Foodie Friday: Pedalers Fork in Calabasas

Pedalers Fork in Calabasas

Dawn's Faves from Pedalers Fork

 

Dear Pedalers Fork Team,

BeautyFrosting editor, Dawn McCoy, and I had the delicious opportunity to experience a sneak preview of Calabasas’s newest epicurean jewel, Pedalers Fork. Whoever says you can’t have it all hasn’t been to Pedalers Fork! This is destination dining at its best! You’ve created a beautiful oasis for us to gather with friends and escape the hectic day-to-day, without having to pack a bag or board a plane!

A perfect balance of location and design, the stunning interior was inspirational.

Every window strategically placed inviting nature inside to co-mingle with the rustic reclaimed wood accents, and antique light fixtures. The vintage bikes perched in the rafters overhead are a reminder of the inspiration for this sanctuary you’ve created.

Pedalers Fork interior & patio

 

I was in heaven when I stepped out on the patio. Worthy of the “dream home” sketches I walk around with in my head, it felt like a cool tree house for adults, dining amongst the trees, watching the ducks, and listening to the choir of frogs singing the praises of Pedalers Fork. A truly tranquil feeling that reminded me to breathe, slow down and appreciate the moment. I felt the love that went in to every detail!

Your dream project is a bona fide triple threat. You truly have something for everyone. A coffee shop that brews fresh-roasted 10 Speed Coffee from Oregon for the early risers, a cycling boutique catering to the active enthusiasts, and a beautiful restaurant with a menu focused toward a health conscious lifestyle. You’ve really thought of everything! The use of ingredients from the best organic and sustainable local farms has created standout dishes that feed our souls as well as nourish our bodies, and allowed me to leave the table without feeling guilty. Ok, maybe a LITTLE guilty after devouring both the Berry Cobbler AND the delicious Flourless Chocolate Cake for dessert, but well worth it! Chef Dan’s extensive menu has a little something for everyone.

Pedalers Fork dinner menu, cocktail menu & beer menu

 

Rebecca's Fave Moments & Menu Items

Pealers Fork, Calabasas, California, restaurant, restaurant review, foodie friday, food, cyclists, family-friendly, family restaurant

Steamed PEI Mussels – Coconut green curry, crostini.

Baby Kale Caesar – Almesan, potato croutons, almond tofu caesar dressing.

Roasted Beets – Hemp seed crusted Soledad goat cheese, heirloom citrus, asparagus, baby lettuces, herb vinaigrette.

Kabocha Squash Lasagna – Broccoli, sweet pea, ricotta, mozzarella, tomato sauce. (Note From BeautyFrosting herself, Dawn McCoy: “I died when I ate this. Literally died for about 2 minutes. Which might explain why I kept calling the dish “my boyfriend” as in “Please leave my boyfriend and I alone in peace.” Yep, it’s that killer.)

Kabocha Squash Lasagna: A cheesy, tomatoey, veggie orgasm of a dish! (that's another quote from Dawn)

 

Pan Roasted Skoona Bay Salmon – Roasted cauliflower, kohlrabi, sweet peas, spring onions, kale pistou.

Braised DeyDey’s Grass Fed Beef – Celeriac, roasted asian pear, jalapeno, natural reduction.

Girmaud Farms Duck Breast – Red frill mustard, roasted beet, red quinoa, dried cherry, pistachio.

Flatbread – Wild mushrooms, montecito gouda, shaved parmesan, arugula salad, truffle vinaigrette.

Devils on HorsebackBlack dates, Pt. Reyes bleu, applewood bacon

Greek Yogurt Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta – Spring berry citrus compote.

Bittersweet Gluten Free Chocolate Flourless Cake – Cocoa nib and roasted pistachio milk chocolate crust.

Apple Berry Cobbler – Almond milk sorbet.
WOW, this is go BIG or go home at its best! Congratulations to owners Robbie Schaeffer and Time Rettele! Your dream to develop a place where people can enjoy life and celebrate community is realized. Thank you for having the passion to create an environment where we can meet to share a cup of coffee, a cocktail and a meal, but stay to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and friends. Pedalers Fork is inspired by the cycling culture, but I’ll tell everyone the mode of transportation is secondary. Run, walk, cycle or drive. Just get there!  

