way. Plus keeping those hours, your body is just all OFF. But I had to buck up because I had three classes to teach at Equinox. Once again, thank God for dance. (Watch one of my favorite lyrical pieces I've choreographed in a while here!) Needless to say it's Wednesday and I am just finishing this blog. I was hurting straight up til yesterday evening really. Between the classes, the Saturday evening spectacular and my own workouts, my body felt like someone hit it with a Mack truck, felt like it was coming down with a serious cold (Downed double dosages of Wellness Formula and kicked THAT in the ass! Booo-yah!), and I was feeling mild symptoms of depression, which usually happens after I drink, even minimally. (I had a beer and a half and maybe a sip of wine at the Derby party! That shouldn't even count!) So now you see where the HURT comes in. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I just don't recover like I used to. But was it worth it? Abso-you know what- lutely! And oh yeah, I almost forgot to give you my version of the wonderfully delectable red quinoa salad we had at Counter!

Red Quinoa Salad:

1 Cup Quinoa
1-2 Cups Broccoli
1 Avocado
Olive Oil
Roasted Almond Slivers or Roasted Pumpkin Seeds (optional)

Cook quinoa according to package directions (usually takes about 20 minutes). Steam broccoli. Slice and cut up avocado in cubes. Stir together and drizzle with olive oil and sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Top with a sprinkle of slivered almonds or pumpkin seeds! Eat it up!

What a weekend. My eyes were like waterworks and I could never be sure when the tears were going to start. It was so unexpected, because my Friday started out pretty kick ass. It was a beautiful day here in NYC. Sunny, breezy, warm. Perfect Spring has sprung type of weather. After some PR photos with my gal Kelsey from CRUNCH for an upcoming workout in SELF Magazine, we decided to wander over to the best "fast food" place on earth, Pret a Manger. Or as New Yorker's would call it, simply "Pret". Now before you get up in arms at the words "fast food" check out their website. This stuff is FRESH as it gets in a box. No soggy lettuce or wet bread. Ick. Nothing fried or even grilled. Fresh baked whole wheat breads, wraps and salads makes this place a standout and NYC fave. Kelsey and I decided to try the Salmon and Brown Rice Salad which seemed very similar to the brown rice bowls I love to make at home. I was skeptical about the whole salmon part, but I shouldn't have been. This thing ROCKED and has a healthy balance of wholesome unrefined carbohydrates (brown rice), protein (salmon and edamame), fresh veggies (cucumber and red cabbage) and healthy fats (let's hear it for the omega-3's in salmon!). My new fave. The only thing missing for me was avocado! So we also split an Avocado and Parmesan sandwich as well. Not QUITE as healthy, but damn it was good. I've been in love with my avocados lately and using them in a simple salad I've been loving all weekend. To be honest, if you've read my Facebook posts recently, I've been downing desserts like it was the fourth meal of the day. I felt the need to clean up my act a little bit, nutritionally speaking. Here's the Detox Salad I've made for dinner two nights in a row:

Detox Salad:

Shredded Red and/or Green Cabbage
Mixed Greens (Mesclun salad mix, spinach, ARUGULA and KALE are my faves)
1 Roma Tomato
Slices of Red Onion
1/2 Avocado (or more if you wish!)
1/4 cup Edamame (optional)
1/2 Lemon
EVOO and Balsamic Vinegar
Sea Salt
Cayenne Pepper

Toss all ingredients in large salad bowl, drizzle with EVOO and a few dashes of Balsamic Vinegar, squeeze the lemon on there, add a little S&P and mix well so the avocado mixed with the liquid gives it a nice creamy "dressing" like texture. Simple, fresh and YUMMY.

