Dates Are Sweet and Good For You!

We just returned from a vacation in Palm Springs, CA. The weather and climate were such a contrast to what we are used to, with only two seasons (hot and dry summer and even hotter and drier summer, with rare downpours that can even cause flooding), compared to our four distinct seasons that span every weather possibility from freezing cold to hot and humid (but never as hot and dry as Palm Springs). The climate and terrain were so very different that sometimes we felt as though we were on another planet. We saw cacti growing as ornamental landscape foliage. Grapefruit, orange, lemon, and lime trees are grown in yards and along tree lanes, and acres and acres of palm trees are a common site.

Did you know that there are over 119 varieties of dates, and you can find them all in Palm Springs, the Date Capital of the World? While there, we visited Shields Date Garden to learn more and to sample the many varieties that grow on their over 17 acres of date palm cultivation. We ate lunch in the cafe which features delicious breakfast and lunch dishes (I can highly recommend their Portobella Burger). Many dishes feature dates grown on the plantation, and don’t skip their gift shop for anything and everything date-related. They ship all over the world, in case you would like to send a sweet healthy treat as a gift.

Did you know that dates grow in clusters almost like grapes? I didn’t. Individual clusters must be protected from moisture or they will spoil. So, each cluster is grown in a waterproof cover that shelters the dates as they mature on palm trees. It looks kind of odd to see all those bags hanging off the trees, but it is the only way to insure a good crop, and I can testify… these dates are delicious!

Shield’s Date Garden also boasts a walk-through botanical garden featuring 23 handcrafted larger-than-life statues that depict scenes from the life of Christ. The paved path offers a contemplative journey that meanders through each scene from birth to crucifixion. At Christmas lights and music add to the effect.

Some facts about dates: Dates are high in fiber and help to improve digestion. They can be used in smoothies and other recipes as a natural sweetener. Dates are rich in minerals and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and C. And, as a bonus, dates don’t contain cholesterol or any other forms of fat. Nature’s candy, guilt-free!

Dates are a healthy snack. Enjoy! — Photo by Anna Tarazevich on Pexels.com

If you would like to learn more about dates here is a link to the film, “The Romance & Sex Life of the Date,” which describes the painstaking process of date cultivation: https://shieldsdategarden.com/theater. This film is shown in the on-site theater (reservations not required) at Shields Date Garden, 80225 CA-111, Indio, CA 92201, Phone: (760) 347-0996.

The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm

42461 Lovettsville Rd., Lovettsville, VA 20180. Phone: (540) 822-9017

For Thanksgiving Dinner 2019, we decided to dine at The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm. Finding a great upscale restaurant that serves something vegetarian and delicious on Thanksgiving has become a quest for my husband in recent years. Our kids are grown and live in all corners the country, so we gladly sacrifice the burden of family travel on Thanksgiving so we can all be together on Christmas. In addition, I am more than happy to give up the chore of spending Thanksgiving Day elbow deep in a turkey that I won’t even eat in exchange for dining like a queen at a fine restaurant. (This new tradition was all my husband’s idea — what a guy!)

Weeks ahead of the holiday he was searching the web for the perfect restaurant and found this unusual venue. Situated on a mountain top, with a wonderful view of the Potomac River, The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm is a working organic farm that features locally grown and/or foraged seasonal produce and grass-fed organic animal products on their menu. He booked our reservation even though they warned him that they would have a special fixed Thanksgiving menu that featured a lot of meat. Well, he must have said something right, because when we arrived they gave us a special vegetarian menu created just for us. The only thing we couldn’t eat was the Seared Escolar (fish).

Patowmack Farm

The drive up the side of a mountain to the restaurant was a bit steep (I wonder what they do when it snows). At the top is a large all-glass dining room with brick floor and nature-inspired decor. Food is prepared on site, tapas size and served family style, so you can share and pass plates around the table. And there is plenty of food! At first we thought we should choose what we wanted from the menu, but no. We were served everything on the menu! I can’t even describe how delicious each dish was. The spices and sauces were unique and so flavorful — definitely gourmet cuisine.

Service was excellent. Each course was expertly timed and dishes discreetly removed, so we barely noticed. Our waitress explained each dish as it came out and met our every request with a smile. We felt as though we were her top priority even though she was serving others, too. At the end of the meal coffee and tea were brewed at the table, and the dessert platter was brought out. The only thing I would recommend is more pie for dessert. The four small portions served were so delicious that we all wanted more!

If you want to try excellent food that is minus all the commercial chemicals and pesticides, in season and fresh, in a lovely location with a view, then The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm is your special occasion destination.

River Bluff Farm Bed & Breakfast

I just had to share a review of this B&B where we stayed for a long weekend in the Fall. River Bluff Farm B&B is located off the beaten path in the beautiful hills of Virginia near New Market. When we left the highway we thought , “Oh, this is pretty…” past the farms , pastures, etc. Then we turned into the little town of Quicksburg, crossed the railroad tracks and landed on a dirt road. When we drove past a few houses and turned into an unpaved driveway that never seemed to end, my husband was glaring at me. His face said, “Where are we, and what have you gotten us into?” Really, the only other living thing we saw after leaving the highway was a cow, so I was concerned, too. “The reviews online looked great,” was my defense. Finally, a sign came into view: NOT YET, KEEP GOING. Okay, we proceeded down the driveway past another sign that said SCENIC VIEW. We saw nothing, but later learned that you had to hike up the path to see the view. Then, just as my husband was threatening to turn around, a house came into view. (Thank you, Lord!)

