Day 6: VeganMoFo. Let's Visit Help Yourself!

Let's get our organic on at Help Yourself, Key West!

Today is day number six of VeganMoFo. Since Monday, I have been to Key West four times. That's just crazy, but it's also how things work down here sometimes. Today we had some morning business downtown, and that suited me just fine since I wanted to stop in at Help Yourself before the day got rolling. I've blogged about Help Yourself before, but since this is the all-important VeganMoFo celebration, I would be absolutely remiss if I didn't include them in the spotlight.

When we first moved here, Help Yourself was just opening up. I cannot recall what was there before they took the small space over on Fleming, but the other half of the building was a laundromat. Help Yourself, at the time, was a very small organic food juice bar. They sold smoothies, wraps, their own coconut milk ice cream, and other similar items. Although not completely vegan, the menu was extensively vegan, and clearly marked. I don't have too many memories of my first few visits there beyond tasting their ice cream. It was delicious and they made it themselves. I would drive to Key West just for their homemade coconut milk vegan ice cream.

I vaguely remember the first time I met the owner of Help Yourself, her name is Charlie. She is youthful, vibrant, absolutely beautiful, and has this crazy cool accent which makes her seem extra smart. She made a commitment to the Key West community to bring us organic food. It was virtually a desert back when she arrived when it came to organic food. Back then, we had a home delivery organic food option from the mainland, not exactly a CSA. There may have been a CSA operating sporadically, but that I also do not recall. The mainstream markets had these ridiculously teeny tiny organic sections, which trust me I DO recall since I had also just recently opened, and was scrambling practically on a daily basis to source fresh organic produce and other vegan organic items. So much simply didn't exist down here. Charlie was one of the only beacons of light down here that I felt shared my vision of the need for organic food, and good food.

Meet Charlie, one of our local heroes!
Here she is at one of a series of food demo/cooking classes
she conducted over the holidays last year!

In time, my visits to Help Yourself became more frequent, and I sampled lots of things on the menu. In time, they also found their own way, changing menu items, trying new things, coming up with new ideas. And, in time Help Yourself were the ones who brought us a farmer's market. I'm keeping things positive on MoFo posts, but I would want to slap anyone silly who cracked about the size of the farmer's market. Yes, it was in the parking lot of the teeny tiny Help Yourself. But, to those of us in the know, it was the largest offering of fresh organic and local foods that perhaps this area had seen in a decade... for all I know, actually in forever. The market would be held one day a week, and locals were invited to set up and sell local fruits, jams, jellies, baked goods and such. Charlie would have fresh organic produce trucked down and set up tables in the parking lot with a plastic box, a scale and a cash register manned by someone always smiling. I remember the first time I got golden beets down here... it was at Help Yourself farmer's market. I remember the first time I got coconut aminos down here.... it was at one of those farmer's markets. I got papaya ketchup, starfruit jelly, mangoes, and other local grown and made items at those teeny markets. And, sometimes I even got coconut water on site from the Coconut Man who would travel around collecting coconuts in his jeep, then set up at the market with a big machete, and whack open the coconuts for anyone who wanted to buy the glorious coconut water.

Those markets were great. And, they began, finally, to catch on. They grew in size, and offerings. Somehow, at some point, Charlie made the decision to expand. The opportunity came when the laundromat next door was closing. When the machines were removed, the space was exposed for what it was.... needing extensive renovations (that's putting it mildly). Charlie was undeterred. She took over the space to fill her vision of a full time organic market. There were many obstacles and challenges for her to overcome. There were long delays due to bureaucracy as well as funding issues, and of course the fact that construction never goes as planned, it always takes longer and costs more than any estimates ever say. It mattered to Charlie, but it didn't matter. This is a driven woman, someone who this community needs... she simply is a "do-er." Where there is will, there is way, that is how I define Charlie. She is problem solver. She sets goals, and is undeterred, she WILL meet them.

She opened her market, moved the juice bar operation around a little bit, and began to settle into the next chapter of Help Yourself. The organic store is not big, but it contains incredibly high quality items. I feel very good when I shop in there as far as finest quality. I'm a person who depends more on quality of food, than quantity. I'm very picky personally, and for my business, about the country of origin of food, as well as that organic certification. And, when I eat out, I absolutely relish my food so much more knowing it didn't fall off a Sysco truck, but rather what is offered on those store shelves are the same brands and quality offered in that juice bar.

