Cowfish for Vegetarians

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I am 100% in love with my new indoor bike trainer!  I was planning to do yoga + a run this morning for my workout, but I was so cold after stepping out of hot yoga that my desire to run outdoor absolutely tanked.  My indoor bike trainer let me get in a 30 minute cardio workout without leaving the living room!

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Plus, I got to watch House Hunters and look on as the puppies played games.

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I tore through a ton of work this morning and afternoon, taking a break for lunch.  I had two whole wheat toasties with hummus and tabbouleh.  A banana on the side!

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And a baked apple.

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Snack for the afternoon was more toast with sunflower butter and some white chocolate chips.  This snack totally crushes the sugar cravings!

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So, today is our two year wedding anniversary!  A lot of people asked if we had special plans, and we didn’t really.  We are going to Phoenix in a few weeks for vacation/work trip, and I’m SO excited for that.   And although we didn’t have “special” plans for tonight, we still wanted to mark the occasion by going out.

 

First, we drove by a townhouse that the Husband has been obsessing over online.  We cannot afford this house right now but the Hus wanted to see it in real life to confirm how amazing it seemed.

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Then, we went out to dinner at a new restaurant in Charlotte called Cowfish.  Cowfish = Half burger menu, half sushi menu.  I had checked out the menu online and heard many rave reviews, so we were both excited for our special meal.

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I brought our honeymoon album so we could relive our most amazing vacation to date!  We went to Napa Valley and San Francisco for 10 days.

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One thing I loved about Cowfish was that the vegetarian items were clearly labeled with a V (they also had gluten-free foods labeled with a GF).  This make reading the 13 page menu much, much easier since there was a ton of stuff at a burger/sushi place that I couldn’t eat. 

 

For our appetizer, we started off with the tofu lettuce wrap.

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LOVED this.  Chunks of eggplant, zucchini, squash, and tofu.

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And I branched out for my entree!

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First time ever eating vegetarian sushi!  In fact, this was my first time eating sushi since August 2005, which I accidentally ate avocado sushi and ended up being rushed to student health with hives all over my entire body (I’m highly allergic).  I’ve avoided sushi ever since because avocado is usually one of the main ingredients in vegetarian sushi.  The server at Cowfish assured me that he would tell the kitchen to be careful not to cross contaminate any cutting boards or knives so I felt safe eating the sushi.

 

My roll was sooo good.  I could eat this every day!

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I had tempura asparagus with tofu, beets, and cream cheese.  I asked for brown rice and chili sauce on top.

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AND – get this – my roll was only $6.  I am going to go back to Cowfish all the time!

 

After dinner, the Husband and I finally saw the latest Harry Potter.  It was amazing, but slowly paced.  Yawn.

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Came home and ate this coconut macaroon, which Diana made for me.  You’ve got to check out the recipe and make some for yourself.  I loved how it wasn’t overly sweet or super chewy. 

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Whew!  What a day.  Filled with sweat, work, good food, and good memories.  My perfect kind of day.  🙂

{ 95 comments }

 

  • Natalie January 3, 2011, 10:57 pm

    Thanks for linking to your trainer recommendation…and happy anniversary 🙂

  • suki January 3, 2011, 11:02 pm

    happy anniversary! 🙂 i don’t really think of sf as being a place for a honeymoon, but you did incorporate napa into it, and napa is a LOVELY place.

    are you a foot-on-top-of-seat movie-watcher type?! :/ it’s a pet peeve of mine because i’m certain they don’t clean very well at the theater, and you might go into the next movie and sit in a seat where someone rubbed the bottoms of their shoes over the top of your seat…

    • Caitlin January 3, 2011, 11:03 pm

      Hmm I’ve never thought about that. I tend to rest my ankle not my actual shoe against the seat but – yea. You’re right. It’s gross.

      • suki January 3, 2011, 11:15 pm

        Your clean ankle could be resting upon a spot where someone wiped the bottom of their shoe!?! :p

    • Sarah for Real January 3, 2011, 11:53 pm

      Lol my thoughts as well. Actually my thoughts exactly:
      “Get your feet off the seat!”

