{simple pleasures} world of wonders: monde des merveilles

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“A truly great book should be read in youth, again in maturity and once more in old age, as a fine building should be seen by morning light, at noon and by moonlight.”
— Robertson Davies

far from the simple geometry of downtown chicago's highrises wearing their mies van der rohe influence proudly like a royal cloak; and a mere two-hour train ride from the elegant cityscape offered up by haussmannian paris, lies the fine art nouveau architecture of victor horta + henry van de velde and the grandiose castles of yore in belgium. architecture from all genres, both secular + religous, is indeed just as enchanting by day as by night, at dawn or at dusk. 

{eco travels} sustainable belgium: brussels vegan café guide

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before embarking on my journey through belgium, i read about its rich history, its florid architecture, its diversified culture and its golden waffles, of course. i also read about the adventures in veggie restaurants that await intrepid travelers. what does the vegan restaurant scene look like and does a crispy vegan version of the legendary belgium waffle really exist? today we explore the eateries that offer healthy fare to keep voyagers' energy levels naturally elevated + spirits sky high:

just as the sight of fantastical castles saturates the landscape {i learned that belgium has more castles than any other country}, the light scent of cake batter, warm waffles in the making, permeates the air in brussels, a truly palatable + pleasing combination indeed. prior to my arrival, i searched high + low for a vegan cafe/resto guide to brussels, asking fellow bloggers + reaching out to instagram friends. there were several tips, but no definitive guides; i did stumble across this vegan eats guide unexpectedly, a gift from the great google gods, but the truth is, the vegan waffle seemed only a myth until i ventured out of brussels. this is a selection of veggie cafes, offering plant-strong vegan options and yes, the fluffy, fabled belgium waffle does exist:

{ C H Y L }

chyl cafe: {vegetarian + vegan}: chyl is a one-stop shop, offering a charming cafe {reservations highly recommended} and a grocery store chock-full of bath + beauty products, dry goods sold by the bulk, fresh + organic produce, and fun snacks + mealtime ingredients from a plethora of sustainable food companies. i discovered that chyl also offers housing; move over airbnb. if you like sleek minimalism, check out their bright + stylish rooms. chyl cafe promises "a bright spot in the middle of the city where time stands still, if only for a little while." 62 rue de belle-vue, 1000 brussels / +32 2 648 34 76

{ D O L M A }

dolma restaurant {vegetarian + vegan}:  serving vegetarian + vegan cuisine since 1973, dolma restaurant's motto is "infinietely veggie" and they have a beautiful buffet, with a seemingly limitless reserve of local + organic ingredients. menu offerings include in-season vegetable tarts, soups and + salads and of course tasty desserts. dolma also has a grocery store nearby offering bath + beauty products, household products, and fresh fruits, vegetables + healthy ingredients for those who want to cook up nutritious meals in the comfort of their own home. 329 chaussée d’ixelles, 1050 brussels / quartier flagey / +32 2  649 89 81

 

{ M O O N  F O O D }

moon food {fully vegan}: touts itself as the first vegan cafe in brussels. this is the place for raw, vegan + gluten-free options including veggie wraps + lasagna as well as freshly-baked breads. detox juices + snacks for take away available. desserts include sweet treats like orange + apple pie, cheesecake + pistache matcha crumble. 58 rue des colonies, 1000 bruxelles / +32 2 303 43 32

 

 

 

{ A M I }

ami cafe {vegetarian + vegan}: serving gourmet, modern vegetarian + vegan cuisine, ami offers sandwiches, croquemonsieurs, mixed salads, soups, veggie burgers and more. their motto is "a contribution of freshness and originality." this is a charming cafe with a warm atmosphere + quaint outdoor terrace. 13 rue lesbroussart, 1050 brussels / +32 2 646 88 41

 

{ L A  G R A N E R I E }

la granerie {fully vegan}: la grainerie is a grocery store specializing in superfoods and dried products by weight, all sans packaging; a small coffee shop onsite offers snacks + refreshments. also a 100% vegan caterer offering a range of plant-strong options for special events + occasions. 112 rue de tenbosch , 1050 brussels / +32 2 217 98 27

**the belgium waffle in vegan form does truly exist. it is like the white giraffe, rarely seen but surely non-fictional. a short trip to antwerp revealed a little vegan + gluten-free bakery crafting cloudlike waffles with deep pockets that i recommend to every traveler who wishes to partake in this delectable delicacy {gluten-free version available}. more travel adventures + healthy eats tips to come fellow voyagers.

