Don't forget to add love, it makes all the difference!
Have you tried the new Cosmic Crisp Apple yet? I found these beauties in December and can’t stop eating them. I enjoyed them so much, I gave them as gifts during the holidays. They are sweet, tart and very juicy. Apparently, this apple variety has been in development for twenty years and is a combination of Honeycrisp and Enterprise. Look for them in your local market!
Living with food intolerances can be difficult. I am always on the lookout for helpful tips, especially when visiting the happiest place on earth!
Did you know that Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta offers a vegan pizza with gluten free crust? The crust is thin and the size of a Disney paper plate. At this time, this individual pizza is not on the menu and by special request only. There are plenty of veggie toppings to consider. I chose red peppers, mushrooms and a vegan cheese. It was delicious!
What I love about Disney is their willingness to help you have a magical day no matter your food intolerance. The staff were incredibly kind during the ordering process. The chef asked specific questions about my food intolerances to ensure a great experience. There was around a fifteen minute wait time, but certainly worthwhile. Whether you’re lactose intolerant, vegan or gluten free, I hope this pizza elevates your Disney day!
If you have questions about eating vegan at Disneyland or California Adventure, drop me a note on instagram. @livelovesaute
I’m in a soup dumpling state of mind! Din Tai Fung is the perfect spot to warm up during the chilly December nights. This Taiwanese restaurant, founded in 1927, is famous for their Kurobuta Pork Xiao Long Boa. Their soup dumpling is filled with a mixture of marinated pork, ginger, green onion and broth and crafted by hand on location.
Jidori Chicken Wontons with Spicy Sauce – Filled with jidori chicken, served in spicy sauce, and topped with garlic and green onion.
There are several vegan options on the menu. My server reccomended dipping these vegan dumplings in the spicy sauce.
Vegetable & Mushroom Dumplings – Filled with a mixture of glass noodles, bok choy, dried bean curd, and shiitake mushrooms.
Sautéed String Beans with Garlic
I had a wonderful experience at Din Tai Fung. The service was lovely. Everything I ordered was perfectly flavored and it warmed me right up on a cold night. I will definitely visit again!
For locations and menu:
I’m getting cozy with this Gingerbread Maple Latte! It’s the perfect blend of Fall and Winter! Communal Coffee has several milk alternative options, including oat milk. I usually order their Lavender Latte but I was looking for a seasonal flavor to love. This one hit the spot! It tastes just like a sweet cookie, warm out of the oven. I must admit, the latte art at this cafe really elevates the experience for me. It’s so beautiful and each barista does an incredible job. If you’re dining in, you can request a mug. Communal Coffee also has small gifts, cards, and flower bouquets available in their shop. It’s a must stop if you’re in the North Park area of San Diego.
Walking into Friendsgiving!
This is my go to Fall uniform. I’m always happy when the temperature drops a bit and I can wear my tissue turtleneck, a jacket and boots! The tissue turtleneck is very light. I usually feel more comfortable with an added layer, especially after sunset. I live in my Paige jeans year round. The jeans are stretchy, soft and high waisted. They are my absolute favorite brand for denim, local to Los Angeles and female founded. The boots are flats, so you’ll be able to take a long stroll without feeling a strain. Isn’t it the best time of the year? What’s your go to Fall outfit?
Please note, this content uses referral links for products I have used and loved.
I read recently that Disneyland will be introducing new vegan options throughout the parks in 2020. I’m really excited and can’t wait to see what they offer. Until then, I’ll be ordering off of the secret menus.
Carthay Circle is located in Disney’s California Adventure on Buena Vista Street. It is the fine dining option at California Adventure. As soon as you enter, the old Hollywood elegance dazzles you with it’s design. Black and white photos of Walt Disney and his friends cover the walls. It truly is a moment of respite from the large Disney crowds. Currently, there is one vegan option served there. It can be made vegetarian as well, be sure to specify when ordering. Behold the Vegetable Tower! Although it is not on the menu, the chef will prepare it as a special order. My towers fell down in transit, but nothing could take away from the artistry and goodness on the plates. The combination of seasonal vegetables and rice was perfection. I will definitely order this again on my next visit!
It’s best to make a reservation for Carthay Circle. Reservations are offered 60 days in advance on the Disneyland website. I spontaneously visited on a weekday during October and was able to make a reservation that same morning. There were a few reservations available due to cancellations. If you can, plan a few weeks ahead of your visit to ensure your fine dining experience.
Did you know that Napizza offers vegan cheese? I’ve been a fan of this delicious mushroom pizza for quite awhile but always had to take lactaid in order to eat it. I asked the staff if they could make it with vegan cheese. They were so kind and baked up some fresh squares.
Head over today for some creamy, mushroom goodness!
Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice! I’m really not sure how I missed this hand soap before, but it’s a favorite now! I picked up several and hope they will last throughout the holiday season. This scent was not available on the Williams Sonoma website. Did you know that Williams Sonoma will ship items direct from the store? I’ve never even thought to ask. I was able to ship a few off as a gift! If you’re not near a store, I found several on Amazon. Only a few left, make sure to order soon!
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Several years ago, I was hospitalized and became very ill. Due to that illness, I lost tolerance of many foods (including dairy). Those with food intolerance issues know how difficult everyday life can be. The struggle to find what works is real. Finding a restaurant to visit can be equally difficult. My hopes of ever truly enjoying a French restaurant experience again dwindled, until now. My favorite French restaurant in Los Angeles has created a vegan menu with Matthew Kenney at the helm! Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen.
Of course, when I arrived, I wanted to order everything. The entire menu looked absolutely delicious. I ordered the Vol-au-Vent. It is the perfect Fall dish, filled with Morel and Champignon Mushrooms, Petite Peas and Pearl Onions inside of a Puff Pastry. Warm Morel Veloute sauce is offered on the the side. It was absolute perfection! For dessert, I ordered my favorite French pastry. The Millefeuille Vanille cream was full of Vanilla Bean flavor and better than my memory could recall. Every bite was divine!
The Beverly Hills location is the first of the Laduree restaurants to offer this new vegan menu. If you’re in the area and looking for a plant based option, definitely stop by!
All I want to do today is fly to NYC and dance around in the Central Park leaves. If you’re not able to jet off to a fantastic Fall destination and you live in Southern California, I’ve found the next best thing! Van Leeuwen’s current vegan Fall special is Ice Cream for Breakfast. It’s made with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Oat Milk Ice Cream, Maple Raspberry Swirls, and Oat Cranberry Cookie Crumbles. It tastes like Fall in a cone!
You can find this Fall special at any of the LA Van Leeuwen locations. South of LA, you can find this special sold at Scoops La Jolla. If you’re not local to NYC or SoCal, Van Leeuwen does ship standard and vegan flavors nationwide. You never know when an ice cream emergency will hit. I think it’s best to have a few backup pints in your freezer!
Please note, this content uses referral links for products I have used and loved. Recommended products: