Fizzy Lizzy vs. Izze the showdown of the century!

Who knew that a little blog entry about a fruit juice/sparkling water combo + vodka would breed so much excitement! Aside from the comments on this blog I run into people, almost daily, who are now singing the praises of Izze and sharing with me some of their own recipes and adult beverage concoctions.

Last week the folks at Fizzy Lizzy sent me over a box of their bubbly treats for me to try. I opened the box with anticipation and quickly put the four bottles I received in the refrigerator to reach a perfectly frosty temperature. Coincidentally, there were four cans of pomegranate Izze sitting in my refrigerator at the time as well, so as I read through all the awards and glowing reviews of Fizzy Lizzy as I sipped my pomegranate Izze thinking “this stuff can’t possibly be better than Izze”.

The first flavor of Fizzy Lizzy I tried was Yakima Valley Grape. Unfortunately, comparing the quality and flavor of Yakima Valley Grape to any Izze flavor is like trying to tell the difference between Diet Coke and Coke Zero – its damn near impossible. Don’t get me wrong, it was still delicious and I gulped it down so quick I am grateful I live alone so no one else saw my ruthless display of gluttony. However, the flavor just didn’t manage to distinguish itself from my old faithful Izze.

Two days later I tried the next flavor on the list, Gulf Coast Tangerine. One sip and I was in love. They had me at Tangerine. The taste was pure, crisp and sweet. It was as if someone juiced a tangerine, added a tablespoon Pellegrino and voila! Perfection. Not to mention, that the entire bottle was only 100 calories and had 100% of the RDA of vitamin C. There is really nothing in Izze’s arsenal that compares to the taste of Fizzy Lizzy’s Gulf Coast Tangerine.

Next, I tried Lone Star Grapefruit. Traditionally, grapefruit juice tends to have a sweetness that doesn’t accurately portray the bitterness of the actual fruit. Fizzy Lizzy is an invigorating departure from these sugar-laden imitations. Initially I was expecting Lone Star Grapefruit to have the same sweetness as the two flavors I tried before it. So I took a healthy swig from the bottle only to realize that I was, in fact, drinking “real” grapefruit juice. After the initial shock wore off I found myself going back to it again and again. Small sips at a time, just enjoying the flavor and feeling like I was drinking something that might actually be good for me.

Lastly, a head to head matchup: Fizzy Lizzy Red Hill Pomegranate vs. Izze Pomegranate (my favorite of all the Izze flavors). Like Gulf Coast Tangerine and Lone Star Grapefruit, Red Hill Pomegranate was true to the flavor of an actual pomegranate fruit. It reminded me of the pomegranate spritzers I used to make with Pom Juice and Pellegrino. If I had to choose between Fizzy Lizzy and Izze in the pomegranate arena Izze would be the victor. Only because I can easily make what would taste like Fizzy Lizzy Red Hill Pomegranate myself with two things I always have around the house. Nonetheless, the Fizzy Lizzy version is still delicious, pure to the taste of a pomegranate and lower in calories with no additional sugars added.

At the end of the day, I will never be able to turn my back on Izze, I love it too much and it pairs so well with vodka that I couldn’t imagine parting with it. But Fizzy Lizzy is definitely going to become a permanent fixture in my home. Its flavors are more true to the fruit each one represents, it’s lower in calories and the ingredient list is at least ¼ of the size of Izze’s. My flavor recommendations for Fizzy Lizzy are: Lone Star Grapefruit, Gulf Coast Tangerine, Pacific Raspberry Lemon and Costa Rican Pineapple (my all time favorite!), Check out the Fizzy Lizzy website for more information on their entire portfolio of flavors and recipes.

Restaurant Review: The Sprout Mount Pleasant, SC

Here I am, back in South Carolina. Thankfully only for 3 days this time, nowhere near my previous stay of almost 3 years! South Carolina isn’t necessarily vegetarian friendly let alone vegan friendly but here and there are tiny rays of hope in and around the Charleston, SC area. In researching a place to have lunch today I ran across The Sprout ( 627 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC).

