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Chloe Coscarelli

Sunday Spotlight #9: Chloe Coscarelli, the Amazing Vegan Chef!

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Sunday Spotlight #9 is Chloe Coscarelli, an amazing chef and a proud Coffee Meets Bagel member.
What makes her amazing? Chloe is the winner of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, which she won with her delicious VEGAN cupcake…yes, the cupcake that didn’t have any egg nor butter nor milk still kicked everyone’s ass…
Why else is she amazing? Just take a look at her photo – need we say more?
We asked Chloe to share an easy, fun recipe from her new book, Chloe’s Vegan Desserts (to be released in 2 days, on Feb. 19th!). She recommends Mojito Chocolate Chip Cookies, which you can easily try with your Bagel or your friends.
BONUS for NYC guys: Is Chloe your Dream Bagel? Dare to ask her out? Email us at [email protected] and we will make it happen for you.
Follow Chloe on Twitter @ChloeCoscarell.
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Mojito Chocolate Chip Cookies

MAKES ABOUT FORTY-SIX 2½-INCH COOKIES
This recipe mash-up combines the best elements of mojitos and chocolate chip cookies in one! The lime zest adds beautiful green flecks to an otherwise seemingly average cookie. Serve these at your next cocktail party for a sweet surprise.
Make-Ahead Tip:
Cookie dough can be made in advance and kept refrigerated for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 1 month.
INGREDIENTS
COOKIES
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup vegan margarine
1 cup powdered sugar
½ cup brown sugar
4 tablespoons dark rum
2 teaspoons pure peppermint extract
2 tablespoons lime zest (about 2 or 3 limes)
¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips (dairy-free)
TOPPING (optional)
½ cup granulated sugar Zest of 1 lime
To make the cookies: 
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 or 3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpat.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Using a stand or hand mixer, beat margarine until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, brown sugar, rum, and mint extract, and beat until combined. Mix in the flour mixture ½ cup at a time, then add zest and chocolate chips. Mix until combined.
To make the topping: 
Combine sugar and lime zest in a small bowl.

Sunday Spotlight #8: Iso Rabins

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Iso Rabins is the founder of forageSF and The Underground Market. A chef, writer, eater, and forager (Foraging: Foraging or sourcing of wild, uncultivated plants for food): . A native of Santa Cruz, raised in Vermont, Iso returned to the west coast 5 years ago without any idea what to do with his life, and found it foraging in the hills.

His projects include, The Wild Kitchen, an underground supper club where each family style course focuses on the wild edibles found all around us,  The Underground Market, and most recently, Forage Kitchen, the first co-working space for food. His mission is to support the local food economy through projects that keep him inspired.

Check out his recipe here for a delicious flower garnished dish.

Follow Iso on twitter @forageSF to keep up with the latest on underground dinners.
By Jessica Barone @chai_haiku

The Easiest Recipe for Two – Give Your Date Flowers (For Dinner)

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By Jessica Barone @chai_haiku

Hey CMB goers, looking for a more romantic twist on Thanksgiving this weekend? Why not make a supper for two based off this awesome Nasterium Pesto Recipe by local San Francisco foodie and writer, Iso Rabins. We were lucky enough to get a special recipe from him this week:

Prep: 2 min

Time: 30 min

Yields: 2 servings

Level: Easy

People love to eat flowers. I was talking to a vendor at a farmers market one time, and he told me that the $4 salad mixes he sold could sell for $8 if he put in a couple edible flowers. Nothing fancy, just nasturtiums or wild radish, things he found around the farm. There is something about eating something so beautiful that draws people in. Consuming beauty, rather than just observing it…maybe too deep, but maybe true. No need to pay $8 for this recipe, just find a patch of nasturtiums.  Use the leaves for the recipe, so you can save the flowers for garnish. Pick leaves that are small and deep green, these have the most intense flavor.

