The Discerning Brute: fashion, food & etiquette for the ethically handsome man » Uncategorized

Cannibal to Herbivore: Mike Tyson Goes Vegan

joshuakatcher — Thu, 06 May 2010 15:14:16 +0000

The rumors are confirmed. 'Iron' Mike Tyson, the same man who took a bite of Evander Holyfield's ear and whose controversial past never seems fade away, appears to have finally found some peace. His "no drama" stance on life now includes a profound love for pigeons and a totally vegan diet (he is starring in an new Animal Planet show about pigeon racing - not so vegan?). You can add Tyson's name to a growing list of heavy-hitters who follow a veg diet, including Mac Danzig, Jake Shields, Rob Bigwood, Ricky Williams, Georges Laraque and others. Maybe Gladiators really were vegan! According to USAToday.com: “Tyson is starring in a reality TV series on Animal Planet in which he races pigeons. He says he’s become a vegan and has “no drama” in his life right now, which he concedes is an odd feeling for an athlete notorious for his brushes with the law.” Thanks to MindBodyGreen.com for the tip!

Rich Roll: Ultraman, Cheap Spring Tees & Worldwide Bakesales

joshuakatcher — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 18:25:00 +0000

• Just in time for spring and summer, get organic cotton tees from Turk + Taylor for only $5 or $10! Wowee! • Get to know Rich Roll: ultraman, vegan, endurance athlete. Named one of Men's Fitness Magazine's "25 Fittest Guys in the World" for 2009, Rich Roll is an ultra-distance endurance runner, swimmer, and cyclist—and gets his nutrients from plants. Take that you Paleo-fad-diet-people. Ultraman Athlete Rich Roll: Vegan Endurance Athlete Hang this in your office where other dudes (and the ladies) can see it: • Thousands of independent groups will be holding vegan bake sales in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia and New Zealand. In 2009, the WVBS raised over $25,000 for a variety of worthy causes, and won VegNews Magazine’s “Veg Event of the Year” award. Read the whole article at GirlieGirlArmy.com

McQueen’s Murdered Tiger, Knowledgeable Cotton, Foie Gras Rebel Rousing & More Man Bags

joshuakatcher — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 00:35:36 +0000

• Knowledge Apparel in Denmark has some shirts and shorts that I love, all in 100% organic cotton. I recently contacted them to see if the small leather tags on some of their other organic apparel is real or not. I will let you know what they (and I, in response) say ! In the meantime, these are cruelty-free and great for spring and summer:

• A stuffed tiger on display in a London art gallery was once used alive by Alexander McQueen in a Puma ad last year. The stuffed tiger has been seized by Scotland Yard's Wildlife Crime Unit under allegations that it was murdered for profit.Hint Magazine has the full article involving arrests, endangered species, and a crackdown on the illegal animal trade bizarrely code-named Operation Charm. • Starving Calves tied to a tractor and left to die were rescued by Farm Sanctuary two nights ago. Due to their dire condition, the calves were administered emergency electrolytes while in transit to Cornell University Animal Hospital, where they received urgent medical attention. If you would like to help supply urgent funds to help them, click here. • Matt & Natt has some more new vegan accessories for men featuring recycled-soda-bottle faux-suede lining. • Activists from the Animal Protection & Rescue League will descend upon Telepan, a restaurant that claims to care about animals, on March 27 from 7 p.m. till 9 p.m to protest the restaurant's selling of Foie Gras, a cruel product made by of force-feeding geese through a pipe until their livers become diseased and grow to 12-times their normal size. New York Magazine's Grub-Street cover's the story in their typically snarky way. Please go and leave comments in response to things in the comment section like "I've seen geese "force-fed" several times, and they loved every minute of it...I don't think I've ever seen happier geese" or "The Center for Constitutional Rights said...." or "They should try some foie gras, maybe they wouldn't be as cranky..." or "I suppose we could respect each other's decisions." Hasn't some genius invented a soundboard to respond to the same stupid things over and over? I feel like a broken record half the time.

Madeline Bistro, Los Angeles

joshuakatcher — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 14:30:42 +0000

Madeline Bistro blew my mind! The Beet Tartar over a soft, smoky "cheese" had me moaning, the Truffled Mac & "Cheese " with Smoked Mushrooms (that taste better than bacon) made me stand up and sit back down, and the Bigger Maque tasted so similar and so much better than it's namesake that my skeptical apprehension of "how good can a veggie burger really be?" was swallowed, along with the stack of organic lettuce, "cheese", pickles, and onions on a three-part artisan bun. But it wasn't over. A Chocolate Souffle and special cream-filled Ding Dong finished off the experience that was nothing short of religious. Chef David Anderson and Molly Anderson are geniuses, and if you have not eaten at Madeline's and you live near Los Angeles, then you must go. See their brunch menu, lunch menu, dinner menu, and wine and beverages. Take a look at my dishes, and forgive the romantic dim lighting (and check Quarry Girl's amazing photos from her bright daytime Brunch!):