I read a "funny" in some magazine or something. It was a sketch of 2 people at a health food store, buying a juice or something. One person's balloon says something like "have you seen the price of this juice?!" while the other person says back "have you seen the price of cancer?"

There is not one time I have ever walked into Help Yourself and felt that I was being ripped off. I know the cost of real food, and I know the cost of organics. It's most unfortunate to us as citizens that these things cost more, but the simple fact is our government does not subsidize the organic growers and farmers. Further, to acquire the status of "certified organic" means huge volumes of money and red tape have been put forward by that small farmer. It's all backwards. If someone wants to grow RoundUp Ready wheat, heck no problem, Monsanto's got that covered, and they don't have to pay those fees, in fact our government will help them out. Yet, the small farmer is punished in their pocketbook for maintaining quality in their crops. This is largely how big corporate agribiz operates in this country today. I suppose that's one of the reasons why it was so long before a place like Help Yourself came along to help our community source better food.

The Help Yourself efforts are not limited to just their own business either. When the only organic produce distributor pulled out of the Keys a few years ago (gasp!) Charlie came to the rescue. She worked something out where she became a distributor, and she began filling the orders for businesses like us, and restaurants, that also wanted that quality of food. She rented a truck on a weekly basis, and in the beginning would trek up to the north mainland in the middle of the night to pick up the orders, and then make the drive back down, doing the deliveries. Always finding a way to overcome the ridiculous curves that are thrown at us constantly when doing business in the Keys.

This is the main area when you walk into Help Yourself.
Off camera to the left is the register area.
Off camera to the right is where you order for the juice bar.

My favorite thing on the menu at Help Yourself is called the "TLT" ... tempeh, lettuce and tomato. It's in a wrap with fresh veggies, but there's this secret sauce on their TLT that makes me want to bathe in it. I wish they'd sell it, but so far they don't. They do daily specials, grain bowls, soups, and juices. In the summer this year, they made some crazy watermelon juice concoction.... was it straight watermelon juice? I don't know.... it was absolutely divine. I know it was organic watermelon juice. As soon as I cracked the seal and took a sip, I was transported to another place. So delicious (I checked my archives, no pictures of that, shame on me). They have a great selection of juices and smoothies, offer fresh wheatgrass shots, fresh organic fair trade coffees, teas and lattes, fresh vegan baked goods, and the list pretty much seems endless. Also, the single most thing I love about Help Yourself (besides the people, of course!) is the fact that they are the ONLY place in Key West to get a hot vegan breakfast. Yup, right in that tiny juice bar, they do an all day breakfast. They make vegan french toast served with fruit (yeah, um, I know, I have indeed dedicated at least one entire post to my vegan breakfast experiences at Help Yourself in the past) but this is worth mentioning over, and over. And over. A hot vegan breakfast. It's delicious. Look, I'm running a freaking bed and breakfast, of COURSE I'm about breakfast! I love french toast, and pretty much feel like I've hit the lottery that they offer vegan french toast every day. It is absolutely delicious, dang I already said that.

We had lunch there on Tuesday. I had vegan cream of mushroom soup and a smoothie made from bananas, coconut milk, cacao nibs and cocoa. You can get it with palm sugar, but I omitted that. The other happy vegan had, of course, a TLT. Here in photos are some shots of the beautiful organic grocery and juice bar that is Help Yourself in Key West. They are open 12 months a year, and are exceptionally helpful and knowledgeable about food. Charlie especially is a treasure within our community, and I am exceptionally grateful for her dedication and perseverance in bringing her vision to life. Her dream has enriched our Key West and lower Keys community beyond anything I ever could have imagined!

Here's what was left of the other happy vegan's TLT on Tuesday...
he ate it so fast I was lucky to get a picture of the 2nd half before it vanished!

This was my soup, with a little dash of cashew cream.
To the right is my no added sugar smoothie, absolutely delicious!
I saw Charlie on Wednesday, and told her this was one of my most favorite
soup creations EVER at Help Yourself (yeah, I'm all about the 'shrooms!)

Here's part of the outside to Help Yourself.
The seating is somewhat limited, but it's really nice to sit here
and watch the day go by, you know?
Key West is a tiny speck on the map, real estate is precious,
and 99% of the small independent places in Key West
don't have the luxury of extra outdoor space.
We get to sit among the plant boxes, in the Paradise sun.
Nothing wrong about that!

This is a close up of the daily specials board.
Whoever does the writing, I wish they'd help me out with my board...
penmanship is not my forte', oh well.