    • Amu January 4, 2011, 8:24 am

      We went to SF on our honeymoon – we’re east coasters. It was fanastic! What a cool city.

  • Kristina @ spabettie January 3, 2011, 11:04 pm

    AW !! the pups are SO cute!!

    I want to come visit, bring Basil for a doxie play date, and go eat at Cowfish… it sounds SO good.

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing January 3, 2011, 11:05 pm

    So glad you had a good anniversary!
    I am in LOVE with your shoes!! Where did you get them?

    • Caitlin January 3, 2011, 11:05 pm

      Doesn’t it feel good to Payless??

  • Faith @ lovelyascharged January 3, 2011, 11:06 pm

    I couldnt imagine being allergic to avocado. That roll looks so unique though, and what a steal for only $6!

  • Rose January 3, 2011, 11:10 pm

    Congratulations on two years! I can’t believe that. Time really flies.

  • Cheryle January 3, 2011, 11:11 pm

    Hi Caitlyn!

    I’ve been reading your blog for a long time but rarely comment. Regarding sushi – have you ever tried making it? I took a sushi making class years ago and it was a LOT of fun. It’s very easy once you get the hang of it, and that way you can customize to your heart’s desire!

    BTW, I have started and abandoned many blogs in my lifetime, but it’s been a long time since I’ve written and I’m working on an outline for a new blog focused on my interest in food, fashion, running, and other topics. I want to think you for posting your blogging tips, and I will definitely be referring to them as I start this new blog up. Thanks and Happy New Year!

    • Caitlin January 4, 2011, 9:10 am

      Welcome back to blog land!

  • Camille January 3, 2011, 11:16 pm

    Oh my goodness, so much good food today! I have yet to try true vegetarian sushi aside from an avocado roll, which is just “ehh”.

  • Melissa @ TryingToHeal January 3, 2011, 11:17 pm

    Caitlin! I just talked to Jenn who heard from another that you were going to be in Phoenix in a few weeks…email me! Are you running the race?! I’m getting this all through the grapevine…

    • Caitlin January 4, 2011, 9:11 am

      emailing now!

  • Maryann January 3, 2011, 11:18 pm

    Happy anniversary! Its awesome that the server/chef were so accomodating.I love sushi and my bf loves burgers, too bad there isnt a restaurant like that close to us!

  • Diana January 3, 2011, 11:19 pm

    Aww your date night looked so cute! What sushi roll did you get? I’m a meat eater but I want the roll you got! That is a steal at $6! Glad you liked the macaroon!! 🙂

    • Caitlin January 4, 2011, 9:13 am

      It was custom!

  • Julie @ Wearing Mascara January 3, 2011, 11:19 pm

    I knew you were allergic to avocado and yet I’ve always wondered why we never see sushi on your blog. DUH! 😀 Well, I’m glad you were able to experience some good sushi. I love vegetarian sushi and always crave it after Bikram! Must be the salty soy sauce. Happy anniversary!

  • Leah @ Why Deprive? January 3, 2011, 11:25 pm

    That sushi looks SO good!! I love that it has beets in it. Thats the best idea I’ve ever heard.

  • Heidi - apples under my bed January 3, 2011, 11:26 pm

    What a great evening! I love sushi too – glad you could finally enjoy some! Happy Anniversary 🙂
    Heidi xo

  • Emily January 3, 2011, 11:28 pm

    I absolutely adore Cowfish! Everyone else seems to as well though..a few nights ago there was a 20 minute wait WITH a reservation!

  • Maggie @ Say Yes to Salad January 3, 2011, 11:31 pm

    Wish I had a cowfish near me!

    I liked HP. It was a bit slow though 😉

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) January 3, 2011, 11:37 pm

    Happy anniversary to you both! I’ve never had veggie sushi… surprising because its one of the foods I miss the most as a vegetarian.

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) January 3, 2011, 11:41 pm

    Holy moly that sushi looks and sounds amazing! Next time I’m in Rock Hill, SC (visiting friends at Winthrop where I went for my 1st year of undergrad), I will make a trip up to Charlotte to check out that place! 🙂

  • Katherine @ Left Coast Contessa January 3, 2011, 11:41 pm

    Looks like a great date night! That roll looks deeeelicious!

