Soyka Restaurant Brings Hospitality to Miami, FL

Soyka Restaurant in Miami, FL

hos·pi·tal·i·ty: the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.

Hospitality is a multi-billion dollar industry made up of numerous fields, including restaurants. The survival of restaurants depends on the satisfaction of its customers, and the ability to both continuously capture new customers and retain existing ones. So, how does a restaurant do so? See definition above.

Summer Essentials for Staying Healthy

Photo Sources: krasota-com.ru; kissmyface.com; saltcityoptics.com target.com; www.100percentpure.com; www.naturallyfreshdeoderantcrystal.com

Summer means different things for everyone. In Miami, it means staying out of the sun at peak hours or avoiding scorching your feet on the lava-hot sand as you run to the ocean. In Russia, it means absorbing up every last ray of the sun that is lacking the other 9 months of the year. I've put together a list of my favorite essentials so you can stay healthy and cool under the sun, wherever you may live.

Eating Healthy on the 4th of July

Photo credit: history.com

The sound of children's laughter, music floating through the air, and bursts of color lighting up the sky. The 4th of July has almost arrived again, and these are just a few scenes that come to mind. It is a day of celebration, which unfortunately, like many holidays, has become synonymous with overeating (unhealthy foods) and over-drinking (alcohol).  There are plenty of red, white, and blue foods that don't involve sugar, artificial food coloring, and a host of other murky ingredients, and plenty of refreshing non-alcoholic drinks to cool you off on a hot day.

Restaurant Review: The Café at Books & Books Miami Beach

The Café at Books & Books on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach, Florida

It was a chilly day, by Miami standards, but there were still people sitting under the big orange umbrellas on the sidewalk on Lincoln Road.  I had walked by this place probably a dozen times and had heard good things about it, but had never stopped to go inside. At the entrance stood a small host stand and a friendly face. I was pretty hungry and the the voice on the phone that reassured me they had vegan and gluten-free options that could be made oil-free certainly sounded inviting. "Table for 2?" said the hostess. "Yes, inside please."

Catching Up on Nutrition with Rafael Nadal

Carolina Sánchez-Hervás with 9-time French Open winner, Rafael Nadal

It's that time of the year again, and Roland Garros, also known as the French Open, has begun. It is the premier clay court event of the year, and recently I had a chance to catch up with 9-time Roland Garros champion and the most successful player in Roland Garros history, Rafael Nadal.

Drinking Soda

Source: http://www.movdata.net/

I've never been one to drink a lot of soda. In fact, I remember when I was 12, I decided to never drink soda again. That was before I even knew anything about nutrition or had any interest in the subject. It must have been a sign that I would one day become passionate about it. I can't remember why I made the decision, but I just know that since 12, I haven't touched a soda. I don't miss it, and my body certainly doesn't miss it either.

The Link Between Repressive Governments and the Food Industry

source: http://www.menshealth.co.uk/

In the former, you don't have a choice about what you want to do, but in the latter, you do. But we still do what they say. People are being brainwashed in both cases. Food companies are brilliant in their marketing schemes. Food is after all the third largest industry in the world. Following close behind is the pharmaceutical industry. Make sense?

New Recipe for Thanksgiving: Mixed Greens and Quinoa Salad with Balsamic Drizzle

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends and it usually involves food. It has become synonymous with overeating, and indulging in what are normally calorie-laden foods, only to regret it the next morning and try signing up at your local gym, if you're not too busy doing Black Friday shopping, of course which can be a workout in and of itself.

6 Tips to Boost your Immune System and Knock the Flu

photo credit: unitypoint.org

It's that dreaded time of the year again, and it seems like everyone around you is getting the flu. But what if you could prevent it and keep yourself healthy?