Here's another shot of the juice bar, wider angle.
They've made really good use of the space, and you can see here
there's more organic non-perishable produce on racks adjacent to the cold cases.

This is another shot of the interior.
Almost the entire back wall is refrigerator cases full of
organic produce and other organic cold products.
The produce is always fresh, varied, and country of origin is provided!

Here's part of their menu.
See that "Chocolate Buzz" smoothie?
That's my favorite smoothie, they make it for me without the added sugar!

Sure there's chocolates and stuff available, but generally speaking,
the snacks are a cut above. Think kale chips. NOM!

Artisana is one of my favorite lines of "butters" and other products.
Charlie turned me onto their raw organic coconut butter, which I now
buy by the case!

A glimpse into the inner workings of their kitchen... it's BUSY!

Nice selection of organic extracts and other bakers needs.

Treeline Vegan Cheese? Yes please!

Close up of just a sliver of their organic produce offerings.
I went home with the sweetest organic USA grown strawberries on this visit!

Better choices for the home and body!
Nice selection of these types of items is available.

Help Yourself serves it's food on reusable plates.
They use biodegradable/compostable utensils.
They have separate containers to return dishes, as well as
separate buckets for trash and recycling.
Way to save the planet!  Thanks Help Yourself!

Whenever you're in Key West or the lower Keys, you simply cannot go wrong by including Help Yourself on the "must visit" places. You will leave well-nourished, both in mind and body. We love you Help Yourself!

MoFo Interruptus (Sea Turtle Emergency!)

Look who I met tonight!
Welcome to the world little loggerhead!

I'm pretty sure of all the other bloggers around the world participating in VeganMoFo, none of them have to juggle their blogging obligations around sea turtle issues. None of them, that is, except for me.

VeganMoFo is on hiatus for today, while I bring you the story of a sea turtle rescue. There is a wee bit of food talk, so bear with me.

Today I worked on 4 new recipes. I surpassed my expectations... nothing resulted in a compost walk of shame, in fact it was quite the opposite. Of them all, I'm most happy with my carrot chia muffins, although everything came out nicely. The plan was to put up some photos, but there simply was no time because of what happened early evening.

I did all this baking which resulted in many racks of muffins and other things cooling in the kitchen. The kitchen was a disaster. I had every appliance I owned going today... the Vitamix with both wet & dry containers (wet to make me a smoothie, dry to grind oat flour), the food processor, my Champion juicer (I needed that to juice veggies to use as a base for one of my muffin creations), the big Kitchen Aid, plus my slop sink began to overflow with scads of stainless bowls from so many recipes. It took me well over an hour to clean up the kitchen while my last batch was baking. While this was going on, the other happy vegan reminded me that he had scheduled a turtle nest excavation for early evening. I began to feel pressure.

I took to the office and did some on line work, then tackled some paperwork. Before I knew it, the time was upon us to gather for the excavation. The background is important to know. The nest we had scheduled to excavate was a nest we had relocated. Back in June, a loggerhead came ashore and laid her eggs so close to the tide line that the eggs were in imminent danger of being lost due to sea water inundation. By the time we got the ok from the higher ups on the mainland in charge of sea turtles, the nest had been already exposed to one high tide. That is not good. Despite this, of course once permission was granted, we went and did the nest relocation to higher ground within a dune. More background.... if you didn't already know, both of us happy vegans are certified wildlife paraprofessionals. We volunteer for Save-A-Turtle of the Florida Keys, Inc. a non-profit grassroots group of exceptionally dedicated people who form the network that does the sea turtle beach patrols every day, and also do stranding, salvage and rescue calls. So, with proper authorization and appropriate permits, we did the relocation. The nest didn't seem to hatch, although we did see an small "cave in" at the site which could have been evidence of a hatch. We were instructed to wait the full amount of time for a possible hatch before excavation, which we did. We went to dig the nest tonight, hoping to find spent shells and an empty  nest, but sadly that is not what we found. Instead, when we got to the site, and began to dig, we found that the eggs had all died. It's hard to be certain, but it appears that the eggs never really had a chance, and probably died when they were exposed to that single high tide. Some of the eggs had tiny holes in them, and were completely empty, which is evidence of ant predation. A few had insides that looked "cooked," while most simply were dented and black... mostly moldy. We did find some eggs that actually had some turtles that began to grow, and that's a really difficult sight to see. They were not fully formed, but you can tell it was going to be a baby sea turtle, with flippers and stuff. So sad to bear witness to this. We did the excavation, took appropriate photos for the authorities, documented all the numbers (this nest had over 130 eggs lost), re-buried them, did the camouflage, and then picked up trash on the scene when we were done. As I was picking up trash, I became separated from the other happy vegan. He was walking down beach, while I was staying near the nest picking up some buoys (I found 2 perfect buoys on the flats which I will clean, decorate with turtle sayings and stuff, then sell to raise money to donate to local animal charities like I always do). Finally I heard my name over and over being shouted.... along with the chaser "hurry up! I think a nest hatched!" I ran down the beach with my trash and buoys. By the time I got to the other happy vegan, he had begun to excavate a small area where another nest was. There were teeny tracks in the area too! I looked in the hole, and there was a baby sea turtle! The hatchling was barely moving. A bucket was brought to the nest, into which we placed some sand and a small amount of sea water. Then, ever so carefully, we picked up the exhausted, barely moving hatchling and placed him into the bucket.