 

Just get there! if you do, you might be smiling as widely as these bloggers - Dawn McCoy, of BeautyFrosting, and Whitney Lader of hoopLA

With Love and respect,

 

Rebecca Meyer 

 

 

PEDALERS FORK

23504 Calabasas Road

Calabasas, CA 91302

 

818-225-8231

http://www.pedalersfork.com/

*We at BeautyFrosting want to extend a special THANK YOU to our friends at Pedalers Fork and Nicole Myden Public Relations for giving us the opportunity to experience such a delicious dining experience before the general public gets to delight in the healthy decadence of Pedalers Fork! Also, we want to mention that there are a number of scrumptious VEGAN, VEGETARIAN & GLUTEN-FREE options at Pedalers Fork, as well.

Foodie Friday: Lyfe Kitchen is loooovely!

Dear LYFE KITCHEN,

 

Lyfe Kitchen in Culver City

Thank you for opening your doors in Culver City and opening your kitchen and comforts to all of Los Angeles. Your chef, manager and staff were so friendly and concerned with customer care that it felt like you were opening your hearts to us, as well.

LYFE Kitchen stands for Love Your Food Everyday and if I could eat like this every day, I would.  As a gal who likes to eat healthy 80% of the time and allows 20% for those charming “cheaty” foods, I love that at Lyfe Kitchen, I don’t have to choose. While you have menus for the gluten-free/celiac crowd and the vegans among us, you also have a full-service and fully pleasing menu for all the rest of us. Best part? All of the dishes and drinks are on the low-moderate-calorie side at under 600 calories. And it marries the best of both worlds: sustainable practices and natural, healthy, whole foods.

I came in last Monday night with my dear friend – and foodie guru – Whitney of HoopLA. I had no expectations and was at the mercy of Whitney and your fine executive chef, Jeremy Bringardner, which was totally my pleasure.

Some of my favorites on your menu?

Just a few of my favorites from Lyfe Kitchen...

 

Starters & Salads: The grilled artichoke ($7.99) paired with garlic aioli and the vegan caesar dressing. Let me tell you, honey, that I will be back to buy a pint of that caesar dressing, it is so delicious. And, sir, I’m not even a vegan. Yes, it’s that killer. The chunky guacamole ($5.99) was the best guacamole I’ve had besides my Mama’s with that perfect amount of citrus, acidity and creaminess. Served with gluten-free, house-baked tortilla chips and salsa fresca, I’ll be back soon for a true taste of the border! And the Farmer’s Market salad ($8.99) was simple, tangy and delicious thanks to the blackberries, spiced pecans, goat cheese and balsamic vinaigrette.

Entrees:  Art’s Unfried chicken ($12.99) with roasted brussels sprouts, butternut squash, dried cranberries, cashew cream and dijon vinaigrette was again something that reminded me of something Mama would make. Terrifically tasty with a juicy, mouthwatering texture, it’s sure to please. And you also offered a Gardein “chicken” version, as well.

Desserts: Well, now this was just ridiculous. We were delighted with the vegan and gluten-free ChoColaTe Budino with pomegranate-soaked chia seeds and slivered almonds ($3.99) and the Apple and Quinoa crisp ($3.99). We realized that you really cannot go wrong with either one and I don’t recommend that anyone leaves there without trying at least one of these delicious desserts.

Drinks: I sampled each of their red wines and they were divine!

Setting & Ambiance: This is a perfect spot for everyone. With comfy booths, a bright feel and inspiring quotes on the wall, everyone will feel at home here. Great for couples, kids and singles alike!

Lyfe Kitchen is full of life!

Overall, Lyfe Kitchen converted me into being a believer that low-cal, vegan and gluten-free cooking cannot only be as good as its higher caloric, nutrient-lacking counterparts but that it can actually taste BETTER. Job well done.

 

xoxo,

Dawn McCoy

Foodie Fridays

BeautyFrosting

Cost: $

Lyfe Kitchen

9540 Culver Blvd.

Culver City, 90232

*Keep your hearts full and your taste buds happy, people!*

In-My-Tub-Tuesday: LAVANILA 2-in-1 Body Wash in Vanilla Grapefruit

Happy In-My-Tub-Tuesday, beauties!
I’m a little bummed because my cold water knob in my bathtub is out and I have just fallen in love with this new body wash from LAVANILA!

