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:

Fresh

8768 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90069

Fresh offers gourmet salads, rice bowls, veggie burgers, sandwiches, fresh juices, and more in a casual environment.

Juuuicy Vegan Restaurant & Bar

538 Northwood Rd., West Palm Beach, FL 33407

Come for the delicious and nutritious authentic Dominican flavors, stay for the fresh juice, smoothies, acai bowls, desserts, and vegan wines! The menu is vegetable forward, featuring jackfruit, breadfruit, mushrooms, cauliflower, and Beyond Meat products on top of tacos, rice bowls, sandwiches, and salads. For a real Caribbean experience, try the vegan chicharrones, or mofongo plates! Juuuicy is vegan, gluten, and soy-free. They also use organic and non-GMO ingredients as much as possible.

Ladurée

311 N. Beverly Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90210

Ladurée has been making macarons since 1871, but it took until 2019 for them to make vegan ones. Better late than never, we say! In fact, at their Beverly Hills location Matthew Kenney has made an entirely vegan menu, from avocado toasts to vegan omelets and sandwiches. All the pastries are vegan as well, from the framboise to the meringuée. Reservations are recommended.

LOV

620 King St. W., Ste. 102, Toronto, ON M5V 1M6 Canada

Enjoy a wide range of food including granola, Soup of the Day, burgers, salads, and main dishes such as gnocchi, rissoto, Thai tempeh, kale mac’n cheese, and more.

Love Earth

4916 Arthur Kill Rd., Staten Island, NY 10309

Love Earth is a vegan café and bakery that strives to be allergen-friendly too! There are about a dozen different sandwiches, wraps, and burgers to choose from, including a Middle Eastern burger, a Sweet Potato Burger, a hummus wrap, and an Eggplant-Lettuce tomato sandwich. And of course they have a variety of house-made juices and smoothies. All baked sweets are gluten, soy, and peanut free, in addition to vegan!

Planted Café

333 Smith St., Brooklyn, NY 11231

Planted Café may have small servings, but that doesn’t stop customers from stopping by to enjoy the large variety of vegan, gluten free, and natural menu items. The plant-based menu rotates with the seasons to offer food when it’s at its prime, and the chefs create different pastries and desserts daily. The next time you’re in the area, stop by to relax and try their popular red quinoa bowl along with what is arguably some of the best coffee in Brooklyn.

Rutabagas

230 N. 12th St., Lincoln, NE 68508

Named after an earthy root vegetable because the restaurant is rooted deep in its community. Rutabagas is focused on making delicious vegan comfort food from scratch. Some of their creative dishes include their Ruta-bangin’ Nachos and their Rutaburger which can be topped off with an order of Rutti’s Special Sauce. If vegan catering is needed, Rutabagas is happy to comply as well!

Vegan Mob

500 Lake Park Ave., Oakland, CA 94610

On their opening day, over 1000 people showed up, and Vegan Mob sold out. They’re that good. Vegan gumbo. vegan nachos, vegan BBQ burritos. What’s not to love? And if that doesn’t get your mouth watering, follow them on Instagram at @Officialveganmob, and that should do it.

Veggie Grill

57 John F. Kennedy St., Cambridge, MA 02138

The Veggie Grill serves classic American fast food that is completely vegan. There are so many delicious items to choose from including All Hail Kale Salad, Santa Fe Crispy Chickin’ Sandwich, Papa’s Portobello, and “Bean Me Up” Chili. At the Veggie Grill, enjoy hearty fare at inexpensive prices.

Woodhouse Vegan

851 N. Fourth St., Columbus, OH 43215

Dishes include pretzel bites, nachos, grilled cheese, mac and cheese, and more! They’re open a little later, if you’re not the sort of person who has to eat at 6pm. There’s also a back patio, for when the weather’s nice.

Nothing beats a simple graphic to get the vegan message out! The Vegetarian Resource Group created My Vegan Plate to display on outreach tables at various events. If you live in the United States, you can request copies of this handout to distribute by emailing us at [email protected]

You can view the handout here: https://www.vrg.org/nutshell/MyVeganPlate.pdf

This same handout can also be read in Spanish here: https://www.vrg.org/images/miplatovegano.jpg

We also have a version you can print out for kids to color on: https://www.vrg.org/nutshell/MyVeganPlateCP.pdf

Donations towards this outreach are always appreciated: www.vrg.org/donate

Benicia School District in California added daily vegan options, which include meals such as Buffalo Calzone, Vegan Burger, Bean and Chili Tamale, Vegan Meatball Pocket, and Black Bean Corn Salad. See: http://www.schoolnutritionandfitness.com/index.php?sid=2202112119524356&page=menus

For more information on school lunches, go to:
https://www.vrg.org/fsupdate/index.htm#School
https://www.vrg.org/teen/#food

VRG volunteer Marcia Schveibinz reported, “Dietitians working in health care communities visited the VRG table at their annual practice group conference in Maryland. Dietitians are seeing more patients in long term care who follow vegetarian diets than in the past.” 

