My Thoroughly Tested Travel Tips

As many of you know, I just returned from over three months of traveling through India, Thailand, Bali, Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii.

Some of you have emailed me about your upcoming adventures. I'm so excited for all you!

I know that travel seems really luxurious and wonderful to all your friends at home. But on the road there are lots of little challenges that seem big in the moment but disappear in retrospect. Once you're home telling the stories about sharing a shower with a rat, using a squat toilet on a moving train or getting lost in a rice field it feels more hilarious than it ever could when you're actually living through it.

Before you jetsetters reach your gate, I'd like to share some suggestions that might help you to enjoy you travels even more - and come home feeling rested, healthy and happy instead of exhausted, stressed and broke.

Before you go
Print out your flight confirmations before leaving. In India, Thailand, Bali and Australia I needed a physical paper copy of my flight information in order to either get into the airport or to check-in. I didn't have a printer with me so I really wished I had done this simple task before taking-off.

Write down the destination address for each flight. Many, many countries require a destination address on their customs forms. Writing "main street, Honolulu" won't cut it. Having an address to write down will save you some hassels.

Register your plans with your country's embassy. Someone should know where you are and how to reach you...just in case.

Packing
Live out of your carry-on. I did buy an extra bag after two months of travel but only to hold souvenirs for other people - a nice gesture but it would have been way better to travel without it. I found dry shampoo, conditioner and toothpaste at Lush so that I wouldn't go over my liquid allowance. Sticking to carry-on means saving baggage fees, no risk of lost luggage, and extra time to explore instead of watching a carousel after each flight.

Pick a carry-on backpack with a rain cover. Especially if you're travelling alone, I would suggest taking a backpack as your luggage (I loved my Deuter one). A backpack leaves your hands free to carry a hot cup of tea, a snack, to open doors, etc. I used the rain cover when I'm at the airport, or traveling on trains or buses. It provides an extra bit of security as it keeps all those pockets and zippers safe behind the big blue cover.

Bring fold-up shopping bags. If you're living out of a big carry-on you don't want to have to empty it and bring it along with you for everyday exploring. Pick up a few cloth bags that you can take to the store, farmers market and to tote around water, snacks and maps for your day. If you have a big purse then that might work just as well.

Pack zip-top bags. They are so versatile. I packed a bunch of empty ones that were used for wet clothes, packing snacks, toiletries, etc. They came in very handy.

Bring Postcards as thank you notes. Many people opened their homes to me over the last four months. At each spot I left behind a small gift and used a postcard from Canada to write the thank you note. You could write your address in the address line in hopes that you'll stay in touch. My niece and nephews picked out the cards for me before I left. I really enjoyed seeing what images they selected (lots of bears and loons).

For long flights bring compression socks and an airport outfits. I like to pick a really comfy outfit for long flights. It is nice to have something clean and cozy to look forward to wearing, especially for the flight home. I usually wear black yoga pants, a long black shirt, a colourful scarf and slip on shoes (if I don't need to wear my heaviest pair home). The scarf can double as blanket or a pillow and the black stretchy clothing means I look fairly descent when I arrive at my destination.

Pack a small camera. The best camera to travel with is one that won't be a pain to bring along everywhere. If you're packing into a carry-on bag this probably means you've got to find something compact. Most smartphones do a pretty good job but I found my Mom's Nikon Coolpix (12.1 megapixels) offered enough flexibility for me to capture shots day and night and was tiny enough that I always had it with me.

Stock up on snacks. You never know when they'll forget your meal on a flight, when you'll arrive in a city after the stores have shut, or when you'll be starving just a mile before you reach the summit. For me, being hungry means being grumpy and uncomfortable. I like to travel happy so I bring snacks :). I usually pack Larabars, dried fruit, packaged nuts and oats (for oatmeal or muesli) and haven't had any issues moving through customs.

Technology

Upload ebooks or podcasts to your MP3 player. Sometimes when my head was swirling on a long train ride or flight because of all the discussions happening around me - that I couldn't listen in on because they weren't speaking any language I recognized - I put in my earbuds, relaxed and listened to a familiar voice tell me a story.
Some of my favourites are: This American Life, The Dinner Party Download, Marathon Talk, Vegetarian Food for Thought, NPRs Wait Wait Don't Tell Me, Indie Travel Podcast, Amateur Traveller, NPRs Pop Culture Happy Hour, Our Hen House, and Freakanomics

Use a site like TripIt to keep your family and friends aware of your whereabouts. I discovered TripIt a few weeks before I left. It is a great site that organizes all of your travel confirmations. It sends you reminders about upcoming flights and can be shared with others to keep them informed of your itinerary (like when to meet you at the airport).