  • Sana January 3, 2011, 11:49 pm

    :)! I totally agreed abt hp- I wanted more action!

  • Maura January 3, 2011, 11:51 pm

    Happy Anniversary to you and the Hus.

  • Rachel @ Grateful Girl Goes Gluten Free January 4, 2011, 12:02 am

    Your love for House Hunters has made me an addict to it as well!!

  • Ashley January 4, 2011, 12:03 am

    Happy Anniversary. Complete agree with Harry Potter, I wouldn’t watch it again. I <3 vegetarian sushi its sooo good!

  • Carla @ Will Run for Health January 4, 2011, 12:03 am

    How is it that I just got home from dinner, and now after seeing that sushi roll I’m starving?! My boyfriend and I celebrated 6 months together today…big woop, I know. I was however a good excuse to eat. I think that town house is adorable!

  • carlee January 4, 2011, 12:10 am

    I’m soooo jealous of everything that went in your mouth today!

    • Kara January 4, 2011, 7:14 am

      This comment inspired a knee-jerk “That’s what she said” in my mind 😛

    • Caitlin January 4, 2011, 9:13 am

      zing!

  • lena January 4, 2011, 12:29 am

    Happy Anniversary!!

  • Mindy Knows January 4, 2011, 1:06 am

    Caitlin, I was inspired by your zest for hummus sandwiches and finally made my own today, of course with my own spin on it. I gave you props when I posted it, too. Thanks for the idea. It was delish!

    • Caitlin January 4, 2011, 9:14 am

      Oh yum! I want to try to make my own too.

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] January 4, 2011, 1:26 am

    I had veggie sushi for dinner tonight, too. That sounds like my kinda roll!!

  • Amber from Girl with the Red Hair January 4, 2011, 1:33 am

    Yummmm sushi!

    I LOVED Harry Potter! I definitely thought it was the best movie yet. Can’t wait for Part II 🙂

  • Beatrix January 4, 2011, 2:04 am

    Happy Anniversary and cute puppies. Such a relaxed way to spend the special day.

  • Keren January 4, 2011, 2:54 am

    Ahhh when are you coming to phoenix?? Is it something regarding operation beautiful?!?

    • Caitlin January 4, 2011, 9:15 am

      I’m coming in 10 days or so. I’m speaking at the GOTR Summit. Do you have any recommendations for things we should do while we’re there???

  • Victoria (District Chocoholic) January 4, 2011, 3:36 am

    I think it’s super important to spent a lot of time looking at properties before you buy – even if some are out of your price range. It helps you understand the local market and decide what you really want to pay for.

    • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday January 4, 2011, 8:28 am

      So true. Once you really start looking you’ll get a feel for what the properties are worth and if the seller is listing at a fair price.

  • erica January 4, 2011, 3:45 am

    happy anniversary!!!

  • LJ January 4, 2011, 5:20 am

    i actually lived in the townhouse like three down from that one the entire time i was in college at queens university!

  • Lauren January 4, 2011, 6:49 am

    Sounds like a wonderful night to spend your anniversary. That dinner looks fantastic. Sometimes a really nice meal and time spent together is more than enough. 😉 Happy Anniversary!!!

  • Tessa January 4, 2011, 6:54 am

    What a fun date night on Monday! Gosh! I haven’t had sushi in forrrevverrr and I adore sushi! I gotta get out more. Ha!

  • Amy B (Second City Randomness) January 4, 2011, 7:07 am

    What is it about the white chocolate and sunflower seed butter combo? I discovered it on accident when white chocolate was all I had on hand… and have never looked back!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey January 4, 2011, 7:14 am

    Happy Anniversary! Looks like you had a great night – I love dinner/movie dates. I also love your shoes – I have the same pair!

  • Kara January 4, 2011, 7:16 am

    Congrats on your anniversary! My husband and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary back in July and I can’t even remember what we did (oops!). Considering I had a baby in June, it’s very possible that our wild night consisted of ordering pizza 🙂

    I wish I had a place like Cowfish near me, that food looks fantastic!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine January 4, 2011, 7:23 am

    Happy anniversary!! Glad you had a nice night out. I’ve seen the new HP 3 times and I CANNOT WAIT for part 2!

