About Me

Shalom, Bonjour, Guten Tag, Bom Dia, Konnichiwa!

"What's that," you say?

That's the sound of a New York City girl who's been around the world and back, became a vegetarian, came up with an idea, and decided to get her act together and tell you about it.

I've traveled, lived, and worked in a number of locations around the world, from the Middle East to the Pacific, speak some Hebrew, a bit of French and German, and pleasantries in a number of other languages, love many different types of foods, and have puttered around with them all.  (I even knew what harissa was when Alton mentioned it on "Next Food Network Star"!)

One bump in the road, though, was when I became a vegetarian a few years ago.  Not an extremely strict vegetarian, I haven't made it to the vegan level, but I don't eat any meat, poultry or fish (I do miss sushi, though), and all in all I'm "Pretty Veggie"!

I thought I'd be leaving behind so many of the things I love to eat.  Surprisingly, though, I've found ways to make substitutions and have come up with veggie variations that are so close to the mark, many times it's hard to tell the difference.

Considering the number of people trying to make healthier and/or more ethical changes in their eating habits, well....  I do hope you'll be intrigued!

"Pretty Veggie" Mindy

 

27 comments

  1. Bruce says:

    It was nice to meet you Mindy, and Katie too. Great Blog & web-site!

  2. PABLO says:

    Mindy, I have a Glatt Kosher restaurant, vegeterina, vegan and gluten free friendly and I would like to extend you an invitation to come and try our food.
    Please feel free to email me back

    regards, Pablo
    GM
    West Avenue Cafe

    • Mindy says:

      Hi- I haven’t been to Florida in a long time, but I’d love to check out the restaurant someday. Why don’t you contact @yeahthatskosher on Twitter and ask him to come by and do a review the next time he’s down your way? Thanks for getting in touch! Mindy

  3. Hi Mindy,

    Great website. I can relate to the living in different world locations thing.

    I’m writing to submit for your consideration, a fun and sharable animated music video I made recently called Veggie Propaganda.

    Veggie Propaganda is a quirky, sing-song animation that puts a spotlight on animals, our relationship with them and their rights. It explores childhood myths about animals vs. the reality of their lives in a human-centered world, where our food really comes from and how by simply eating less meat individuals can make an astounding positive impact on their health, their finances and the environment.

    It has screened at film festivals in North America, Asia, and Europe and has won several awards. However, I made it with a web audience in mind and Monday was its first day online.

    https:/
    Please, if you have a moment, consider watching it and sharing. I’ll also be happy to provide more details or answer any questions if you have them. Images and additional text can be found here: http://

    Thanks for everything you do!

    Best wishes,
    Kristen

    • Mindy says:

      I took a quick look at it and just in the first minute it showed animals being killed. So, no, it is not something I can post…..

  4. Dan Brook says:

    Shalom, Sawatdeekap, Hola Mindy!

    If you miss sushi, there’s no shortage of excellent veggie sushi: kappa maki (cucumber), avocado, carrot, spinach, gourd, burdock, eggplant nigiri, and so on as well as inari (stuffed tofu skins).

    Stay strong, Pretty Veggie!

    Peace,
    Dan

    • Mindy says:

      I know the veg versions very well. But I also remember the early days of sushi in NYC in the ’80’s. No more fish for me, though. Go, veg, go! :)

      Toda raba, danke shon, merci beaucoup, efharisto!
      Mindy

      • Dan Brook says:

        The eggplant nigiri, when made well (like at vegan Cha-Ya in San Francisco), is close to what I remember from having fish sushi back in the 80s.

        Khap khun khap, gracias, grazie mille!
        Dan

  5. Hebrew and a bit of german means you must know some yiddish?

    • Mindy says:

      I started teaching myself Hebrew, lived in Israel and have been back many times. I also lived in Germany. I only remember a few words of Yiddish from childhood!

      Mindy

  6. I have been vegan for 7 months now and I still miss sushi. I love vegan sushi though.

    • Mindy says:

      I miss it, too, but manage with the veg versions. I remember being in a restaurant one night and they carried in a huge (dead) salmon, and I wanted to cry. If you liked calamari and shrimp, try @veganseafood. The Fried Calamari is fabulous. I have a recipe on my website. I have their prawns in the freezer, too, but haven’t made them yet. I’ll bet they’re just as good!

      Mindy

  7. Hi Mindy,

    I work with the Soyfoods Association of North America! I saw that you’re following us on Twitter. Would you mind if I send you some information about National Soyfoods Month? It’s April and I’m wondering if it could fit into your blog! If so, please send me an email so I have your contact information!

    Let me know! Hope we can work together. Take care! :)

    Meredith

  8. Hello,
    I’ve read some of your blog and thought you might be interested in writing about my part of the world. National Park of Cilento everyone knows the Amalfi Coast but few are aware that some of the most beautiful coastline of Italy is just south of Salerno. One of the 41 UNSCO sites of Italy it has an extraordinary history and landscape. Now its menu was declared one of the healthiest in the world. We are running our first Vegan Tour base on this menu, March 23rd 2012 in collaboration with Executive Chef Jason Wyrick.
    Thank you
    Gretchen Sheridan

    • Mindy says:

      It is really kind of you to contact me and as much as I love Italian and Mediterranean foods, I don’t think I am expert enough to write specifically on the subject. Thanks for the suggestion, though!

      Mindy

  9. Steve says:

    Hi Mindy

    Happy New Year!

    I’m trying to find a way to contact you….re contributing to a new food magazine. Please can you email me and I’ll forward details to you.

    Thanks

    Steve

  10. Lee says:

    Nice photo, especially the “bangs.” :))))

  11. Fantastic items from you. I really like what you say and the way which you say it. You are making it enjoyable and you sound very wise. I cant wait to read far more from you. Thank you.

  12. Mike says:

    this looks great! nice work :)

  13. Susan says:

    You are too funny. I’ll be back to see what you’re up to! Can’t wait for the photos and recipes!

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