Get smartphone savvy. There are great travel apps if you have a data plan (if not TURN OFF YOUR NETWORK) I found iTranslate, currency converter, Vegout, and Veg Passport to be very handy. I also used the weather app and world clocks app on my iPhone everyday.

Sign up for Skype. These days, if you can find an internet connection then there is no need to feel far away from your loved ones. Skype accounts are free and allow you to have video phone calls with anyone who has an account.

Fill an external hardrive with movies and tv shows. If you're traveling alone and will be in pretty secluded spots it is a nice treat to have a movie to watch in the evenings after a long hike. I was in a few places without tv, radio or internet during some major monsoon storms - having some great entertainment made those nights relaxing and enjoyable rather than boring and lonely.

Pick up a universal adaptor. I had my laptop with me everywhere - without a universal adaptor it would have been a useless, heavy addition to my luggage.

General Tips

Walk. There is no better way to really see a city than at your own pace. Stroll, smile, and discover the little secret spots that you'd miss if you were racing past in a car/bus/tram or train. I would draw myself little maps each day of where I wanted to wander.

Visit local markets. I love the markets in Toronto but there is nothing like learning about the great ingredients that exist around the world from the people who grow them. Many of the fruits I had tried before tasted incredibly different when they hadn't travelled across the world to get to my store. Starfruit in Hawaii was my biggest surprise. I also discovered a ton of new plants that offer unique flavour profiles and nutritional benefits. Markets can be a great place to pick up souvenirs as well. They often have unique crafts or ingredients that aren't marked up with the "tourist tax".

Connect with locals. Reach out to bloggers, twitter friends, like-minded associations (vegan, runners, religious, knitters...whatever) in the places you plan to visit. I didn't read a single guidebook before my trip (only because I did not have any free time) but I did read blogs, search out organizations and send out many, many, many emails to connect with people in the places I would be. It turned out to be my most rewarding investment :). I met amazing people and experienced the cities from the perspective of the people who know it best.

Make a list of your must-sees in each place.  You don't want to leave disappointed but make sure the list is really your "musts". Then free yourself to discover something new that you never would have considered. Ask locals for advice, read the newspapers or type some search terms in google and see what comes up.


Keep you immune system strong. Zinc supplements can be a great boost. I forgot to bring it this trip but often use it at home when I feel a cold coming on. I know everyone says, don't eat raw foods...but I did the opposite. I ate as much raw fruit and greens as I could and I stayed super healthy. Be careful about who you buy food from but don't be afraid to eat fruit and vegetables - your body needs them.

Travel with a great attitude. This is really my most important piece of advice. Remember why you're traveling. Open up your mind and your heart to places that are different. It is okay to be challenge by the experience, but embrace the opportunity for discovery that experiences outside of your comfort zone allow. It's worth it. Those are the unforgettable moments you'll reflect on when you're back in your cozy routine, with the coffee you like, the climate you enjoy and all the clothes you love.

Bon Voyage!

An epic post on my epic adventure

This morning I walked past the CN tower for the first time since October. I live across the street from this iconic site and usually circle it every single day, so the moment I traipsed across that familiar path I felt at home. For those of you who have followed my journey from that first 15-hour flight to today's post, all I can say is that your support means the world. There were days on this trip when a warm message from home turned everything around. You will never know what your notes of encouragement have done for me. Please accept my heart-felt "Thank you!"

Now that I'm back in Canada I've jumped back into my day job and will start saving up my vacation days for my next epic adventure (I don't have any big plans yet). I've been making notes along the way of the projects I want to tackle in 2012 so stay tuned for lots of fun and delicious treats coming your way.

Since I've been home, people have been asking "what was your favourite moment of the trip?"


Could you tell me the best moment you experienced in the last 105 days? Tough, right?

Well, in an attempt to respond to those inquiring minds - and before I get to stuck to my swivel chair or sucked into spreadsheets -  I wanted to take a minute to share some magical moments I remember from the road and my gratitude for the people who made it all possible.

