Events



If you have any questions about upcoming classes, dietary restrictions,  or private classes, please feel free to contact me.

Upcoming Events

Benefits of a Plant Based Diet

October 1st, 2018
Queens Central Library
Time: 6:30-8:00
Free

Sephardic Brunch: Vegan and Gluten-free

 

October 25th, 2017
Natural Gourmet Institute
Time: 6-9pm
Fee: $125

Going gluten-free or dairy-free doesn’t mean you have to miss brunch ever again! Join plant-based chef and health coach Samantha for her famous Sephardic brunch, using flavorful yet simple recipes from the Jewish diaspora from Spain that settled in the Middle East and North Africa hundreds of years ago. Start your day right with a gluten- and dairy-free feast, full of whole foods, fresh herbs, and sultry spices all prepared in simple yet unique ways you haven’t seen them before.

Tahini in cookies? That’s right!  You’ll be full, your taste buds will be happy, and best of all, you won’t feel sick or bloated. Here’s to brunch!

Dishes we’ll cover:

  • Chickpea Flatbread with Zaalouk Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Dip
  • Moroccan Carrot Salad with Cilantro and Lemon
  • Israeli Cucumber and Tomato Salad
  • Herbed Pistachio Falafel with Orange Tahini Sauce
  • Moujadara: Spiced Lentils and Quinoa with Caramelized Onion and Mint Cashew Sauce
  • Cardamom Rose Tahini Cookies with Walnut Stuffed Dates and Mint Tea

Health and Wellness Program by Columbia Alumni Association

December 7th, 2016
Time: 6-8:30
Location: Jerome L. Greene Space
Fee: $35

Learn how to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle—both mentally and physically—at an informative evening of health and wellness, including a menu of organic drinks, and a variety of superfood appetizers. The moderated panel discussion will feature influential alumni and Columbia professors who are experts in public health policy, fitness, nutrition, and mental health.

Our featured panelists include:

Dawn Aubel ’98NRS, ’98PH, ’16TC, Family Nurse Practitioner
Christie Custodio-Lumsden ’09TC, ’13TC, Associate Research Scientist, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
Kristen James, CEO & Founder of Kristen James Fitness, LLC, creator of CYCLEology, and Area Fitness Manager for the NY Metro Area for Equinox Fitness Clubs
Rose Rodriguez ’87NRS, ’06NRS, Nurse Practitioner Program Director at Morgan Stanley’s Children’s Hospital of New York
Michael Sparer, Chair and Professor of Health Policy and Management at the Mailman School of Public Health
Moderated by: Samantha Elkrief ’11SW, Health and Wellness Coach at Simply Samantha NYC

This program is organized by the Columbia Alumni Association (CAA) Programs Committee, with programming by Mailman School of Public Health, College of Dental Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia School of Nursing, Columbia University School of Social Work, and Columbia University Athletics

For questions please email: alumni-events@columbia.edu

Flavors of the Middle East Cooking Demo
April 7th, 2016
Time: 7:30-9pm
Location: Park Slope Food Coop, 782 Union St
Fee: $4 material fee

*members and non-members welcome*

Samantha is a big fan of cooking once and eating twice. In April’s class Samantha will be showing you how to make some of her favorite Middle Eastern dishes, and how to resuse and repurpose different ingredients to save yourself another trip to the store!

There are no pre-sale tickets – get there early to guarantee a seat!

Everything is plant-based, vegetarian and gluten-free

Health and Wellness Evening by the Healthy Goose: Your Questions Answered by NYC’s top Nutritionists and Health Coaches
April 14th, 2016
Time: 7:15-8:45pm
Location:
Sixth Street Community Center – 638 East 6th Street #4, New York, NY 10009
RSVP
here
Free, with limited seating

FB_IMG_1454608794841

Full Moon Joy Circle
February 23, 7-9pm
Location: Private Residence in DUMBO, Brooklyn

Making space for and expressing joy is a total game changer! This will be an intimate circle for JOY to be welcomed, shared and used for healing, creating and connecting.

