Everyone knows I'm a sugar addict, and while I don't really restrict my sweet tooth (for the most part), I do love finding slightly healthier ways to indulge it from time to time. Let's be real, endless desserts full of processed sugar, flour, and butter do not make you feel great, and are not great for your waistline. I was super pumped to find this gem of a place while vacationing in Sydney, Australia. Whip It Good is a vegan ice cream bar in the heart of Bondi Beach, serving some seriously tasty coconut-based soft serve. Their ice cream and toppings are free of gluten, grains, lactose, and dairy, and most are kosher as well! I know some of you may be thinking- So, what does that leave? How could it still taste creamy and delicious? Trust me when I say both the standard Plain Jane coconut soft serve as well as the seasonally-rotating option are worth your time (and calories)! I fell in love with the turmeric soft serve- the deeply spiced and earthy flavor may not be for everyone, but it was definitely right up my alley. Both my husband and I went for the Banoffee Ya Face sundaes, complete with soft serve (I went turmeric base, while he went with the traditional coconut), toasted banana bread, and caramelized bananas. Oh. My. Gosh. It was literally heaven in a bowl, and I wish I could eat it again right now! Some of their other offerings were just as tempting- think chocolate donuts, caramel sauce, and toasted nuts! Yum! Here's hoping that Whip It Good opens a location stateside soon!
the farm at byron bay
My husband and I just got back from an amazing holiday getaway to Australia, and while the beaches and summer weather were obvious highlights, the food was absolutely noteworthy as well. One of the places I was most interested in visiting was The Farm at Byron Bay, a lovely working farm with everything from pigs and chickens to sunflowers and macadamia trees. Greens, vegetables, eggs, and meat, all produced and harvested on the lush grounds, are used in the on-site restaurant, café, and produce store run by Three Blue Ducks. We got to eat at the restaurant twice, once for breakfast and another time for lunch, and everyone was thoroughly impressed with how fresh and flavorful their meals were. There was a bit of a wait both times as The Farm is clearly very popular, but just grab a coffee at the café, and take a walk around the beautiful grounds. You may find yourself wandering among the sunflower fields, or get to witness baby piglets feeding from their mother. Another must-visit is The Bread Social, which you can't miss from the tempting smells wafting throughout the space immediately upon entering. Pick up some freshly baked breads or pastries to bring home for later (or now, no judgment). I definitely recommend stopping by if you find yourself near Byron Bay! Click through the photos above for details on some of our delicious meals!
two hands
Let's be real: Australians know how to live well. From their relaxed, beachside lifestyle to their fresh and innovate culinary scene, Aussies know where it's at. Since getting there is not exactly convenient for us New Yorkers, Two Hands is helping bring that vibe to us. I love their focus on healthy but tasty food, served in a community-focused restaurant that is welcoming for all. There's literally something for everyone, with offerings that will satisfy any and all types of eaters. Their small cafe on the Lower East Side is great for a quick coffee and light bite, but it's also nice sit down at their Tribeca restaurant for a more traditional meal. Two Hands is proof that when simple food is done right, not much else is needed! Other than maybe a perfect flat white, that is...
brassicas bowl
charred broccolini // brussels sprouts // kale // hummus // soft-boiled egg // avocado // pickled shallots // seeds
two hands beef burger
cheese // fried egg // pickled cucumber & beet relish // seeded bun // crispy potatoes // housemade ketchup
banana bread
espresso mascarpone // toasted buckwheat // honey
good morning salad
market vegetables // quinoa // pumpkin seeds // goji berries // dates // chickpeas // spinach // cumin yogurt // fried egg
green goddess salad
baby lettuces // green beans // avocado // radish // beet cured salmond // green goddess dressing
pressed juicery
Most people know Pressed Juicery as the place to go when you're on a health kick and need some extra greens in your life in the form of a cold-pressed juice. While that definitely still rings true, I was excited to try out their newer offering, Freeze. These vegan treats are made from 100% fruits, vegetables, & nuts, then frozen into a delightful soft serve consistency, and served with an array of toppings. As an afternoon cool-off on a sunny day, I chose the Greens Freeze, topped with shredded coconut. It was super refreshing and delicious! Coconut meat and dates are added to their green juice base, which takes the Freeze to that "dessert" level, while still keeping things super healthy. I also sampled the creamier Chocolate Freeze, which has an almond, date & cacao base, and would make for the perfect dessert topped with almond butter! I definitely suggest checking them out next time you stop by.
loaded chia seed puddings
Sometimes breakfast can get monotonous and boring, but these totally loaded chia seed puddings will get your day started on a delicious, healthy, and satisfying note. I like to keep the chia pudding itself quite simple and not too sweet. The toppings are where you really get to be creative! Feel free to mix them up based on your preference, but more is always better. Just make sure you use toppings with a variety of textures, so your breakfast doesn't turn into a big pile of mush. Think toasted nuts, dried fruit, nut butter, fresh fruit, etc. These chia puddings are colorful and flavorful, not to mention packed full of healthy ingredients to ensure the most important meal of your day is one to remember.
Chia Seed Puddings:
1/2 cup chia seeds
2 cups almond mik
2 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground allspice
zest of one lemon
pinch of salt
toppings of choice (I used pomegranate seeds, goji berries, almond butter, fresh berries, toasted nuts, granola, dried coconut, and finished with frothy steamed almond milk)
Combine all ingredients in large bowl, stirring until combined. Let sit overnight to thicken. In the morning, serve with preferred toppings and enjoy!
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