India

Most Memorable Moments:

1. Watching 100 people stream into my demo in Mumbai. They were filming that day and we had only prepped food for 50. I somehow got the crowd into doing stretches while I pulsed things in my food processor which was hilarious to watch. The group's enthusiasm gave me the energy I needed to have fun through the chaos.

2. My Taj Trip. When Mayank picked me up at 3:30 am with a van packed full of vegan snacks, a blanket and a plan to make sure I saw all the sights in Agra I was overwhelmed. I felt so incredibly cared for in the moment.

Best Meal: A impromptu raw dinner at Mala's home in Delhi. I'm still craving sliced oranges sprinkled with hot spices.

Thank you: SHARAN, Nandita, Alyssa, Kwynn, Tumvi, Laura, Millie, Archie, Joes, Minny, Monica, Rithika, Vegan Bites, Mala, Mayank, Shauna, and Manesh

Thailand

Most Memorable Moment: 
1. Seeing the elephants for the first time. Spending a week at the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai - was one of the best decision I made in 2011. The first moments after arriving at the park, standing at the feeding platform and watching the elephants gather round will stay in my heart forever.

Best Meal: Eating my way through May Kaidee's cooking class with my Jennifer. We were starving when we arrived at the farm so that first sesame-infused bite of hummus was heaven.

Thank you: Jennifer, Darrick, Mark, Beck, Jess, Emily, Nicki, Leo, Kevin, Ed, Nicole and Bob.

Bali

Most Memorable Moments: 
1. Watching the sun set over the rice fields. I'm a sucker for a big pink sky.

2. Yoga in a tree house on Christmas Day.

Best Meal: No question, my Fivelements lunch. It was a moment of peaceful elegance during a tough couple of days. Chef Made is amazing.

Thank you: Lai, Made, Carolyn and Big Tree Farm

Australia

Most Memorable Moments:

1. Picnic in the vineyard after wine tasting. The sun was shining, I was relaxing on a plaid blanket with hummus, warm bread and a good friend. That's the life!

2. My Beck-planned day in Sydney. Having a great friend show-off their city is the best way to discover all the special spots.

Best Meals: A toss up between the fruit platter I created with Hannah (my long-lost soul mate) and

and brunch at Monk Bodhi Dharma with the couple from In the Mood for Noodles, who incidentally are the most incredibly food-scene ambassador's I've ever encountered. I really hope Melbourne tourism finds a way to employ them.

Thank you: Arlene, Beck, Joy, Mandee, Kristin, Toby, Hannah, Mark, Ryan, Doran, Loving Earth

New Zealand

Most Memorable Moment: 

The entire day of my Tongaririo Alpine Crossing. I loved every muscle-straining second!

Best Meal: Hectors! The whole experience just felt special. Each dish was carefully crafted and presented with poise. The flavours were interesting and diverse and I got to share it all with a table full of great new friends.

Thank you: Prem, Rajen, Indra, Jessica, Peter, Rene, Lorraine, Ron, Theresa, Little Bird Organics

Hawaii

Most Memorable Moment:

1. Reaching the beach on the Na Pali Coast

Best Meal: My last lunch on Kauai, a beautiful plate of local fruit, quinoa, ginger and macadamia nuts prepared by Ellen. Although, the late dinner Andrea and I pulled together was a close second but it didn't include whale watching so...

Thank you: Andrea, Ori Ann, Wayne, Mark, Ellen, Lisa, Doug

The journey feels pretty immense when you try to pack it all into one post.

Somehow over the miles I managed to stay healthy (no stomach aches, cold or flus), avoid jet lag and hold on to every piece of luggage I packed.

I came home with more freckles, more confidence and more love for the world and everyone who inhabits it than when I left.

I know the freckles will fade but I hope the other two souvenirs are here to stay.

Although, I'm back playing in my kitchen and creating fun recipes again, I do have a few travel-tip posts and reviews to write before I forget all the great things I discovered and the lessons I learned along the way.

xo

Great gratitude to: Brenda, Jerry, Jill, Christy, Pramen, Alini, Michelle, Wayne, Dan, Reg and my Mom.

Hawaii: I ❤ Kaua'i

Embrace the detours. ~ Scott Cameron

On a long trip, as in life, it is impossible to plan every second. Along the way, opportunities arise and detours are discovered. Kaua'i, Hawaii's garden island, was outside of my original itinerary, but with five days at the end of my trip available for exploring I jumped at the chance to plan an inter-island excursion.