Type 2 Diabetes and Why You Are Not a Victim of your Genes

A display of tropical fruits at el Palacio de los Jugos in Miami, FL

If you look yourself in the mirror today, can you honestly tell yourself that you have done everything you can to make your body healthy? Today is World Diabetes Day, a day to bring awareness about the disease. So, I hope that my blog can be a small contribution to show that there is an alternative way, and that in many cases, diabetes can be prevented and reversed. You are not a victim of your genes.

Miami Vegan Fare with a Latin Flair

Choices Cafe in Miami, FL

Perhaps thought of eating out on a gluten-free diet is stressful, or maybe you're really passionate about eating organic foods. Maybe you are also vegan and find it is difficult to combine all three things. At Choices Cafe in Miami, FL you don't have to compromise your health, the environment, or your wallet; you can have it all. It is 100% plant based vegan, 95% organic, and of course, there are plenty of choices.

Vegan in Beijing: Review of Serene Lotus Restaurant

I always try to be honest with my readers about the restaurants I review. If the restaurant is in fact delicious and aligns with my mission of helping others lead healthier lifestyles, I will give it a great review! While I do not agree with the food preparation in all vegan restaurants, I still think they are worth reviewing and showcasing different cultures' takes on vegan food.

In today's blog post, I'm going to take you to the far East to a vegan restaurant in Beijing. The lovely Xinran Wang, a good friend of mine, is from China and stopped in to have lunch at this restaurant recently. She's a student from NYU and is currently studying abroad in Abu Dhabi. I was thrilled when she agreed to write a review for Plant Based Carolina. I always love to keep things international and spicy! Read on for Xinran's review.

12 McDonald's Closed in Russia

A passerby strolls by a closed McDonald's in Moscow.
source: Reuters/Alexander Demianchuk 

Times are tough for the golden arches in Russia. Twelve McDonald's restaurants have been temporarily closed in Russia and over 100 of the country's 440 McDonald's are under inspection.

Jamming Out at the 2014 Moscow Jam Festival

2013 Moscow Jam Festival, August 8-17

Would you like strawberry or raspberry jam? Well you can have them both, and over 200 different flavors at the Moscow Jam Festival, including cranberry, zucchini and lemon, and even eggplant jam!

New Healthy Summer Recipe: Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a traditional cold Spanish soup typically served in the summer, and my mom is from Spain so I am so thankful that she taught me how to make this and taught me to love it (although it's really hard not to fall in love with it!) So I dedicate this recipe to my mom, who has taught me so much about cooking and always was patient with me in the kitchen while I was learning. It is such a simple dish, but so tasty and refreshing, especially during the summer when tomato season is in! This recipe is so easy, you can probably make it in under 5 minutes, I dare you!

Veggie Burgers and Baked Fries

Fourth of July is right around the corner, and we've prepared some delicious, guilt-free veggie burgers that you can enjoy.

How to Properly Eat Fruit

I often get questions about how to properly eat fruit, whether on an empty stomach, or after meals. All my life, I grew up eating fruit after meals for dessert. This is supposed to be healthy, right? Well, it beats eating sugary sweets, but it isn't the best option. 

Best Grocery Stores in Manhattan

Whole Foods Market in Manhattan
photo credit: Vornado Realty Trust

Don't expect to find a super-sized Publix or Costco in Manhattan. Real estate in Manhattan means top dollars, and grocery stores have to make the best of the limited space. You may have to shop around to find the best options and prices, and don't expect to find everything under one roof in Manhattan. It is not uncommon to go to 2-3 grocery stores to get everything on your list, and sometimes it can be time consuming.

Vegan Restaurant in Moscow: Fresh Restaurant

Interior view of the bar at Fresh Restaurant in Moscow

Healthy is the new sexy. Because what is sexier than eating delicious food that makes you feel fantastic and look great?

Food Shopping in NYC: Best Fruit Cart in Manhattan

When you have to walk 1 mile to the grocery store, suddenly the logistics of buying a watermelon become a challenge. Or maybe you want to stock up for the week because you know you have a busy schedule ahead of you, but you'll have to figure out a way to get it all home.