Ok, back to the weekend. I continued to bask in the sunshine of the day on Friday walking all the way down to the Village, making pit stops at BB&Beyond (my new home away from home as I begin remodeling this apartment in NYC!) and Lohemann's (I really need to get back to work at some point. I don't even like to shop and I'm shopping.) Decided I would get a workout in and popped into Equinox a little before 5pm. At this point, my day was still fantastic. I received a dose of inspiration and surge of energy on the treadmill so decided to hop into the open studio and start working on choreography for my dance class on Sunday. It came pouring out of me like water out of a faucet. I love those routines that just seem to find their own steps. I left the gym with a good foundation for the routine and still chipper and happy. Somewhere between the subway home and midnight, my mood shifted. Unexpectedly, unpredictably. I came home just worn out and exhausted and had a late conference call at 7pm with the west coast. Again, all good there too. No reason for this sudden turn. I was scheduled to go on a date to see a documentary film, and just couldn't get excited. But I was committed and really did want to see the film about choreographer and dance pioneer, Anna Halprin, Breath Made Visible. I begrudingly dragged my ass in the shower but felt rushed and annoyed as I hustled to make the 9pm viewing. We had to wait in line for the previous viewing to finish and I could barely stand. I was becoming crankier by the minute and I felt awful for my date. I was no sort of good company tonight. Finally, we entered the theater and after an introduction by Anna herself, the movie began. I was not prepared for the emotions that this film stirred in me. Anna Halprin was not your typical ballerina. Nor was she a traditional modern dance choreographer. This woman felt EVERYTHING. And now revisiting the website, I can tell the musical score had a lot to do with the emotional stirrings in my body. Not to mention Anna and her husband, landscape architect, Larry Halprin's lovely relationship which is a true testament to what it means to be a life partner in love and friendship. Everything about this film is inspiring and beautiful. Even when it touches upon some ugly topics, such as Anna's cancer.  The woman basically healed herself through dance. I sat in awe of this woman who never compromised her expression or her movement. Nor apologized for it. If we all could be so daring in the exploration of our emotions, no matter what form we choose. It was quite simply, beautiful. While I did cry, I was holding back what would surely have been an embarrassing and uncomfortable situation for my date. I needed a much bigger release. Yet, after the film, I suggested we go somewhere for dessert. Seriously? At 11pm? Why? Was I avoiding going home and dealing with the emotions that were bubbling up inside of me? Wanting to shove them down with sweets? Probably, yes. Although the dessert was yummy, I was disconnected and didn't enjoy it, nor my company, as much as I should have. I went home only to receive a large package that unlocked the dam holding back the flood of tears that began to run down my face. What began as a beautiful day turned into quite frankly, a wet mess. I finally cried enough to drain myself of any energy and fell into a not so peaceful sleep of unpleasant dreams. And awoke with what I like to call a 'crying hangover'. Saturday felt very lethargic for me, and while it was a beautiful day outside, I stayed inside as the tears continued to pour on and off like a dripping faucet. I threw myself into the many home chores I needed to do, trying to keep myself busy and occupied. I finally decided it was time to get outside, tears or no tears, for a walk. My first stop was an attempt to make my body feel better after my late night sugar rush. Liquiteria. Some of the best darn juices in the city. A little more shopping (am I detecting a pattern here?) and walking around the city. I shunned any social offers to return home, clean up and make my Detox Salad above. I was going to be nice to myself, read and watch another documentary, Food Inc. I know it's been a phenomenon for about a year now, but I was just getting around to watch it. While nothing in the film totally surprised me, it is a MUST see for anyone who wants to know more about where a majority of our food is coming from these days. Please watch the trailer here.  Again, another very powerful and inspiring film about one of my other passions . . . . FOOD.  And a great motivation to change the way this country's agricultural system operates. I could go on and on about this topic, but I'll save that for another day. I collapsed once again to bed with a more restful night of sleep. 
Since I feel like I am dragging on and on in this blog, I'll finish it similar to how I finished last week's blog. With a story of how dance continually saves me. I was still not feeling 100% Sunday morning, but the rain gave me an excuse to stay inside, rest, and finish my choreography to a song that has always, and continues to, move me. Breathe, by Anna Nalick. I poured my heart and soul into teaching that routine last night (thank you to all who shared their passion and energy with me yesterday afternoon at Equinox in Columbus Circle. You saved my weekend!) and as always, felt so much better for it. I'm not going to lie, I felt very alone and very sad this weekend. But looking back, it's something I needed. Time to process, time to release, and time to cry. We all need that every now and then to come out bright and shiny on the other side. 

