Eat: Ginger Wasabi Tofu and Miso Salad

In honor of the lilac bloom, Spokane Hosts "Bloomsday," a 12 km (7.46 m) road race. Bloomsday is one of the largest road races in the world, accommodating 50,000 plus runners. Bloomsday 2012, is the 36th annual run. Today, I'm running Bloomsday for my 3rd time. I love Bloomsday! It is a riot. 

My goal is to run the entire race, no walking. I always get competitive with my self in race situation. My adrenalalin is already racing. I find it hard to eat before an event so my breakfast was light. After compition I'm always starved for protein. I've prepped my lunch and I am so motivated to come home and  enjoy a tasty ginger wasabi tofu salad! 

Wasabi Tofu & Glaze

 1/4 cup tamari (soy sauce) 

 1/4 cup minced fresh ginger 

 2 Tbsp. sesame oil 

 1/4 cup rice vinegar 

 1lb. extra-firm tofu, drained, and sliced into 1/2 inch thick slices 

 2 Tbsp. wasabi (japanese horseradish paste) 

 1/4 cup agave syrup

 2 Tbsp. shallots 

Preperations:

In a small bowl combine the: tamari, ginger, shallots, sesame oil and rice vinegar. 

Cut up the tofu into cutlets, and place them into a resealable container. Pour the marinade over the tofu, shake well and refrigerate for a few hours. 

Just before grilling, combine the agave syrup and the wasabi to create a tasty glaze. If the paste is too thick thin it with a dash of vinegar. 

Brush the glaze onto both sides of the tofu and grill until crisp/tender. 

Serve the Tofu with a spinach miso salad. 

 Miso Salad dressing 

1/4 cup rice wine vinegar

1 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp miso paste

2 tbsp ginger (Fresh)

1/2 tsp wasabi

1 tsp sesame oil 

2 tbsp olive oil

 salt and peper to taste

Prep:

In a small bowl mix all the ingredients above well. 

Salad 

2 cups spinach

2 cup mixed greens

1 cup red onion chopped

1 cucumber sliced

1 cup chopped celery

1 cup sliced radishes

2 carrots shredded

1 large bell pepper sliced 

Prep:

In a large bowl toss the salad. 

Add the tofu, and slowly pour in the dressing. Toss well. 

-enjoy!

Unwrap Spokane, find the gems: Glamarita

When I came to Spokane, I came for the sole purpose of school. I landed in Spokane fall of 2008, to go to Gonzaga. At first when I realized that I would be spending the next 4 years of my life in a city dwarfed by a GU bubble, I was semi disgusted. Spokane seemed small and inauthentic; the only shopping I found was mainstream and the only communication I had with the city was that through other University Student, most of whom where also temporary transplants. 

Through out my education process, I have developed a love for Spokane.

 Every year, under the Christmas tree there is one present that stands out. It is wrapped more extravagantly than the rest, and seems to dwarf every other package. At first chance you race to the decadent parcel and begin shredding the wrapping, however as you remove layer after layer of shiny paper you soon lose interest. Spokane is that city, wrapped in the ideology of higher education, inland northwest lifestyle, hospitals and professional services. Spokane is that city wrapped in the allure of big chain department and big box stores. Spokane is that city, the hub of the inland northwest. Full of artistry and unique finds, open only to anyone willing to look. 

As layers are removed from the parcel, we settle and be come complacent with the discoveries we've made. We forget that wrapping still camouflages the real heart of Spokane. The more time that I have spent in Spokane, the more I have discovered and fallen in love with the city. Spokane hasn't gotten cooler since I've been here, in contrast I've gotten more adventuresome and have searched to find cool attractions. My latest Spokane Discovery? Glamorita Clothing and Accessories.

 Glamarita Clothing & Accessories,  is a fantastic artisan fashion boutique. The creative force behind Glamarita is Ronnie Ryno, a special ed teacher turned fashion designer who has transposed the needed childhood imagination required to teach children into her designs. Her fashions possess an anything is possible vibe with, a "why didn't I think of this?" creative flare. Glamarita fashions are inspired and constructed through re-purposing vintage fabrics. The boutique is stocked with Ronnie's unique designs, as well as showcasing the spellbinding creations of other local artists. Glamarita is a boutique which promises imagination contentment and a prized find for everyone. 

I have decided that I NEED these shoes! Wedges adorned with bits of broken mirror.
It's a shame, that a size 7, will simply never fit my tiny feet. 

So go, explore Spokane, find the cool and satisfy your need for discovery. Glamarita is located at 901 w. Garland, beside the Rocket Cafe. 

I must be dreaming, Cheep wine.

Where is the world can you get a glass of wine for $3? Okay, well I'm sure world wide there are many venues that feature $3 wines. So re-phrase: Where is the US or Canada, can you get a glass of wine with dinner for $3? umm....nowhere?

Actually, At Huckleberry's in Spokane. I love Huckleberry's, and my new discovery that they serve cheep wine only elevates my opinion of the Natural Food Market. The wine and beer served for $3, is poured generously, and the featured wines are always changing. So for a risk free vino taste exploration go to Huckleberry's. 

Dress Up-

Spokane May not have all the "rad"ness of the Venice board walk in Cali- And there certainly may not be endless avenues of amazing vintage shops stocked with even greater finds- But if you are willing to search with an explorers curiosity you will find more than you could dream.

The South Perry district of Spokane is pretty incredible; and so under rated. The vibe is relaxed; the locals are friendly. South Perry Street is an eclectic bouquet of slightly mixed matched businesses. 

I was so happy to stumble across Veda Lux: a tiny house transformed into a vintage oasis. It reminded me of Mr. Dress Up and his fabulous tickle trunk.

My first breath of Veda Lux was: "oh my, where do I begin?" before the though had a chance to process my interest was captured by a rack of boots. Even though the volume of inventory is impressive it took only minutes to discover classic treasures. 

My Finds:

Fringe boots...

a pretty rad day dress...

a wicked vintage crystal Drusy pendant.

SO go explore and dig around. And if you are ever in Spokane check out  Veda Lux on facebook-