East/West (Even) | Veggin' Out And About

Tallahassee Florida Celebrates First Annual North Florida VegFest April 4th In Cascade Park Downtown Tallahassee!

Posted by Danielle Bussone on Mar 28, 2015 in I-10, North Florida Veg Fest, Tallahassee | 0 comments

by CD Davidson-Hiers

Julie Sutton and I first met at 101 Restaurant in downtown Tallahassee. I had been put in contact with her as the coordinator for Tallahassee’s premiering VegFest, happening the weekend of April 4th. Julie, along with many other members of the Vegfest committee, were there that night as a social outing, a friendly gathering of vegans and vegetarians alike. The first questions asked were: how long have you been a vegan, and why did you switch?

(more…)

Venice California’s Café Gratitude – 100% Organic, 100% Plant-Based, 100% Delicious!

Posted by Danielle Bussone on Sep 29, 2014 in CA, Café Gratitude Venice, Eclectic, I-10, I-405, Organic and/or Non-GMO, Vegan, Venice | 0 comments

by Roberta Walker

My first time at a Cafe Gratitude restaurant was in 2009 at their premier location, in an area that was a little “off the beaten path” in San Francisco. The restaurant had a very colorful, earthy, laid back and eclectic vibe. The wall’s were covered with inspiration quotes, detailed murals, and their pledge to “Nourish a Thankful Community.” The servers and the people were warm and inviting and the restaurant was filled with a mix of hippies, young adults, nature lovers and foodie types. Their Venice Beach location doesn’t quite have that same vibe.

AWESOME herb-cornmeal crusted eggplant parmesan on grilled panini bread with marinara sauce, cashew ricottta, tomatoes, Brazil nut parmesan, arugula and basil. Served with a side salad.

(more…)

Boston’s True Bistro — Protecting Animals And Our Planet, One Bite At A Time!

Posted by Danielle Bussone on Aug 25, 2014 in American, Boston, I-90, I-93, I-95, MA | 0 comments

by Pegge Bochynski

The Boston area hosts several fine vegan restaurants, but True Bistro located in Teele Square in Somerville, Massachusetts, stands above the others. Opened in 2009, it has become a destination eatery that is distinguished by a calming ambiance and an eclectic menu that offers something for everyone, whether vegan or not.

True Bistro: Awarded Boston’s Best 2014 by CBS Boston!

True Bistro is situated on a busy downtown street but as you step through the door, you leave all the hustle and bustle behind. Although the dining room is small—it holds around 40 people comfortably—the high ceilings and large, light-filled windows give the impression of a spaciousness that belies its actual size. Original paintings dot the wall near the entrance, small vases of fresh cut flowers adorn the tables, and soft, soothing music sets the tone for a peaceful, unhurried meal. It is apparent that owners Michael and Linda Harrison have taken great care to create a tranquil environment where patrons can relax and feel welcome.

(more…)

Countdown To Chicago’s Veggie Fest, August 9th and 10th!

Posted by Danielle Bussone on Jul 10, 2014 in Chicago, I-88, Veggie Fest Chicago | 0 comments

MAKE PLANS NOW TO VISIIT VEGGIE FEST CHICAGO

ONE OF THE LARGEST VEGETARIAN FOOD FESTIVALS IN NORTH AMERICA

VEGGIE FEST CHICAGO RETURNS TO NAPERVILLE, IL AUGUST 9-10

(Naperville, IL) It’s almost time to fill up your car with your friends and family and head to the 9th Annual Veggie Fest, the largest vegetarian food and lifestyle festival in North America! With a huge international food court; health professionals speaking on diet, lifestyle, and environmental issues; engaging food demos by restaurant owners, chefs, and authors; an incredible children’s tent with face painting, clowns, and crafts; live music from some of Chicago’s best bands; and over 100 vendor booths to explore, it’s easy to see why over 25,000 people from around the world attended the two-day Veggie Fest last year.

And there’s even more you can do at Veggie Fest! If you’ve been curious about the vegetarian diet, you can sign up for the Vegetarian Challenge to receive free support, recipes, and tips for going vegetarian for 14 days. Thousands of people have felt the benefits of taking the Vegetarian Challenge, and you can, too! And while you’re having a great time at the festival, you also can give back to the community by donating blood or bringing non-perishable vegetarian items for our food drive benefiting People’s Resource Center in Wheaton. (more…)

Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony

Posted by Danielle Bussone on Mar 21, 2014 in Charleston, Ethiopian, I-26 | 0 comments

Nitsuh Woldemariam from Ethiopian Taste Food & Coffee in North Charleston, SC teaches us how to make traditional Ethiopian Coffee. Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee and is an integral part of Ethiopian culture. It has evolved into a ceremony of roasting beans on a fire, with incense burning in the background. The smell of incense alerts visitors that coffee is being prepared. Once the beans are roasted, the hostess takes the pot of beans around and each visitor inhales of the savory bean aroma before the coffee is made and the rich, sweet beverage is served. (I’m sad to report that this lovely restaurant is not longer in business.)

Desert Roots Kitchen, Tempe, AZ – Organic and Green in the Heart of the Desert!

Posted by Danielle Bussone on Mar 8, 2014 in Desert Roots Kitchen, Eclectic, I-10, I-17, Organic and/or Non-GMO, Tempe, AZ, Vegan | 0 comments

by Deanne Bryce

Desert Roots Kitchen Staff

During a road trip between the Grand Canyon and Joshua Tree National Park , my husband Steve and I spent one night and morning in Phoenix. In search of a place to enjoy lunch after a morning visit to the Desert Botanical Garden, we found Desert Roots Kitchen (DRK) through an online search for organic foods. We discovered on arrival that Desert Roots Kitchen is 100% vegan. Their menu changes daily and they make everything from scratch in-house (except the dolmas). Desert Roots Kitchen cooks with many organic ingredients, especially staples like beans, lentils, produce, etc. They support and use local ingredients when possible, which is increasing and constantly evolving.

(more…)