My last day here in Los Angeles and I'll be boarding another plane in just a few short hours. I'm tired of traveling and can't wait to be home in NYC where I can begin preparing my own food again and pay attention to my nutrition to really get my body back to optimum functioning capacity. This week has been disastrous for me. It has proven the necessity for me to be on a disciplined diet, not from a 'low-fat, carb cutting, calorie watching' perspective. But to be more mindful of making the best possible choices for me and my body. Pay attention: This does not necessarily equate with RESTRICTION or DEPRIVATION. All I'm saying is I know what my body needs to run like a well oiled machine and I haven't been giving it that. My energy is low, I've been supplementing with more caffeine, (never a good option) and feeling, well, just blah. Next week, I'm home and going to kick off Spring with a 3 day cleanse from my favorite provider of all things good and fresh, Blue Print Cleanse and so I don't feel completely deprived, am planning on testing out their new program, the  Juice til Dinner package which is more up my alley. I know it's not the BEST way to eat, and contrary to what all the other 'experts' out there proclaim, but I can make it through my day with very little sustenance and really need some nourishment come 6pm or so. I am constantly on the go, teaching, taking classes, etc. and for the most part, a heavy lunch does not sit well with me. Hey, cut me some slack. I just started eating breakfast a little over a year ago. Anyway, judge if you'd like. It works for ME, but I am not recommending it for everyone. If you are able to sit and digest your food in the afternoon, or do your workouts in the morning or plan your workouts for after work, then, absolutely. A good filling, satisfying lunch is best. Period. End of story. Ok then. Enough about future plans and on to the present. While I'm in LA, I, unfortunately rarely cook. My breakfasts usually consist of my morning latte (those of you who read my blogs or writings frequently know what this is all about!) and a raw food bar and/or a piece of spelt bread with some almond butter slathered on it. Lunch, well, we've already discussed that above. I'm usually running around picking up a snack here and there from Whole Foods or Erewhon or wherever else I can pull over and pick up something to eat in the car (I know, I know . . . ). Dinner is my time to sit with friends that I haven't seen and catch up. The usual haunts? Real Food Daily, M Cafe, blah, blah, blah. But I was over them this week. I needed a fresh perspective, something new. And I found a few great places this trip. First and foremost, my new favorite,  CRU in Silverlake. It's a little out of the way for me, but worth the drive. This vegan and mostly gluten free restaurant serves up both raw and cooked food. It's AH-MAAAA-ZING! I started with the raw squash and curry soup last night and chose the mushroom and asparagus crepes for my main course. Caroline, my wonderful friend, had the risotto. To DIE for. And of course, being the dessert whores we both are, Caroline ordered this 'off the menu' treat of yummy-ness with carmelized manna bread, raw vanilla ice cream and homemade caramel sauce. (Our waiter actually apologized for the wait on our dessert because the kitchen was making some fresh caramel sauce. Uh, we forgive you.) I love three hour dinners with nourishing tasty food and wonderful company. Thank you to Cru, Chef Rachel and Caroline for making my final LA meal memorable. (FYI, Cru also offers kick ass cooking classes every Sunday. Check it out!) Some other new and noteworthy joints in my Los Angeles restaurant book: HealthyCa in North Hollywood for those of you on the 'other side' of the hill, and, for something with a little more atmosphere and a great place for both vegetarians and none alike, AKASHA in Culver City (some of the BEST sweet potato fries I've ever had my hands on!) Akasha also makes KILLER drinks with all organic ingredients and fresh squeezed juices. You have to have the 'Emerald City' with Tru organic gin, house made basil elixir and fresh lime. Seriously? It's too good. Be careful! If anyone else has some recommendations whether in LA or your city of choice, post them here! I love to hear from people in the know about where to go! Happy Passover/Easter everyone and have a great weekend! 