You may remember my prior grapefruit gushing over LAVANILA products. I am a big, big, BIG fan of their all-natural, sweet-smelling deodorant and fragrance. And I am happy to report that The Healthy Body Wash 2-in-1 is just as delightfully delicious as all of their other products!

In-My-Tub-Tuesday: LAVANILA The Healthy Body Wash 2-in-1 in Vanilla Grapefruit ($14 for 8 oz.)

 

This time-maximizing 2-in-1 shower & shave is a crisp cocktail of sparkling pink grapefruit juice with a splash of warm Madagascar vanilla. The result? A body wash so delicious-smelling that you want to want to drink it! But please don’t. This all-natural, vegan & cruelty-free body wash gently cleanses while providing enough moisture and slip for a smooth shave.

Hydrating coconut & rosehip oils partner with soothing aloe & calendula for a lusciously lathering wash that hydrates and quenches skin while preventing irritation and dryness.

Yet again, my senses are satiated and my skin feels soft thanks to the lovely Lavanila!!

 

Whatcha’ Wearin’ Wednesday: Lovely Lauren C.

Love it when I make a green beauty discovery!
Especially since I’m a little green when it comes to green beauty.

When I attended Fournier PR’s “Be Parisian For A Day” event at the Sunset Marquis Villas back in June, I had no idea how much French fun I was in for!
I was turned on to soooooo many new products and fell in love with so many of them!

Love it when that happens!

One of the lines new to me was Emani.

And the face of Emani was Lauren.

And what a face it was!

Whatcha' Wearin' Wednesday, Lauren?

Our WWW Girl: Lauren

I loved the polished look of her eye makeup so you know I had to ask:

BF: Lauren, Whatcha’ Wearin’?

Lauren: Emani!!

Side view of lovely Lauren C.

Side view of lovely Lauren C.

BF: Would you mind if I feature you as my WWW girl and take a few pics?

Lauren: Go right ahead! But I put it on at 7 am this morning – do I need to retouch?

BF: 7 am!!?? You have got to be kidding. You look beautiful! You don’t need to retouch a thing!

Lauren: No. Seriously. That’s the thing about Emani – it’s amazing. Have you tried it?

BF: No, but I will now. Your makeup looks like you JUST put it on! Please tell me everything you’re wearing so I can get to know this seemingly magical mineral makeup!

Lauren: I can do better than that! I’ll take a pic of my makeup routine and email you the details. Will that work?
BF: Will that work?! Are you kiddin’?! Bless you, darlin’.

I can’t wait to try Emani myself if I can look like her!

As for Emani, this is what I know:

*A professional makeup line that promotes a pretty, healthy complexion. Gotta love that!

*Vegan friendly product – free of the not-so-pretty stuff like Talc, Gluten and Parabens.

*No harsh chemicals, petrochemicals or synthetic fragrances

*Organic,natural pigments

*Lasting mineral makeup that looks polished NOT heavy-handed like some mineral makeup lines

*PETA Certified

*Sustainable, Recycled & Biodegrable Packaging

*Made in the USA

Well, I love ALL of that goodness! And I have a feeling a lot of you will too.

Love it when I make a green beauty discovery!

And, as promised, here is Lauren C’s beauty routine.

Here’s the email from our WWW girl today, the lovely Lauren:

Hi Dawn, 

It was so nice to meet you yesterday, you are such a sweetheart and I love this blog of yours!

Below are the products that I used:

Lauren's Emani Eye Makeup

Lauren's Emani Eye Makeup

-Emani Magic Sealer Eye Primer: http://www.emani.com/eyes/magic-sealer/44m-magic-sealer/
-Emani Color Dust in Icy: http://www.emani.com/166-icy-dust-specialty/
-Emani Duo Eyeshadow in Volvo Vixen: http://www.emani.com/708-volvo-vixen-eyes/
-Emani Duo Brow Filler & Liner in Coco/Black: http://www.emani.com/eyes/brow-liner/0719-coco-black/
-Emani Color Dust in Twilight: http://www.emani.com/177-twilight-specialty/
-Emani Organic Soy Mascara in Midnight: http://www.emani.com/eyes/organic-soy-mascara/1093-midnight/

 

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: Are you a fan of mineral makeup? Have you tried Emani? 