Thirty minutes after taking off in Honolulu I landed on the lush shores of Lihue. I had booked a deal on a rental car and studio apartment on the island's north coast. I turned on the local radio station and cruised along the island's main two-lane highway, through Kapa'a and on into Princeville.

There at the end of my street (for the week) I breathed in the sea air and reflected on the journey that brought me to these shores.

The next morning, I started the day by watching the waves crash on the coast. As I sat cross-legged on a hill overlooking the ocean I thought about my cubicle at home. If only I could set up my computer outside in the sun with the calming sound of the water in the background, I would feel far more excited about my return to that routine.

Even though my days in Kaua'i were mostly spent resting and relaxing, I did enjoy a few food adventures including a tasting tour of Steelgrass Farms. We tasted 1. limes 2. star fruit (which tastes sweet and floral - nothing like the watery ones at home) 3. passionfruit (a.k.a. lilikoi) 4. egg fruit (which would be an amazing sweet potato or pumpkin substitute in baked dishes) 5. mountain apple 6. watermelon radish and 7. rambutan. I didn't capture pictures of the logan, sugar cane, oranges or apricots that we also enjoyed.

After the diverse array of local produce we moved on to an eleven course chocolate tasting, while sitting in a little tent next to fields growing an ample supply of cacao. That's right, eleven courses of chocolate! If you don't have Valentine's Day plans...this would be an excellent option (buy some bars and gather some friends).

The blind tasting allowed us to savour each sample and attempt to identify the subtle flavour notes in each bite. It was quite amazing to taste the difference between the bars, even though they all had the same four ingredients. Processing, percentages and soil make a world of difference in the final product. I left the farm feeling high on life and in love with Hawai'i.

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With the extra endorphins delighting my brain I took in the beautiful sights along my route home. Waterfalls, rolling hills and the Waimea river create the definitive tropical atmosphere of Kaua'i.

As much as I like to look at lush green trees, I'm even more fond of eating what they produce. Kaua'i has a local farmers market somewhere on the island everyday of the week. You know I couldn't turn up a chance to stand around with the locals, picking out prize produce. So, during a rain storm I packed a few bags full of mangoes, stair fruit, apple bananas and rambutans. It was awesome!!!

Other than the markets, the vegan food scene in Kaua'i has a few great options. I didn't get to try them all, but next time I will make sure to visit Rainbow Living Foods and the Mermaid Cafe in Kapa'a. On this trip I had hummus and salad at the Postcards Cafe in Hanalei, vegan baked goods at Harvest Market and Java Kai, vegan tacos at Verde in Kapa'a and stocked up on staples at the Papaya Natural Food market.

My favourite meal of the trip was at the home of my friend's parents, who treated me to a big plate of papaya, avocado, purple potatoes, quinoa, and macadamia nuts. They also packed up some ginger macadamia cookies for my long flight home. I will be visiting them again :)

During my stay I had to put all that fresh fuel to work. I tried to catch a glimpse of the Waimea canyon but a storm washed out the roads. The next day, during a window of sunshine I was determined to explore the Na Pali Coast's famous trek.

I was expecting a treacherous trail but the first two miles of the route were actually quite easy and enjoyable. I didn't pack supplies since I had not anticipated having a chance to climb the four mile trail to the waterfall - the day before 5 couples were airlifted off the coast because they were trapped by high water levels - so when I reached the beach I knew I had to turn back.

I was so grateful for a day with a little sunshine. Hiking the Na Pali Coast had been high on my to-do list and to be able to stand there at the end of my trip, taking in the breath-taking views was a blessing.

I ended up hiking for two hours with a rancher who talked about the important role guns play in his life. We chatted about life philosophy, the importance of living your passions and staying active. It was interesting to get a glimpse into a whole different world than the one in which I live. Below the surface, we all have so much in common, such similar desires and dreams. One of the benefits of travel is changing your perspective; replacing speculation and stereotypes with experiences and reality.

So, sitting on a rock, squinting in the sunshine, I marked off the last to-do on my list.
The next day...I arrived at the first of four airports on my way home.

Tonight, I will step back into my apartment and tomorrow morning I'll be back at work.

Thank you all of for joining me along the way. It has been a great adventure because I was able to share it with all of you.