We continued the excavation. There were 56 hatched (we count the empty shells), 30-something undeveloped and/or dead in shell (again, so sad.... very difficult to see), and the 1 rescued from the nest. The great Dr. Doug Mader was also on site, he placed a call to the Turtle Hospital indicating we would be arriving within the hour with this hatchling. After the nest was all excavated, photos taken, data collected, and shells re-buried, we took the hatchling in the bucket to our truck, and then high-tailed it to the Turtle Hospital. The hatchling began to get much more active in the bucket. In fact, when I picked him up to photograph, he actually gripped onto my gloved hand with such force I was truly taken aback. I'd never felt such force from a hatchling before! This was a VERY good sign.

We made it to the Turtle Hospital pretty quickly, and handed over the hatchling in the bucket. Before we left, I made certain to reassure the hatchling that he was the "one" out of every hundred that will survive. He's going to get some nourishment and a checkup at the hospital, then as quickly as he's ready, they will transport him a few miles out in the Atlantic Ocean into the protection and nourishment of the weed line. There, I am certain, he will live out the beginnings of his life, swimming the giant ocean, while he grows up big and strong.  Then, once grown, he will be that one out of every 100 which will survive to adulthood and continue to repopulate their precious, and endangered, species.

One out of every 100.  Tonight I met the one.

VeganMoFo will continue tomorrow. Pardon the interruption, but as you can see, it was for a very good cause.

Celebrating The Divine Diana Nyad and The Cafe, Key West (VeganMoFo continues!)

I missed a post yesterday that I had planned. The day spiraled out of control with so many errands, deliveries, and obligations. I had an inkling that the day would be busy, but by about 10-ish, I knew there was no hope to pull off everything on the "to do" list. It was also about the same time that a text came in to the other happy vegan's cell phone.... something along the lines that there was going to be a party at someone's place in Key West that evening.... would we like to go and meet Diana?

Thunk.

Ok, the above "thunk" was a reenactment of me hitting the floor the moment the text was conveyed to me.

We said yes.

I began to attack my "to do" list with the force of a Tasmanian Devil (Bugs Bunny Taz.... not real life Taz). I was getting things done, including a few things Pop needed taken care of, all with my eye on the clock. The MoFo post I had planned is going to wait, because basically yesterday evolved into a celebration of Diana Nyad, and a visit to the Cafe', a mostly vegetarian restaurant (yes, that is the full name) for a very fast bite to eat before the party.

Diana is, understandably, and well deservedly, the toast of the town right now. Not just our town, but every town. She's still in Key West, and everyone wants to see her, touch her, talk with her, and pretty much simply "be" in the presence of such greatness. I'm on the very long list of admirers, you already know. Once I got everything I was able accomplished, I left the remaining items on "the list" with no guilt at all. I directed my attention to the kitchen for some quick baking. I was raised, as was the other happy vegan, that when you're invited to a party, you bring something. It doesn't have to be expensive, or fancy, but the rule is never show up empty handed. So, we were invited to a party being hosted by someone we did not know, but the rule still applied. When it doubt, bake cupcakes! Not just ANY cupcakes, bake vegan, organic cupcakes!

I baked coconut Key lime cupcakes to bring to the party.
Here's some of them.
I use local grown organic Key limes.
It's the "not so secret, secret" to making these cupcakes amazing.
Bottled Key lime juice will not do...
nor will Persian limes, or any other kind of lime.
Big Pine Key grown organic Key limes.
Wham!

