Celebrate The First National Tea Day With These Tea Facts

[1] A tea estate in China. While China is the world’s largest tea-producing nation, it keeps most of what it grows for its own consumption (photo © The Meaning Of Tea). [2] The top three leaves of the bush, called “two leaves and a bud,” are the only leaves used in premium tea (photo ©…
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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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Indian Spice Blends: Chaat Masala vs. Garam Masala & More

[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). Asfoetida[/caption] [2] Asafoetida, the dried gum of the taproot of an herb, is ground into a powder (photos #2, #4, and #6 A.I. generated). [3] Black rock salt or…
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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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