The Sprout is a raw foods take-out restaurant which also doubles as a juice and smoothie bar. The Sprout is tucked in an unassuming shopping center which houses a gym, various sub shops and the usual grocery stores and nail salons. Walking into The Sprout immediately takes you away from all the hustle and bustle of the outer shell of a shopping center and into a place and tranquility. No there’s no incense burning or Enya playing in the background, it’s the people and the food that immediately ground you.

I walked into The Sprout, took one look at the giant boards of smoothie and fresh juice choices and immediately turned to the left to see a large selection of premade raw foods as well as vegan organic wines nestled between growing wheatgrass (surreal, I know). Immediately the woman behind the counter came to help me with my selections out of the towering case of food in front of me. She carefully explained the ins and outs of each dish from the Sun Burgers and Veggie Burgers to the pad Thai, enchiladas, hummus, desserts, nut cheeses and traditional salads. She explained that their menu is all organic and comes from local farms. The menu changes daily based on what is in season and available. She left me to my own devices and as I mulled over all the choices in front of me another gentleman came to see if I had any additional questions. Needless to say, the customer service at The Sprout is exceptional.

Ok, ok, I know you want to know about the food! I tried the enchiladas (made with a spinach “tortilla” wrap, sprouts, ground sun burger, cashew sour cream, carrots and avocado over a bed of fresh baby spinach), cashew cheese, tortilla chips and the lemon brulee. Although the enchiladas tasted nothing like traditional enchiladas they were incredible nonetheless. They tasted fresh, spicy and scrumptious and although you could tell they were raw it didn’t take away from the essence of the dish. The cashew cheese was zesty, creamy and the perfect “cheese” dip. Unfortunately the tortilla chips fell flat. They were crispy to the touch yet, when I began to chew them they turned into a gummy mess that I literally had to scrape off my molars. Later that night in my hotel I finished the cashew cheese off with some celery and carrots. I would recommend trying the flax crackers instead of the tortilla chips if you have the option. I had two choices for dessert, chocolate mouse and lemon brulee, a long time patron of The Sprout recommended the brulee and I had to admit that it looked positively decadent. I cannot explain the orgasm of flavor that went on in my mouth the moment I tasted the lemon brulee! The lemon brulee was sweet, creamy, rich and the crumble “sugar” topping added a light crunch to round off the crème brulee experience. As I began to eat it I kept telling myself “save some for later, save some for later” but before I knew it I was practically licking the inside of the to-go container in my rented mini-van (yes, a mini-van. Another story for another day).

If you happen to be anywhere near the Charleston, SC area the Sprout is worth the trip. Check their website before you go for events such as wine tastings, lecturers, etc.

Cosmo's Vegan Shoppe Atlanta, GA

Atlanta might not have a fancy vegan mini mall like Portland but we do have Cosmo's Vegan Shoppe (which has the strength of 10 mini malls!)

Cosmo's Vegan Shoppe is a storefront owned by vegans with 100 percent vegan goods so you don't have to go through the infamous label scan for whey, gelatin, albumin and all the other animal derivatives that are hidden deep within the labyrinth of the ingredient list on the back of nearly everything you buy.

What makes Cosmo's truly special is that they offer many items that are usually only available online. This probably has something to do with the fact that they also have a virtual store front online that carries nearly everything in the store. So if you're not in Atlanta check out http://www.cosmosveganshoppe.com/

I have a routine when I enter the store. Say hi to Leigh (one of the owners) who is usually at the register when I walk in, then walk straight back and to the right to the freezer and refrigerated foods section. There you will find vegan twinkies, fauxtess cupcakes, vegan donuts in multiple flavors, pizza, vegan orange chicken and even vegan shrimp! Their refrigerator holds all the reigning crown jewels of vegan cheese: sheese (block cheese and cream cheese), cheezly (in white cheddar and mozzarella) and the brand new mozzarella teese (reviews on teese coming soon). As you are checking out you'll also see a little table of baked goods courtesy of Atlanta's own Dulce Vegan bakers. Their cinnamon rolls and cupcakes are to die for but that's a topic that is worthy of its own post so more on Dulce Vegan later.

