Good Gossip: Roseanne Barr's Organic Food & Yoga DVD, Mark Ruffalo Fed Up with Fracking, & Food Network Spares Sharks

Time for another episode of ecorazzi's Good Gossip! I think my favorite story this week is Roseanne Barr -  check out the video to find out why.

Eco-Vegan Daily Download: Race Car Drivers, Yummy Chocolate Dessert, and Free Yoga!

Vegan Food

Coconut Milk "ice cream" at Trader Joes. Gluten-free & vegan, but not organic and contains sugar, as opposed to name brands that are organic and use agave nectar. But it's really delicious - tastes like creamy chocolate frozen pudding!

Vibram FiveFingers: Yes, I love them. Yes, you should get them

That is all I have to say.

Just kidding. Well, sort of.

I LOVE my Five Fingers, and I don't mean my hands (although they're pretty cool too). FiveFingers are a type of unique shoes by Vibram, which are becoming very

RakSa: interview with founder and review of cafe

I had a wonderful time at RakSa wellness center in Culver City. I initially went to support Luscious Organic Desserts, but once I met Apinya, the founder, I fell in the love with the entire place. Her mission is clear - to give people a chance to find their inner selves. RakSa is almost entirely eco-friendly, and the cafe is mostly vegan. I really look forward to going back and doing yoga there.

I enjoyed:

• Butternut & Roasted Vegetable Soup
• Cold Soba Noodles
• Roasted Vegetables
• Brocolli with Roasted Garlic
• Beets & Fennel
• Dosha "Air" bar
• Green tea

Taste: 7/10

Unique menu & flavors: no, except for the Dosha

My favorite dish: Cold Soba Noodles

Organic: yes

Fair-trade: I believe the tea is

Local: whenever available

Healthy: yes

Eco-Friendly: yes

Portion Sizes: medium

Price: Inexpensive

Customer service: very attentive and nice

Atmosphere: relaxing, peaceful, quiet

Location: great part of Culver City, close to freeways

Parking: some in back, or on street

I apologize that parts of the interview go out of focus - so much for auto focus!

310.559.7200

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Organic vegan desserts at new Culver City healing arts center

One of my favorite dessert companies, Luscious Organic Desserts, will be selling their products, STARTING TOMORROW, at a new eco-friendly healing arts center (Yoga, Qigong, Tai Chi) in Culver City. This is great news because this is one of the only places in L.A. you can get their desserts, as they're based in The O.C.. They will start by selling their cupcakes, and potentially more products like breakfast items in the future. Therefore, Luscious needs your support - go and check them out ASAP! And while you're at it, try out some free classes & services!

RakSa is open:

• 7 am – 8 pm, Tuesday – Saturday
• 8 am – 6 pm, Sunday

I'm also very excited about RakSa because they are eco-friendly. Here's what is written on their website:

The health of our community and the health of our environment go hand in hand. We consider you and the environment in all that we do. Our space was designed using sustainable materials free of harmful chemicals and toxins, including bamboo floors and zero-voc paints. Our lighting and appliances are energy efficient and we use biodegradable materials in our café. As students of life, we welcome any suggestions or ideas on what we can do to improve our environmental practices.

310.559.7200

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Related posts:

• My interview with Ioana of Luscious, at World Fest 2009
• QuarryGirl's review of Luscious' new cookie dough
• QuarryGirl's review of Luscious' new brownie batter
• VeggyWood's review of Luscious' new cookie dough

Y.O.G.A. for Youth: Gala Fundraiser at Marrakesh House

I had an incredible time at the Y.O.G.A. for Youth: Gala Fundraiser, which "I AM THE DREAM" campaign benefitted at-risk children throughout the United States. It was my first time visiting the Marrakesh House, and it was wonderful. The event had a great turnout and was attended by some amazing people; there was such a strong, loving energy there. The night was topped off with some delicious food, samples from various vendors, and several inspiring performances.

Most importantly, the gala was a fundraiser for Y.O.G.A. for Youth, which is a non-profit organization that brings yoga, meditation, breathing techniques, chanting, deep relaxation and stimulating discussions on the philosophy of yoga to urban youth.

Performances by:

• Galen and Gentry Gorg ~ breath-taking performance
• Aykanna ~ beautiful music
• Adoré ~ fun belly dancing
• Tom Freund ~ peaceful music
• Amore One & J Brave of the Luminaries ~ inspiring hip hop

My favorite vendors:

• Coconut Bliss ~ delicious, as always
• Bliss Bar ~ incredible vegan smoothies
• Yogi Tea ~ served many of their yummy organic teas
• Theo chocolate ~ fair-trade, organic chocolates (many are vegan)

People I chatted with:

• Tommy Rosen and Kia Miller (organizers)
• Chris Paine (host)
• Rachel Avalon
• Lauren Selman
• Kris Willey
• Christy Morgan

Vardo cafe: Venice, CA - review

A new vegetarian cafe opened in Venice a few weeks ago called Vardo. I felt like I was eating in someone's home and the environment was very blissful. This is the perfect place to go after a yoga class.

Vardo Cafe

310.664.9696

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Enlighten Up!

I've turned into a yogi and I'm really excited about this new documentary called Enlighten Up!
I'm going to try to see it this week.