{don't forget the tip} it's important to remember that the restaurant landscape changes often, so call ahead to make sure each eatery is open. holiday closings might coincide with your lofty eating plans}.

next week we'll be bouncing around brussels' sustainable fashion landscape. stay tuned!

until next time, stay green dear hearts!

{images by ev // interiors via happy, veggie cafes} 

{eco eats} sustainable france: 6 new paris vegan cafes

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british prime minister, writer + orator winston churchill once proclaimed that "healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have." staying healthy means paying attention to what we put onto our bodies + into our bodies so that we may thrive physically and emotionally. conscious eating is here at your fingertips with a sequel to my first paris vegan café guide of 12 vegan + vegetarian eateries in the city of light. hungry? meet the new plant-strong kids on the block. look no further for decadent, delicious + healthy eating options in paris:

comptoir veggie

1. comptoir veggie {fully vegan + gluten-free}: here we have a brand new café + juice bar nestled into the bastille area. after a successful crowdfunding capaign, this little gem is now celebrating one month open. for savory eats, try their hummus or avocado toast {toast toppings vary depending on the local, seasonal produce available; perhaps you've had avocado toast before, but not like this; with a dash of pimiento pepper + the crunch of alfalfa sprouts + zesty seeds, this dish truly has kick + is a pleasure for the palette} or enjoy their rice + veggie buddha bowl served with warm chilli. to satisfy your sweet tooth, try their perfectly moist carrot cake, creamy peanut butter cheesecake or spirited passion fruit, mango + cocoa cheesecake {the best cheesecake i've had in paris so far}. they're sure to send you. sunny, open space with smooth tunes; perfect for lounging, lunching or working. open tuesday through saturday from 10am - 6pm / 75 avenue ledru rollin, paris 75012

cloud cakes

2. cloud cakes {fully vegan}: this sunny, relaxed coffee, tea + pastry shop is celebrating their one-year anniversary. this is the place for breakfast: soft, spongy pancakes with chocolate sauce, maple syrup or fresh strawberries are on the menu. offerings also include robust salads, satisfying sandwiches + soups with layers of flavors along with myriad sweet treats, baked goods + yes, warm vegan croissants that will melt in your mouth {chocolate croissants + almond croissants are also on the menu}. try the fresh carrot cake or decadent chocolate raspberry gateau {my personal fave is the vanilla blueberry cake}. indoor + outdoor seating available. open tuesday - saturday, call for hours 01 42 33 95 45 / 6 rue mandar, paris 75002

primeur cantine

3. primeur cantine {fully vegan}: the best meatless lasagna in paris. fresh, indulgent and the finest i've had since my plant-powered days commenced five years ago. choose from hardy staples like chilly or burgers and a handful of desserts including apple + rhubarb crumble, cheesecake + chocolate mousse {i highly recommend the crumble}. energy-boosting juices are served up including an animating apple, carrot, orange + ginger concoction that will put a little pep in your step. ample space with indoor + outdoor seating on a calm, quiet side street. open tuesday through sunday 12pm - 4pm / 4 rue lemon, paris 75020

le faitout

4. le faitout {fully vegan}: this one's celebrating one year. a hip tapas bar + vegan café on avenue simon bolivar near parc buttes chaumont. plant-based tapas + desserts, tasty soups + salads, crispy falafels + fries, oh and a delectable cheese "vromage" plate that every boy + girl {vegan or not} should try. homemade, healthy + organic goodness is served up warm here from early morning to late night. spacious venue with indoor + outdoor seating. live jazz music is also served up on thursday nights. get it all while its hot. open tuesday - sunday 8am - 2am / check site for hours or call ahead 01 42 08 07 09 / 23 avenue simon bolivar, paris 75019

h.o.p.e. {closed}

5. hope / home of the plant eaters {fully vegan}: this charming venue in the marais has been open for six months, and the menu includes scrumptious burgers served with fries, a rich risotto served with grilled veggies or their bowl of hope made with millet, sauteed chickpeas, sweet potatoes, avocado slices and every delicious + highly nutritious ingredient you can pack into a vessel. desserts include chia pudding + carrot cake. ample seating upstairs + small, cozy downstaris option. open wednesday - sunday, 12pm - 3pm + 7pm - 10pm / 19 rue de picardie, paris 75003

