Whew, what a day! I am actually tired from my activity filled day of running, shopping at Costco (more tiring than my long run I think!) and having a wonderful evening out with my sisters and our husbands. I did get in my long run this morning which made me feel great to get it over with. But I struggled with motivation to start it because I’m on call this week and had to stay in the neighborhood and carry two cell phones. I changed my route for new scenery which helped a lot, but it was also very windy. Before the run, I had my usual smoothie breakfast to make sure nothing came back to haunt me on the run. :-)
By lunch I was starved post run and could have cleaned out my pantry if I wasn’t careful. Still I didn’t want a huge lunch knowing I was going to be having a huge dinner out. So I threw together collard wraps using leftover hemp nacho sauce, sprouted lentils, sprouted quinoa and carrots. As you can tell, my wrapping skills still need work.
It was great fuel for my insane shopping trip to Costco to load up on veggies. And you know what? Going to Costco the day before the Superbowl is not a great idea! Who knew? The parking lot was nuts, it was Christmas all over again. Inside was a sample fest featuring Superbowl foods – chicken wings, dips, meat sandwiches, etc. Nothing I wanted to sample, but trying to navigate my way around all the samplers was a PITA. Ugh, and the half eaten chicken wings left around the store – ick. But I was thrilled to see watermelons back at Costco and snatched one up with more bananas to freeze, organic spinach, carrots, red peppers, pineapple and grapes. Truthfully the crowds weren’t that bad and I can say that because it was just me navigating my way through the store without kids in tow.
Later hubby and I met my sisters and their husbands at Il Fornaio for an evening out while the grandparents babysat for them. Because that’s such a rare occasion, we always make sure to get a group picture each time and I decided to take my DSLR to get a good picture this time. I was a little nervous about handing it to our waitress to snap the photo. But she did a great job and I have a priceless group photo with much better color and clarity compared to the one last year using my point-and-shoot. And it also means I was able to get much better food shots. :-)
I ate plenty of bread because of the amazing assortment they serve, especially the olive and rosemary breads – perfect dipped in the olive oil/balsamic vinegar mixture.
For an appetizer, we got a simple and delicious bruschetta.
The initial vegan options on the menu were a little bland – minestrone soup and angel hair pasta with a red tomato sauce. And I’ve ordered exactly that before on our last meal there. So I did something new, ordered a veganized version of the vegetarian pizza having them hold the cheese.
It was wonderful, didn’t miss the cheese at all. The crispy thin crust was not heavy, but supported the veggies beautifully. They wrapped up the evening with gorgeous cappuccinos, which I had to skip because I’m way too caffeine sensitive to drink coffee that late. :-P
Kind of looks like an alien to me, what do you think? Anyway, it was an awesome evening and I’m wiped – I need my beauty rest after such a filled day!
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says
restaurant food with your dslr even in low lighting conditions….looks amazing!
there is an il fornaio (Really classy in San Diego (Del Mar) i wonder if they are related)
and Costco being a zoo. That’s why i groc shopped early this week, i.e. Thurs not over the weekend b/c it was already getting nutty and TJ’s and Costco and places like that, yeah, nightmare! My TJs can be a zoo even in a random tues at 11am type of thing anyway!
glad you made it out alive :)
christine says
Yeah, the Del Mar location is part of the chain, though I don’t really like referring to them as a chain since it doesn’t feel like one at all.
Costco was crazy, but it’s almost fun to me by myself since I can navigate the crowds and get out of the parking situation pretty quick. I’d have a totally different view if I had kids with me for sure!
JL goes Vegan says
Sprouted lentils AND quinoa?! I need to get moving on this (I got the straining lid…and I have a raw chili recipe from Doug McNish calling for sprouted azuki beans and sprouted quinoa). Question, once sprouted, how long can you store in the fridge?
Your wraps looked delicious (and gorgeous). I’ve ordered a “vegan” (hold the cheese) pizza a few times and agree, it’s pretty tasty!
Amy at TheSceneFromMe says
Oh that bread basket! I love bread with crispy edges!
Melissa @ TryingToHeal says
that pizza looks absolutely delicious!
and yes, it does look like an alien! or that famous painting with that screaming man, hands on his face…ya know? hehe!
Carrie (Love Healthy Living) says
Phew! That is a busy day. I accidentally went to Trader Joe’s yesterday and it was pandemonium there, too. Glad to know one can find some healthy choices at Il Fornaio. The pizza looks pretty good. Enjoy a restful day!
Katie says
Thank you for always having posts that inspire me to dream of a raw lifestyle, you make it look amazing with your amazing meals you create! How nice to do a night out with your sister and her husband ; ) your pizza looked good and so does the bread! I have not brought my dslr to a dinner out yet , I might next time, I know it is so big to lug and plus asking someone to take a pic, I know they might be overwhelmed by the big camera , lol!
Happy Sunday night! xoxo