  • 1 Cup fresh nasturtium leaves, chopped
  • 1 Cup fresh basil
  • 1/2 Cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano
  • 1/2 Cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 Cup pine nuts or walnuts
  • 2 medium sized garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

A lot of people know that nasturtium flowers are edible; a surprise is that the leaves are too. You can find them anywhere, and make a great pesto with a nice peppery bite.  We make this with fresh gnocchi and garnish with wild radish flowers:

 1. Put pine nuts and garlic in a food processor, pulse for 15 seconds.

2. Next blend in the nasturtium and basil leaves with an ice cube (the ice helps keep the intense green color).

3. Slowly add the olive oil in a steady stream, with the food processor running. Stop periodically to scrape the sides.  Check for flavor every once in a while. Decide for yourself the consistency you want.  

4. Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. 

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About the Chef:

Iso Rabins is the founder of forageSF and The Underground Market. A chef, writer, eater, and forager. A native of Santa Cruz, raised in Vermont, Iso returned to the west coast 5 years ago without any idea what to do with his life, and found it foraging in the hills.

His projects include, The Wild Kitchen, an underground supper club where each family style course focuses on the wild edibles found all around us,  The Underground Market, and most recently, Forage Kitchen, the first co-working space for food. His mission is to support the local food economy through projects that keep him inspired.

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Want some more organic goodness in your life? Iso is having a dinner series for the Wild Kitchen next month! Find out more here. 

Ms. Singlefied

Sunday Spotlight #7: Yue Xu

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We bring back the Sunday Spotlight Series with Yue Xu (a.k.a. Ms. Singlefied), an expert dating advisor for men and the founder of the dating blog Singlefied.com. She shares with CMB members the three biggest dating success secrets (for both men and women) she has observed over her years of experience as a dating coach! Check out her video here.
To keep up with her latest & greatest, follow Yue on tweeter @SinglefiedYue and Youtube MissSinglefied.

Sunday Spotlight: Claire Mazur

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In this week’s Sunday Spotlight, we hit up Claire Mazur, the co-founder of Of a Kind, “an art gallery for emerging designers” that carries exclusive limited editions. Of a Kind selects designers whose work it loves and features them on the site, one at a time (sound familiar?). As the first ever store to be launched on Tumblr, Claire & Of a Kind have been covered by WWD, DailyCandy, the Today Show and more.
Even though Claire is currently not single (sorry gents!), we couldn’t think of anyone better to get fashion & date tips than Claire—she’s been in the fashion industry since 16, after a chance encounter with Donna Karan. And being in the fashion industry also means lots of opportunities for social events at the hottest spots in the city!
To keep up with her latest & greatest, follow Claire on tweeter @ofakind
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1. What is the must-have accessories for men this summer that can elevate his looks?

Men need to make sure their summer shoe game is on point. This is, evidently, a struggle for them. I don’t think flip-flops are acceptable for dudes, and, in general, I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a guy who can pull off any type of sandal. I think the single-color slip-on Vans (#1) are a nice and inexpensive solution—white is great if you can keep them clean. If you want something a little more substantial and are willing to shell out a bit more money, these Common Projects sneakers (#2) are also great.

2. Same for ladies?

I rarely leave home without my jean jacket in the summer—it goes with everything I wear and it’s clutch in combating the A/C-induced whiplash when moving from outdoors to indoors. I love this vintage one by reformation (#3) which they updated with lace sleeves—so perfect for summer. 

Something else I’ve been over-wearing most this summer are the wren batik print shorts in red (#4), which I purchased from Of a Kind. They are ridiculously comfortable and light—and also make me look like I’m putting in more effort than throwing on a pair of jean cut-offs. 

3. (Bonus for New Yorkers!) What is your idea of the best Sunday date in NYC?