That was our humorous introduction to this wonderful B&B. Everything there great. Lots of rustic charm and antiques while providing every modern convenience you could want. We stayed in the New England Room on the second floor. River Bluff B&B boasts three bedrooms, all with queen beds (and oh, the sheets are heavenly — definitely better than hotel quality) and private baths plus a loft that has been used for groups with children who don’t mind climbing the ladder and spreading out sleeping bags. A cozy fireplace, modern kitchen and large adjoining diningroom complete the interior. In warm weather guests can also choose to eat outside on the ample deck overlooking an expansive yard and North Fork of the Shenandoah River.

Our hosts, Donna and Matt, made sure we and the other two couples who were staying there, were comfortable and had everything we needed. All the breakfasts were homemade and delicious. Our hosts were very knowledgeable about the area, and pointed us in the direction of several interesting tourist attractions, places to eat, and orchards to pick apples. Knowing we were vegetarians, Donna managed to make a delicious vegetarian breakfast for us each day in addition to what the others were being served. We really appreciated that. So, I was surprised one morning when she offered us FROG Jam for our muffins. (What… another great reason to be a vegetarian?) Well, she also had BEAR Jam if we didn’t want FROG for breakfast. As you can see from the photo, not a frog or bear was sacrificed in the making of either. She got us that time!

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River Bluff Farm B&B, 183 Quicksburg Mill Lane, Quicksburg, VA 22847. (540) 454-9751, http://www.riverbluffbnb.com Check them out!

Bakers Guild Café

225 Center Street

Bloomsburg, PA

570-784-2271

Bakers Guild streetshot

While in the college town of Bloomsburg, PA last weekend we found a delightfully healthy café. We just had time for a quick lunch before a family wedding started, but we didn’t want to settle for junk food either. We were so glad we checked this place out! There is seating for about 12 – 15 inside the café, but take-out is also available. We ate inside.

Bakers Guild Café is also the retail outlet for Columbia County Bread and Granola, known for their organic sprouted breads, crackers and granola. You can visit their website ColumbiaCountyBread.com to learn more about their products. Yes, they ship anywhere in the country.

I chose the sprouted whole-grain pita for my Vegan BLT. It was so good, and came with a side of organic sprouted spelt chips. The vegan bacon had all the flavor (if not the texture, so don’t expect that) and none of the fat and cruelty of bacon. All the flavors complemented each other perfectly. This was such a treat for a vegan who never gets to have a BLT! Dave ordered a grilled cheese and onion sandwich (his usual lunch order), and even though it wasn’t on the menu they didn’t blink at the request. He also ordered the Caesar Salad with greens, capers and sprouted “sprigs.” The sprigs were thin slices of their sprouted whole grain bread toasted. That salad was quite large so he shared a bit with me. I usually don’t like croutons, but these “sprigs” were just lightly toasted and still warm — not like the hard little rocks usually topping a Caesar Salad. It was exceptionally delicious. Douglas Michael, the owner, took the time to explain the process he uses to sprout the grains and his wholefood philosophy behind the restaurant’s menu.

Dave and I both had iced tea, freshly brewed and served from a pitcher, not from a can, bottle, or soda fountain. You could taste the difference. This iced tea tasted like tea, not chemicals, and our empty glasses were promptly refilled. An unexpected find was compostable straws. Ever since learning about the harmful effects of plastic straws on the environment and wildlife I have been trying to find a safer straw to use. Paper straws are no longer available, and I hate to drink an iced beverage without a straw (always waiting for the ice to come crashing down onto my face). Bakers Guild uses straws that are cornstarch-based and completely biodegradable. Doug even told me where to order them… yay!

bakers Guild owner enhanced vignette

If you are ever in Bloomsburg, and want something healthy to eat, please look for Bakers Guild Café. The prices are reasonable and the food is wonderful. You will feel like you’ve eaten real food, and know that you’ve done something good for your body and the environment.

Bakers Guild Café, 225 Center Street Bloomsburg, PA 570-784-2271

Madras Mahal Vegetarian Indian Restaurant, 104 Lexington Ave. (between 27th & 28th St.) New York, NY. (212) 684-4010

Having just returned from a delightful couple of days in New York City, I thought I’d share some great vegetarian restaurants we tried while there. I know it’s always a challenge to eat healthy when traveling, so I appreciate it when someone can point me in the direction of a good vegetarian restaurant when I’m away from home. Madras Mahal in Midtown Manhattan is one I can highly recommend. The restaurant specializes several diverse Indian cuisines with options we don’t often have the opportunity to try in traditional Indian restaurants. They offer dishes from both southern and northern India (yes, there is a difference), and the restaurant is strictly kosher. Actually, if you love Indian food this block of Lexington Ave has many establishments from which to choose if you’re feeling adventurous. We found the food to be delicious, prices moderate for the city, staff attentive and courteous — everything clean and efficient. Judging by the number of happy patrons at Madras Mahal we weren’t the only ones who felt this way. To learn more you can visit their website: http://www.madrasmahal.com.