Dharshan Varia stated: I am interested in vegetarianism because of the overwhelming health benefits I have seen associated with this diet. Additionally, morally, it does not sit well with me that we must kill animals and let them suffer from personal satisfaction when there are other plant-based options available. In the past few years, I have been really interested in vegetarian restaurants and cooking. I have learned how to effectively substitute plant-based proteins for meats while still maintaining the overall flavor of a meal. I believe that vegetarianism is a growing trend and I hope that my interest in vegetarianism will allow people to learn about environmental, health, and moral benefits associated with vegetarianism.

To see VRG 2019 video contest winners and rules for 2020, go to https://www.vrg.org/veg_videos.php

The deadline for the next video contest is July 15, 2020.
See: http://www.vrg.org/videoscholarship.php

For information about VRG’s College Scholarship Contest (One $10,000, two $5,000 awards), see http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm

To support The Vegetarian Resource Group scholarships and internships, donate at www.vrg.org/donate
or The Vegetarian Resource Group, Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203

Video scholarships have been given in honor of W.M. Zahn, who was a great mentor.

·  Howard Community College Sustainability Day
Thursday, October 24th, 2019
HCC’s Burrill Galleria
Columbia, MD

·  World Veg Fest
Saturday, October 26th, 2019
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA

·  VRG Vegan Chinese Dinner
Sunday, October 27, 2019, 6PM
Philadelphia, PA

·  Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics FNCE
Sunday to Tuesday, October 27-29, 2019
Philadelphia, PA

This time of year, it’s easier to find fresh pumpkin to make vegan dishes. We have pumpkin recipes that previously appeared in Vegetarian Journal that you might want to try out:

See: Must Pumpkin Always Be Pie? https://www.vrg.org/recipes/vjpumpkin.htm

Patti Bess shares recipes for Lemony Lentils with Pumpkin, Pumpkin with Black Beans, Braised Pumpkin, Cream of Tomato and Pumpkin Soup, and Stuffed Pumpkin.

Subscribe to Vegetarian Journal here: https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

The Vegetarian Resource Group is hosting our 38th Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Vegan Potluck Dinner on Sunday, November 24th, 2018 at 5 PM. The event is taking place at:

North Baltimore Mennonite Church
4615 Roland Avenue
Baltimore MD 21210

We will be showing appreciation for turkeys by not eating them! Come join us for a variety of festive, delicious vegan dishes! Please bring a vegan dish – free of meat, fish, poultry, dairy, eggs, honey, or any other animal by-products – that serves 4 per adult attending.

Adult admission is $5 and children eat free! Any questions call (410) 366-8343 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

Also, you may want to bring a vegan canned good for the church that will be used for feeding the hungry. We hope to see you there!

Araya’s Place www.arayasplace.com

8101 1/2 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048

10246 Main ST Bellevue WA 98004

5240 University Way NE.#A Seattle WA 98105

2808 E Madison Seattle WA 98112

Appetizers include Tofu Satay, Fresh Rolls, Pot Stickers, Veggie Tempura, and more. Enjoy salads including Mango Salad and Tofu Larb, as well as soups such as Hot and Sour Soup and Silver Thread soup. They offer a wide range of curries and you can order them with tofu, seitan, vegan chicken, or vegan prawns. Also try one of their stir-fries such as Sweet and Sour Tofu or Cashew Delight. You’ll also find a wide variety of noodle-based dishes and fried rice.

Bodhi Kosher Thai www.bodhivegetarianla.com

9303 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035

Bodhi Kosher Thai offers an extensive and diverse array of colorful vegan Thai dishes. There are curry dishes, noodle dishes, and rice dishes to choose from, as well as salads, burgers, and wraps. It is easy to order online (on Yelp) and see what dishes others have liked that they have ordered. Bodhi Kosher Thai also offers a lunch special—an entree of your choice served with salad, rice, and tofu, soy beef, or soy chicken.

Bright Star Vegan Thai www.facebook.com/Brightstarthaivegan

9819 Foothill Blvd., Unit F, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Bright Star Vegan Thai features an extensive menu of traditionally-based Thai dishes — vegan-style! Enjoy items such as Orange ‘Chicken,’ Pad Thai, Pineapple Curry, Sweet Chili Soy ‘Fish,’ and Spicy Mint Noodles Soup. Bright Star boasts a family-friendly, casual atmosphere; one of its most unique features is an open kitchen, allowing diners to view the preparation of their meals. The restaurant is accessible from Route 66.

Kati Vegan Thai www.kativeganthai.com

1190 Thomas St., Seattle, WA 98109

Kati Vegan Thai’s tofu is fresh, local, and non-GMO. They strive to use organic and local produce whenever possible. Kati’s bags, boxes, and utensils are all biodegradable. Their menu often changes, so check their website for the latest updates.

La Vegan Thai www.laveganthai.com

4507 S. Centinela Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90066

This modern Los Angeles restaurant offers burgers, noodle and rice dishes, curries, pancakes, wraps, and more! Try the Chu Chee Salmon, which is grilled mock salmon with spicy red curry sauce, or the Thai fried rice.

