Soup time

What a miserable afternoon this is turning out to be. Even though it's still quite humid outside, I am in the mood for some soup! Cream of asparagus soup please.

As you can see, I am being supervised. 

Lunch at Boon

Yum... Poutine from Boon Burger. Happy Thursday everyone!

Date Night in the West End

Mid-week date nights are the best. With two more sleeps until the weekend and with how this week started (puppy making it a habit in waking me up around 4 am because it's play time in puppy world) a little break is more than welcomed.

M. and I had booked this particular outing a month ago; West End Food Tour- Around the World in a Few Blocks which is hosted by the West End Biz.  Every Wednesday for the month of August,  you are guided around this multicultural neighbourhood to try out various restaurants from different cultures. Tonight we are off to visit the following restaurants where we are teased with samplers;

Thanh Huong
X-Cues
Merkato
Homer’s

Every week there are new restaurants to try out. At $45 a person ( alcohol is an additional cost) it is a very good price to get out of the burbs' and try out some new foods out of a Folklorama setting.  As a bonus, we will be entertained with our very own Jane's Walk and learn about this diverse neighbourhood. 

I can't wait! For more info on how you can join on a food tour, click here.  

RHFM treats

I hope that everyone is enjoying their weekend.  It was pretty busy around here with house stuff and enjoying the company of friends. Poor me ;)

I did get a chance to go to the River Heights Farmers' Market this past Friday and I picked up some beautiful, colourful and yummy produce. What a lovely within 100 miles feast.

We grabbed some snap peas, red potatoes with dill and carrots. We also baked tofu (a la Superstore).
Perfect meal to end the weekend. Now time for a nap according to our puppy.

Green + Carrot

The Green Carrot Juicing Co. has landed in Osborne Village for a few months now and it seems to be a welcome addition. It's located where the art gallery used to be and is now nestled in between the chiropractor and Optical store.

As you may have noticed from my last post, I ventured in over my lunch break to understand more about this juicy world and understand the latest fad. Is it me or is every fitness magazine talking about the latest juice craze or liquid diets? 

When you walk in, right away you are hit with a hipster vibe decorated with an industrial twist. I loved the relaxed seating area and the chalkboard with all the information one would want to know (me) about this interesting world. Are the ingredients local? Health benefits? How will this put a little more pep in my step?

All looked and sounded good even the clever names (Strong Like Bull anyone?) to describe the available freshly pressed juices and smoothies (all dairy free!)... until I saw the prices.  Depending on which juice you choose,  you could be looking at $9 for 493 ml of juice freshness. Really? Luckily I decided to try this place out on customer appreciation day which meant I could buy 1 juice and get the other 1/2 off. I decided to try Summer Breeze and Morning Greens since they are the most popular choice.  They also had a display of brownies that I couldn't pass up. Who wouldn't want a Quinoa Chia Cacao Brownie? No one that's who! It was delicious and worth the $5. It was also vegan! 

M. tried out the Morning Greens for breakfast the next day. I think the price of each juice deterred us because as he said "it's okay but couldn't we make this at home'? Yes. I felt the same way. It was a nice treat and I am happy to support a local business but $9 on a juice even once a week feels expensive. For both juices (one at 1/2 off) and the brownie was $21 total. However, i'm the girl that stops at Starbucks every morning because of convenience so maybe I should re-evaluate my priorities.

That being said, the juices are good, fresh  and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The Green Carrot is unique for Winnipeg and not part of a mall which is always a plus. They focus on cold pressed juicing which you can find out more about here. There is a great variety of juice (perfect for picky eaters or those who want to hide their daily vegetable intake in something fruity), smoothies and some food and baking. 

I encourage you to try this new cool spot next time you find yourself in Osborne Village. This treat may be expensive but it's healthy and refreshing. A lot less calories and no sugar added compared to certain other businesses who are promoting tea lemonades for only a couple bucks cheaper.

Juice and a Brownie

Picked up these treats over lunch today at Green Carrot Juice located in Osborne Village. Can't wait to try the brownie out for dessert tonight!

Intermission

Hello NJPC fans...

Are you still out there?

This blog is back up and cooking! I was away a little longer than I would have liked and I have missed the whole blogging process but things have been a little busy around here.

This happened...

and this....

Now that my new normal feels 'normal' and my new routine established, I can finally focus on one of my passions; food. I have missed talking, making, exploring, learning, trying and researching food. I have missed getting out of my comfort zone and expanding my palate. I even have all of my new friends to help me get back into my groove...

and even these...

Thank you to friends and family for the very generous wedding gifts. 

WARNING: You will notice that the style of Not Just a Plate of Carrots 2.0 (or is it 3.0?) will have slightly changed but most of it will stay the same. What can you continue to expect? I will continue to try a new recipe every week and chat about my experience and  also where you can find the obscure ingredients (if any were used). I will also talk about new foodie experiences through restaurants around town (even international experiences? hint! hint!). What will change? A post from time to time will be focussed on my new fur baby boy, Helo (He-Low) and what my husband and I do for his diet since I plan to make many of my own treats. Yup, these veggies will even start playing with meat! Boy, is our puppy ever spoiled.

Stay tuned.