After I got the cupcakes baked, decorated, boxed and wrapped, I cleaned myself up and got ready to go. About 5 minutes before heading out the door, the first of a few texts came in saying that a parade had been organized to celebrate Diana, so she would be arriving at the party a little later than initially planned. With barely a missed beat, both of us decided there was time for "The Cafe" for a really quick bite to eat, hooray!

We headed out the door, cupcakes in tow, for Key West. We stopped on the way and picked up a bottle of Moet so I could give it to Diana when I met her (not all champagne is vegan-friendly, but Moet is, you bet!) This time of year in the Keys is pretty quiet. The summer holidays are over, kids are back in school, there may be a touch of autumn in the air up north making people want to nest at home, and blah blah blah. For me, this is a perfect time to be in the Keys... I love the roads being less traveled, I love going places and pretty much seeing all the people I know, and just really appreciate the beginning of my own "summer vacation," as backwards as it may seem compared to the calendar. There was virtually no traffic the whole trip down to Key West. We made the trek in record time, while I chattered the whole ride down about how I hope I don't "dork out" the moment I meet Diana (more on the "dorking out" aspect further...)

When we got into town, we found ample parking, another reason to love this time of year. We headed into the restaurant, I've written about "The Cafe" many times on this blog, it's a staple in my favorite places to eat in Key West. Of all the visits we've made to the Cafe through the years, it figures that this one during VeganMoFo was when we were pressed for time, so didn't get dessert or appetizers, plus we both ordered the same thing ... yet it was still a well-timed visit for the topic, and let's take a peek in photos, before I get back to my brush with the great Diana Nyad.

This is the sign that hangs above the entrance at The Cafe.
I never asked, but I think their sign was designed/painted by
an artist in Key West who signs her work "Ginger."
The Cafe always has local art for sale on it's walls.
This looks like Ginger's style.
Although I've never met the mysterious "Ginger,"
I am a big fan. Someday I hope to buy an original "Ginger"
work of art to hang in my personal space.
Until then, it's always a special treat when Ginger's art is on the wall.

The Cafe also delivers... see the scooter to the right?
And, lots of locals visit The Cafe via bicycle.
People like to decorate their bikes with swag & bling, we're island ya know.

This is the room you walk into. It has dining tables,
the register, the place to pick up take out orders, and the bar.
The little white cards you see wrapped around the pole are index cards
that patrons have colored & written cute things about The Cafe.
There used to be MANY more of those cards; they were EVERYWHERE!
I even made my share of them.
One day we went in there, and they were mostly gone.
I used to like reading the cards, they were so clever.
It's ok though, now there's more room for Ginger's art anyway.

Too bad this picture came out so dark. This is the back dining room.
It has a large banquette across the back window.
It used to have a step up, and a table with stumpy little legs.
You'd have to sit on the floor if you wanted to eat at that table.
They had little throw pillows scattered there, and it was fun to eat in the window
watching the world go by outside.
I convinced the other happy vegan to eat in the window only once.
He wasn't happy about it, but complied to shut me up.
Rumor has it that it's difficult to get up and down the older we get.
Not that I'd have first hand info on that.... I age backwards.

A little blurry (such a crappy camera I'm using) but this is the
blackboard with the desserts of the day.
There's THREE vegan desserts on here, I've had them all!
I think there was vegan Key lime pie on the menu, but I chopped the bottom off...
I've had their vegan Key lime pie in the past.
It was delicious!

This photo shows the other half of the entrance dining room when you walk in...
see the window to the right, that's the street out there.
The Cafe has 2 tables by each window that seat I'd say 4 to 6.
There's a bench under each window for seating, then
chairs as you can see on the other side of the tables.
The art on the walls is for sale.
For an early Tuesday evening, they were doing a brisk business!
Everyone love The Cafe!

This is a large mixed media from the artist Ginger.
Now do you see why I love her stuff so much?!
Always so vibrant, and usually very whimsical.
LOVE!

This large painting is beautiful, and there is virtually
no more beautiful subject matter than a sea turtle.
There was no sign next to this painting.
I asked, and apparently this piece is also for sale.
Just stunning.

Both of us happy vegans ordered the seitan peppersteak with Daiya.
Sandwiches at The Cafe are always served with their house made bean salad.
The other happy vegan loves it, me not so much.
I'm sorry to say, I am not a fan of kidney beans.
For a small up charge, you can get a beautiful side salad.
That's what I always do.
I pushed the beans aside to show how generous the filling portion
is inside their sandwiches!

