Eat chocolate, and help cocoa farmers, youth, and Jane Goodall's projects? This is my kind of chocolate!  The partnership between Theo and Jane Goodall is inspired by “Cocoa Practices,” a ground breaking Theo Chocolate initiative that brings together small scale cocoa farmers, larger producers and non-governmental organizations from the world’s cocoa producing regions. Proceeds from the sale of these chocolate bars will benefit cocoa farmers, promote conservation in the tropical rainforest and directly contribute to the Jane Goodall Institute’s efforts to save chimpanzees, develop community centered conservation efforts and direct youth education programs around the world. Theo Chocolate has graciously given Gratitude Gourmet readers .50 cents off of 2 bars which equals $7.50. (normally $8.00). Please use the code “GG” –  Note: You MUST enter this code in the comments section to receive the discount. You can order them here.

By MARTHA ROSE SHULMAN The family of vegetables that cabbage belongs to is called the Cruciferae family or the Brassica family and related vegetables include kale, broccoli, collards and Brussels sprouts. Johnny Bowden, a nutritionist, calls cabbage “the most important [vegetable] in the world from the point of view of nutritional benefits and cancer-fighting ability.” Cabbage possesses phytochemicals including sulforaphane, which studies suggest protects the body against cancer-causing free radicals, and indoles, which help metabolize estrogens. It’s also an excellent source of vitamins K and C, and a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, folate, manganese and Omega 3 fatty acids. Read the full article along with a cabbage and lentil recipe. (photo NY Times)

When: Monday, December 15, 2008 & Thursday, January 01, 2009
Where: Macy’s Union Square, Stockton and O’Farrell Street , San Francisco, CA Map
The Windows will be available for viewing from store opening until one hour before store closing till January 1, 2009.
Once again, The SF/SPCA (The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) partners with Macy’s to give homeless cats and kittens, dogs and puppies a second chance to find loving homes. Noted as one of USA Today’s “10 Great Places to Press Your Nose Against the Glass,” Macy’s pet-friendly Holiday Windows inspired the adoption of 277 animals and approximately $37,000 in donations for The SF/SPCA last year.
Macy’s designers create delightful, make-believe windows in which the dogs and cats can frolic. Adults and children alike are enchanted by the miniature, festive settings, fixtures and fittings. SF/SPCA representatives are on-site to answer questions from potential adopters. Every adoptable animal is medically and behaviorally screened, vaccinated, and spayed or neutered. Each animal comes with a 30 day gift of pet health insurance, a free dog- or cat-advice DVD, leash and collar (for dogs) and discounts on most SF/SPCA training classes. Adopters also receive a gift bag filled with samples, treats and valuable certificates from sponsor partners of The SF/SPCA and Macy’s.  More information is available here.

The 1st Annual EcoHoliday San Francisco Festival, presented by the Urban Alliance for Sustainability (UAS), connects Eco-minded businesses with a supportive public. Local designers and entrepreneurs will provide organic food, music, & FUN. More information is here:  http://www.ecoholidaysf.com

Holistic Holiday at Sea™ is a body pampering, relaxing, and educational vacation aboard the new Costa Fortuna, one of the world’s most luxurious ocean liners. This cruise has been chosen by National Geographic Traveler as "one of the 100 best worldwide vacations to enrich your life." The 7-day holistic cruise stops at exotic ports of call and offers a wide variety of 120 lectures, workshops, and private consultations and 12 cooking classes by leading authorities in the fields of alternative health and holistic healing. Daily Yoga, meditation, pilates, do-in, run/walk stretch, and ab workouts. All this while dining on specially prepared vegetarian and vegan natural foods, swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean, and lounging in saunas and Turkish baths. Dancing, fun socials, and singles events, vegan pizza and ice cream parties, and Continuing Education Credits are available. More information can be found at http://www.atasteofhealth.org
For Reservations call: 1-800-496-0989 (in the US).  If outside the US, please call +1-828-749-1959. ***Please mention you heard about the cruise from the 'Gratitude Gourmet' website.***

The Zinfandel Festival, renown as the premier single-varietal tasting in the world, is scheduled to have an estimated 275 wineries and over 10,000 attendees in the four days of Festival events at the Herbst Pavillion at Fort Mason San Francisco. The series of tasting events includes Flights, Pairings, and an Evening with the Winemakers.

Celebrate the Season of the Olive with the Sonoma Valley Olive Festival December through February. Enjoy an olive oil and sea salt massage. Feast upon a mouthwatering olive-themed menu prepared by Wine Country chefs. The olive mania includes such events as Martini Madness, olive oil tasting, live music, family activities, food and wine pairings and art exhibitions. Take advantage of seasonal savings at lodging, spas, wineries, and restaurants. For a complete listing go to events & promotions

Be sure to take part in VegDining's current prize draw, helping to promote Meatout Day (March 20)!  Just visit http://www.VegDining.com and submit mini-reviews of your favorite veg and veg-friendly restaurants. You'll be entered for every mini-review you submit.  Veg prizes include cookbooks, gift certificates, restaurant dinners, and more!