The Korean Vegan by Joanne Lee Molinaro

The other day I mentioned to my husband that I wanted to try this new restaurant in the Mission called Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar & Izakaya. He looked at me like I told him he could never eat a hamburger ever again. I countered by telling him this would simply be one dinner out, not a complete lifestyle change. But that just goes to show you that vegan cuisine still gets a very bad rap from notorious carnivores. I am here to tell you about a beautiful new book called "The Korean Vegan" by Joanne Lee Molinaro. Now if you have never seen any of Molinaro's videos, I suggest you stop and look her up on Youtube or Instagram. She is more than just a creative and exciting chef, she is also a master storyteller and performer. Whether she is talking about her Korean parents, her divorce, her new marriage, or her struggles with body image issues, her stories and the recipes she pares with them, are heartbreaking and heartwarming. The pictures of her family and the food in the book are gorgeous, far more impressive than the photos in any cookbook I have ever read. The Mung Bean Pancakes, Seaweed Sesame Bagels, Korean Style Omelets using JUST egg (which I love!) and the Angry Penne Pasta and Black Bean Pasta all look delicious, and possible to create even for an amateur chef. Except for some specialty items, most of the ingredients you can get at your local supermarket. Korean cooking, known for it fish sauce and grilled meats, takes on a new look and taste in the skillful hands of the soulful Molinaro. Follow her on Instagram @thekoreanvegan To buy this book on Amazon click here.