RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR: Water In The East Village, New York City

No matter how many great restaurants we eat at this year, we’re willing to state, at the beginning of January, that Water is our “restaurant of the year.” Unless you can’t imagine dinner without some kind of flesh, Water should be on your list for culinary excitement. It’s Japanese vegan cuisine. Created by restaurateur and…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Indian Spice Blends

[1] Amchoor, an ingredient of chaat masala. A fruity spice powder made from dried unripe green mangoes, it adds citrusy notes (photo courtesy La Boite NYC). [2] Asafoetida, the dried gum of the taproot of an herb, is ground into a powder (photo courtesy Jain Dry Fruits). [3] Black rock salt, another ingredient in chaat…
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RECIPE: Portobello ‘Steak’ & Salad

In keeping with the trends to more plant-based meals, this tasty recipe uses the “meatiest” mushrooms, portobellos. (Is it portobello, portabella or portobella? Here’s the scoop.)     WHAT’S A PORTOBELLO/PORTABELLA MUSHROOM? When cremini mushrooms (photo #3) are allowed to continue growing, they grow up into more complex-flavored portabellas, meaty in both taste and appearance…
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TOP PICK OF THE WEEK: Califia Farms

[1] Exceptional-quality almond milk is available in original unsweetened plus 10 flavors (both photos courtesy Califia Farms). [2] In additions to coffee creamers, there are three flavors of “half and half.” [3] Enjoy creamy foods guilt-free (here’s the recipe for this Thai butternut squash soup).   There are many quality brands of dairy-free creamers made…
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Beyond Classic Hummus (Other Ways To Make & Serve This Popular Dip)

Over the last two decades, hummus has evolved from a mezze at Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurants to the hottest, most nutritious dip and spread at supermarkets nationwide. It’s the darling of nutritionists, nutritious and versatile, and a better-for-you snack. It also is welcome to vegans, kosher consumers, and the lactose intolerant. Hummus is a…
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