If you're an avid reader of this blog then you know that cheezly and I are entrenched in a torrid love affair that has no signs of stopping anytime soon. Cosmo's has cemented this bond by adding two new flavors of cheezly to their arsenal, cheddar with "bacon" and garlic and herb. To my knowledge Cosmo's will be the only one in the U.S. who currently carries these new flavors.

As much as I love food, Cosmos isn't just a one trick pony. They carry clothing (usually in the form of vegan t-shirts), mens and womens footwear, purses, bags, wallets, vegan inspired dishes, cat food, dog food, supplements, books, cookbooks, and a variety of other health and beauty products. They even carry vegan lube and condoms.

What I really love the most about cosmos is its "mom and pop" feel. Its not a big corporate giant with some wizard behind the curtain calling all the shots. Its a husband and wife team bringing vegan into the mainstream. If you're looking around Cosmo's and notice that they don't carry something you want, just ask and they will be happy to stock it for you. I requested they order one of my favorite natural deodorant's from them and they had it in stock within two days.
Before you head to whole foods, or Publix or even Sevananda I encourage you to start your shopping at Cosmo's you'll most likely find that (outside of fresh fruits and vegetables) you won't need to go anywhere else.

UPDATE: As of April 1, 2009 Cosmo's Vegan Shoppe has moved. They are now located at 200 North Cobb Parkway, Building 100 Suite 126, Marietta, GA 30062. If you live in our around the Atlanta area you can still stop by and shop at their new hours of Monday-Friday 12-4 and Saturday 12-6.

Restaurant Review: Lov'n It Live East Point, GA

When most people think of raw foods they think of salad, baby carrots and those little fresh vegetable trays that are at every party. Lov'n it live ( 2796 East Point Street, East Point, GA 30344) has set out to change that mindset. Instead of baby carrots and boring salads Lov'n it live serves up a menu of lasagna, tacos, nachos, battered "fried" cauliflower, pizza, chicken strips, sun burgers, apple pie and even ice cream. And it is all raw, all vegan and most importantly all good for you.

There are four basic premises to the raw food "movement". First, raw foods contain live enzymes that aid in digestion and other metabolic processes. Heating foods above 118 degrees Fahrenheit destroys many of these essential enzymes. Additionally, over-processing and cooking certain foods also destroys the vitamins within them. Secondly, eating food that is devoid of these essential enzymes makes digestion more difficult because the body has to work hard to produce it's own enzymes, which deplete over time. It is believed by some that this could lead to toxicity in the body, and cause excess food consumption leading to weight gain (obesity) and all the health "baggage" that comes along with it. Thirdly, as eluded to before, raw foods are believed to have a higher nutrient and mineral composition than cooked food. Last but not least the food is just incredible and the fact that it is good for you makes it even better. I can say from personal experience that even though being vegan makes me feel energetic and alive eating Raw is an amazing experience. When I eat raw I not only feel more energetic and alive but I feel like my body is working in perfect harmony, it's an exhilarating feeling.


Lov'n it live turns the philosophy of the raw foods movement into reality in a brilliant and flavorful way. Even their salads are masterpieces. I crave their kale salad with marinated kale, fresh tomatoes and avocado. And I can't say that I've ever had anything on their menu that I didn't like. I hate mushrooms and even though their chicken strips are made out of mushrooms I still devoured them in record time.

They have a rotating menu of specials depending on what is fresh and in season and everything is organic. As an added bonus the majority of their produce comes from local growers so you can support local organic farmers while eating increidble food. I highly recommend the battered cauliflower, nachos or spaghetti for any first timers. You won't be disappointed.

As much as I love Lov'n it live they do have 1 Achilles heel, timing. Everything at Lov'n it live is made to order. The only items that are ready made are the flax crackers or other types of "breads". Making food to order means that there is a considerable wait time. I live about 10 minutes away and usually get my food to go. I either call my order in 30 minutes before I leave the house or give my order at the restaurant then run some errands. The average wait time is between 30 and 45 minutes for call in orders. If you prefer to dine in order multiple courses and try their Irish moss shake or fresh raw sorrel ( both are available to go as well). When ordering in I always start with and Irish moss and kale salad so while I'm munching and sipping my food is being prepared and I'm not sitting there starving.