So I posted on Facebook that I made the best darn granola EVER! Let me just tell you how gratifying it was, not only because the final product came out stupendous (at least in my mind, you can judge for yourself), but also because I have been meaning to concoct this recipe since the holidays. Yes, as in LAST YEAR, 2009. Ok, maybe it's just a month ago last year, but nevertheless. It is something I like to do for family and friends in lieu of big expensive gifts (sorry to those of you that didn't get a Rolex) as I think a homemade gift shows more love and care than anything you can buy in the store. And, well, let's just say I was in my own little world caught up in the throws of a break up and never quite got around to it. The ingredients were all there, and maybe the love I needed to give to creating the recipe was just dried up. (Maybe a metaphor for something? Hmmmm.) Anyway, Christmas turned to New Year's turned to January and forget it. This month was crazy. So I was thrilled when Thursday came around and I had NOTHING on my calendar until 6:30pm when I had to go teach at Equinox. I said TODAY IS THE DAY for granola! (And how often do you announce THAT to yourself?) Besides, I didn't need an occasion to share some homemade love with my friends. As a matter of fact, how nice is it to receive a gift for no reason? When you don't expect it? Pretty darn nice. So Ladies and Gentlemen, without further adieu, I give you, my 

 GROOVING GRANOLA:

2 c. oats (I used a mix of regular oats and this multigrain mix from Country Choice)
1 c. flaxseed
1/2 c. shredded unsweetened coconut
1 c. raw mixed seeds (I used sunflower and pumpkin but feel free to use just one)
1/2 c. chopped pecans
1/2 c. sliced almonds
3/4 c. sweetener (I used a blend of agave and maple syrup. You can experiment with honey too!)
1/4 c. Olive or coconut oil (if you like a more 'buttery flavor try Earth Balance or use a little less oil and add a tbsp. or two of butter)
4 tbsp. cinnamon (I also like to shake in a couple dashes of ginger powder, especially when using maple syrup as sweetener!)
3/4 c. dried fruit (I used a mix of cranberries and mulberries. Blueberries and/or gojiberries would also be great!)

Preheat oven to 275*
In large mixing bowl combine all dry ingredients (oats, flaxseed, coconut, seeds, nuts). Over low heat, begin to melt Earth Balance (or butter if you are using, with the oil) adding syrup (or honey) and stirring. Add cinnamon and continue to stir until completely melted and combined. Remove from heat and toss with dry mixture. (If you are only using oil, be careful not to burn. You just need to warm it enough so that it blends with the sweetener. Actually, if you're using just oil, you can skip this step and pour the oil and sweetener directly onto the mixture and toss well to coat dry ingredients, adding cinnamon after oil and sweetener.)
Spread mixture onto two large cookie sheets (you can use parchment paper on the baking sheet if you have it, but I didn't and it came out just fine!) and bake at 275* for 20 minutes. Toss and mix granola and place back in oven for another 15-20 min. (Oven temps vary and it will also depend on how 'well done' you like your granola.) Remove from oven and allow to cool. Place in bowl and add fruit mixture. Keep in airtight container until all gone! (Which, in my case was 2 days!)

Ok, here is something I failed to mention. You can also add DARK CHOCOLATE to this for a real treat. I did do a small batch like that. All you do is drop a few of the dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate on top of the granola as soon as it leaves the oven and mix until the chocolate is all melted and allow to cool. Surely, your kids will be loving you and it's much better for them then, say, um COCOA PUFFS! Of course, I gave all of this particular batch to friends!

I just finished the remnant of this crunchy deliciousness as I write this, and am about to lick the bowl. I mixed it with this new sheep's milk yogurt I am obsessed with from Old Chatham Sheepherding Company (?!?) that I randomly found in my local health food store, the Health Nuts. It seems to be a somewhat obscure product with no fancy packaging or crazy marketing, but I'm telling you, this stuff is the bomb! (I just checked out their website and am loving their old school, organic farm photos. It's the real deal and a place like this should be where we get all of our food!) Sheep's milk is often easier digested than yogurt typically made with cow's milk. And this product has all the good stuff like the active cultures that aid digestion. PLUS, the variety I discovered had bits of real ginger in it but no other added sugars, fillers, and the like.The sugar content is relatively low compared to most yogurts (only 12 grams) and contains a nice amount of protein (8 grams). The saturated fat content is a little high at 4 grams, but I didn't even eat the entire canister in one sitting. I dipped into a little yesterday, had a little at night for a treat and added the rest to my GRANOLA this morning. HEAVEN!