The Vegetarian Resource Group Blog

Vegan Restaurants Added to The Vegetarian Resource Group’s Guide to Veggie Restaurants in the USA and Canada

Posted on September 16, 2022 by The VRG Blog Editor

Photo from Fitz on 4th

The Vegetarian Resource Group maintains an online Guide to Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants in the USA and Canada. Here are some recent vegan restaurant additions. The entire guide can be found here: http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php

To support the updating of this online restaurant guide, please donate at: www.vrg.org/donate

Here are some new additions to VRG’s guide (Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic many are doing take-out and/or delivery now):

Cak’d, 304 Ninth St. N., Naples, FL 34102

Does your plant-based lifestyle seem to make it challenging to satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further than Naples’s 100% Vegan Bakery, Cak’d! Choose from a wide assortment of baked goods from cookies, brownies, and muffins to cookie dough, cupcakes, and cake itself! Cak’d takes pride in utilizing real and captivating ingredients in its recipes – Ceylon cinnamon, Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans, pure raspberry juice powder, Italian espresso, and real bits of carrots are just a few. All products are non-GMO and gluten-free, and the majority are nut-free as well.

Fitz on 4th, 743 S. 4th St., Philadelphia, PA 19147

Fitz on 4th is a vegan family-owned restaurant. The dishes are fresh and flavorful. The menu consists of lentil meatballs, empanadas, crab cakes, tacos, The Philly Jawn (jackfruit dish), nachos, pasta, greens, and a variety of other treats. With modern décor it’s perfect for a date night.

Luz Market + Restaurant, 97 St. Marks Pl., New York, NY 10009

Interested in experiencing plant-based fine dining? Check out New York’s Luz Restaurant! Choose from a variety of seasonal, plant-based dishes including flatbreads, bowls and salads, and house favorites. For those looking for a savory meal, order a roasted crispy mushroom or pesto with almond ricotta flatbread.  Those seeking more mellow flavors can try the roasted cauliflower salad with Kalamata olives, and for folks who are all about trying new things, try the Zucchini Noodle Lasagna. After a delicious dinner, order from a line of exceptional desserts: Raw Cacao Caramel Tart, Tiramisu, Strawberry and Blueberry Energy Balls, and more. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available as well. Don’t miss out on the experience – book a reservation at Luz Market and Restaurant.

 Plantwich, 251 Rock Rd., 1D, Glen Rock, NJ 07452

Plantwich is a breakfast sandwich shop selling sandwiches and grab-and-go items. Specialty plantwiches include the McPlantwich with vegan sausage, egg, and cheese on an english muffin and the hot pocket with smokey deli slices, egg, and cheese on a pretzel bun. Some of the lunch specials offered are chickpea toona salad on an english muffin and a TLT with tempeh bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado. The Cinna’Bun with whipped and melted maple cinnamon butter is one of several toasts n’stuff served sandwich style. Sides such as crispy hash browns and black bean kale slaw are also available.

Savory Leaf Café, 960 Spruce St., Lawrence Township, NJ 08648

Do you dream of plant-based meals that give you a warm, gratifying sensation? Stop by Savory Leaf Café, a plant-based comfort food wonderland! From sandwiches to salads, a variety of options are available for anyone who craves home-style cooking. For those looking for a hearty hand-held, try the Buffalo Chick’n Sandwich, made with crispy vegan “chicken” tossed in spicy buffalo sauce with lettuce, tomato, red onions, and creamy blue cheese on a lightly toasted brioche roll. Customers who desire a meal served in a warm bowl can order the Homemade Mac and Cheese, individually prepared and baked elbow pasta in a creamy Violife cheese sauce, topped with cheese whiz and breadcrumbs. And visitors seeking something lighter may order a house salad with “Grilled Chick’n,” topped with your choice of balsamic, garlic aioli, or blue cheese. Top it all off by ordering a baked treat, such as Banana Bread or Chocolate Crumb Cake.

