SUNNY GANDARA

Creating plant-based food and wine experiences for the omnivore

Get your guide to creating successful wine and vegetable pairings.
Get your guide to transforming everyday cooking into gourmet dining experiences…the plant-based way.

Mexican Buddha Bowl

When I dove into this Buddha Bowl yesterday after I prepared it, I felt a strong urge to share this recipe with anyone who hasn’t yet been able to experience the deliciousness of a well-thought-out, wholesome bowl of food like this.If one of your goals for the new...

Christmas Focaccia

It’s no secret that I’m a huge bread lover and would much rather gorge on savory bread than any sweets out there. This Christmas I’m making an Italian-inspired feast instead of the traditional Norwegian fare I normally cook up, much because this holiday feels like it...

Garlicky Beluga Lentils, Roasted Carrots, Pomegranate and Zhoug

In the mood for a hearty, healthy and flavorful dish in the midst of the holiday rush? Then I suggest making today’s recipe of garlicky beluga lentils on a bed of creamy thick yogurt, topped with roasted carrots, zhoug and pomegranate seeds for a true party in your...
We’re all trying to add more vegetables to our meals. What if you could learn to pair wines with plant-based meals to make the process more delicious?

 

Finding it difficult to choose a wine to go with plant-based dishes and need some pointers?

Maybe you picked up a bottle at the wine shop that was recommended to you, or already have a favorite wine and want to know which meal to make that will make it taste even better…

 

You’re in the right place!

Hi, I’m Sunny, your guide to enjoying everyday gourmet food with perfectly paired wines…the plant-based way.

It’s time to up-level your idea of wine and of plant-based dining…

I’m here to show you that you will miss absolutely nothing by leaving animals off your plate.

On the contrary: by learning how to properly cook with plants and how to pair your meals with the best wines (not the most expensive!) you will wonder why you haven’t experienced this bliss before!

FACT

When cooked optimally, vegetables have a capacity for flavor that animal-based meats simply don’t have.

 

My work (and this site) is dedicated to sharing tips and recipes that will help you embrace vegan food and wine, that is better for you, better for the planet, and of course…better for the animals!

“Vegetables are my life… Vegetables are much more generous and luxurious than any protein from an animal…
They are the portal to the treatment of all other foods.”

Chef Michel Bras

“But, don’t you miss…(insert chicken, cheese, shrimp, etc.)?”

What most people don’t realize is what they are missing…

Let me show you my cream cakes or my version of “beef bourguignon”…or my grilled cheese with freshly made tomato soup or ‘scallops’ made from King Oyster Mushrooms…Then we’ll talk.

Consider this your invitation to open your mind and allow yourself to experience flavors and textures without discrimination.

If you are like any of the people who’ve come to my home for a meal I promise you will be positively surprised!

“But, don’t you miss… (insert chicken, cheese, shrimp, etc.)?”

What most people don’t realize is what they are missing…

Let me show you my cream cakes or my version of “beef bourguignon”…or my grilled cheese with freshly made tomato soup or ‘scallops’ made from King Oyster Mushrooms…Then we’ll talk.

Consider this your invitation to open your mind and allow yourself to experience flavors and textures without discrimination.

If you are like any of the people who’ve come to my home for a meal I promise you will be positively surprised!

Enough about food… What about the wine?

 

Did you know that not all wine is vegan?

It’s true.

But don’t worry, the wines you’ll find here are organic and vegan and many come from small family wineries.

These are wines with a story, personality, and vision. They evoke inspiration, admiration, and just pure gratitude…

Being plant-based is so amazing!

Find it tricky to match wines with vegetable dishes?

Learn my top secret tips for how to make the flavors of your meal sing by picking the right wine!
They’re waiting for you inside my free guide on how to successfully pair wines with plant-based meals.

Visit Arctic Grub—my site of recipes, travel tips, and stories about the cuisine, history, and culture of Norway, my home country. 

New York is where I call home now, but my Norwegian roots are strong and Arctic Grub is where I share my love for ‘Norge’.

Explore the blog, try out a Norvegan recipe or two, and leave me a comment to let me know how it goes.

Be sure to get your free copy of my ebook, Arctic Grub Favorite Recipes, while you’re there.