Chef Lauren’s Table

06/25/2023

06/13/2023

Want to join me at the table for a dining experience?! Make sure to get on my VIP dinner list so you're the first to know when tickets are for sale. These events are going to be a curated experience, featuring a seasonal plant-based menu, wine pairing, and all the food for thought you can handle from yours truly 😂

I can't wait to see you at the table again soon! Go get on that list!! Linked in the comments 🥂

06/01/2023

Overwhelmed by choice when you decide to try a dairy free yogurt?! I once was too, and sometimes I still am! Here are three tips to choosing the right one for you:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​1️⃣ APPLICATION? What are you doing with it? ....umm eating it, Lauren, duh! 🤷🏻‍♀️ I mean besides that - do you like it with granola and berries for breakfast? Are you making a yogurt based dressing or marinade? Are you looking for a sour cream substitute? Are you like me and want to just try one of everything?! (I'd suggest a GoFundMe for the last one lol these things can get $$$). Answering this question helps to narrow down the choices, because not all companies offer unsweetened plain (for use in savory applications).

2️⃣ SWEETENED? Are you a person who loves sweet fruity yogurt? Make sure to look for hidden extra sugars. Opt for unsweetened if you can, and sweeten with maple syrup or honey to taste - or just fruit sometimes is sweet enough!

3️⃣ TYPE OF YOGURT? Just like in the milk/non-dairy milk selection, there are many more non-dairy options that a company could choose to make "milk" or "yogurt" with. I like almond (greek style for more tang and thickness) or coconut yogurt (my preferred breakfast yogurt), but cashew yogurt is also delicious! It's also made with soy or oatmilk, and sometimes a combo of any of these.

REMEMBER: Just because it's labeled "vegan" or "dairy-free" or "plant-based" does not automatically qualify it as a health food. This is frustrating, believe me - I KNOW!

There are so many options these days (one hand awesome, other hand 😫), and you can't just believe all the snazzy marketing on the front of the label....

So next time you're at the dairy case, scan the selection, remember these three tips, and always ALWAYS double check the label to see what it is you're really buying.

05/29/2023

When in doubt, add hummus. And zhoug, definitely add that too 😉 plus all the colorful veg, but that's a given 🙃​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Pick the zhoug sauce up at your local and lmk what you think! It's spicy, so be careful!

05/26/2023

BBQ cauliflower steak with lemon garlic asparagus and simple quinoa. The perfect meal for a fancy at home date night 😘​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Kick it up a notch with a wine pairing from . Might I recommend a sauv blanc or a pinot noir? Get in touch for help selecting some to try (plus my profesh opinion 🍷 for your menu pairings!).

05/22/2023

HBD to me! Happy Gemini season! 🥂

05/12/2023

This is what business meetings look like at Chef Lauren's Table 😍​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

05/11/2023

Size doesn't matter when it comes to asparagus! 🌱💚 ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Whether you prefer thick or thin stalks, look for bright green ones with firm, straight stems and tightly closed tips.

For thick stalks, peel the bottom inch before cooking. Then, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper and grill for a meaty flavor or sauté for a delicate taste. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal! 😋