georgevutetakis.com http://georgevutetakis.com/blog The Vegetarian Guy Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:19:31 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 The Vegetarian Guy no Holiday Spirit is Alive in Michigan http://georgevutetakis.com/blog/2010/holiday-spirit-is-alive-in-michigan/ http://georgevutetakis.com/blog/2010/holiday-spirit-is-alive-in-michigan/#comments Sun, 19 Dec 2010 10:00:09 +0000 George http://georgevutetakis.com/blog/?p=3397

The first week of December was another whirlwind trip to Michigan for events, book signings and talks.  It has been three years since my feet felt the cold pavement of a Detroit winter.  I bit my lip and braced for the cold as I dashed into the Cacao Tree Cafe where I found warmth, refuge and good energy.

Former employee and friend, Amber Poupore, has recently begun her adventure as a restaurateur.  Her emphasis is raw and vegan; the food was delicious and energizing.

My initial book-signing appearance was at the Birmingham Winter Markt, their first annual German-style holiday festival.

Cousin Don Hobson, farmer and market-master for the Birmingham Farmers Market, invited me to share a booth with him.  His homemade jams and kettle corn were on one side and my books on the other.

When I suggested space heaters, he said he was country and wouldn’t need them.  The morning following an evening of selling in the 19 degree cold, Cousin Don arrived with two space heaters under his arms.  The Markt turned out to be a charming event in spite of the colder than usual weather.  Stalwart and hardy Michiganders, inspired with Holiday spirit, flocked to the outdoor Markt.  As twilight approached, the park became magical with the beautiful lights, music and good cheer.

The next day I left signed books with my son, Spyros, and headed to a book-signing at the warm and cozy Borders Bookstore, just a few blocks away.  At both events, I saw many old friends and met new ones.

Monday morning started with an interview on the Craig Fahle show on the local NPR station, WDET.  As I drove to the studio in Detroit, I marveled at the renewed energy in the area.  I had a strong sense that people were not lying down and accepting their fate in these tough economic times.  Nowhere was this more visible (and audible) than when I entered the studio of WDET.  The positive energy they all seemed to have about Detroit was contagious–it felt as if I was participating in a grand experiment of urban renewal.

My next stop was Whole Foods Market in Troy.  They sponsored my events, providing me with the food I needed to teach my classes and gave me brochures for the inspiring healthy-food program created by Dr. Joel Furhman.

Tuesday was lunch with Halim and Lamia of Oasis Mart in Royal Oak.  We have been business associates and friends since Inn Season Cafe opened in 1981.  Lamia is a fantastic cook–a real neighborhood treasure.  She served a delicious crushed lentil soup, biryani rice, majdara, hummus, babaghanoush, lentil salad and baklava.  They invited friends and customers to come by for a meet and greet.  It was a joyous affair with great food and company.

In the evening, at the Wayne County Community College (WCCC), 76 people showed up for my cooking demonstration and talk about vegetarian food for the holidays.

I taught the enthusiastic crowd how to make Quinoa-Corn Arepas and Cranberry Chocolate Salsa with Toasted Pepita and Fire-Roasted Poblano Chile Pesto.

Inn Season Cafe provided Cashew Vegetable Chili and their house bread.  The food and book were big hits and we discussed a repeat in the Spring.

The next afternoon  was spent in Grosse Pointe at the TV5 studio in the War Memorial, a grand old estate built by Russell Alger Jr.  Robert Taylor and his wife, Pamela Hill Taylor, hosted me on their show Out of the Ordinary and into the Extraordinary.  It gave me a chance to talk about the hard-working farmers and bountiful farmers markets in Michigan, as well as the impact they have on the community.  We discussed how to enjoy the holidays while making healthy food choices and where to start with those New Years resolutions.  The fun and informative show is now available in eight Michigan counties in the public access area of ATT and Comcast cable services.

Wednesday evening was the sold-out event Food is Medicine at the Wellness Training Institute with cardiologist Dr. Michael Dangovian.

We took turns discussing how food is not only the key to nourishing the body, but also one of the key factors for reducing stress in life.

