Evolve Detroit! 10.16.07 - Blogger Edition

October 16th, 2007

"I'm gonna let you in on a little secret. Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don't plan it, don't wait for it, just… let it happen." Agent Dale Cooper from Twin Peaks

GOOD MORNING DETROIT!

We're back again with your weekly Evolve Detroit! and we're very pleased to be here. We're excited about this week's menu, about our Vegan and Raw Halloween class on Saturday afternoon, and the fact that we're doing our morning yoga as the sun rises this time of year. Please relax, take a moment to peruse this week's edition and another moment to thank yourself for all the wonderful things that YOU do!

Last week we received a great number of emails thanking us for the time we spend on Evolve Detroit! and the energy we put into it. We absolutely love doing this and we think that it shows in all of our offerings. Thank you for your feedback!

Since we began this experiment we've been amazed by the support we've received. Every week we meet more people who are working to create change for themselves and in their community. We are blessed to know you all whether it is through email, yoga classes, our food offerings, or some other form of interaction. You all ROCK! (We watched Tenacious D's The Pick of Destiny this weekend. WOW!)

Speaking of destiny, It's been a while since we've mentioned the next phase in the evolution of the Lab and since we have so many new subscribers we thought it would be a great time to do so. The Lab as it stands today is a minimal version of what we intend to achieve, which will resemble a full education and wellness center. One of the steps in this direction is locating and converting a diesel vehicle to run on vegetable oil. This vehicle will serve not only as a delivery vehicle but also as a way to share the conversion process with the community. With that in mind, we will again send out our request for any leads you may have on an inexpensive or donated diesel vehicle. We know it is rather unorthodox to throw things like this out there but, if you haven't noticed yet, we're quite unorthodox. Please email or give us a ring if you know of any vehicles that may fit our needs. We're also looking for a building in Eastern Market to open a full scale restaurant in, but that's a request for another edition. :)

Other business? Please make sure to call early in the morning or the day before to guarantee that you are able to get your hands on our healthy lunches. Also, Angela's Vegan and Raw classes are picking up speed so if you would like to get in one of them please let us know as soon as possible.

Again, thank you all so much and have a wonderful and illuminating week!

In Health, Joy and Liberation!

-Gregg and Angela

EVENTS:

This week brings the Great Lakes Bioneers Conference The conference will provide a robust look at the practical and visionary solutions for our communities. We are going to try and be at the event as much as possible while keeping up with our regular business schedule. We encourage everyone to interact with the people and information involved in this year's conference. A big thank you to everyone who has worked to make this the incredible conference that it will be!



Of course, this Saturday is the infamous Theater Bizarre! If you're lucky enough to have tickets be thankful and be afraid! :)



VEGAN AND RAW FOOD CLASSES:

Angela's classes are about much more than just food preparation - meet like minded people, share great food, information and resources! We will prepare a four-course meal from start to finish, and then sit down together to enjoy the fruits of our labor! The cost is $50 per class. To register please send an email or call 313.316.1411 and leave a voicemail.



October 20th - Vegan & Raw Halloween Treats, 1-5 pm

Come on down to the Lab to see what's on the slab as we prepare for Halloween! Learn Angela's tricks to preparing ghoulishly healthy and tasty dishes and treats to bring to your Halloween gatherings that are sure to satisfy witches and goblins of all ages!



October 27th - Vegan Holiday Cooking #1, 1-5 pm

This is the first of our Holiday classes. Are you always the odd one out at holiday gatherings? Would you like to bring a vegan dish that will wow everyone and possibly open up the healthy and aware vegan world to your loved ones and co-workers? Angela will share menu items that can help you to do just that! We'll prepare an appetizer, side dish, a meat alternative for a main course, and a luscious desert. Watch for our second Vegan Holiday Class in November to learn even more alternatives to these alternatives!

COMMUNITY BASED YOGA:

All classes are an hour long and are open to all levels of practitioners, from the first timer to the veteran. Doors are opened a half an hour prior to class and are closed promptly at the start of class. Some mats and blankets are available but bringing your own is recommended. Please check our yoga page and schedule for more details. Walk-ins are $10 and multi-class passes are available!

Tuesdays: 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Wednesdays: 7 a.m.

Thursdays: 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Fridays: 7 a.m.

Market Saturdays: 7, 9 and 11 a.m.

THIS WEEK'S MENU:

Tuesday, October 16th - Friday, October 19th Menu

Call Ahead to Order 313.316.1411

Our food is lovingly hand-crafted daily using organic and/or local ingredients! Quantities are limited to keep everything FRESH! We sell out everyday so calling as early as possible (even a day or two before) is encouraged. Pick-up and Delivery are available Tuesday - Friday between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Limited Downtown and Midtown delivery is available for $2!

Vegan Offering: Stuffed Manicotti $10

You won't believe that this comforting dish is dairy-free!! We start with Whole Wheat Manicotti Noodles generously stuffed with an incredible filling of Macadamia Nut Ricotta and Marinated Spinach and Mushrooms. Then the noodles are smothered in Angela's "Meaty" Sun-dried Tomato Basil Sauce and baked to ooey-gooey goodness! This wonderful delight is served with a Mixed Greens Salad drizzled with our Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette. Mama Mia!

Raw Offering: Pad Thai $9

This dish is in honor of a special friend of ours, Terry, who just finished hiking the Appalachian Trail! After six and a half months of eating nothing but nutrition bars and canned food, we asked him what he would like to see on the menu. His choice just happens to be one of our favorite meals as well!

Pad Thai literally means Thai style stir fry. To achieve that feel, we marinate julienned Carrot and Red Pepper, shredded Purple Cabbage, Bean Sprouts, and Green Onion in our delicious Pad Thai Sauce and serve it over a lovely mixture of Zucchini and Yellow Squash Angel Hair Noodles with a sprinkling of crushed peanuts. Congratulations and Welcome Home Terry!

Angela's Raw Energy Nuggets $3

Almonds, Pecans, Walnuts, Cranberries, Raisins, Agave Nectar and Sunflower Oil blended together to satisfy a sweet-tooth craving or as a mid-day "pick-me-up" snack.

The “Every Man and Woman is a Star” Salad $7

We start with a bed of crisp mixed greens, and you choose what fresh local and/or organic toppings you want to add! You also have your choice of homemade dressings to heighten your salad experience.



Toppings: (5 are included, additional toppings are .50 each): Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Carrots, yellow, green or red Onions, Avocado, Peppers, Walnuts, Sliced Almonds, Pecans, Raisins, Cranberries, and Sunflower Sprouts



Dressings: (All of our dressings are vegan, sugar free, wheat free and made with sunflower oil. We use sunflower oil so that the true flavor of the dressings can shine through.) Angela’s Signature Lioness*, Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Sesame-Ginger Vinaigrette and our Green Detroit Ranch.



*Lioness Dressing is: Sunflower oil, garlic, stone-ground mustard, lemon juice, sugar-free/wheat-free Worcestershire sauce, sea salt and black pepper.

LOCATION, DIRECTIONS & PARKING:

1434 Gratiot Avenue #1, Detroit MI 48207

Our entrance is behind our building NOT on Gratiot!

We use google maps for directions, they're much better at it than we are. If you need assistance please email or call 313.316.1411. The Lab entrance is well marked and located off the cobble stone service drive behind our building on Gratiot. Please pay attention to parking signs and meters if you elect to park on Gratiot or behind the building.