Brunch at Flore, Silver Lake, Los Angeles

joshuakatcher — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:00:12 +0000

Eating a delicious brunch on a sunny sidewalk surrounded by friends and rescued pooches is a pitch I'd like to send to the universe for my afterlife. Thankfully, I got to have this pleasure in the material world in Los Angeles this week while dining at Flore in Silver Lake. If you are a sandwich-lover, or a weekend-bruncher, this is your new go-to spot. And if you have pups that like to eat the crumbs you drop (or the full plates of brown rice and veggies you order for them) there's no need to leave them home. The menu was extensive, but we agreed to share everything and ordered the Veggie Frittatta, Daily Soup, Crispy Kale, Tempeh Reuben, Tempeh Tu-No Melt, and the Eastsider Seitan Tacos. Everything was delish, but the highlight was the outstanding Frittatta, which was a delicious egg-free quiche with broccoli, mushrooms, onion and kale. It was crisp and golden on the outside, and tender and savory on the inside. The vegan butter-cream chocolate cupcake was also fist-slam-against-the-table-worthy. More, please! Look at what we ate, and don't drool on your keyboard:

VEGANIK: 10 VEGAN PRODUCTS TO TRY IN 2010 (PART 2)

joshuakatcher — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:56:47 +0000

(Part II: #6-#10) By contributor Nik Tyler Continuing on my epic quest to discover new (to me) products that I think you’ll dig as well; enjoy #6-10 vegan products to try in 2010!! (see 1 -5 HERE) . . . . 6. AMY'S I think Amy's Natural & Organic meals are groovy!! Everything they produce is vegetarian, and many are vegan. They're all organic, easy to heat and serve, and darn tasty to boot! Amy's vast array of vegan options range from breakfast steel-cut oats to tofu scramble to Asian noodle stir-fry to vegetable enchiladas to veggie burgers, pizza, chili, baked ziti and even chocolate cake (and that's just to name a few)!! My personal fave is Amy's vegan "Family Marinara" Sauce - which is a fantastic addition to noodles, quinoa, beans, sauteed veggies and just about anything else you can think of! You can find Amy's products at Whole Foods and several other health food stores. For more info, check out their website: http://amys.com/ 7. MAUK FAMILY FARMS I've been a fan of Mauk Family Farms products for a while now. This company makes some really delectable Flax Seed crackers (my favorite flavor is "Garlic Onion") as well as two other great products called "Wheat Free Crusts" (brown and golden flax seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, celery seed, garlic, onion, red bell pepper, parsley, sea salt & water) & "Breakfast Crusts" (pumpkin seeds, black/white sesame seed,golden flax seed, garlic, onion, dulse flakes & sea salt). They have no grain or gluten and are rich in Copper, Magnesium & essential fatty acids. These crusts are totally addictive and perfect on their own... or try one of my favorite combo's and spread on some creamy coconut oil and you'll be in total ecstasy!! You can buy Mauk Family Farms products at Whole Foods, perhaps your local Co Op or in their online store: https://maukfamilyfarms.com/mm5/merchant.mvc 8. ENJOY LIFE FOODS® cookies : click to enlarge" width="195" height="302" /> Searching for a food company that makes delicious snacks and is "sensitive" to the issue of food allergies? Enjoy Life Foods is that company; their mission is to create and sell cookies, trail mix, snack bars & baking products that are uber tasty, as well as free and clear of gluten, dairy, egg, casein, peanuts, tree-nuts, and soy... And that's exactly what they've done! My favorite products that they make are the "Happy Apple" & "No-Oats "Oatmeal"" cookies; They're moist, chewy, not-too-sweet, and just undeniably delicious! So now you know a company that makes treats that can be enjoyed by literally everyone, even those who need to be extra cautious due to food allergies. Be sure and check out their full product list and learn more about this cool company: http://www.enjoylifefoods.com/ 9. 2 MOMS IN THE RAW Founded by Shari, a very cool, health-conscious mom of three, 2 Moms In The Raw is a fantastic company that produces a yummy array of organic, raw Granola ("Blueberry", "Cranberry", "Gojiberry" & "Raisin") and Sea Crackers ("Garden Herb", "Pesto" & "Tomato Basil"). The "Garden Herb" Sea Crackers are definitely my favorite; consisting of Flaxseed, Kombu (Sea Vegetable), Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Sea Salt and Spices - they're light, crunchy, crisp and they taste like a fresh herb garden compressed into chip form! The "Tomato Basil" Sea Crackers are rad as well, made up of Flaxseeds, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Garlic, Kombu, Herbs & Sea Salt - they have a wonderful garlicky, sun-dried tomato bite! Both of these crackers are the perfect light-bite for kids and adults; enjoy them on their own or dip it! In addition to their delicious crackers, 2 Moms also sell raw Granola which rocks! Not your typical granola, a little more chunky, you can break it into little pieces and eat it like a breakfast bar. The two flavors I've tried, Blueberry & (Gluten-free) Gojiberry are free of refined sugars (substitute Agave) and instead are jam-packed with a ton of healthy ingredients (buckwheat, coconut, a plethora of seeds/nuts and more!!), all of which have been soaked & sprouted to perfection; chewy, crunchy, semi-sweet and utterly delicious, countless textures and flavors awaken your taste-buds and take em' on one helluva' wild joy-ride! You can purchase 2 Moms In The Raw products at Shari's wonderful site: http://2momsintheraw.com/ or look for them at your local health food store. 9. SUNPOWER NATURAL In addition to a full-blown gourmet vegan menu at their restaurant (located in Studio City, CA), Sun Power Natural has an awesome product line of raw cookies that I recently discovered at my local co op. The two flavors I've tried are "Cinnamon" (coconut, raisins, cinnamon & agave) & "Fruit Burst" (oranges, coconut, raisins, agave). These cookies are "chewy, gooey & delicious" and I definitely think Sun Power Natural has got it going on! In addition to tasting like heaven, these organic treats are raw, gluten-free & low glycemic. Look for SunPower food at your local co op and Whole Foods, or just click on this link (http://www.sunpowernatural.com/) and get some raw decadence in your life stat! ________ I hope you enjoyed my 10 vegan product picks! In addition to these yummy snacks, try and balance your diet and combat any acidic/sugar intake by consuming tons of alkalizing greens and lots of pH balanced water. Here's to your health!

