sushi zo

If you’re in the mood for an epic dining experience featuring some of the freshest, tastiest sushi, look no further than Sushi Zo. The omakase multi-course tasting menu at Sushi Zo is designed to allow you to experience the essence of traditional sushi. That means the menu changes day to day depending on market availability, only the highest quality fish is served, and it’s all hand selected each morning by the chefs themselves. It’s not cheap, but good quality sushi shouldn’t be, so save it for a special occasion or celebration of sorts. But trust me, you’re in for a treat when dining here. Each dish is beautifully presented, and the flavors are so well balanced. If I could remember each of the (20+?!) plates, I’d give you a more detailed recap, but feel free to scroll through the slideshow to relive the experience a bit. From the sashimi to the sushi nigiri to the fresh roe to the hand rolls, it was all so delightful and flavorful. If you plan a meal at Sushi Zo, I hope you enjoy the experience as much as we did. It’s truly one we won’t forget. Just don’t forget the sake to pair along with your omakase!

trilogy sanctuary

On a recent day trip down to San Diego with the fam, we got to spend time with one of my best friends and eat some tasty vegan food in the process. I’d heard great things about Trilogy Sanctuary, a cute vegan cafe and yoga studio in La Jolla, so was pumped to check it out. We sat outside on the rooftop deck, overlooking Trilogy’s setup for Aerial Yoga (which looks both super intimidating yet relaxing at the same time), and enjoyed fresh, healthy, yet satisfying meal. The menu is huge- I already want/need to go back to try out more things- but once I finally narrowed it down, I decided on the raw coconut wrap filled with tasty things like roasted butternut squash, avocado and tahini drizzles, along with a green smoothie full of apple, avocado, cucumber parsley, fennel, ginger, and lime! Zingy and delicious! My hubby, an avid meat-eater, ordered the Beet Burger with fries, and chowed down. I think he just wishes it were bigger, as per usual… My bestie went the cauliflower route, and I have to say her buffalo cauliflower wings and cauliflower crust pizza were super impressive and flavorful as well! I definitely need to come back soon for a dessert sampling: the raw carrot cake, jumbo peanut butter cup, and warm fudgy brownie with date caramel are all calling my name! And who knows, maybe I’ll even try Aerial Yoga?!

superfood balls

 

If you ever need something sweet, but don't want to indulge in a full-on dessert, these are a tasty, but healthy alternative. Whether it's an afternoon pick-me-up or an after dinner treat, there are great to have on hand and contain many superfoods like maca, chia seeds & cacao! Even better, they're super easy to make- just throw everything in the food processor, and that's it! Enjoy!

Superfood Balls:

  • 1/2 cup raw walnuts

  • 1/2 cup raw almonds

  • 1/4 cup chia seeds

  • 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (about 10)

  • 1/4 cup dried unsweetened coconut

  • 1/3 cup raw cacao powder

  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

  • 1/2 tsp maca powder

  • 2 tbsp water

  • 1/4 tsp salt

Pulse all ingredients together in food processor until well combined. Roll into balls. Coat in extra coconut or cacao, if desired. Makes about 2 dozen balls. These store well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or in the regrigerator for 7-10 days.

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raw chocolate raspberry tart

I love how beautiful this tart is- it looks so complicated, but in reality, it's quite simple. Just rich and creamy chocolate ganache, a coconut and nut crust, and fresh raspberries! It's full of healthy, raw ingredients, but still tastes super decadent! I get a ton of inspiration from Oh, Ladycakes. There are tons of delicious recipes on her blog, and this is one of them! I prefer to top mine with Fine & Raw Chocolate, which was started in my local neighborhood of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and is SO addicting. You can't go wrong with any of their flavors- sea salt, coconut chunky, or lucuma & vanilla are all faves!

Raw Chocolate Raspberry Tart:

Crust:

  • 1 cup raw coconut flour

  • 1 cup raw almonds

  • 1/4 tsp sea salt

  • 1 cup medjool dates, pitted

  • 2 tbsp raw almond milk (preferably homemade)

Chocolate Ganache:

  • 1/2 cup raw cacao powder

  • 1/3 cup unrefined coconut oil

  • 1/4 cup raw honey (or maple syrup, raw agave)

Topping:

  • 1 pint fresh raspberries

  • Fine & Raw chocolate bar, chopped

Line the bottom of a 9″ tart pan with parchment paper and rub with coconut oil. Pulse the flour, almonds, and salt in a food processor until crumbly. Add the dates and pulse until combined, then add the almond milk, pulsing until the dough gets sticky. Press dough into the prepared tart pan and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, stir together cacao powder, coconut oil, and honey until well combined. Once fully incorporated, pour mixture evenly into tart shell. Top with raspberries and chocolate pieces, then transfer to the refrigerator to set for 2-3 hours. Enjoy! Makes 8-12 slices.

*Adapted from No-Bake Chocolate Raspberry Tart by Oh, Ladycakes.

Photo by Zoltan Tombor

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