  • Amy January 4, 2011, 7:25 am

    I am getting back into the groove of my bike trainer as well! I just ordered an binder of indoor trainer bike workouts, and I love it!

  • Bria January 4, 2011, 7:37 am

    Happy Anniversary Caitlin & CaitlinHTP Husband!

    Glad to hear you got an indoor bike trainer 🙂 Florida 70.3 this May??

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) January 4, 2011, 7:39 am

    Oh Caitlin, what a great day to spend with your best friend! I am so glad you enjoyed it. The sushi sounds amazing and I love that it did not have avocado!

  • Baking 'n' Books January 4, 2011, 7:49 am

    Did you work out in the early a.m this time?! Riding indoors sounds sweet – anything to watch TV! I used to own an old hybrid bike years ago, guess it wouldn’t work for that?

    Yeah, HP is 2 1/2 hours long right? 2 hours is my max. to sit in a theatre…or 1:50…;) Recently seen The Tourist though an much better than expected!

  • Cassie January 4, 2011, 7:51 am

    My boyfriend and I are planning to do a week in Napa this spring – could you send me recommendations? Every time I look online it seems overwhelming, and I’d love to hear some of your must do’s or avoids!

    • Caitlin January 4, 2011, 9:17 am

      here is my review of napa! you’re going to have a blast!!

      ****

      We stayed here: http://www.riverterraceinn.com/ It’s located in downtown Napa (aka not amid the pretty vineyards). The downtown Napa bar/restaurant area is only 1.0 mile away. It’s also next to the Napa Valley wine train station, which we didn’t get it do because it was closed. 🙁 The rooms are very spacious and clean and upgraded. Also, the price is reasonable for Napa. I must say — the FREE breakfast was great, the bed was comfortable, there was a jacuzzi tub in the bathroom, and a kitchenette…. so it fit all our needs! I only hesitate to recommend it to someone because I know some people like to go to these really swanky places. We would rather spend our money on stuff than on an excellent view! 🙂 The hotel is about 4 miles from the beginning of the wineries.

      You have to rent a car, there’s no way around it in Napa. Napa Valley is about 15 – 20 miles long, and cabs don’t really exist (in fact, I don’t think I saw a single cab). Get one with a GPS, it will be very helpful!

      One thing you can do on a day (or two) when you really want to go tasting, get highly drunk, and not worry about driving is the Platypus Bus. http://www.platypustours.com/ it’s $85 a person, plus wine tasting fees, and they drive you around for the whole day and take you to various wineries. You also get an AMAZING packed lunch and a cheese tray…. not crappy food, very high quality gourmet stuff. It is a LOT of fun and it’s a great deal. Definitely, definitely do this!

      The good restaurant area is inYountville (about 10 minutes north of downtown Napa). There are so many 5 star restaurants on this one strip…. Redd, French Laundry, Bottega…we ate at Redd and Bottega, I would recommend Bottega over Redd, although both were excellent. French Laundry is really expensive (like $200 a person), but its (of course) a legend.

      Another thing I would recommend is the spa and restaurant at Solage. http://www.solagecalistoga.com/spa/index.shtml (By the way, the hotel at Solage looked amazing, although we didn’t stay there so I cannot personally recommend it. http://www.solagecalistoga.com/) We spent a half day at Spa Solage and got a lunch, couples massages, couples mudbathes, couples relaxation therapy, and a free pass to the heated mineral pool for about $450. That was an off-season price but again — totally worth it!!

      When I told everyone we were going to Napa, we got so many recommendations for wineries. The thing about Napa is that you can literally just drive down the main roads and stumble upon like 30 vineyards. You might want to do some pre-planning because some of the wineries only offer tours at regular intervals, and others are walk-ins.