In addition to demonstrating the same dishes from WCCC, I also prepared the Shiitake Mushroom Saute recipe from my book.  Inn Season Cafe provided Budapest Mushroom Soup and their house bread as well as a delicious Bengali Rice Salad.

We’re already planning our next event for March 30, 2011.  If you are interested, please contact the Wellness Training Institute.

Overall, my Michigan visit was personally very satisfying as I saw progress in the food/health ideals that I worked for during my restaurant years.

Inn Season Cafe is thriving, The Cacao Tree is just simply amazing and the Wellness Training Institute represents the future of medicine.  I’m gratified to be part of this movement in Detroit.

Vegetarian Traditions Cookbook

Special direct-from-the-author

Holiday Price this week!

Only $24.99

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All books purchased here are signed by the author!

Expedited shipping available

–up until December 23rd.

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]]> http://georgevutetakis.com/blog/2010/holiday-spirit-is-alive-in-michigan/feed/ 1 The first week of December was another whirlwind trip to Michigan for events, book signings and talks.  It has been three years since my feet felt the cold pavement of a Detroit winter.  I bit my lip and braced for the cold as I dashed into the Cacao Tree Cafe where I found warmth, refuge and good energy. Former employee and friend, Amber Poupore, has recently begun her adventure as a restaurateur.  Her emphasis is raw and vegan; the food was delicious and energizing. My initial book-signing appearance was at the Birmingham Winter Markt, their first annual German-style holiday festival. Cousin Don Hobson, farmer and market-master for the Birmingham Farmers Market, invited me to share a booth with him.  His homemade jams and kettle corn were on one side and my books on the other. When I suggested space heaters, he said he was country and wouldn’t need them.  The morning following an evening of selling in the 19 degree cold, Cousin Don arrived with two space heaters under his arms.  The Markt turned out to be a charming event in spite of the colder than usual weather.  Stalwart and hardy Michiganders, inspired with Holiday spirit, flocked to the outdoor Markt.  As twilight approached, the park became magical with the beautiful lights, music and good cheer. The next day I left signed books with my son, Spyros, and headed to a book-signing at the warm and cozy Borders Bookstore, just a few blocks away.  At both events, I saw many old friends and met new ones. Monday morning started with an interview on the Craig Fahle show on the local NPR station, WDET.  As I drove to the studio in Detroit, I marveled at the renewed energy in the area.  I had a strong sense that people were not lying down and accepting their fate in these tough economic times.  Nowhere was this more visible (and audible) than when I entered the studio of WDET.  The positive energy they all seemed to have about Detroit was contagious–it felt as if I was participating in a grand experiment of urban renewal. My next stop was Whole Foods Market in Troy.  They sponsored my events, providing me with the food I needed to teach my classes and gave me brochures for the inspiring healthy-food program created by Dr. Joel Furhman. Tuesday was lunch with Halim and Lamia of Oasis Mart in Royal Oak.  We have been business associates and friends since Inn Season Cafe opened in 1981.  Lamia is a fantastic cook–a real neighborhood treasure.  She served a delicious crushed lentil soup, biryani rice, majdara, hummus, babaghanoush, lentil salad and baklava.  They invited friends and customers to come by for a meet and greet.  It was a joyous affair with great food and company. In the evening, at the Wayne County Community College (WCCC), 76 people showed up for my cooking demonstration and talk about vegetarian food for the holidays. I taught the enthusiastic crowd how to make Quinoa-Corn Arepas and Cranberry Chocolate Salsa with Toasted Pepita and Fire-Roasted Poblano Chile Pesto. Inn Season Cafe provided Cashew Vegetable Chili and their house bread.  The food and book were big hits and we discussed a repeat in the Spring. The next afternoon  was spent in Grosse Pointe at the TV5 studio in the War Memorial, a grand old estate built by Russell Alger Jr.  Robert Taylor and his wife, Pamela Hill Taylor, hosted me on their show Out of the Ordinary and into the Extraordinary.  It gave me a chance to talk about the hard-working farmers and bountiful farmers markets in Michigan, as well as the impact they have on the community.  We discussed how to enjoy the holidays while making healthy food choices and where to start with those New Years resolutions.  The fun and informative show is now available in eight Michigan counties in the public access area of ATT and Comcast cable services. Wednesday evening was the sold-out event Food is Medicine at the Wellness Training Institute with cardiologist Dr. Michael Dangovian. We took turns [...] The first week of December was another whirlwind trip to Michigan for events, book signings and talks.  It has been three years since my feet felt the cold pavement of a Detroit winter.  I bit my lip and braced for the cold as I dashed into the [...] Jeanie McNeil, A Good Friend http://georgevutetakis.com/blog/2007/jeanie-mcneil-a-good-friend/ http://georgevutetakis.com/blog/2007/jeanie-mcneil-a-good-friend/#comments Sat, 17 Nov 2007 00:02:51 +0000 George http://georgevutetakis.com/blog/?p=45 robert-and-jeanie.jpgroyal-oak-03-2006-053.avi < Video of Jeanie

