Archives for March 2014

Native Foods Café: Vegan Delights in Tustin

Vegan meals aren’t all celery sticks and tofu. The best vegan fare can fool—or convert—meat eaters, but they require creativity, versatility, bravery. That’s what you’ll find at Native Foods Café. Founded in Palm Springs in 1994, the chain is now America’s top fast-casual vegan restaurant, serving fresh and memorable international cuisine. From tempeh and seitan to cheese, sauces, drinks, dressings, and desserts, everything is totally plant-based, made fresh daily. Locals find it hard to pick favorites from the big menu, so check the site and drop in for a new perspective on vegan cooking. You’ll find slick, modern tastes for the whole family.

Prices are a bit higher than comparable restaurants, but that reflects the fresh ingredients and from-scratch process. Service is top-notch.

Native Foods Café
2453 Park Avenue
Tustin, CA 92782
(714) 259-0400
http://www.nativefoods.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/native-foods-cafe-tustin

Hit the Ground Running With These Tips for Beginner Joggers

Before you run, you must learn to jog, but sometimes even that can be a struggle. If you simply aren’t the running type, these simple and motivational tips can help you to get out on the trail and actually enjoy a relaxing jog.

  1. Wear the right clothes. Feeling comfortable and prepared can make all the difference when it comes to working out. Your tattered old sneakers and oversized sweatpants likely aren’t doing much for your motivation level, so trade them in for supportive running shoes and breathable, close-fitting shorts or leggings.
  2. Go for a few walks. Build up your stamina by going on a few 15 to 20 minute walks before you begin your jogging routine. This will also help you to plot routes in your area.
  3. Learn proper warm-ups. Begin by stretching your legs, torso, and arms for 5 to 10 minutes to avoid cramping. Make sure that you get your heart rate up by doing a few jumping jacks as well.
  4. Don’t overexert. It’s tempting to jump into a jogging routine head first to see faster results, but resist this urge. Build up your distances slowly to avoid strain and prevent becoming burnt out too quickly.
  5. Cool down. Cooling down is just as important as warming up. Walk a few laps after a run, and stretch your legs to avoid muscle cramping.

Public Domain/Public Domain

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

May the luck of the Irish be with you today.

Santiago Oaks Regional Park: Take a Hike Today

Santiago Oaks Regional Park, tucked away in East Orange, boasts over 1700 acres of scenic parkland just minutes from downtown. The park offers scenic views along several trails of varying length and difficulty level, making it popular for families and hikers of all ages. In addition to the hiking trails, the park is home to a nature center that offers educational programs on weekends, and park rangers lead various walks and activities throughout the year. The park has many amenities, including an amphitheater, barbeques, picnic areas, a playground, and a scenic overlook. Additionally, several trails are suitable for bicycles or equestrians, and the park allows dogs on leashes. Regular visitors love the serenity and quiet of Santiago Oaks, as the park rarely feels crowded or overrun, truly allowing visitors to relax and connect to their natural surroundings. For views of the local scenery and a peaceful hike, head to Santiago Oaks Regional Park.

Santiago Oaks Regional Park
2145 Windes Drive
Orange, CA 92869
(714) 973-6620

Pina’s Bistro: Authentic Italian Dishes in a Cozy Setting

This intimate little Italian eatery has quickly become a favorite stopping spot for scrumptious authentic dishes in a cozy, relaxing setting with friendly, attentive service. Maybe part of the reason fans of the place love it so much is because owner and chef Pina makes all of the sausage, manicotti, cannelloni, lasagna, gnocchi, bread, sauces, and desserts in-house.

Settle in with a glass or bottle of wine and an antipasto like calamari fritti, Atlantic littleneck clams with garlic sauce, or a caprese salad. Move on to the main event with a pasta dish like cheese ravioli marinara, penne with sausage and peppers, spaghetti bolognaise, and penne with sauteed sausage and asparagus. Chicken marsala, grilled pork chops and veal parmigiana are also served.

Pina's Bistro is open Tuesday through Saturday in Tustin.

Pina's Bistro
640 W. 1st Street
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 730-5442
pinasbistro.com

Read the reviews on Yelp.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Kanko*

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