Thistle’s Summit, 40 SW 5th St. #122, Des Moines, IA 50309

Named for the black lab/pyrenees mix Thistle, part of the family (the other members are a proud Queer couple) who own and run this small bakery, Thistle’s Summit serves up “baked goods that taste nothing like compromise but are safe for just about anyone to enjoy” — i.e. they are vegan and gluten-free (although they are produced in a shared space on 24th street where gluten, dairy, eggs, and nuts are used).  They offer a weekly-rotating menu, which can be seen along with full ingredients lists and clearly marked allergens on their website, but look out especially for their famous oatmeal cream pies, which are also stocked at many other retailers in the area.  Other offerings usually include the likes of cookies, tarts, pastries, sauces, cinnamon rolls, and more adventurous options like peach lavender leo lunchbox zodicake, sweet potato miso biscuits, or rose pistachio tart.

Thoughts from Present and Past VRG Volunteers as We Celebrate VRG’s 40th Anniversary this Year

Posted on September 16, 2022 by The VRG Blog Editor

Ruth Blackburn

The Vegetarian Resource Group is fortunate to have incredible volunteers contributing their time and expertise. Amy Burger interviewed seven present and past volunteers to find out about their favorite moments and memories.

Read the article here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2022issue3/2022_issue3_past_volunteers.php

Subscribe to Vegan Journal: https://www.vrg.org/party/

Are you looking for new vegan recipes to prepare for Rosh Hashanah this year?

Posted on September 15, 2022 by The VRG Blog Editor

Rosh Hashanah starts on the eve of September 29th in 2019. It’s a tradition to eat sweet foods during this holiday. Your family and friends will enjoy the following vegan recipes from The Jewish Lowfat Vegetarian Cookbook. This vegan cookbook features international vegan recipes that you can serve year-round and can be purchased from The Vegetarian Resource Group online: www.vrg.org/bookstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=13 or by sending $25 (including postage/handling) to Vegetarian Resource Group, PO Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203.

Polish Plum and Rhubarb Soup
(Serves 6)

1 pound plums, pitted and chopped
1 pound rhubarb, chopped
10 cups water
¼ cup plus 1 Tablespoon apple juice concentrate
¼ teaspoon clove powder
1½ teaspoons cinnamon

Place all the ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover pot, and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve hot.

Turkish Mandarin Salad
(Serves 5)

Two 10½ ounce cans Mandarin oranges, drained
½ Spanish onion, peeled and finely chopped
¼ cup pitted black olives, chopped
¼ cup pitted green olives, chopped
½ teaspoon coriander
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Toss all the ingredients together in a large bowl. Chill and serve over a bed of lettuce.

Romanian Sweet Pasta
(Serves 8)

1 pound eggless pasta
12 cups water
1 cup maple syrup
½ cup walnuts, ground or 1/3 cup poppy seeds, ground
½ teaspoon lemon rind, minced
1½ cup raisins
½ teaspoon clove powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cook pasta in boiling water until done. Drain.

Heat maple syrup and walnuts or poppy seeds in a large pot over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add lemon rind, raisins, clove powder, and cinnamon. Stir and continue cooking for 3 more minutes. Add cooked pasta. Mix well and serve warm.

Note: You can also pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes before serving.

Veggie Bits: A Review of Banzo Butters

Posted on September 15, 2022 by The VRG Blog Editor

Banzo butters are reviewed in the latest issue of Vegan Journal. These garbanzo bean-based butters have a similar texture to nut butters.

Read the entire review here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2022issue3/2022_issue3_veggie_bits.php

Subscribe to Vegan Journal: https://www.vrg.org/party/

What are Previous VRG Scholarship Winners Doing Today?

Posted on September 14, 2022 by The VRG Blog Editor

Each year The Vegetarian Resource Group awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors promoting the veggie lifestyle. We wondered what former winners are doing today. Find out what eight of them are doing here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2022issue3/2022_issue3_vrg_scholarship.php

Subscribe to Vegan Journal: https://www.vrg.org/party/

Are you searching for a new vegan wallet?

