Monday, October 31, 2011

Luna's Living Kitchen and Forks over Knives

I recently found an excuse to bring Forbes down to Charlotte for a lunch date at Luna's Living Kitchen.  I have only been once before, but loved the veggie burger and wanted to Forbes to try it out with me. 

We settled in, ravenous for lunch, and began to peruse the menu.  I have to be honest, even after eating here once before, and being vegan, I stared at the raw menu skeptical that its contents would have the capacity to fill my hungry belly. 

Forbes of course went for the burger after my rave reviews, but I wanted to try something new.  So after much deliberation I settled on the Lunasagna.
The portion size was pleasing to my eyes, and I knew right away I had made the right choice.  We simultaneously dug right into our entrees.
Forbes and I shared tasting bites of each others' as well.  The quinoa patty was just as amazing as I remembered!  But the Lunasagna was definitely the star of the show.  It was layered with zucchini, red sauce and a cashew-basil "cheese."  I never wanted this amazing dish to end.
What I found when eating my raw lunch was how much time I took to savor each bite.  It was as if I wanted to mimic with my eating the care and attention to detail that went into this dish.  It brought me back to a place of intuitive eating and really helped me to slow down and enjoy my meal. 

At the end of lunch I was comfortably satisfied.  But there was room for persuasion and when the owner came around to suggest the Creme Brulee I was all too eager!
Two spoons were presented to us and after a short wait we received this master piece!
Just like your traditional dish, a hard, sugared shell was cracked open to reveal a creamy and rich filling.  The Creme Brulee was cold, which I wasn't expecting (so was the Lunasagna--duh it's raw!) but the flavor and consistency was spot-on the original.  Of course, I've actually only ever had the real deal once before. 

Forbes and I both really enjoyed this meal and are excited to try other menu offerings in the future.  While it was a bit pricey for an average lunch for us, it was well worth it for the quality of the meal.  Plus, as we were leaving, they offered us these...for free :)
And those were tasty too!

Eating at Luna's has inspired me to think more outside the box and incorporate a little raw into my diet.  For someone who eats a diet that some would consider "extremist" I still can't wrap my mind around a raw diet.  I am very interested in trying some new things, however.

Another event that has me re-focused on my diet is the movie Forks over Knives.
I had some friends over last night to watch the movie with Forbes and me.  Most of the information I learned in other places: China Study, Food, Inc., etc.  However, it was a great refresher course, and brought the information to me in new ways.  I realize that while I am eating a plant-based diet, lately I have been relying a bit too much on sugar and other processed foods.  As a consequence, I really haven't been feeling 100% lately.  I really want to "clean-up" my eating habits! 

This is an ironic post considering it is Halloween and we're talking about eating healthier!  But what better time, eh?  Luckily for me, tonight's Halloween Party is a Soup Party and not a Candy Party!  So I will be eating well all day! 

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