It is one of my favorite times of year again, the NY Coalition for Healthy School Food Fall Gala. I have been on the jr board for the Coalition for three years and served as the Catering Director for almost 5 years (I think). Just to tell you a bit about NYCHSF:

The New York Coalition for Healthy School Food (NYCHSF) is a statewide nonprofit that works to improve the health and well-being of New York’s students by advocating for healthy plant-based foods, including local and organic where possible, farm to school programs, school gardens, the elimination of unhealthy competitive foods in all areas of the school (not just the cafeteria), comprehensive nutrition policy, and education to create food- and health-literate students.

If you believe in changing the school food system, are a foodie, love gift bags, or all of the above, come out and support. Below is the invite with all the details. Click on the invite to purchase and register. Fashion, Food, and Fab people; you can’t lose. And I will even a few good nibbles for the event with some of the best in the vegan food game from my mentor Chef Fran Costigan, queen of vegan desserts and master chocolatier, Chef Laura Dardi, Chef Ella Nemcova of the Regal Vegan, and Candle 79 + over 15 other restaurants!

I ran around NYC looking for an event that would satisfy my sustainable craving and it was an epic fail. That is until I reached Sustainable Fashion Night Out hosted by Textile Arts Center in Manhattan, EcoSalon, Of Rags, and the NYC Fair Trade Coalition.

Sustainable designers sold their wares, while I overindulged in Gone Pie‘s vegan apple bars and a glass of wine. Designers included: Arcadia, Global Goods Partners, Tompkins Point Apparel, Digs, Of Rags, A.D.O Organics, Afia, Feral Childe, Wool and the Gang, Erin Considine, Shabd, and Kaelyn Garcia. An array of dresses, accessories, shoes and more were displayed. There were also interactive displays that chart the flow of clothing in the global marketplace

While I appreciate the aesthetics, treats, and thankfully discovered the Textile Arts Center, a more diverse palette of attendees and designers is definitely welcomed for future events.

Updated 2011-09-02 9:40am est.

I use to avoid fashion night out because I thought oh just a bunch of snot nosed teenagers looking to spot some couture designers. Yes, I was wrong in my assumption. Depending on where you are, the crowd can get out of hand. But if you plan and go earl, you can get lots of of your FNO evening. Fashion Night Out in NYC is fun time to meet other fashion and beauty lovers, meet and interact with brands, and have a fabulous time. I attending last season with my sister and enjoyed events at some of my favorite brands like Aveda and Korres. There are several events happening at department store locations such as Bergdorf, Bloomies etc. I’ve only highlighted the ones hopefully I’ll be able to get to. Most of the locations will be hosting FNO from 6-10pm unless otherwise noted.

Here are my top picks:

Beauty

• Aesop
  232 Elizabeth Street New York NY 10012
  This is Aesop’s first store in the United States: Aesop Nolita is a example of sustainability, crafted from reclaimed newspaper and human ingenuity. Light refreshments will be on offer while Aesop staff provide skin care, body care, and hair care consultations.
• Aveda
  10 Columbus Circle Suite 308 New York NY 10119
  + additional stores. Visit fashionsnightout.com/fno to see the complete list.
  Connection Beauty, Environment and Well Being. I’m not exactly sure what they have planned, but last year my sister has her hair blown out, I received a wonderful back massage. Definitely stop by.
• Bare Escentuals
  44 West 34th Street New York NY 10001 :: 212-220-1900
  + additional stores. Visit fashionsnightout.com/fno to see the complete list.
  

  “Call the individual boutiques to make your reservation for a FREE make-under! PLUS… Take home a FREE limited-edition tote bag with any $50 Bare Escentuals purchase.* Be the first to score Drop Red Gorgeous before it launches in October! Our coveted 6-piece collection will be available one day only to celebrate Fashion’s Night Out”

• C.O. Bigelow
  414 Sixth Avenue Main Floor New York NY 10011
  They will host a night of cocktails, fun, and mini makeovers.
• Ricky’s
  2387 Broadway New York NY
  6-10pm
  Free food and drinks, including makeovers and manicures by Dashing Divas. In-store appearance by “Hair Battle Spectacular” judge Derek J.. Raffles all night long and $25 blow-outs by their Revolver Salon staff.

Read more…

If you put me in a food mecca with food that I can actually eat, then you have made my life complete. The NYC Vegetarian Food Fest was a mecca of sweet, savory, and delicious eats.

Below is a clip from PIX 11 news reporter Sharon Carpenter :: @sharoncarpenter :: who covered the event and yours truly is at the end of the piece. She did a great job of covering some of the highlights of the festival but there was so much that couldn’t be show.

Some of my favorite brands and eateries were vending including Regal Vegan and her yummy Faux Gras, FoodSwings {these guys and lady are so awesome in person and forgot to take their picture, they were wearing angel and a cute devil costumes}, Sweet & Sara, Chicago Soy Dairy, Nutiva {I missed out here too!! They were selling their hemp oil in glass for only $8}, and so much/many more. Many people waited in line for over 2 hours just to make it into the venue and unfortunately not everyone was able to make it in ::sadness::

Alas, it was a great day.

Nira Paliwoda was the head lady maestro in charge and was constantly calm and produced a great show with ease.

With @terryhope as the moderation, myself :: @yoliouiya :: and fellow #NYCVFF panelists @AYINDE and @TheHealthyApple , we discussed How To Transition Into A Balanced Vegan Diet. My point of focus during the panel was How To Transition Into A Balanced Diet period and to start incorporating more fresh produce and healthy pantry staples re grains, legumes etc into your diet.

Fran Costigan ::@goodcakesfran:: lead a very informative and delectable demo of chocolates and desserts. She is a master of vegan pastries.

I still think I’m experiencing raw chocolate hangover. On that note, I need to have a salad… now. Thank you to everyone who made this event happen, particulary Nira and Sarah, the vendors, chefs, speakers et all. Have a great day everyone and I hope to see you next year!

Hey Lovelies! I am guest chefing October 8th for Gracious Gourmand at the Second Stop Cafe in Brooklyn, NY. All vegan dinner fare.

GRACIOUS GOURMAND, a biweekly dinner event presented by The Discerning Brute & Second Stop Cafe, is not for the weak of palate. Featuring a rotating cast of chefs specializing in avant-garde, gourmet, sustainable fare, our series aims to challenge ordinary perceptions and preparations of fine food, expose visionary talent, and celebrate conscientious hedonism.

The next event is October 8, 2010, featuring Chef Yoli Ouiya.
$50 PRIX FIXE (drinks not included), Click Here To Purchase Your Ticket.
You can also read more about the event on The Discerning Brute.

Yoli Ouiya’s Six Course Menu

♦ Choice of Braised Seitan with African Gremolata and Caramelized Shallots
or Ginger Barbecue Tempeh and Caramelized Shallots*

♦ Egusi Vegetable Soup*

♦ Southern 4 Cheese Vegan Macaroni*

♦ Sautéed Wild Greens*

♦ Apple Cinnamon Crisp with Salted Caramel Crème*

♦ sweet potato pie parfait*

♦♦♦ To Drink: Chocolate Vodka Shooter featuring Kanon Organic Vodka.
Drinks are $8

*Items are or can be made gluten-free. Please email yoli@yoliouiya.com by October 3rd, 2010 for gluten-free requests.