I may be home...but I'm not finished exploring.

xo

ALOHA from Oahu

Aloha Pumehana my friends.

I'm enjoying the refuge of my vacation rental (watching old episodes of Gilmore Girls) while a massive storm brews outside. Mother Nature has made quite an investment in the green vistas of Kaua'i since I arrived here on Sunday. The rain hasn't stopped me from exploring the island but the strong winds and flooded roads are keeping me off of the trails at the moment. I'm hoping to wake up to a brilliant blue sky tomorrow. (Please keep your fingers crossed for me - just two days of the trip left).

Since, I'm hanging out and relaxing in my room I thought I should catch you up on all my forays and frolicking from O'ahu last week.

On the 27th, I landed in Honolulu after a nine-hour flight from Auckland. The lovely, Andrea was there to meet me with lei in hand. As soon as the perfume aroma hit me, I sighed. I was in Hawai'i. I have been dreaming of that exact moment for countless years.

It didn't disappoint.

O'ahu is simply stunning. Everywhere you look there are palm trees swaying in the wind and people smiling on the sidewalks or strolling along the sandy beaches. Honolulu is a modern city with a busy workforce, university and community, set in one of the world's most beautiful spots.

Instead of walking you through a week's worth of awe, I've edited down my adoration to a list of O'ahu's five unforgettable attributes.

A-  Atmosphere
O'ahu is an interesting intersection of surf culture casual and tourism's finest offerings. Near Waikiki you can see flip flops walking into Prada and no one blinks an eye. What I have loved about Hawai'i is the warmth. Its not just the climate it is also the people. I've never seen so many smiles or received as many compliments just for walking down the street. Things move slower here than in Toronto, which I think gives people those precious seconds it takes to be kind. There also seems to be a consciousness about the importance of respecting and protecting the environment. It feels good to be surrounded by people who care about their choices and understand the impact.

L - Local Food
By now you know, I travel for food. I knew my time in Hawai'i would be a highlight because of the availability of fresh, local fruit.
When I arrived on Friday night I looked up the farmers market so that I could start my Saturday out with a  tasty selection of something special.

I wandered the aisles and admired all that O'ahu has to offer. There was coffee and chocolate, egg fruit, star apples, pineapples, macadamia nuts...yes, it is the farmers market you dream about during the wild, months of winter. 

I brought home passion fruit, chikos, apple bananas, avocado and a pineapple. I only had a butter knife which made for an interesting test of my dexterity and determination over the next few days. When I finally got into the succulent fruit it all tasted absolutely fantastic. As they say, fresh IS best.

Beyond the produce from the market my favourite food finds were Down to Earth stores, Peace Cafe and Simple Joy.

O - Ocean
I love the sea. During the years I lived in Calgary I really missed being close to a big body of water. Listening to the waves and watching the blue blanket ripple has the most calming effect on me.

After my raw food demo at Down to Earth, Ori Ann from the Vegan Society of Hawaii took me to Ko Olina where I walked the halls that Obama visited during the APEC meeting and caught a glimpse of the new Disney resort before settling in to soak up some sunshine and do a few laps around a lagoon. It was the perfect way to unwind after the last demo of my trip.

The only thing that can improve on an afternoon by the ocean is watching the sun disappear and paint the sky in the most brilliant hues of orange, pink and gold. Waikiki puts on quite a show at 6:30 every night.

On Saturday after our swim, Ori Ann and I tried to wait for the sun to do its thing but eventually our appetites and reservations won out. We left, but couldn't stop glancing behind us to see if the golden globe was peaking out between the clouds. By the way, do you like the lovely dress Ori Ann picked out for me. She wanted me to look very Hawai'ian for my last night in town.

Next time I'm in Hawai'i, I will go surfing or paddle boarding. I was quite enticed but was in need of a swimming pal. Anyone interested in coming along?

H - Hills
O'ahu has some great hikes. To really grasp the beauty of the island you need to find a high vantage-point to get a glimpse of the diverse terrain and the surrounding seas.

I hiked up Diamond Head on Monday morning after admiring the trail while sitting on the sand.

Andrea and I also tackled the trip up Mariner's Ridge on the east-side of the island. We were rewarded with views at the peak and spouting whales and tumbling turtles along our route home.