This is my seitan peppersteak with Daiya on ciabatta (yup, I ate bread last night...
it WAS a celebration, remember?)  with the side salad.
I really dislike sprouts, and pushed them aside.
I forgot to ask them to leave them off.
Mango vinaigrette for me too!

The other happy vegan also requested a side order of their grilled asparagus.
It is finished with pink sea salt.
When asparagus is really in season, they offer the most beautiful, petite stalks
available. They grill them to perfection.... slightly caramelized.
The other happy vegan always offers me some, but I know better...
refer to many prior posts about food territory issues between us.

I should've taken a picture of the cookie, not the sign.
Their cookies are the size of cake plates!
Oh so vegan!

The minute we arrived, we were greeted by one of The Cafe's long time servers. The wait staff at The Cafe has always been gracious, professional, and friendly. Some times in Key West, things can get a little too "island" if you know what I mean. Never had that experience at The Cafe. I mention this because we were exceptionally pressed for time last night, and they didn't miss a beat in making sure we got our great food post-haste, with a smile.  Anyway, as soon as we sat down, we ordered without even looking at the menu. The Cafe bills itself as "A Mostly Vegetarian Cafe," which indeed it is. Almost anything that is offered with dairy cheese can be made with Daiya so it's vegan. There is no meat on the menu, but there is some fish. This explains the "mostly vegetarian" part of their name. What I do especially like about The Cafe is that vegan options are very clearly marked on the menu, and they're not limited to a puny selection. There's quite a vast selection of vegan offerings. Also, the Cafe has a nice craft beer selection, sake, and also makes sangria. They have a good selection of natural sodas, always have at least 2 iced herbal teas every day, coffee, hot herbal tea, and other beverages that can be veganized (like iced or hot chai tea). Soy milk is available for lightening coffee and tea instead of dairy milk for vegans, or anyone else wisely avoiding dairy.

While we were eating our dinner (with blinding speed I should add), another text came through that the parade was behind schedule, and the arrival at the party would be even later. It really didn't matter to me, I was simply thrilled to be invited, and time was of no consequence for me.  I took a few photos (as you can see), we paid our bill, waived a "see you next time" to the friendly people working, and headed off to meet our friends who were taking us to the party, just around the corner.

This was the chariot that took us to the party!
Whee!

Once we met our friends, we visited, and then made our way over to the party whizzing through the city streets on the go-cart with cupcakes and champagne in hand. Diana was not there yet, and more texts began to flow explaining that she was doing some media interviews, and again who can blame her. If it were me, I wouldn't say "no" to anything! This is her time, this is her moment! Take every bit of it that you earned Diana! The party was beautifully catered. We made the rounds a little bit, the other happy vegan knew more people than I did, but that's always the way it seems. Most of my work takes place right here at the inn, while his obligations take him off site more frequently than me. I poured myself a glass of wine, but that was more of a "something to hold" issue than wanting to drink anything. I talked to a few people I didn't know, but that's another thing in the Keys, people don't seem as standoffish as I was accustomed to up north. People seem more relaxed, and generally speaking, happier. Everyone continued to marvel about Diana and her accomplishment through the evening. The hours clicked by, and still no Diana. The food was being eaten, the cupcakes were long since devoured. Finally, we decided to "call it a night." Some people had left before us, and it's important to remember that the majority of people there, besides those on Diana's team, are locals. We have jobs, families and other obligations that preclude us from staying out too late.

I was a little disappointed, but you know, it was an honor just to be invited. I grabbed the champagne and we began to walk down the alley, chatting and laughing. About 3/4 of the way down the alley, our friends saw Diana's long time friend Bonnie round the corner into our alley.... then just steps behind, there she was.... Diana Nyad. It was just our tiny group, and Diana with 2 friends. A beautiful, warm Key West evening, small alleyway up to the secret apartment dimly lit, smells of late summer flowers wafting through the air, and just us. No 100+ party people vying for Diana's attention. Just us! I admit, I squeaked with excitement, it just popped out, couldn't help myself. Our friends went up and greeted Diana. The other happy vegan did the same. Me? I was beginning to break out into a sweat just trying to hold my composure. They introduced me to Diana. One on one, we spoke. I know everyone wants to speak with Diana, to be in the presence of her greatness. She's a generous, warm, funny woman who I swear makes every person feel like they are the only person she cares about speaking with while she's with you. I was able to say things I've wanted to say for a very long time, among them: thank you and I love you. She joked around for a few minutes. She looked beautiful, and joy radiated from her it really did. I was overwhelmed, but didn't (yet) dork out completely. She posed for just a couple quick snaps. We said goodbye, and she began to make her way to the party. I turned to walk away too, but then remembered the champagne. I had completely forgotten about it, setting it on the ground when we started taking pictures. I turned around, grabbed the bottle and chased her "wait! wait! wait! This is for you Diana!" And with that I pushed the (vegan) bubbly into her hands with another "congratulations, I'm so very happy for you!" then basically whirled around running back down the alley, completely dorking out at that point shrieking "eeeeeeeeeeeeee! Diana Nyad is sooooooooo great!!!!!" while doing a happy dance.

