Vegan Kitchen Notes Blog from New World Kitchen in Des Moines, Iowa
Taking a Break!
Many chefs will tell you they struggle to cook for themselves at the end of the day. While it makes sense we just want someone else to cook for us, no doubt we got into this in the first place because of a genuine love for the hard work that goes into preparing food - or else we wouldn’t continue doing it.When I take a break, I take extra time to cook for myself and people I love. No recipes, and with a focus on using what I have. I didn’t buy anything for this meal. I made it with...
Taking a Break!
Many chefs will tell you they struggle to cook for themselves at the end of the day. While it makes sense we just want someone else to cook for us,...
Farewell, Steve
Those of you who pick up food from us regularly will probably recognize Steve. You also know him from Cottagescapes Bakery, his home bakery where he creates the most delicious and soul nourishing breads and baked goods. Last Monday was his last day with NWK.When I think back on the last 2 1/2 years working with him, I think of how he’s always been there with ideas and encouragement through the many challenges I’ve encountered. How much I enjoyed our conversation at Monday night food pick ups, and seeing him light up talking to our customers. How a huge percentage...
Farewell, Steve
Those of you who pick up food from us regularly will probably recognize Steve. You also know him from Cottagescapes Bakery, his home bakery where he creates the most delicious...
On Not Having a Restaurant
A few days ago I cooked my first meal at my new house. Nothing fancy - but it was delicious and (clearly 😆) brought me joy.Early last year, I was looking at commercial spaces feeling like I “needed” to move out of the Mickle Center kitchen. People kept asking when I was opening a restaurant, and saying I was so busy that I must really be ready to expand. Totally reasonable things to say, but it’s also like we’re trained to feel what we’re doing is never enough - that there always needs to be a next, bigger step. And...
On Not Having a Restaurant
A few days ago I cooked my first meal at my new house. Nothing fancy - but it was delicious and (clearly 😆) brought me joy.Early last year, I was...
12 Years of Eating Vegan
June marks my 12 year vegan anniversary! This old selfie is from when I lived in NC & volunteered at an animal sanctuary ❤️The reason I’m vegan is simple - it has never resonated with me to commodify & consume other animals. It’s a privilege to make this choice, and I’m grateful I live this way.Over these years, I’ve eaten lots of processed frozen vegan food & accidentally vegan snacks and candy. I’ve also been a green juice, high raw food vegan, and have gone through periods of being restrictive with the foods I eat. And everything in between. I’m...
12 Years of Eating Vegan
June marks my 12 year vegan anniversary! This old selfie is from when I lived in NC & volunteered at an animal sanctuary ❤️The reason I’m vegan is simple -...
12/12/12 - Reflecting on a Decade
The café opened 10 years ago - on 12/12/12, and closed in the summer of 2015. If you weren’t here last year, New World Café Day is a holiday I made up to celebrate how far we’ve all come.I was the co-owner, chef & recipe developer, and I worked in the restaurant daily, among many other things outside our open hours. I was under such intense stress at the restaurant and outside of it that I look back and feel it’s a miracle I could get out of bed. I could feel how loved the restaurant was, but I couldn’t...
12/12/12 - Reflecting on a Decade
The café opened 10 years ago - on 12/12/12, and closed in the summer of 2015. If you weren’t here last year, New World Café Day is a holiday I...
Our Six-Person Prep Team
Our prep days have been a total whirlwind lately and I keep forgetting to snap any photos. I asked Justin Norman to stop by today to take a few of us working on your food!For NWK’s first pick up back in Nov 2020, I worked in the kitchen for 15 hours straight. By myself, on my weekend from the full time job I worked at the time. It was clear right away that I needed help with the labor intensive food I love to make. Fast forward & now there are six awesome people who join me in the kitchen...
Our Six-Person Prep Team
Our prep days have been a total whirlwind lately and I keep forgetting to snap any photos. I asked Justin Norman to stop by today to take a few of...