Joan Landino Award

Joan Landino - Mental Health Therapist & Vegan Life Coach

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Ibiza Tapas Wine Bar

Posted on by Joan Landino in Awards 1 Comment

 

The beautiful artwork at Ibiza Tapas Wine and Bar

Ibiza Tapas Wine Bar is a gem located on 1832 Dixwell Ave in Hamden CT owned by Ignacio Bianco. This is by far my favorite place to go after a long work week. Tapas is defined as hors d’oeuvre served with drinks, especially in Spanish bars (so to say you get transported to Spain every time you walk in is an understatement). Ibiza is dimly lit, with beautiful bold colors on the walls that host a local artist, Gershonh’s work. The small portions never leave me wanting more. My favorite dish is the Arroz De Setas y Verduras, which is bomba rice with wild mushrooms and truffle oil. (anything with truffle oil is amazing, right?) I always get either the grilled asparagus or roasted potatoes with hot sauce on the side. Another favorite meal at Ibiza is the Escalivada Catalana, An assortment of roasted vegetables drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sea salt. I usually order the Avocado and roasted beets with either meal because I have never enjoyed beets as much as I do from Ibiza. Lastly, I could not write a review for this place without mentioning the Ganja white beans and snow peas, they are to die for! I could keep going with my favorite meals but I think I would rather have my readers try for themselves. If you go in the summer, they have an amazing outdoor front patio. I have been here so many times that when I walk in the waiters greet me with a hug! Once again it is so easy to order on or off the menu and maintain a vegan lifestyle with their delicious vegan cuisine, thank you again Ignacio! The friendly Spanish music in the background finishes off the “just landed in Spain” feel that keeps bringing me back. Salud.

Check out Ibiza Tapas Wine Bar’s Website and Facebook Page!

Joan Landino and Owner Ignacio Bianco


Taste Restaurant and Lounge

Posted on by Joan Landino in Awards 2 Comments

 

Taste's Delicious House Salad

When one of my clients mentioned her favorite Hamden/North Haven eatery was Taste Restaurant and Lounge and that they had a Veggie Burger on the menu I knew I needed to try it! Taste has a black bean and corn veggie burger that is perfect! It’s not overly spicy as most black bean burgers are. It comes with oven dried tomatoes, greens of your choice ( I chose the field greens) and served on a toasted english muffin with hand cut fries seasoned with fresh parsley or smoked fries. I have also tried their unbelievably tasty house salad( which I usually don’t favor salads-even though non-vegans think that’s all I eat) the house salad comes with arugula, fennel, tomatoes and radicchio, I always request olive oil & balsamic vinegar because you never know what’s in the “dressing”. Wow were my vegan taste buds happy! I had exceptional service and the owner personally came to our table to make sure we were happy with our meals! I would definitely recommend their veggie burger (minis the cheese and mayo) and a lovely glass of wine for your next date night, girls night or just because you are hungry!!! The chef /owner is Jason Ruocco and he will cater to Vegans and special diets and he might even pop out to see you enjoying your meal!

Taste’s Menu

Taste Restaurant and Lounge Facebook Page

Directions to Taste in Hamden/North Haven, CT

 


Candle 79

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Candle 79 located in the upper east side of NYC ( 154 E 79th St) is one of my FAVORITE vegan eateries. Their website describes it best, “NYC’s premiere vegan oasis. Delicious, creative food fresh from farm to table.” As you walk in you notice the ambience is very classic and romantic. The employees are very friendly and attentive; I think I had one of my favorite waiters ever while eating there last year with my twin sister and niece. For starters I had the Guacamole Timbale- which includes chipotle black beans and caramelized onions, jicama-cucumber salsa served with tortilla chips, (I wouldn’t be surprised if the chips were homemade) finally it comes with a ranchero sauce! For lunch I had the seitan piccata which came with creamed spinach, grilled potato cake, mushrooms in a leman-caper sauce. I have also tried their burrito which was delightful! My mouth is watering just thinking about it! It is a burrito like none other; it includes a chili-herb seitan, perfectly grilled caramelized onions, sautéed greens, chipotle black beans, brown rice, a “mozzarella” “cheese”, guacamole, tofu sour cream (which I opted out of cause I never liked sour cream) and a salsa to “die for”. This lunch was worth the 2 hour ride, and I might finish this review up now and head into the city for a tasteful vegan lunch at Candle 79!

Check out Candle 79′s Menu: http://www.candle79.com/menu.html

Website: http://www.candle79.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

(photos from Candle 79′s website)