      I highly recommend:

      Schramsberg — the tour is more expensive than most ($35) but you get to see the champagne caves and the tasting was excellent.
      Mumm – Another sparkling wine vineyard. They have a free tour, although you pay for tasting. Its a large facility, which is neat.
      Sterling – They have an aerial tram that you ride to the top of a mountain. It’s a great view and definitely worth the cost ($25?).
      Swanson – This is a smaller vineyard with set times for tours. You get to sit down with a wine maker and go over the process. It was really unique and personable, and the wine was excellent. It was worth the cost.

      yayyy You are so lucky! You are going to have a blast!

      By the way, if you want to bring back wine, you can buy a travelbox from the wineries for like $9 and check it as baggage on your return flight. It’s cheaper than shipping it.

    • Mindy Knows January 4, 2011, 11:24 am

      In addition to Caitlin’s suggestions, I live about an hour outside of Napa and recommend Opus One, Domaine Caneros, and Peju. Opus One requires a reservation and is a bit pricey, but their grounds are gorgeous for picnicking. Also, if you’re up there for a full week definitely get over to Sonoma. 🙂 If you’re interested, I posted pics of my most recent Napa trip in November, all of these places included. Have a great time! http://thebestofmindy.wordpress.com/2010/11/15/napa-day-trip/

  • Kristina @ life as kristina January 4, 2011, 7:54 am

    What a random restaurant-sounds amazing though!
    My old roommate used to have an indoor bike-it was the loudest things (to the rest of us not using it) but I loved hopping on and going for a spin!

  • Amu January 4, 2011, 8:26 am

    Oh I loved the latest Harry Potter, much much MUCH more than the previous ones – because it was slower paced and they could fit more in. I feel like the last few have been really rushed and it’s hard to follow along.

    • Nikky January 4, 2011, 10:00 am

      Agreed!! I guess I can see how it felt slow, but I’m so busy trying to drink in every single little detail that I actually felt it moved really fast!

      Plus, I love all the in-between stuff. It’s my favorite part. They did a much better job making their friendships feel almost as close as they do in the books.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat January 4, 2011, 8:41 am

    I’ve never tried vegetarian sushi but that looks amazing!! OK, another one for the bucket list!

  • Sherri January 4, 2011, 8:46 am

    I bought a Cycleops bike trainer a few months ago and am struggling bad to enjoy it. Any training suggestions?

    Thanks

    • Caitlin January 4, 2011, 9:18 am

      I would say keep it in your living room in front of your TV and either watch shows or blast music!

  • Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table January 4, 2011, 9:07 am

    I love veggie sushi! They have it at Whole Paycheck, too. The pre-made has avocado, but they will make you a custom roll if you ask. 🙂

  • Tina January 4, 2011, 9:07 am

    Those tofu lettuce wraps look awesome! PS. HOT shoes!! 😉

  • Joyce January 4, 2011, 9:10 am

    Caitlin, I’ve been watching to see what you’ll say about your bike trainer, ever since you posted about the trainer weeks ago ( before you got it). I asked for a bike trainer for Christmas and got diamond earrings instead ( not a bad trade) but I’m going to order that trainer today! I miss riding my bike but I know only the TV will make it tolerable inside!
    Happy Anniversary, your CowFish meal sounds delish!!

    • Caitlin January 4, 2011, 9:18 am

      Diamond earrings > trainer 🙂

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing January 4, 2011, 9:47 am

    I love any tempura rolls, even though they are far from actually being traditional sushi. Those look great! Happy anniversary!

  • Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good January 4, 2011, 9:48 am

    Happy Anniversary!

    My first thought about Cowfish – what a strange combination! Then seeing your food pics, it all looked so good. 🙂 Vegetarian sushi would totally be the way to go for me.

  • Kate N. January 4, 2011, 10:09 am

    Lucky that you get to ride in front of House Hunters! The BF thinks our dog is going to jump into the spokes while I am riding. Meaning I have to ride in the loft with not TV or House Hunters 🙁

  • Stephanie January 4, 2011, 10:22 am

    Just tried a veggie sushi roll for the first time the other night and it was just ok. The one you got looks great though!

  • Jenifer January 4, 2011, 10:39 am

    You are rocking those shoes girl!