Almost anything that tears me away from the computer and my inbox would be great! I love a good bloody mary, and I’ve been dying to try the one at Joseph Leonard, so I’d want to head there for a big brunch. Then we’d walk it off on our way over to the Megaplex at Union Square to see Magic Mike. I never get to see movies when they’re still in the theatres, and this one seems like it would be well-served by the big screen. This all assumes the weather is gross and I’ll want to escape into the air-conditioning, since that’s New York’s M.O. lately. On the off-chance that it’s pleasant out I’d love to try the free kayaking on the Hudson

Sunday Spotlight: Ashley Rudolph

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In this week’s Sunday Spotlight, we hit up Ashley Rudolph, the lady behind What Would Ashley Wear?, a fashion blog featured on the New York Times, Refinery29, New York Fashion Week and many others. She is one of the founding members of Blogger’s Collective, a group of NY fashion bloggers who curate great fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content to their readers.

Ashley first became interested in fashion blogs while traveling abroad, when she realized thru reading local blogs that fashion transcends all international borders.  For those of us who aspire to be fashionista ourselves, Ashley advises to “find some bloggers that you absolutely love (here are her favorites) and start figuring out what silhouettes and shapes work best for you.”

In the summer, you will spot Ashley in denim cutoffs, cute wedges, and a tank top/blouse (Adorable!).

To keep up with her latest & greatest, follow Ashley on twitter @WhatAshleyWears

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1.  Could you recommend this summer’s best “first date look” for our ladies?

For a first date, I’d suggest focusing on wearing something that you know looks great on you (a favorite dress, top, pair of shoes, etc). The last thing you want to be worried about is whether or not your outfit looks ok! I thought I’d mix up my perfect first date outfit by incorporating this season’s hottest trend: animal print!

What I’m wearing: This top is actually a vintage slip dress I purchased from Closet Rich. I love the color and the versatility (a dress that can double as a top? Yes please!). I paired the vintage slip with a midi skirt from American Apparel, leopard print ballerina flats, a vintage satchel bag, and red lipstick for an extra pop.

2.For our gents: what is the trendiest gift items we can buy for their Bagel & girl friends now?

One of the trendiest gift items a guy can buy for a girl right now is some arm candy. Try a wrap watch from La Mer, a Michael Kors rose gold watch or a cool cuff bracelet.

3. (For New Yorkers) What is your idea of the best Sunday date in NYC?

My ideal date would start at the Highline, it’s a great place to walk, take in the awesome view, get to know each other, and enjoy some gelato! Then we’d head to Westville Chelsea for lunch, it’s one of my favorite places to grab a bite to eat in the city and it has a pretty laid back and inviting atmosphere. The icing on the cake would be a trip to Raines Law Room, a speakeasy with a banging cocktail menu and a sexy vibe. It’s truly a hidden gem!

4.(For Bostonians) What is your idea of the best Sunday date in Boston?

My ideal date in Boston would start with brunch at Upstairs on the Square. I’ve never been but I’ve heard so many great things and a handful of my friends have recommended it to me, so I’m itching to go! I love art, so I’d opt for a trip to the Gardner Museum after brunch. The courtyard is beautiful and you can get lost in the surrounding galleries (in a good way of course!). I love the Liberty Hotel so ending the date with drinks at Alibi would be perfect!

Sunday Spotlight: Yazid Aksas

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Meet Yazid Aksas, #4 in New York’s Sunday Spotlight: Founder & CEO of Sharpmen.com, the first shopping channel for men,and Aksel Paris, online store for the best European fitted men’s shirts, shares great fashion tips & gift ideas.

You name it and he has done it all. After dabbling his hands in anything that interested him – from media, finance to consulting – he forayed into the entrepreneurial world by opening a sushi restaurant in France. Few years of life as an restauranteur and some b-school education later, he is now in fashion, an industry of his passion. With Sharpmen.com and Aksel Paris, Yazid’s vision is to build a global e-commerce powerhouse dedicated to men!

To keep up with his latest & greatest, follow Yazid on twitter @sharpmen

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1.    What is your recommended best “first date” look for guys?

“Don’t try too hard, that’s my main recommendation. A debonair, chic yet comfortable look will go a long way. It’s important to show the other person that your personality is interesting enough that you don’t need to bring your 3 pieces suit to the table. Nothing beats a nice clean shirt (iron it, please) with a fitted pair of jeans.

