Anyone who has ever dined at any Fresh Restaurant in the city and left thinking, “I wish I had the recipe to make that myself,” can wish no more. The ladies of Fresh have released their second cookbook, reFresh- Contemporary Vegan Recipes from the Award-Winning Fresh Restaurants to add to our culinary arsenal. Luckily for me, a cornucopia of some of my favourite healthy delights abound: appetizers like sweet potato wontons, Florentine bean soup and mains including their tasty veggie burgers. Yep, I’ve got my own Fresh menu-makings in one tidy, easy to use book.

Apart from a slew of accessible recipes (I’ve got my eye on you, Marrakesh Curried Stew), owners Ruth Tal and Jennifer Houston (Jennifer is the chef of the two), offer tons of handy food tips. How to cook grains, beans, and toast nuts comprise some of the advice any home cook can use to boost the flavour of home-made creations. For those who have never tried it, the book’s date purée recipe for baking is a sure-fire way to add just the right amount of sweetness and moisture to vegan (or non-vegan) baked goods.

I live with a committed carnivore/omnivore, yet I can still pull out a few of the flavour-charged reFresh recipes, and he’ll happily chow with no face-pulling or whinging - these recipes are that good! I shouldn’t be surprised (or shall I say my omnivore shouldn’t be surprised). In a recent conversation with Chef Susur Lee, he told me that his preferred way of eating at home when he’s cooking for himself and his family is often vegetarian. He said eating this way gives him energy, strength and helps him stay focused on his hyper-busy schedule. Hence when I got the book and read on the cover that Susur himself endorsed it with a resounding, “Amazing cookbook! Feeds the mind, body and soul. It’s the future,” I thought to myself, “well, he practices what he preaches”. It could also explain why for a hard-driving chef, he looks so youthful and in my office colleague’s estimation, “hot.”

As an ode to one of the city’s more notable culinary lights, the Fresh folks have even crafted a glistening claret-hued libation called the Susur Smoothie. Apparently, it’s the chef’s favourite and he orders it when ever he stops by. A combination of beet, red apple and raspberries comprise this eye-catching drink - I’d gulp it (and switch it up with an Antioxidant Smoothie now and again).

Or there’s the Espresso Shake menu - offering liquid fuel to “get a powerful boost!” These are ideal when on a hot summer day when I’m hankering for a Timmy’s Iced Cap but don’t want to go up a dress size. Instead, the Fresh alternative offers frosty delights such as the Mocha Mint Espresso Shake (pure oil of peppermint here – no imitation), or an Almond Java Espresso Shake. A little almond butter, brewed espresso, vanilla soymilk, a banana and maple syrup in an icy drink never tasted quite so good - with the nut-based protein thrown in for an added bonus. And for anyone who feels all of this good-for-you stuff is too much; relax, kick back and tuck into some Chocolate Brownie Cookies - dark chocolate chips included!