Sadly, my photo op with Diana was not one for the books. Her friend that took the shot had no experience with the worst camera in the world (mine) and so it's one giant blur (stabilization issues, remember?) of someone in a blue "Cuba Swim" t-shirt (that would be Diana) and someone else in a black & white polka dot dress (that would be me).

Being vegan in the Keys may have challenges at times, but it has it's rewards too. What more could you possibly ask than a great vegan dinner at The Cafe, picking up a great vegan bottle of champagne, and meeting a modern day sports hero all on the same day? Maybe it's not really fair to simply call Diana a modern day sports hero, because truth be told, she's so much more. Diana is, for me and so many others, an ambassador to the truth that dreams really do come true.

We love you Diana Nyad! We love you The Cafe! We love you VeganMoFo!

What is YOUR dream? Whatever it is, I have it on good advice to simply "find a way."

VeganMoFo Interrupted (A Diana Nyad Moment)

Unless you live under a rock, you know that today Diana Nyad fulfilled her 35+ year dream of completing an epic open water swim from Cuba to Key West. No shark cage. No flippers. And, PS: she is 64 years old.

I was up pretty much all night last night tracking her on social media, reading the updates, scouring her website for any new information the moment it was posted.  I'm pretty tired, but I'm not the one who just completed over 53 hours in the water, so I guess me saying I'm pretty tired is foolish talk.

I've posted before about Diana Nyad, even mentioning my brush with her fame one day while I was at the Sugar Apple. She was there, I was there. Admittedly I was starstruck. All she wanted was lunch, I didn't want to hound her for a photo, so I didn't. But, I was introduced to her, and I had that brief moment in time to tell her how big a fan I am, how she is an inspiration to me, and wish her luck (that was on a prior swim, not this time around). I do remember her first attempt to do this, in 1978. Enough said about those digits. But, I remember thinking "wow" way back then.

So, being up all night, then glued to the computer between chores this morning have taken a bit of a toll. We went to Key West to join the masses greeting her as she swam ashore. We were there. We saw her come in. We waved our signs, we cheered her on. We saw lots of people we knew.... this is huge news down here, seems like pretty much anyone who wasn't working or entangled with prior commitments made the time to get to Key West and see history in the making.

I'll get back to VeganMoFo tomorrow. Today was dedicated to watch someone fulfill a very long held dream, and to celebrate that moment in time. I'm so happy for Diana Nyad. She has worked so hard. Her team and her inner circle have been by her side all along to help her.

Congratulations Diana Nyad. This is your time, your moment. Thank you for reminding us, among other things, to never give up on our dreams. Your drive, determination and success will never be forgotten, and will forever remind me to never, ever give up.

We love you Diana!

VeganMoFo Begins! Let's Be Vegan At The Movies!

Welcome to the Vegan Month of Food! I'm very excited to be an official registered blogger for this worldwide event. Thanks for tuning in, now let's get to it!

I'm not what I consider a big fan of going to the movies. I've gone to movies all my life, and still do, but what I finally came to realize a few years ago is that much of what is put out as movie entertainment is just not my thing. So, instead of saying I'm not a big fan of going to the movies, I guess it's really more accurate to say I'm not a big fan of crummy movies. There's been help for me in this department because I now live pretty darn close to one of the best theaters I've ever been too, it's called the Tropic Cinema and it's in Key West.

The Tropic Cinema has an interesting history, and was essentially the creation of Key West Film Society visionaries. Presently, the Tropic is a sparkling clean, full time, multi-screen theatre, with a gorgeous lobby, comfy seats, and great people. It not only shows films, but also hosts community forums, concerts, festivals, and other events. Films shown at The Tropic range from first run mainstream movies, to independent films, and more. I really enjoy documentaries, and Tropic brings them to our community.  The icing on the cake of this place is their snack bar. Being vegan is a mine-field at most movie theaters, but not at The Tropic.