I like Le Mommessin from Aksel Paris for shirt because it’s comfortable yet classy, it has a nice sky blue color but brown details on the cuffs and collar, she will be impressed, guaranteed. For jeans, I recommend Diesel  in darker color. I just love their cut, I usually go with their Viker style. Finish it off with a pair of espadrilles, a summer staple for the sharp-dressed men.”

2.    For our ladies: what is the trendiest gift items we can buy for the guys in their lives?

“I recommend grooming products. If your man does not use any, get him some. He might be a bit resistant at the beginning, but once he tries, he will never go back. Moisturizer and face scrub are MUST. I recommend Menaji or Pacific Shaving Cream. All of their products are generally very good.”

3. What is your idea of the best Sunday date in NYC?

“ I would start at Cafe Select on Lafayette and Kenmare, their eggs benedict is perfect. Then walk around to get some brioche at Balthazar, it’s simply one of the best bakeries in New York. No need to go to the restaurant, just the small shop in it. My next stop would be the rooftop terrace of the James Hotel to enjoy some rose with a nice view of Manhattan. Can’t beat that.”

Sunday Spotlight: Dave Eisenberg

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Meet Dave Eisenberg, #4 in Boston’s Sunday Spotlight: the BostInno journalist shares his favorite date spots in Boston.

Graduate of Emerson and a true Bostonian through and through, Dave loves to write about what Boston people care about, ranging from interview with Jim Koch (founder of Boston Beer Co.) to topics as obscure as lincense plate scanning camera, and of course, the Boston launch of fascinating services like Coffee Meets Bagel! :) Prior to BostInno, Dave blogged & reported for Boston Phoenix & GateHouse Media. As a big Rolling Stone fan, he attributes his interest in journalism to the legendary magazine.

Thank you Dave for sharing your date ideas! You always have a special place in our heart as the FIRST journalist ever to write about us.

Ladies, on your lucky day, you might get Dave as your Bagel :)

To keep up with his latest & greatest, follow Dave on twitter @dave_ize

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1. What are some of the best hangout spots in Boston that are good for dates?

“Drink. Be forewarned. Drink isn’t cheap. But it is a cool experience. The bartenders walk through your order and mix cocktails to cater to your taste. Maybe too fancy for a first date, but it’s a cool spot to check out with someone you’re getting familiar with. It’ll be a fun learning experience for the both of you and you’ll leave with a happy buzz. 

Second is Beehive. What’s sexier than jazz music? Nothing, right? Between the live music and art space backdrop, there will always be something to drive conversation between the two of you. After all, you can learn a lot about a person by listening to what they have to say about art and music.”

2. How about your favorite restaurants in Boston for date?

“Beef barbacoa tacos and the El Diablo margarita. That’s all that really needs to be said about Lone Star Taco Bar in Allston. It’s ideal for a first date as it offers the casual atmosphere you want to create when first meeting someone, while remaining classy enough to make both of you feel that your date is the special occasion it should be.

The Regal Beagle in Brookline is intimate and has delicious food. It’s upscale, but comfortable – keep it casual with the bar bites menu and cocktails. Added bonus: it’s in Coolidge Corner, which is just an awesome all around place full of shops and has an amazing movie theater. Go for a walk, catch a flick and make plans for date two.”

3. What is your idea of the best Sunday date in Boston?

“It’s summer. Stay outside. Look for a place to get some lunch with a patio and people watch (read: make fun of passersby together). As an Emerson grad, I’ve a sweet spot in my heart for Sweetwater Tavern, but it’s a nice date spot, too. The place is kind of hidden, but the ally its in is heavily trafficked. You’ll be right next to the Common as well. It might be cheesy. Maybe obvious. But go for a walk through the Common. Get some ice cream. You don’t need extravagant plans to have a good time or impress someone you’re just getting to know.”

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