I first met Robert Taylor in India in 1975.  We both cooked at a temple in Vrndavan, Uttar Pradesh.  In a twist of destiny we both ended up in the Detroit area.  Robert met Jeanie twelve years ago and had been inseparable since.  Robert is an astrologer and natural performer.  Jeanie wrote a small, but potent book on positive affirmations and shared it with anyone in her path.  Together, they became local television celebrities with their respective programs on channel 5 in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.  We did a number of shows together about my restaurant at the time (Inn Season Cafe) food and spirituality.
Jeanie’s positive disposition was infectious. Whenever we spent time together, I would depart feeling spiritually uplifted. She was a unique soul.  The last TV show we did together was a tour of our Royal Oak Fifth Street project, a traditional California Craftsman home.  As a twist, when we entered the kitchen, I gave a short cooking demonstration, tying the home to a natural and organic lifestyle and we recently discussed doing the same with the current project just before she fell ill.  Even though we occasionally saw each other, Jeanie was the kind of person who left a lasting impression.  Her spirit and work inspires us to teach and share without pre-qualification. Robert and Jeanie are the kind of  people one rarely meets in a lifetime and whenever we visited together it was as if there had been no lapse of time. I consider there friendship an honor, cherish the memories and look forward to assisting Robert to carry on Jeanie’s legacy. Together, they made the community a better place.  With her passing, her presence in our hearts will encourage us to continue.

The pain of losing a spouse comes over one in unexpected ways. After years together, couples personalities become intertwined in what seems to be inseparable ways. When death pries this bonded persona apart, one of the more difficult things to deal with is facing the loneliness. With Jeanie’s passing, this has become something Robert and I have in common, I contemplated what would be helpful and decided to cook for him. A memorial can be taxing for the person who lost a companion and nourishing the body is an important thing to do. Robert, Jeanie, Sara and I had lunch together just a few weeks before Jeanie fell ill. During our meal, we discussed diabetes and cures. One of them was an Ayurvedic preparation made of bitter melon and turmeric. I took a trip to a local Indian store and found Kharela (Indian bitter melon), chana dahl, fresh neem leaves, cilantro and ginger. I entered the kitchen to make a few preparations that Robert would cherish.

Robert and first met in India sharing time as apprentices to Anand Maharaj, a cook whose family goes back six generations at the Jagannath Puri Temple in Orissa. While there, I learned the famous Jagannath Puri dahl recipe that has been distributed for hundreds of years at the temple. I prepared it to serve with Gujarati Debra (blue millet and fresh fenugreek leaf bread) and Matri (a semolina, cracked wheat and crushed fennel cracker) as well as Kharela (baked bitter melon with turmeric). It had been a while since I cooked Indian food in the traditional manner and did so while meditating on Jeanie, Robert, Anand and the spiritual path of food I had learned in Vrndavan. For me, it was a re-awakening, memories of sensual moments in India were flooding my mind. Back then, we were cooking in the all marble kitchen of Krsna-Balaram Mandir which had just opened and we would assist Anand in making twenty five dishes every day for Raj Bhog. Daily, five parrots would sit in a row watching us in the small openings in the stone lattice walls outside the kitchen window. Living in the spiritual center of India was a mystical time for all of us and I experienced traditions and cultural phenomena which could be traced back 5,000 years. To this day, my cooking carries the influence of those times. This foray into the kitchen allowed me to relive it as I had experienced it and I am grateful to have had a friends such as Jeanie and Robert to coax it out of me.