love me cru

6. love me cru {fully vegan}: this pint-sized juice bar wears a bold coat of yellow paint on the outside and on the inside expect creative + virtuous mixtures of all the colors of nature in fresh wraps + salads and some fantastic juices + smoothies {infinite combinations are available here for all you fruit + veggie lovers: if your mind can think it, you can drink it}. my first taste of zingy goodness was an orange, carrot + pineapple mixture with turmeric + ginger. and a hint of lemon: the proprietor, david, is a devotee of the little yellow miracle fruit that helps balance your body's chemicals, fights colds + flus and halts the division of cancer cells in animals {hello limonene + falvonol glycocides}. pure magic in a glass. also on the menu: homemade chocolate cups + chia pudding handcrafted by david, who will chat you up about the healing properties of each ingredient in his original recipes - all with a sparkle in his eye and broccoli on the brain. a sliver of a space with seating for four indoors + seating for four outdoors. open monday - saturday, 11:30am - 3:30pm / 44 rue de tourtille, paris 75020

vg patisserie

bonus: vg patisserie is an all-vegan bakery that opened in april and is growing strong. find classics like fresh croissants, fruit tarts + eclairs, oh and an unexpected twist: vanilla flan {sans gluten}. so much to choose from, this just might require a repeat visit. ample seating indoors in a bright, convivial atmosphere + ample seating available outdoors. open tuesday - sunday 9am-7pm, call ahead to confirm hours 33 9 67 80 13 42 / 123 boulevard voltaire, paris 75011

 

jo + nana cakes

double bonus: now open, jo + nana cakes, a new vegan patisserie opening in the 17eme arrondissement. sweet cakes + cookies, moist cupcakes + tarts made from scratch and made with love. follow here for updates! and then be prepared to be propelled to another planet where plant-based ingredients come together in heavenly creations / 6 rue rennequin, paris 75017.

14 more vegan + veggie eateries right this way! until next time, stay green dear hearts!

{eco eats} wild + the moon: the rhythm of nature in paris

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“Through food we align with the rhythm of nature. this is slow food set to an urban beat.”
— Wild + the Moon

servez-vous: a lovely plant-powered animal activist + fellow blogger from tennessee, living in new york, recommended this cafe in paris to me. and what a fine rec. this is wild + the moon.

i struck out early in the morning one day to find it, but i ended up a little turned around. that's when i found out that there are two wild + the moon venues: a juice bar + cafe. and thank goodness for both. expect colorful quinoa bowls, detoxifying smoothies {my fave: the black gold with almonds, dates, activated charcoal + sea salt}, handmade chocolate macaroons, zesty kale chips, raw cacao bars with hemp + nib from pana cacao and fresh focaccia sandwiches. all vegan, all gluten-free. all so delicious. oh, and great customer service.

the folks at wild + the moon use no refined sugar, no additive, no chemicals, no gmos, no soy, no dairy, no gluten. what's left? the good stuff, my friends: pure + unprocessed.

i like my food the way i like my fashion: slow.

interested in exploring all the vegan + veg cafes that paris has to offer? check out my paris vegan cafe guides, part I + part II here on the blog!

{simple pleasures} le recyclerie: guerrilla gardening in paris

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“I think that the way animals live in the tropics, stepping outside in the morning and evening to see if there is something to eat, and taking a long nap in the afternoon, must be a wonderful life. For human beings, a life of such simplicity would be possible if one worked to produce directly his daily necessities. in such a life, work is not work as people generally think of it, but simply doing what needs to be done.”
— Masanobu Fukuoka

the art of farming: another happy discovery in paris. a dusty train station turned dynamic cafe, bar + organic farm. this new venue {from the makers of comptoir general cafe} is full of sunlight + good food; upcycled decor + passionate gardeners. this is where ingredients are picked fresh from an onsite garden/farm + the service can't be beat. vegan pizza on the menu.

craving more veg goodness? here's a list of 14 plant-powered cafes in paris read more about japanese farmer + philosopher, masanobu fukuoka, author of one-straw revolution, a spiritual memoir + natural farming manifesto. his journey towards a life dedicated to farming that used no agricultural chemicals or prepared fertilizers is clear-sighted + galvanizing. this is how a green revolution gets started.

from fukuoka, the father of guerilla gardening: 

"the ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings."