The first is an announcement from Lisa Brooks-Williams for a Vegetarian Pot Luck lunch at the San Ramon Library on November 19th. Her photo accompanies this blog.
"Lisa is the founder of the Tri-Valley Vegetarian Society, which is an organization where Tri-Valley residents (Danville, San Ramon, Pleasanton, Dublin & Livermore) can come together and share delicious plant-based foods, learn new information, and offer encouragement and support for the vegetarian lifestyle.
Participation is open to anyone and everyone practicing vegetarianism, veganism and/or a "Living Foods (Raw)" diet. Non-vegetarian family members and the "veg-curious" are also welcome to participate!"
Oh good, then I'm not totally excluded. I participate in Animal Rescue and foster cats for Safe-Cat Foundation, but I'm not a vegetarian. Many Safe-Cat members are, but I still eat meat, mostly turkey and chicken these days, but occasionally beef and bacon. I plan to attend the potluck lunch from 1 pm to 4 pm on November 19th at the San Ramon Library meeting room (2nd Floor).
Lisa provided these Potluck Guidelines:
"Each person is to bring a Vegetarian (plant-based and non-dairy items are greatly preferred) or Raw/Living Foods appetizer, entree or dessert to feed 5 persons. There is a suggested donation of $5.00 per person help cover the costs of rent, beverages and utensils. If you do not wish to bring a dish, the suggested total donation is $12.00 per person to help cover the cost of the catered food. Children are welcome and eat for free."
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19th, 2011
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
San Ramon Library
100 Montgomery Street
San Ramon, CA 94583
"To RSVP or receive more information: Please call 925-989-1811 or email Lisa Books-Williams at Lisa@ThriveHolistic.com or LisaBooksW@Hotmail.com"
More healthy food in San Ramon can be found at the new restaurant in the Market Place called Vitality Bowls. It's a little hole-in-the-wall, across from the Library, next to the alley-way behind the Vietnamise Pho Monsoon restaurant.
Tara and Roy Gilad opened Vitality Bowls – "the first casual healthy and affordable dining option of its kind in the Tri-Valley," on October 10th. I returned a pair of shoes last week to the UPS store a few doors down and didn't notice the new eatery.
Vitality Bowls promise all kinds of good things will happen to me if I eat them regularly. Let's see, which things on this list do I need? Need I ask?
? Weight Loss
? Increased Energy
? Better Digestion
? Improved Sleep
? Enhanced Mental Health
? Stronger Immune System
? Healthier Skin
? Youthful Appearance
? Detoxification Benefits
? Improved Circulation
? Healthier Heart
The magic ingredient in Vitality Bowls is the Brazilian Acai berry, which I've seen advertised on supplement websites. Tara gave me a small "smoothie" to taste. It looked like blueberry slush, but tasted like banana. She said they put bananas in everything.
I asked how the acai berry compares to cranberries or blueberries, both of which are touted as highly healthful. Tara said "It blows them away."
I ordered a large Tropical Bowl to go. It's quite beautiful, with bananas, strawberries, coconut, and granola, surrounded by acai berry slush. Tara assured me it contains no ice or frozen yogurt, but I wouldn't mind if it did.
Tara said her "Vitality Bowls" in San Ramon is the first restaurant of its kind. She and her husband plan to open eight more in the Tri-Valley. The bowls are vegetarian, but if you want something more traditional to bite into, they offer Panini sandwiches with turkey, ham, salami, or vegie with Mozzarella cheese. Ooo I better hide that menu from the Vegans in this blog.