  • Maddie (Healthy Maddie) January 4, 2011, 10:43 am

    Happy anniversary! Cowfish sounds great and I’m glad you’re liking the indoor trainer!

  • salah@myhealthiestlifestyle January 4, 2011, 10:59 am

    I love veggie sushi rolls 🙂

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit January 4, 2011, 11:26 am

    Nice date night 🙂 Those asparagus rolls look, um… interesting. And I’m not usually one to bring up phallic symbols, haha!

  • Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion January 4, 2011, 11:32 am

    What a great date and Happy Anniversary. I was telling my friend about the indoor trainer, I think it is a great option for her. Does the one you have only work for certain bikes? Thanks!

  • Nancy January 4, 2011, 11:51 am

    I’m curious about your trainer as I’m in the market for one myself and there are so many choices out there. Do you find it noisy? Is it stable? How about resistance, do you feel like there’s enough to get a good cardio workout and not burn out your tire?

  • Stephanie January 4, 2011, 12:12 pm

    Happy Anniversary! Our 3 year is today!! 🙂

  • Ellen@FirednFabulous January 4, 2011, 12:34 pm

    Wow, that IS the perfect day! I’m jealous 🙂

  • Amber K January 4, 2011, 1:02 pm

    Happy Anniversary! That restaurant sounds amazing. I love places that are well versed in food allergies and intolerances. And when they make great food, it’s all the better!

  • Jessica M January 4, 2011, 1:26 pm

    That sushi looks sooo yummy. I love brown rice, but have never had brown rice sushi.

    Happy Anniversary!

    P.S. I think I have that tablecover in the last photo.

  • Tanya @ Vegan Faith January 4, 2011, 1:26 pm

    Ha ha, I read the bit about Phoenix and I got super excited and thought, wow I’m going to be in Phoenix in a couple of weeks too! What a coincidence. And then I came to my senses and realized we are going to the same conference! Can’t wait to see you there! I’m so looking forward to the wonderful weather and to see all the GOTR folks!

    • Caitlin January 4, 2011, 1:44 pm

      oh so fun!!!

  • JenRD January 4, 2011, 2:45 pm

    Ohhh, when you go to Pheonix, you should totally check out Scottsdale! Very quaint Western city with cute downtown area. Lots of cute shops, restaurants and art galleries. On Thursday nights, they have Art Walk, where local restaurants serve food and wine outside of the galleries! Fun! Also, Sedona is about an hour away, and has AMAZING scenery of the red rocks (the Pink Jeep tour is great–but not if you get nauseaus from bumpy roads!)

    Jen

  • Gigi January 4, 2011, 2:48 pm

    Those sushi rolls look so delicious. It’s good to know the chef was so accommodating.

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss January 4, 2011, 3:27 pm

    It’s great you can stay motivated on the stationary bike. The only way I can is to be in RPM class which my gym no longer offers. :/

  • Ali January 4, 2011, 4:21 pm

    happy belated anniversary! Sounds like you had the perfect day 🙂

  • Roz January 4, 2011, 9:50 pm

    Hi Caitlin, I’ve never posted before but have been reading your blog for around 6 months and really do love everything you post. As a vegetarian and person who enjoys working out and being healthy your blog is extremely enjoyable to read.

    Now to the point of my post… I currently live in Phoenix and caught that you would be in the area. In a comment above you mentioned things to do, if you haven’t been before I would highly recommend checking out a restaurant named True Food. It is run by a group called Fox Restaurants and all of their places are very healthy and fun. True food has many wonderful vegetarian options and just an all around great atmosphere and ambiance. You can find more information on their website at http://www.foxrc.com. I would recommend their newest location in North Scottsdale at the Scottsdale Quarter. But in general all of their restaurants are wonderful.

    Another great food/wine bar is Postinos. The one closer to downtown Phoenix has a wonderful outdoor seating area and also just an all around fun setting.

    Just wanted to throw in a few of my favorites. I hope you enjoy your time in Phoenix and if you have any questions or I can help in any way please feel free to shoot me an email!

    Roz

    • Caitlin January 5, 2011, 9:35 am

      Thanks so much for the info, Roz!

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