
by Steven Sanchez
In the culinary world, the term “secret menu” by definition is exclusive knowledge that’s unknown to the majority of the public. It is known only to those select few who are aware of certain items that are not on the everyday menu of their favorite eateries. It’s very much a VIP thing. Well, here in the Central Valley, there’s a secret menu of food out there from an establishment that is gradually gaining attention through word of mouth.

by Tom Sims
“On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” – Revelation 22:2
The tree stands at 2139 Kern St. between M and L Streets. Inside the Tree of Life Café are the fruits of many local trees along with other delicacies prepared by Chef Phillip Ocheltree, under the watchful and proud eyes of his parents, Steve and Carolyn.

by Tom Sims
There are 250 fast days in the Ethiopian Orthodox year. 180 of them are obligatory for all. During the evening meal, all food is free of animal products, and thus, vegan. If that sounds like a drudgery or burden, you have never visited Lucy’s Lair in the Woodward park area.

by Alicia Lieu
I wanted to catch up with a former co-worker of mine, Guiseppe Maione, the founder of Alchemy Creamery which produces vegan, gluten free and kosher ice cream in New York City. This is a very busy season for him, especially with the hot and humid weather that New York has been experiencing recently.

by Ashley Brandon
I ordered a Big Mac the other day and I told them to hold the meat, the sauce, and the cheese. Why? Because I’m a vegan. I’m not going to be one of those vegans who preach it as if it’s a religion, but there are many benefits of veganism. First of all, veganism isn’t so much a diet as it is a philosophy and a lifestyle. There are environmental benefits, health benefits, and the benefit of saving animals from cruel treatment.

by Cynthia Chow
& Robin Allen
This week we have a review of a fun culinary mystery that involves not only food, but a different twist, the main character is vegan. The author Robin Allen also shares about a guest post about organic farming and community-supported agriculture. At the end of this post you will find details on how to win a copy of this book.

by Christy Morgan
Now that summer is in full force you may be craving more raw, refreshing foods. In the warmer months it makes sense to eat more cooling foods and intuitively our bodies crave it. Water dense foods, like watermelon, peaches, pineapple, cucumber, tomatoes and berries, cool us off and give us more hydration. But that doesn’t mean you have to eat only raw all summer. It’s good to have a diet varied in all kinds of fruits and vegetables, both cooked and raw. Here are some tips on how to cook seasonally and get the most out of your diet during warmer months.

by Patricia Harrington
Here is another fun Thanksgiving mystery short story for you to enjoy, originally published ten years ago online in Laugher Loaf!

by Lorie Lewis Ham
So your teenager just came home from school and announced to you they are becoming vegan/vegetarian. What are you supposed to do? What does this even mean? What will you feed them? Will they be healthy? So many questions. Often a parent’s first response is to get angry. Your child is going against your way of living and you feel like it’s just a form of rebellion.