Movies at The Tropic tend to typically be screened for one week only. Sometimes they're held over another week, but not always. I check the movie listings weekly, and when a film is playing I want to see, we make immediate plans. We also schedule our eating around any movie road trip. The Tropic is exceptionally vegan friendly when it comes to their snack bar.

As I have explained, I'm very food-centric, and there's no reason to think this ends when I am a movie-goer. I have never been to any movie theatre that is more vegan-friendly, ever. Not only does Tropic Cinema have oodles of vegan food choices for it's patrons, but it also offers beer and wine, the majority of which are also vegan-friendly (at least as to the wines, I've never investigated the beer selection).

Come with me now, in photos, as we trek to the vegan-friendly Tropic Cinema, won't you?

This is the exterior of The Tropic Cinema.
Marilyn Monroe approved!

The most recent film we saw at The Tropic was Blackfish.

Once inside, you buy your ticket here, at the entrance to the lobby.
It is sparkling clean, bright and beautiful.
The nicest people you'd ever want to meet work at The Tropic.
Actually, I think they are all volunteers;
remember this is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization.

Our movie was screened in this theatre, called the Peggy Dow Theater.

Hummus! YeahBaby!

These chips are addictive (and vegan!)

Some non-alcoholic vegan bubblies to accompany your movie!

Getting to the nitty gritty now...
A nice selection of beer and wine is available, if you choose to partake.
You can buy wine by the glass, or by the bottle (!!!)
We made fast friends (as is usually the case in the Keys) at the snack bar with the people
in front of us..... they live in Key West, and walked to the theatre that night, so...
they indulged in a bottle of wine and a giant popcorn for dinner.
They are my kind of genius.

Aw.... the star of the snack bar show... popcorn!
Order your size choice, naked (no butter).
Vegan indeed!

Pinch me, I must be dreaming.... nutritional yeast at a theatre snack bar?!! YES!
Here's the vegan topping choices for our popcorn.
My choice is always the same: nooch, Cajun seasoning, salt-free seasoning,
and a dash of cayenne. Popcorn perfection!

If I had to make a "Sophie's Choice" of chocolate, Chocolove would probably be my choice.
I rarely indulge simply because I cannot control myself, I eat the entire bar.
This is vegan.
I think Green and Black's has a shared equipment statement on many of their chocolates.
They used to be labeled "vegan" but as far as I know, no longer are.
It's not that they've added
non-vegan items to their essentially vegan choices,
but rather it's about that shared equipment issue.

Original Skittles are vegan.
May not be the wisest choice, but certainly are suitable for vegans!

Swedish Fish. I've devoted entire blog posts to these candies.
Probably one of the single worst "foods" on the planet, yet (for me at least) highly addictive.
On my birthday last year, the other happy vegan gave me a giant size bag
of Swedish Fish. He thought he was being nice, but I wanted to kill him.
Once the bag is open, it's a feeding frenzy on my end.
I never opened that birthday bag, they sat for about 8 months.
Finally, he opened them and ate them.
He hid the bag from me until they were gone.
That's love.

Nice selection of teas (I think this brand is actually a Fair Trade item!)

Iced is available too.

Got a nice selection of dried fruit & nuts available from a local Nut House.
Not all of them are vegan, but many of them are!

Not all Ghiradelli is vegan, but the 72% is.
The darker the better in my world.

Refer to Skittles above. Wise choice? No. Vegan choice? Yes!

They've even got hot coffee available for patrons!

The other happy vegan choose tea and popcorn.
He's a purist and says "nothing but sea salt belongs on popcorn."
Strange then when I make popcorn at home and douse it with nooch and Spike, he devours it......

My choices for the screening of Blackfish.

Being vegan in the Keys presents is own host of challenges at times, but never at The Tropic. I no longer see movies anywhere in the Keys but there. In fact, we're both actually members now. We bought our snacks, and I took all these photos when we went to see Blackfish. A couple people gave me second looks while I was shooting pictures of candy and popcorn, but that's another great thing about the Keys... live and let live. No one gave me bad looks, no one bothered me while I was doing so. I know most people don't come to the Keys to go to the movies, but sometimes there are film fanatics that want to see a good movie on vacation. And, The Tropic does not let them (or anyone else for that matter) down. They've got our collective vegan backs covered.

When you're in the Keys looking for a movie, the one and only place to go is The Tropic. Vegans rejoice!