The chef's at Lov'n it live also offer raw preparation classes so u can prepare the same amazing dishes at home. The classes are custom built around your schedule and you get hands on experience and knowledge. I've already mastered the art of raw lasagna, nut cheeses, and desserts but I would take this class just to learn how to make their battered cauliflower, raw Jamaican patties, and the raw cheesecake (you read right...CHEESECAKE!).


Timing aside, you won't be disappointed with Lov'n it live. It was my first dive into raw foods and although I've since been to raw food restaurants all across America I can still say that Lov'n it Live has the best raw food I've ever tasted.

Restaurant Review: Eden'z Vegetarian Restaurant Macon, GA

When it comes to vegetarian and vegan cuisine its not too hard to find in Atlanta. However, a short drive will reveal that there is a vast difference between Atlanta and the rest of Georgia and the rest of Georgia isn't too kind to veg*ns. However, there is a little beacon of hope in Georgia's original capitol of Macon. Eden'z vegetarian restaurant (617 Poplar Street, Macon, GA 31201) stands as the only vegan restaurant in middle Georgia. Like many vegan restaurants they advertise themselves as vegetarian so passers by aren't scared off by the unknown. But once you try their food it is undeniable why Eden'z has been in business so long and why there success has recently allowed them to open a new location in the nearby town of Warner Robins.

Eden'z features a daily special for $7.95 that I get every time I go, no matter what the special is I'm never disappointed. The eggplant lasagna and chicken salad sandwich are hands down some of my favorite items that have graced the daily special menu. They recently opened up a lunch buffet as well for $8.95. All you can eat vegan goodness - the world just isn't ready. They also offer a wide array of fruit smoothies, ice cream and 46 different types of fresh healthy juices. If you call ahead they'll even bake you up a loaf of their amazing flax seed bread or zucchini bread.

Recently, Eden'z has also started selling their famous (well it should be famous) Sorrel and Vanilla Sweet Tea. Both are southern sweet and strong. I usually dilute my sorrel with a little bit of water so 16 ounces goes a long way in my house. Today when I stopped in for my bi-monthly visit I saw that they now are selling some of their most popular side dishes to go. In the case today was sautéed spinach, macaroni and cheese and collard greens. If I didn't have an 1 1/2 hour drive home with no cooler I would've bought at least 2 packages of sautéed spinach, it is some of the best spinach I have ever had!

Although I love Eden'z I do have a couple words of caution. Beware of the desserts! I have never, and I mean never, had a dessert from Eden'z that I enjoyed. Twice a month for a year I came in and tried every dessert they had on the menu or on the "specials" board hoping for something spectacular but ending up with a dense and inedible block instead. I'm not sure what they use to make their desserts at Eden'z but the cakes are far from light and fluffy (although the icing is always good) and the muffins have a stiff texture to them. Additionally, Eden'z used to have vegan Jamaican beef, chicken and spinach patties that were worth selling your first born for. When I inquired about them I was told they came from a lady in Conyers, GA. Unfortunately, one day the Jamaican patties went away. Every time I came into the restaurant hoping for vegan patties I was sent away with my daily special but no Jamaican patty. Finally they started showing up on the menu again, but they were obviously no longer coming from my Jamaican patty princess in Conyers. The dough on these new patties is anything but authentic. It's spongy and way too sweet, if you've ever had a real Jamaican patty then you would cry at the disservice that has been paid to them at Eden'z. The filling is great but the filling is only a small part of what makes Jamaican patties so good. I've given up on trying desserts and Jamaican patties at Eden'z for good.

But other than those two missteps Eden'z is a vegan oasis in middle Georgia. Now I know you probably would never have a good reason to be in Macon, unless you lived nearby, but just in case you happen to be driving from Atlanta to Savannah (or vice versa) one day you should take a quick detour to stop by Eden'z and fill your soul with amazing food! If you're in a hurry they accept call in orders 478-745-3336