]]> http://georgevutetakis.com/blog/2007/jeanie-mcneil-a-good-friend/feed/ 0 royal-oak-03-2006-053.avi < Video of Jeanie I first met Robert Taylor in India in 1975.  We both cooked at a temple in Vrndavan, Uttar Pradesh.  In a twist of destiny we both ended up in the Detroit area.  Robert met Jeanie twelve years ago and had been inseparable since.  Robert is an astrologer and natural performer.  Jeanie wrote a small, but potent book on positive affirmations and shared it with anyone in her path.  Together, they became local television celebrities with their respective programs on channel 5 in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.  We did a number of shows together about my restaurant at the time (Inn Season Cafe) food and spirituality. Jeanie’s positive disposition was infectious. Whenever we spent time together, I would depart feeling spiritually uplifted. She was a unique soul.  The last TV show we did together was a tour of our Royal Oak Fifth Street project, a traditional California Craftsman home.  As a twist, when we entered the kitchen, I gave a short cooking demonstration, tying the home to a natural and organic lifestyle and we recently discussed doing the same with the current project just before she fell ill.  Even though we occasionally saw each other, Jeanie was the kind of person who left a lasting impression.  Her spirit and work inspires us to teach and share without pre-qualification. Robert and Jeanie are the kind of  people one rarely meets in a lifetime and whenever we visited together it was as if there had been no lapse of time. I consider there friendship an honor, cherish the memories and look forward to assisting Robert to carry on Jeanie’s legacy. Together, they made the community a better place.  With her passing, her presence in our hearts will encourage us to continue. The pain of losing a spouse comes over one in unexpected ways. After years together, couples personalities become intertwined in what seems to be inseparable ways. When death pries this bonded persona apart, one of the more difficult things to deal with is facing the loneliness. With Jeanie’s passing, this has become something Robert and I have in common, I contemplated what would be helpful and decided to cook for him. A memorial can be taxing for the person who lost a companion and nourishing the body is an important thing to do. Robert, Jeanie, Sara and I had lunch together just a few weeks before Jeanie fell ill. During our meal, we discussed diabetes and cures. One of them was an Ayurvedic preparation made of bitter melon and turmeric. I took a trip to a local Indian store and found Kharela (Indian bitter melon), chana dahl, fresh neem leaves, cilantro and ginger. I entered the kitchen to make a few preparations that Robert would cherish. Robert and first met in India sharing time as apprentices to Anand Maharaj, a cook whose family goes back six generations at the Jagannath Puri Temple in Orissa. While there, I learned the famous Jagannath Puri dahl recipe that has been distributed for hundreds of years at the temple. I prepared it to serve with Gujarati Debra (blue millet and fresh fenugreek leaf bread) and Matri (a semolina, cracked wheat and crushed fennel cracker) as well as Kharela (baked bitter melon with turmeric). It had been a while since I cooked Indian food in the traditional manner and did so while meditating on Jeanie, Robert, Anand and the spiritual path of food I had learned in Vrndavan. For me, it was a re-awakening, memories of sensual moments in India were flooding my mind. Back then, we were cooking in the all marble kitchen of Krsna-Balaram Mandir which had just opened and we would assist Anand in making twenty five dishes every day for Raj Bhog. Daily, five parrots would sit in a row watching us in the small openings in the stone lattice walls outside the kitchen window. Living in the spiritual center of India was a mystical time for all of us and I experienced traditions and cultural phenomena which could be traced back 5,000 years. To this day, my cooking carries [...] royal-oak-03-2006-053.avi < Video of Jeanie I first met Robert Taylor in India in 1975.  We both cooked at a temple in Vrndavan, Uttar Pradesh.  In a twist of destiny we both ended up in the Detroit area.  Robert met Jeanie twelve years ago [...]