In this non-judgmental space you can come however you are, sometimes joy can mysteriously be found in the times of chaos and challenges too, and can be great medicine. Other times it is simply a muscle that we get to build and strengthen.

If you’re all in it right now (a JOY expert like us LOL) we want you to share your joy wisely, and with others who value and appreciate it. No wasted joy here folks! This will be a space where you can feel safe to be where you are at, receive and let your JOY RUN WILD!

Join spiritual sisters and joy enthusiasts Adriana and Samantha as they combine their passions of sharing connection, laughter and love through sound (kirtan) and healing touch, meditation, discussion and food! All food will be vegan and gluten-free. Feel free to email with any dietary restrictions.

At a private residence in Dumbo, space is limited so register now!  $45 per person or $80 for two (hello treat a friend to joy!) Sign up below and we will send you all the information!

Number of tickets



 

*This event is being rescheduled* Stay tuned for the new date.

Wednesday, October 28th
Workshop: Eating in Season
New
Time: 6:30-8:00
Location: QNS Collective
36-27 36th St, LIC, NY 11106
Cost: $15 with advanced ticket (link below to purchase)

What the heck is eating in season and why should you care?

By now you may have heard the catch phrase “eating in season”, if not, a quick search on instragram will get you curious, promise. In this workshop I’ll be demystifying eating in season and sharing some delicious samples of local seasonal produce. You’ll leave with simple tips of how to incorporate seasonal food into your diet, a new understanding of what it means to be in alignment with your environment, and tons of feel good vibes knowing how easy it is to support our local economy. We’ll be sampling a kale apple salad, butternut squash soup and a variety of squashes.

cutsugar-instagram

Thursday, June 25th
Workshop: Beating the Sugar Blues
Time: 7pm-8:30pm
Location: QNS Collective
36-27 36th St, LIC, NY 11106
Cost: On me 🙂

Are you the type of person who craves sweets?  Do you have low energy in the middle of the day?  If so, this workshop will be a turning point for you. This class is designed to permanently change your relationship with sugar. You will leave with a better understanding of the causes of your sugar cravings and you’ll receive practical tools for dealing with them. Participants will also have the option of joining me for a complimentary 10 day sugar cleanse following the workshop.

It’s not about deprivation. It’s about freedom – the freedom to eat foods you love and have sweetness in your life without the side effects or the guilt. Space is limited, so please RSVP here. *we are reaching capacity for the workshop, but, don’t fret! you can still sign up for my free 10 day sugar cleanse here.*

Saturday, June 27th
Plant Based Cooking and Basic Knife Skills: Kale Salad, Quinoa Tabbouleh
and No Bake Bliss Balls
Time: 2:30-4:00pm
Location: QNS Collective
36-27 36th St, LIC, NY 11106
Cost: $25

kale salad 2

Hey! It’s been a while since I’ve hosted a class and I’m so excited to be back with you this summer! During this class we’ll be practicing our knife skills, an essential skill for boosting your confidence and comfort level in the kitchen. We’ll be making a simple kale salad with bright flavors (I’ll even show you how to massage the kale! nothing erotic, I promise), a gluten free tabbouleh and one of my favorite healthy desserts packed with nutrients and feel good ingredients. Don’t miss it! You can get your tickets through PayPal here.

Previous Classes


Picture

Monday, March 23th: Lunchtime Cooking at Astoria Coffee!
Healthy Desserts! Energy Balls and Cashew Date Balls

(refined sugar free, gluten free, soy free, vegan, vegetarian and raw!)
Time: 1:00pm-2:15pm
Location: Astoria Coffee
30-04 30th St., Astoria, NY 11102
Hey Astorians! I’m back with another local class on Monday afternoon. What better way to take a break and relax. We’ll be making two dessert balls (or truffles, I like to keep it simple :)). They are a great alternative to typical sugar-laden desserts and they leave you feeling good. Looking forward to seeing you there! We only have space for 8 people, so please purchase your ticket below to reserve your spot.
Saturday, February 28th:
Comforting Winter Soups: Sweet Potato Soup and Moroccan Stew
(sugar free, gluten free, vegan, vegetarian
, delicious)
Time: 2pm-4pm
Location: QNS Collective
36-27 36th St, LIC, NY 11106

