Modern Day Drifter

  So last night I decided to have an adventure. It was saturday and I had the night off which I assure you is very rare. Deciding to jump on this opportunity I thought that I would go to check out the Moon Circle happenings at Dandelion Communitea Cafe and try to open myself up to new people and experiences there. After noshing on some delicious chili and one quite delicious beverage, (thank you Orlando Brewing  Co.) I ambled outside to the circle. As I gazed at it the most curious sensation came over me. I felt as an outsider looking in, like I was watching what was before me as if they were actors in a movie and I was just the audience. So I did what I do best, I drifted.
  The Colonial Mills area of Orlando is one of the most interesting places to wander. You can see people in Vietnamese restaurants creating bonds over different dishes. People shopping for foods in various markets that carry delicacies not found in other places. There are so many things to see and observe. I found myself making my way up the block from Dandy to my favorite Vegan Bakery Raphsodic. It was one of those rare times you happen upon something wonderful.
  All I really wanted was a cupcake and maybe some pleasant conversation. I stumbled upon one of my favorite things, after cuppycakes, live music. There were two wonderful gentlemen from Gainesville playing everything from the blues, to hymns and even some bluegrass. It was music that you was tangible in the way it filled the room and your body. It was beautiful, real, and honest. It also drew people in that were a reflection of the music in that aspect.
  In addition to listening to that wonderful euphonious marriage of sound and soul, the people I met that evening really made the experience outstanding. They were not afraid to tell someone their story that was a stranger. Although we parted ways still not knowing each others names, it felt as if I had been talking to long lost friends that were imparting the wisdom of their experiences to me.
  As I crossed the intersection and headed back to my car I gazed at the moon that was the original purpose of my outing that evening. While I gazed at it's beauty I realized I had an adventure that had showed me more than most of my previous escapades. That is something that I will treasure forever. So to all of you that find yourself with the feelings I mentioned at the beginning of this post, just remember to explore and wander. Sometimes the most wonderful moments in life are stumbled upon. - L

Starting off With a Bang, the Raphsodic Escapade

So on Our First Official Adventure together in Rehab, Nikki and I headed to a Quirky/Cool Vegan Bakery Called Raphsodic Cooperative Company. This 100% vegan bakery has the most delicious confections in the Universe, or Orlando, which is the center of my universe for the moment. They have everything from vegan brownies that will take you a week to eat, to delectable cupcakes that you cannot get enough of and all sweets in between. 

Some of the Delicious Cupcakes on Display 

        What must be noted when one first enters this heavenly bakery; it screams, "I AM AWESOME" in about a million different ways. Some examples of the aforementioned awesomeness include the decor that host a rotating gallery of local artist, to vegan friendly handmade jewelry and other goods. This is all before you even approach the bounteously stocked case of sugary delights. Once the Delights have been approached, you may be overcome with indecision from all of the choices that lay before you. There are gluten-free and raw choices, along with the rest of the vegan fare. 

     Having converted my grandmother to an addict of this institution, I had previously been to Raphsodic on numerous occasions trying many cupcakes, cookies, biscuits and scones. ON this venture a Blueberry filled Cupcake with strawberry icing. This was a beautiful marriage of two flavors that I highly enjoyed. As this was Nikki's first time we tried some extra delicious goodies. Her experience and words of praise are as follows.

    I tried the lemon ginger tea with agave nectar that was homemade (exciting!) and the very unique flavor combination of chocolate and espresso that really kicks around in your mouth and with a sip of tea, it all goes down as a rather orgasmic experience, leaving me thinking, "we're coming back here", but more importantly, I was able to exclaim the goodness of a cupcake that's not only sweet in its flavor but in its ideology as well. Vegan cupcakes are not myth.

Chocolate Expresso Cupcake

Side notes: the art on the walls was gorgeous and definitely adds to the environment. The homemade jams were adorable and probably delicious. They have a fridge stocked with an array of healthy drink alternatives to soda.

Overall, the small, but dynamic bakery ties you into the local community. A small bulletin board offers an insight into charities that are being helped around the area and elsewhere, like Food Not Bombs Orlando. Moreover, the flow of the people who are in the space is nothing but good energy. From the co-owner Katie Mosher, who was in during the time of our visit, to the customers coming in, everyone is happy and helpful. (How could you be upset about cupcakes?) No one is shunned for not being veg, there isn't that pungent smell of pretentiousness, and everyone wants to have a good time.

Really, the best way to describe this amazing bakery is as follows:

Even Homer Drools at the Deliciousness