Vegan Kitchen Notes Blog from New World Kitchen in Des Moines, Iowa
It's New World Café Day!
It’s New World Café Day. If you’re new, I owned a restaurant that opened on 12/12/12 & closed in 2015. Even though I don’t have a brick & mortar now, this day is to celebrate how far things have come.That period of time & the years following were the lowest of the low for me. This day is a reminder to approach people with compassion. The people behind the counter, the people serving you, your co-workers or your boss may be struggling just to get through the day.Some people told me not to open a restaurant. There’s also a lot...
It's New World Café Day!
It’s New World Café Day. If you’re new, I owned a restaurant that opened on 12/12/12 & closed in 2015. Even though I don’t have a brick & mortar now,...
We love our staff
Over and over again, my staff remind me how much I love the collaborative effort of working in a kitchen. Yesterday Alex, Sarah, & Kevin teamed up to chop all the potatoes for your Cheeseburger Chowder. Alex & Kevin moved onto making patties and chopping up a storm for our other menu items, while Sarah made the sauces and dressings. Paige & I worked on the cooked components for your meals.This all would be impossible without them. Shoutout to Ash, Vanezza, Nikki, Ashley, and Mary (aka my mom) who aren’t pictured, but who are also a part of our weird...
We love our staff
Over and over again, my staff remind me how much I love the collaborative effort of working in a kitchen. Yesterday Alex, Sarah, & Kevin teamed up to chop all...
Vegan Cheeseburger Chowder is back!
It’s that time of year! Time to get cozy with a bowl of our Cheeseburger Chowder 🥰I first made this in early 2021 after I couldn’t stop thinking about making vegan Cheeseburger Chowder. I don’t know why, because I don’t think I had ever eaten Cheeseburger Chowder. But if I’ve learned anything it’s that if a new recipe idea is nagging at me, I’ve got to make it. I’m glad I did because it’s our most popular menu item! It’s made with our cashew cheese sauce, vegetable broth, potatoes, carrot, and celery, garnished with onion, pickles, and tomato. Our black...
Vegan Cheeseburger Chowder is back!
It’s that time of year! Time to get cozy with a bowl of our Cheeseburger Chowder 🥰I first made this in early 2021 after I couldn’t stop thinking about making...
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...