Brrr! Tis the season for warm and comforting soups! Here’s what one of the past participants of this class had to say:“I prepared the Moroccan Stew for a Pot Luck New Year’s Day party and it was a big hit.  I  also liked the exotic spices that you introduced us to. I  bought smoked paprika and garam masala and I have been using them in various dishes. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm for cooking.” – AnnIn this class we’ll be making two of my favorite soups. The sweet potato soup is thick and creamy and was a big hit at Thanksgiving. And the Moroccan Stew is perfect for winter office lunches or for dinner. We are omnivore friendly, so feel free to bring any meat eating friends (or yourself!), but this class is 100% plant-based. Please feel free to email me with any questions or allergies.


Monday, February 23th: Lunchtime Cooking at Astoria Coffee!
Hummus and Lentil Salad

(sugar free, gluten free, soy free, vegan, vegetarian)
Life: 12:00pm-1:15pm
Location: Astoria Coffee
30-04 30th St., Astoria, NY 11102
Ever wonder how to make hummus? You’ll never have to buy the store bought kind again. And lentil salad is a quick, easy, forgiving and nutritious protein to add to your weekly meals. Stop by for a quick class, some food, great conversation and some tea or coffee!
Saturday, February 21th:
Healthy Appetizers: Quinoa Tabbouleh, Sunflower Seed Pate and Hummus
(sugar free, gluten free, vegan, vegetarian
, delicious)
Time: 2pm-4pm
Location: QNS Collective
36-27 36th St, LIC, NY 11106I’m so happy to be hosting a fresh take on this class. Everyone loves dips, but sometimes the store bought kind are just missing something. Fresh hummus is hard to beat, and sunflower seed pate is just awesome. If you’re into meat substitutes, it can be used like a tuna salad. If you just like veggie deliciousness, then it’s a great snack or filling for a wrap, pita or lettuce wrap. And last but not least, we’ve got the classic tabbouleh, but gluten free! It’s a win win for everyone. See you then!

Saturday, December 20th: Comforting Winter Soups: Sweet Potato Soup and Moroccan Stew
(sugar free, gluten free, vegan, vegetarian
, delicious)
Time: 2pm-4pm
Location: Ditmars Blvd and 28th St (exact address will be emailed the week of the class)
It’s hard to believe that it’s already December! I had to take a break with classes due to moving, but I’m so happy to be back! In this class we’ll be making two of my favorite soups. The sweet potato soup is thick and creamy and was a big hit at Thanksgiving. And the Moroccan Stew is perfect for winter office lunches or for dinner. A big thanks to Mark and his partner for offering their space on Ditmars Blvd in Astoria for our class! I only have space for 5 people, so reserve your space now by buying a ticket by clicking the “buy now” button. Please feel free to email me with any questions. Thanks!Saturday, October 4th: Lemon Coconut Balls, Chai Date Balls and Peanut Butter Energy Balls (gf, paleo, vegan, sf)
*Two Class Times! 12:00-1:45pm and 2:00-3:45pm*
QNS Collective
36-27 36th St, LIC, NY 11106


*The 2pm Class is now sold out. Please select the “Buy Now” option to purchase tickets for the 12 noon class.*

