Sushi

New [Artful] Adventures

URBN. A company that comprises of brands such as Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, BHLDN, and Terrain. Extremely appealing lifestyle-centric shopping experience. Eclectic. Vintage. Global. Bold. Youthful. Creative. Sensuous. Inspiring.

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This past week I had the great pleasure of visiting and touring the Urban Outfitters Headquarters in Philadelphia. As a loyal Anthropologie customer and Free People enthusiast, this was truly an exciting and special experience. Let me start by saying this is not an ordinary business. Overflowing with creativity and filled with passion, each URBN buildings had its own “quirky” personality. From Buddha statues to a coi fish pond, modern art lining the walls to umbrellas with embroidered Indian fabrics, you can’t help but secretly (or not so secretly) wishing you worked there.

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So this is all wonderful, you may be thinking, but what does this have to do with eating gluten-free? Well the truly forward-thinking atmosphere created here at URBN doesn’t end in the workplace- the cafeteria (also open to public) was health-conscious in every aspect (I’m not kidding– there was even a gym in there).

The cafeteria was divided into 6 stations where you can find everything from a black rice rainbow roll to caprese sandwiches to teriyaki stir-fry. There were signs and labels around the cafeteria marking vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options, and many of the pre-packaged items were “Whole-Foods-like” products. I had a spicy tuna roll, gluten-free peanut butter cookie, and Lima Lemon Bai. Honestly, what more can a girl want?! In addition to the terrific food, the cafeteria also shared the same eclectic architecture and decor that URBN’s brands promote.

So if you’re in the city and have an urge to check out the Urban Outfitters Headquarters, I’d say you can’t leave without eating a meal there as well!

Cheers,

Anika

Teikoku

I dined at a wonderful Japanese restaurant to celebrate my friend’s birthday two weeks ago. Why I haven’t written this post until now, honestly I couldn’t tell you! I had a great meal and a delightful evening, so I don’t want to postpone any longer.

It can be tricky when you’re dining with friends and not hosting the group. You may be unfamiliar with the restaurant, its service, and how accommodating they are or can be. I was fortunate enough to have my friend call the restaurant before hand to scope out the options. Whether it’s the host or yourself, someone should contact the restaurant to ensure that gluten-free choices can be prepared.

Teikoku had a gluten-free menu with many options! The menu also accommodated for those with peanut or shellfish allergies. We started off ordering warm edamame with sea salt. I think I ate about ninety percent of it (we were a group of eight); it is my favorite appetizer of an Asian cuisine! For an entrée, I had a Vegetable Mix House Roll that consisted of avocado, carrot, asparagus, and cucumber. If you haven’t tried sushi before, I would highly recommend it. If you have eaten sushi and weren’t a fan, I would recommend giving it another chance at his restaurant. And if you love sushi, by all means order it!

Although the veggie roll was excellent, the cherry on the cake was the homemade gelato. I ordered the Mocha, but I was very tempted to go for the Green Tea or White Chocolate Raspberry! I would say it’s even better than Starbucks Java Chip Frappuccino Ice Cream (believe me, that’s saying something!).

Please do try out this restaurant! And recommend it to your friends who are peanut-free and shellfish-free as well!

Cheers,

Anika