Swim Trunks for Guys Who Care About The Ocean

joshuakatcher — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:00:15 +0000

Not only does Livity make their entire line from recycled materials and organics, but everything is produced in equitable trade. These trunks are made from recycled plastic and hemp. They are quick-drying, and feature some cool patters and prints. Loomstate's Baja Board Short in organic cotton are less bold, and feature a leaf-inspired print. Patagonia also has a handsome khaki, or khaki check board short in organic cotton. If you care about the oceans, there are some great resources out there for ethical surfers, like EcoBusinessLinks page on surf companies. Country Feeling Surfboards uses soy-based and sugar-based foams; deck inlays made from hemp, organic cotton, bamboo, and resin that is catalyzed by the sun. The best surf accessories, like hemp boardbags can be found at Wave Tribe. If you have an old board to recycle, send it to ReSurf! I also highly recommend joining the efforts of Sea Shepherd. We know that The Cove has won an Oscar for Best Documentary of 2009, and if you haven't seen End Of The Line, you must!

Darbster, West Palm Beach, FL

joshuakatcher — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:38:03 +0000

On a recent trip to Florida, I took my family to a new vegan joint called Darbster - named after the owners' rescued pooch, Darby. I believe that it's the first and only entirely vegan restaurant in West Palm Beach. We arrived on a rather chilly evening, and the place is an open-air bar-style restaurant with outdoor seating (dog-friendly!) overlooking a canal. Unfortunately for us, the place was wrapped in plastic tarps with heat lamps inside to keep some warmth in, so we didn't get to experience any of the outdoor atmosphere. We were, however, greeted by a very friendly staff, and the service was quick! There is a good-sized menu with several raw and gluten-free options, a nice wine list, and several desserts. The food was good. The first thing I wanted to order was the Kale Chips, but they were out! So we started with the Palm Cakes, which were pan-fried, chopped hearts of palm in a savory pine nut sauce, and were reminiscent of crab cakes. I thought they were delicious, and I'll have to try to recreate this recipe at home. My entree was the Gardein filet prepared in a lemon, pine-nut sauce, and my sister got a marinara version with Daiya cheese and tomato sauce. My little side of mac & cheese was delicious. I so wish there had been more. The Gardein filets were a bit too thick, but seasoned well and very filling. The Beefless Sliders were one of the highlights for my whole family. The special sauce was perfect, and there was just enough contents between the soft sesame bun. This is a must-have if you go. My mother and father (not vegetarians) thought these were the best thing, and that the faux "beef" was delicious and satisfying. For dessert we enjoyed a coconut-sorbet sundae with chocolate fudge, raspberries, blueberries, and walnuts. On future trips, I'll be sure to make reservations for daytime enjoyment of the outdoor seating, or at least a warm night to be in the open air. The next time you're in south Florida, definitely check this place out! I plan to be back.