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Vegan and Raw Food Cuisine Expert Chef Lauren Von Der Pool is celebrating her newest eatery--Cafe Green which is located at 1513 17th Street, NW in Washington, DC.  Scheduled to open in April 2010, Cafe Green is the first full-service, sit-down, organic vegan restaurant with a bar in the Nation's Capital.  The two-level, chic, intimate facility seats 45 in DC's trendy Dupont Circle.  A large crowd turned out recently for a private gathering at the eatery to sample Von Der Pool's menu (see pictures below).  Guests included U. S. Congressman Dennis Kucinich.  Von Der Pool is pictured on the right discussing the menu with a server. 
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               Medley of Exotic Greens          U. S. Congressman      Coconut Yam Soup
            served in Crisp Wonton Cup          Dennis Kucinich       w/Crisp Plantain Chips
                                                             w/wife Elizabeth

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            Coq au Vin meets                   Cafe Green Tasting                Rutabaga Salad
           Southern Fried Chicken               
      w/White Truffle Mac n' Cheese
               and Kale Greens

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Von Der Pool is also a partner at Java Cafe, a popular vegetarian restaurant that's located in DC's Dupont Circle.  Learn more about Von Der Pool and her exotic vegan and raw food cuisine at vonderpoolgourmet.com.      

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Non-stick cooking spray helps when shoveling snow -- I know this sounds crazy, but it works.  Spray some of the cooking spray on your shovel, then scoop up the snow.  The wet stuff slides easily off the shovel.  You may need to reapply the spray if there's a lot of snow.  This tip came in handy a few weeks ago when I was digging out from the blizzards that blasted the Washington, DC area.

Open your condiment mind -- Ketchup and mustard are great sandwich staples, but there are so many other condiments available at your local grocery store.  Try kim chi, pesto, chutneys, salsas, flavored mustard or make your own.  Add chopped garlic to mayonnaise.  Mix orange marmalade with mustard.  Be creative!


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Chef Lauren Von Der Pool, Vegan/Raw Food Cuisine Expert

Extra virgin coconut oil -- This is a great alternative to extra virgin olive oil.  Both oils lose some of their nutritional value when you cook them, but extra virgin coconut oil tends not to lose as much.  It is often referred to as "super food" because it contains essential fatty acids that are good for the brain.  Other medicinal benefits include helping to prevent heart disease and strokes, strengthening the immune system and encouraging weight loss.  It's also good for your hair and skin.

Learn more about Von Der Pool's exotic vegan and raw food cuisine at vonderpoolgourmet.com.

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Do you have a culinary question or tip to share? 

Email your questions and tips, along with your city and state, to  drakeel@drakeelenterprises.com.  We will do our best to publish as many as we can.  

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