Mailbox Monday: Eco-Emi: Glamour you can feel good about!

Happy Monday morning, beauties!
You ready for a great week?
It’s gonna be a good one!

In honor of Earth Day and all things good and pure, I want to tell you about one of my favorite discoveries I’ve made this year: Eco-Emi beauty box service.

It’s a box bustling with green glamorous goodies delivered directly to your mailbox!

Eco-Emi

I just opened my Eco-Emi March box and was just thrilled to see all the goodness that came in it! Yaya!!

I will be the first one to tell you that I am not the perfect example of eco-friendly living. I am no green queen by any means. But I am learning and I learn something every day about eco-friendly living – whether it be a new way to reuse and recycle, or (MY FAVORITE!!), a new beauty product that is eco-conscious. I’m sure a few of you out there can relate.

Which is why it’s a good thing that I met Christine of Eco-Emi.

She is THE green queen and each month I receive my Eco-Emi beauty box, I’m a little closer to green-queedom, thanks to her mindfully-selected products.

So what is Eco-Emi?

Eco-Emi is a beauty box chock-full of green beauty goodies. What are green beauty goodies? They are natural, organic, green, eco-friendly, cruelty-free, vegan, vegetarian or Fair Trade products that you can feel proud to try and buy.

And For only $15 per month, why wouldn’t you try?
Every month, you get a prettily-packaged, thoughtful selection of beauty goodies, hand-selected by green queen, Christine herself, to try. And believe me – once you try, you WILL want to buy these delicious, glamorously green goodies.

Maybe you’re like how I used to be. I thought that by being green, maybe a little glamour would be missing in these products. I couldn’t be more wrong.
It’s glamour you can feel good about!!

I’ve been an Eco-Emi girl for the past three months and I have been thrilled with the boxes I’ve received!

My Eco-Emi March Box

Eco-Emi April

Eco-Emi March

So what goodies came this month?

Revitalize Shampoo & Conditioner (8 oz) by Greenbody Greenplanet ($24.00), 2 Vegan Mineral Eye Shadows ($3.50) & 1 Vegan Gel Eyeliner ($5.00) by The All Natural Face, Lip Tint by Badger ($6.50),Toothbrush by Vita Care ($3.39), Pomegranate Gum by Vita Care ($1.99), Incense by Auromere Ayurvedic ($6.95), Pear Tree Specialty Liquid Soap by Old Post Road Oils ($7.00). That’s a couch-full of cosmic-conscious cosmetics & health goodies!

My Eco-Emi January Box

Eco-Emi January

And January’s Eco-Emi box featured all these gorgeous goodies! Including Lip Tint by J.R. Watkins ($4.99), Endangered Species Lip Balm by Merry Hempsters ($2.99), Sprouted Organic Quinoa by Tru Roots ($6.47), Herbal Tea by TeaGschwendner ($8.56), Organic Fair Trade Coconut Oil by Kelapo ($7.69), Honeydew Spearmint Lotion by Deep Steep ($9.95), Organic Hand Purifier by Dr.Clean Green ($7.95), Organic Eyeliner in black brown by Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques ($12.00) and Greapefruit Seed & Orange Peel Liquid Laundry Detergent by Biokleen ($6.56). Whew! That’s a mouthful!

***

So, if you need a pretty l’il pick-me-up every month and want to feel good about what you’re trying so you can buy the best for you and your loved ones, try Eco-Emi. It is a beautiful beauty box service and I can’t recommend it enough! Plus, they’re super sweet and have superb customer service which earns them a constant seat in the BeautyFrosting kitchen!

You’ll feel both pampered and proud to be trying out products that are both good for the Earth and good for you! Let me know when you get your first Eco-Emi beauty box in your mailbox!

Join Eco-Emi by clicking here!

*And you can win a March Eco-Emi box of your own by reading our Green Glamour Giveaway with Eco-Emi post

xoxo,
BF

 BF Asks: What’s your favorite green glamour product? Or is there one you want to try?