A - Andrea
During my stay in O'ahu, spending time with Andrea was quite a treat. She's beautiful, smart, and incredibly sweet. She opened up her home to me, organized my event, showed me around and provided me with an endless supply of kefir. Could you ask for anything more? She probably can't provide the same service to everyone passing through but I hope you'll find someone in Honolulu to welcome you and share the aloha spirit during your stay.


So, although I was very well courted by O'ahu and was feeling quite smitten by the time I went to the airport...

I do miss my friends in Toronto. Especially the crew who pulled off the 4th Annual Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-Off in my absence. It was an amazing success because a group of dedicated volunteers poured their hearts and countless hours into sorting out every single detail.

Thank you all for making me feel so loved. I feel very lucky to have you all in my life.

I'm heading to bed shortly...just two more sleeps before I start the four-airport-ordeal home.

I hope your Wednesday is as full of anticipation and excitement as mine. Let's make it memorable.

xo

New Zealand: Hector's Herbivore Heaven

During the 11 days I spent in New Zealand I only ate at a restaurant once. I wanted that meal to be memorable. It was. (See Below):

So, let's say you're in Auckland, you're vegan and you're looking for an elegant evening out on the town.

The first thing you need to do is find some friends. The most important selection criteria: 1) good appetites and 2) reliable sharing practices.

Second, find something in your suitcase that doesn't look like you already wore it on the Tongariro crossing. It doesn't have to be a ball gown but it should look okay when worn without hiking boots.

Third, head down to Hector's and put your meal in the hands of their amazing (and vegan!) executive chef. The menu isn't entirely vegan but there is enough careful attention to the culinary needs of their herbivorous clientele to make each plant-packed bite a memorable experience.

Plus, it is all very well labelled with a little green V. Don't you just love green Vs? I've come to adore them and the accompanying legend, V= vegan.

Doesn't Hector's look extra swanky in black and white. It's all that distressed wood.

The art deco decor of this refurbished downtown department store adds an air of sophistication to their courtyard diningroom.

My dining team started our eating adventure with a small wedge of warm, herb-infused bread served with tiny bowls of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. After our appetites were aroused by the amazing aroma of the bread we got down to the business of ordering.

This is when your friend selection comes into play. If you've chosen well then everyone will pick a different appetizer and entree to enjoy and feel no ownership over the dish they've ordered. This arrangement allows you to maximize the diversity of deliciousness you get to devour while limiting the fullness factor in the equation.

We started to get anxious for the appetizers. 

I ordered the Baby Beet and Orange Salad with beet paint and dehydrated black olives.

Two of my table mates selected the Red Pepper and Tomato Tartlet including an apple plum dressing.

One of our teammates chose a side of steamed vegetables instead of an appetizer. It was early on, we didn't have our game strategy down. Despite the doubling up and the detour the appetizer course satisfied everyone. The attention to detail, the vibrant flavours and the pleasing presentation made it a great start to a fantastic meal.

I will never forget those dehydrated black olives. Absolutely brilliant!

Excited about the entrees? I was too!


We shared:

Bread Crusted Tofu with potato and avocado mash, raisin puree and herb dressing.

Macadamia and Herb Roasted Eggplant Filo served with braised winter greens, corn mousse and wakame tea powder.

Truffled Field Mushrooms plated on top of seared polenta, spinach sauce and garnished with wakame seaweed.

Every single selection was stellar. The flavours were bold, each plate offered textural contrast and careful balance of sweet and savoury. I was very impressed.

Anyone desiring dessert?

This when you might start to question your team. Will they remember to share when presented with a plate of delicious decadence? I suggest making the first move. Cut up your dessert into equal serving sizes for everyone at the table, it sends the right message :)

Our sweet selections included:

Cinnamon Banana Fritter complimented by a roast grape salad, saffron syrup and a carob ball.

Strawberry Sorbet paired with coconut mousse, shortbread crumble and raspberry lamingtons

Macadamia and Rhubarb Baklava soy cream with limon cello macerated strawberries

We didn't have a perfect score, somehow our desires and distastes for certain ingredients took over and we failed to order one of the vegan entrees, one of the vegan desserts and two of the appetizers.

But...that gives me four more reasons to return.

It was an amazing evening, with a really fun group of friends. I enjoyed every bite, laughed a lot and wished that another visit would not require me to endure a 24 hour trans-pacific flight.

I miss you already, Auckland.

If you're ever in the area I encourage you to make a reservation, round-up some special dining companions and wear something with a little stretch.