I’m so happy to be hosting this class at a beautiful new shared workspace in LIC, Queens.
You’re going to love it! And you’re going to love the desserts. We’ll be making  lemon balls that taste like macaroons, chai date balls and energy balls! These recipes are super simple and will impress anyone, from vegans to your meat and potato friends. Everything is gluten free, vegan, paleo and refined sugar free (for paleo folks, we have sun butter to use in place of peanut butter).Here’s what some of the participants from the last dessert class had to say:I took your class on Saturday at QNC Center and absolutely LOVED it! My friends were so impressed at the dessert balls I brought them.”  RebeccaIt was so much fun and informative.” Ronni“I loved your class, so inspiring. Thank you!” ChristineSaturday, August 16th: Back by Popular Demand… Healthy Dips!
Guacamole, Hummus and Sunflower Seed Pate
2:30-4:30pm
Jackson Heights
Ever wonder how to make guacamole? I know I found it intimidating the first few times. How about hummus? You’ll never have to buy the store bought kind again. We’ll also be making a sunflower seed pate. I personally love filling a cabbage leaf with this high protein pate, adding some avocado, cucumber and tomatoes and lunch is ready to go!
If you’re interested in attending, please contact me. Space is limited.Saturday, July 19th: Lemon Coconut Balls, Ginger Date Balls and Strawberry Sorbet (gf, paleo, vegan, sf)
2:30-4:30pm
LIC, Queens Collective
I’m so happy to be hosting this class at a beautiful new shared workspace in LIC, Queens. You’re going to love it! And you’re going to love the desserts. We’ll be making  lemon balls that taste like macaroons, ginger date balls and strawberry sorbet. These recipes are super simple and will impress anyone, from vegans to your meat and potato friends. Everything is gluten free, vegan, paleo and refined sugar free.Saturday, July 26th: Summer Rolls, Pressed Fennel Salad and Hearty Miso Soup
(gf, mostly paleo, vegan, sugar free)
2:30-4:30pm
Jackson Heights

There’s something about a bunch of delicious ingredients rolled up into a delicious bite you can eat with your hands that I can’t resist. Summer rolls are super fun to make and can pack a lot of flavor. We’ll also be making a yummy spiced almond sauce to go with them. For those who are gluten free, the wraps are made of rice paper, so you’re all good! Pressed salad is another one of my favorite easy recipes. And, to tie it all together, we’ll be making a quick and hearty soothing miso soup. Saturday, June 21st: Lemon Balls, Banana Bread and Sorbet(gf, paleo, veg/some vegan, sf)
2:30-4:30pm
Jackson Heights
I love dessert, and if you do it right, it doesn’t have to have a negative effect on your health. We’ll be making delicious lemon balls that taste like macaroons, banana bread and either strawberry or banana sorbet (we’ll see which gets the most votes). I can’t wait to show you these amazing treats! And, non-gluten free sugar-free folks are totally welcome to attend. In fact, everyone I’ve made these for has had no idea that they are healthier than traditional desserts.

Saturday, May 24th: Kale Salad, Creamy Cucumber Soup and Roasted Sweet Potatoes

2:30pm-4:30pm
Jackson Heights
There’s nothing like a cooling raw soup as it (hopefully) gets warm out. Kale salad is super easy to make one you get the “massaging” technique down, which I’ll happily be explaining. And just to round it out with some sweetness, we’ll be making natures candy, roasted sweet potatoes. I can’t wait!“Thanks for another great informative fun meetup. The simple things are great because it’s something we can do easily at home. With just the added twist of massaging the kale: voila a new salad. You’re a delight and it is always a pleasure.” Robin, Queens, NY. Saturday, April 12th: Dips! Guacamole, Hummus and Sunflower Seed PateMarch 8th: Moroccan Salads: Carrot Salad, Roasted Red Peppers and Zalouk“Thank you so much for the recipes and even more for the enjoyable time today. I personally enjoy you and your classes tremendously. You are teaching us how to explore healthy choices, which I know I share with others. Your carrot salad was a big hit Easter Sunday!” Theresa, Queens, NYJanuary 25th: Creamy Coconut Butternut Squash Soup,  Red Lentil Soup and Tahini 10 ways (however you like it)January 14th: Moroccan Salads: Carrot Salad, Roasted Red Peppers and Zalouk“I had the pleasure of learning how to make an easy and delicious Mediterranean feast with Samantha and I have to say that cooking with Samantha is a special treat! Her energy and enthusiasm were contagious and she inspired me to try out new recipes on my own. She is incredibly supportive no matter what your skill level or knowledge about food and gave interesting back stories to the recipes she shared with us. She even sent me home with some recipe ideas specifically based on foods that I want to integrate more into my diet. I can’t wait to cook with Samantha again.”
Anna, Brooklyn, NY

3 thoughts on “Events

    1. samanthaelkrief@gmail.com Post author

      Awww, thanks Theresa! I know, I miss it, too. Thanks for stopping by and for your sweet words!

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *