I hope you all enjoyed Labor Day weekend. I had to work and managed to find some time to enjoy myself as well. I admired an art-filled stroll through Noda on Friday night for the bi-weekly NoDa Gallery Crawl (held the 1st and 3rd Friday every month). On Saturday, I woke up to a gorgeous sunny day and headed out to Julia’s Coffee & Used Bookstore (a division of Habitat for Humanity in Charlotte). I stumbled upon 3 great finds, to add to the enormous pile of books I have yet to read. And then….I felt hungry!

—

I had been wanting to make my way over to Luna’s Living Kitchen since their opening day back in July. For whatever reason the Universe had me wait till Saturday.

Luna's lovely crew - Andy, Koichi, Luna & Andy.

Formerly Real Food Charlotte, Luna’s Living Kitchen received a bit of a makeover and a foodover. It was adorable before and now looks even more quaint and welcoming with a more creative menu AND longer hours. The ceilings are so high you’d want to bungee jump off them (well, not really….)! The space definitely feels very open, so open you can watch Luna, Randy, Andy and Koichi while they concoct their potions and artistry, of some amazing Living Foods. The artistry even flows onto the wall of their counter top, where you will find a mural of 4 trees representing each season and a band of moons, exhibiting numerous phases of the moon; influential to all farmers and predicting the harvest of our food. How fitting for an establishment that offers all locally grown, organic food. And nestled in the corner is a sweet little library of books on health, yoga, learning foreign languages and a sprout box. Across from there you will see 2 Excalibur dehydrators, I’m sure full of mouthwatering bites.

—

With a presentation like this, you almost don’t want to eat this Lunasagna. You sure will though! And those grape looking things were out of this world good!!!!

—

A side of tasty Artesian Breads.

My friend Tony and I decided to split a few dishes and sit outside where we were able to enjoy the weather and some music being played at the Atherton Mill Farmer’s Market next door. We ordered the Lunasagna, their version of lasagna made with zucchini noodles, sun-dried tomato sauce and green cashew cheese, neighboring a pile of Local Green Salad. When I tasted this dish I felt as if it was just picked out of the garden and made fresh. I could almost taste the earth as I savored in the heart filling sun-dried tomato sauce. Fortunately, the dish offers 2 pieces of Lunasagna. Perfect for splitting it with someone or taking the other piece home. Unless, of coarse, you finish it all. The salad was draped with one of the best Ginger Dressings I ever tasted. It had just enough flavor without overpowering the life of the greens. Garnished with a plump fig it made me feel right at home, quickly reminiscing about picking fresh figs from my backyard in Queens, NY as a child. We also ordered a side of Artesian Bread that is locally made and full of tasty treasures! And even though the Lunasagna came with some salad we ordered more, making it a perfectly satisfying meal.

—

We managed to make room for dessert. When Andy told us what was on the menu there was no doubt we had to order both of them! Banana ice cream topped with so much GOODness and chocolate pudding!!! Oh me, oh my! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! We opted to take the dessert To Go, only for the reason I wanted to take a dip in the pool before heading to my part time job. Otherwise, I would have been delighted to stay. When our dessert was ready, Luna informed us that the To Go casings were biodegradable. Makes you feel better about bagging something up.

I went back a few days later for the chocolate pudding, to capture this picture for you....and indulge again!!! 🙂

—

When we got back to the house, we dove right in. To the food, not the pool. Not yet anyway. What can I say??? AMAZING!!!! The freshly made banana ice cream with all it’s fruitful, nutty, cocoa toppings was very inviting and tasted SO good. My favorite is the Chocolate Pudding though. Hands down! At this point I made it outside and kept walking in and out of the pool taking bite after bite, in a total daze. I didn’t know what to do with myself. I was totally in the moment enjoying this guilt free dessert! The pudding had a creamy, pudding like consistency with little pieces to nibble on and a taste that reminds me – I’m so happy to be on this path. When you least expect it, raw food will surprise you. A BIG “Thank You” to Luna’s Living Kitchen, for spreading the edible love. You are appreciated and I hope you stick around this time!

—

Local Green Salad

Food is not the only thing you will find at this nurturing spot, they also offer educational classes on health and wellness. The next one (that I will be attending) is on Tuesday September 14th entitled “Seeking the Truth About: Having More Energy” ($15) presented by a Certified Health Coach, Gaye M. Walden. Drinks and snacks will be provided!

—

Luna’s Living Kitchen offers many vegetarian, vegan and raw food dishes, smoothies, juices, treats, homemade milks, homemade kombucha…ahhh, before I ramble on why don’t you just go check it out for yourself, HERE! And be sure to stop in and support our conscious community. Even if you are not a vegan, there is something for you to enjoy at Luna’s Living Kitchen. Give their Sprouted Quinoa-Kamut Veggie Burger a try! It is baked and sprouted right on the premise! I saw the sprouts myself! Thanks for the tips Luna!

*****

Look out for my Video Interview with Randy of Luna’s Living Kitchen,

giving you an up close look at this appealing restaurant

and beautiful way of living!

*****

The storefront of Luna's Living Kitchen.

Luna’s Living Kitchen

www.lunaslivingkitchen.com

2102 South Blvd. (In Atherton Mills) Charlotte, NC 28203

(704) 333-0008 Open Mon-Thu 11am-7pm; Fri-Sat 8am-3pm

—

Beauty From Love: “From the Earth, I eat. From the Heart, I live“

—

Love, Light, Laughing and Living

Tara 🙂