Posted on September 14, 2022 by The VRG Blog Editor

TANI Small Vegan Wallet from Natt & Matt

Are you looking to buy a non-leather vegan wallet? The following companies in the USA, Canada, and Europe all offer a variety of wallets for men and women.

USA

Couch sells a variety of wallets for men and women.

Doshi offers wallets for men and women.

Fabric Horse sells wallets for men and women.

Grape Cat sells a wide variety of wallets for women and men.

Green Banana Paper sells wallets made out of banana leaves.

K Carroll sells wallets for women.

Labante has offices in the USA and United Kingdom and offer wallets for women and men.

Matt and Nat sells wallets for men and women. Ships internationally.

Mechaly sells a variety of women’s wallets.

Moo Shoes sells a variety of wallets for men and women.

Unicorn Goods sells a variety of men’s wallets.

Vegan Chic sells women’s wallets.

The Vegetarian Site sells hemp wallets.

CANADA

Jeane & Jax is a Canadian company selling a wide variety of wallets for women.

Nice Shoes is a Canadian company that offers wallets for men and women.

Pixie Mood is a Canadian company that sells a variety of women’s wallets.

EUROPE

Avesu in Germany offers a wide range of wallets in various colors made from different materials.

Corkor in Portugal sells wallets for men and women made out of cork.

Labante has offices in the USA and United Kingdom and offer wallets for women and men.

HOSTS SOUGHT FOR VEGETARIAN EXCHANGE STUDENTS IN THE USA

Posted on September 13, 2022 by The VRG Blog Editor

STS has high school exchange students needing hosts for the 2022-2023 school year, especially in Indiana and Illinois, but across the country.

Anyone interested or having any questions about hosting can reach Tim Beals at (317) 440-5170 or [email protected].

More information can be found at https://www.stsfoundation.org/about-us/

For example, Magdalena from Germany is vegetarian and was looking for a host. She wrote: I live in Germany in a small village with my parents and my two 18 years old brothers, but they are currently also doing an exchange year, so instead of them, another exchange student is living with us. We have three cats which I really adore. I think we are going to have a great time because I’m an open person who cares about the people around me. I would like to try cheer leading since I have a lot of experience in dancing. In my free time I like to listen to music and sing, go out with my friends, and at home I like to bake and cook. I love food, so I would like to try some of the typical American dishes, but I’d also like to cooks some German specialties for you.

Book Review: Bear Boy and Kind Poems

Posted on September 13, 2022 by The VRG Blog Editor

In the latest issue of Vegan Journal, Senior Editor Rissa Miller reviews two books: Bear Boy and Kind Poems. Rissa says, Bear boy is a young adult book that details the true story of a teenage boy in California who not only inspires incredible change in a zoo, but also raises a quarter of a million dollars to save two bears and place them in a sanctuary—all before he could drive. It’s a page turner, no matter the reader’s age. You may want to keep a box of tissues nearby, too, just in case.

Kind Poems is for literature or animal lovers. This collection of 55 eloquently written free-form poems brings the plight of animals in modern society into the limelight. Poignant and heartfelt writing and evocative imagery offer the readers a chance to re-examine their relationship with animals, the earth, and each other.

Read the entire review here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2022issue3/2022_issue3_book_reviews.php

Subscribe to Vegan Journal: https://www.vrg.org/party/

Share this Handy Vegan Diets in a Nutshell Poster

Posted on September 12, 2022 by The VRG Blog Editor

Share this handy poster with family and friends. You can also print it out and post it on your refrigerator. See: https://www.vrg.org/nutshell/VeganDietsinaNutshellPoster.pdf

Veggie Bits: A Review of Caulipower’s Linguine and Papparadelle

Posted on September 12, 2022 by The VRG Blog Editor

The latest issue of Vegan Journal includes a review of Caulipower’s Linguine and Papparadelle. These products come from the freezer case and cook up perfectly in boiling water in only three minutes.

Read the entire review here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2022issue3/2022_issue3_veggie_bits.php

Subscribe to Vegan Journal: https://www.vrg.org/party/

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