Day-to-day choices for the ethically handsome man
By Matt Lara
While everyone was checking out wild fashion at NYC Fashion Week, I was moving out to the wild, wild west known as Los Angeles. My first excursion out of the world of unpacking and back into the world of enjoyment was a visit to the Fahey/Klein Gallery to see A Shadow Falls by photographer Nick Brandt. Little did I know that a fun afternoon trip would turn out to be a private audience with the photographer himself! I was astonished to hear him explain that it was the gorgeous African wildlife that originally drew him in, and that this was the best way for him to honor it. The work is also available as a book. An excerpt from the introduction:
“For me, every creature on this planet has an equal right to live. Whether human being, Serengeti elephant, or factory farm cow. That is why I take these photographs. I hope that maybe you will see these animals, these non-humans, in the way that I do—as not so very different from us.”
App Happy:
According to a friend of mine, I have finally joined the “evil empire” with the purchase of my new iPhone. After figuring out picture-texting and voice activation, I sought out some of the more useful apps for healthy and compassionate ladies and germs:
Vegan Yum Yum has fantastic recipes from their blog, some with photos. I like how you can check off ingredients, which is helpful while in the grocery store.
Dirty Produce from the Environmental Working Group is a quick list of the most highly sprayed crops for when it’s difficult to find all organic produce.
Thanks to Chloe at GirlieGirlArmy for Be Nice To Bunnies which lists companies that test their products on animals. So helpful in those giant drug store aisles.
Whole Foods also has a nice app full of recipes I have been flipping through. They are arranged by category including vegan and gluten-free dishes.
Stir Crazy
Okay, I am still learning how to make astounding dishes a la Joshua Katcher (the DB himself). For now, I am a fan of the “dump-and-stir” recipe. This one looks, feels, and tastes special every time I stir-and-serve it. Therefore, I make it often:
Lemony Chickpea Tofu Stir Fry, and Stay tuned for more crazy stirring…
A Real Food Day
A few days after my big move I grabbed lunch with the man behind those naughty candles over at A Scent of Scandal, Ari Solomon. We laughed and chewed for quite a while over some wonderful dishes at Real Food Daily in West Hollywood. According to his recommendation, I am to come back and stuff myself with their nachos with melted cashew-cheddar cheese. That is after my next stop, the brand-new Veggie Grill on Sunset Boulevard!
Now that I’m pretty much all moved, I’m keeping my eyes peeled for a good living space and a good day-job. I’ll keep you posted! If anyone out there has any tips, questions, or suggestion about living Ethically Handsome on the West Coast, please leave me a comment below!
[...] Ethical Exploits Vol.4: California Dreamin' « The Discerning Brute [...]
Thanks for all the great feedback guys! I’ll check out those other apps as well.
I just got my iphone a couple days ago and spent forever trying to find apps that were Vegan related. This is wonderful!
Also, I agree that the nachos were the only really stellar item at RFD (well, they also had a fajita special which was basically the same thing and delicious). The other stuff wasn’t all that great unfortunately.
Two other MUST-HAVE vegan apps:
VegOut – tells you where the nearest vegan restaurants are
VeganXpress – huge list of what’s vegan at normal chain restaurants, also good list of vegan beers
P.S. Cafe Flourish is delicious and there’s Alternative Outfitters in Pasadena for vegan outerwear, accessories, etc.
Welcome to LA! I’m so happy you’ve decided to move to my wonderful home town.
Let me know if you ever need a homecooked vegan meal or company at one of our fabulous vegan restaurants.
Best vegan food blog in LA:
http://www.quarrygirl.com
For sure, the ONLY thing worth getting at RFD is the nachos. That place is straight up horrible otherwise. As a local, you’ll figure that out soon enough.
Welcome!
Wait. You live here? DUDE let’s hang. Which neighborhood?
Contributor, Matt Lara is living in LA, not me!
Ah, I should read more closely!
Welcome to Los Angeles, Matt. If you tire of the westside-ish vegan food and want to venture out into the down and dirty eastside, get in touch.