Lotus Vegan www.lotusveganla.com 

4715 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91602

Lotus Vegan offers an extensive menu and great prices! Enjoy all-vegan Thai cuisine along with some American dishes. With a focus on organic ingredients, Lotus Vegan uses no MSG or white sugar. Breakfast is served all day. Outdoor dining is available.

Mugi www.mugi.ca

793 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON M5S 1Z5 Canada

Sometimes it can be tricky to eat Thai food as a vegan, with the ubiquity of fish sauce and other animal-based ingredients. But not at Mugi! Here you can get authentic Thai classics like green curry, massaman curry, larb (made with jackfruit), mango salad, and more! They’re not just accommodating, they’re all vegan. Try them today for a tasty, no-hassle dining experience!

My Thai Vegan Café www.mythaivegancafe.com 

3 Beach St., Boston, MA 02111

My Thai Vegan Café offers Thai cuisine that is delicious and all-vegan. Their extensive menu consists of inventive mock meat and mock seafood dishes made from tofu and gluten. A vegan dessert or some bubble tea is the perfect ending to your meal.

My Vegan Restaurant www.facebook.com/My-Vegan-Restaurant-111725515531376

633 S. Arroyo Pkwy., Ste. 3, Pasadena, CA 91105

My Vegan Restaurant offers an extensive menu of vegan Thai cuisine. Try the Seitan Wrap, Pumpkin Fried Rice, Pineapple Curry, or the Spicy Bamboo Shoot dinner.

Red Curry Vegan Kitchen www.redcurryflagstaff.com

10 N. San Francisco St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Nice, quiet, intimate restaurant with very reasonable pricing for a full meal. Appetizers include Fresh Roll, Kale Salad, Quinoa Arugula Salad, and more. Soups such as Seaweed Soup, Coconut Soup, and Spicy Lemongrass Noodle Soup are offered. Also enjoy a wide variety of curry dishes, Orange Soy Chicken, Pad Thai, etc.

Thai Vegan www.thaivegansantamonica.com

2400 Main St., Santa Monica, CA 90405

This kiosk offers vegan Thai food including Fresh Vegetable Tofu Roll, Papaya Salad, Tofu Vegetable Soup, Spicy Mint Noodles, Pad Thai, Massamun Tofu Curry, Pineapple Tofu Fried Rice, plus much more. They also have fresh juices and are located near the beach.

Thai Vegan www.thaieastwindca.com

2928 Washington Blvd., Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

This restaurant offers vegan Thai food including Fresh Vegetable Tofu Roll, Papaya Salad, Tofu Vegetable Soup, Spicy Mint Noodles, Pad Thai, Massamun Tofu Curry, Pineapple Tofu Fried Rice, plus much more. They also have fresh juices.

Thai Vegan www.facebook.com/ThaiVegan/ 

5505 Osuna Rd., NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109

Thai Vegan offers an extensive all-vegan menu. Enjoy Chef’s Specials such as Mushroom Steak, Soy Shrimp Spinach Noodle, or Lentil Loaf. Prices are fair and their lunch and dinner combinations are especially good values. Thai Vegan on Osuna is closed on weekdays between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours.

The Vegan House www.veganhousela.com

1717 N. Wilcox Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028

The Vegan House serves an all-vegan menu of Thai cuisine. They are located just a few blocks east from the Walk of Fame in Hollywood.

The Wheel of Life www.WheelofLifeRestaurant.com

14370 Culver Dr., Ste. 2G, Irvine, CA 92604

The Wheel of Life is a warm, inviting informal restaurant with Thai and Chinese dishes. Entrées include stuffed tofu delights, Pad Thai, curries, Thai salads, a variety of veggie “fish” dishes, and dishes made from soy meats created from their own recipes. No MSG is used. The Wheel of Life is closed between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours.

Vegan Glory www.VeganGlory.com

8393 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048

Vegan Glory offers delicious Thai-influenced vegan cuisine that is mostly organic. The open kitchen allows diners to view the careful food preparation. Menu items include Lentil Loaf, Tofu Satay, Glass Noodle Salad, and Miso Soup. Make sure to save room for some vegan carrot cake. Vegan Glory is located near many shops and services including the Beverly Center.

Vegan Plate www.veganplatechicago.com

1605 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL 60613

Vegan Plate offers an extensive all-vegan menu of Thai cuisine along with some American favorites. Enjoy such dishes as Yellow Curry, Papaya Salad, Pad Thai, Wonton Noodle Soup, or Grilled Tofu Burger. Make sure to try their daily lunch or dinner combinations for a lot of food at a great price. Wheat-free menus are available.

Veganic Thai Café www.facebook.com/Veganicthaicafe

1417 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103

Vegan Thai Cafe offers an extensive menu including appetizers, soups, curries (including pumpkin!), noodles & rice, and stir fry. Drunken noodles with mock duck or beef are customer favorites. The curries are also quite popular. Mock seafood, including squid, shrimp, and abalone are also available.

East Carolina University is recruiting currently and recently pregnant vegetarian and vegan women to participate in a research study that examines nutrient intake while pregnant. Eligibility requirements include:

Adherence to a vegetarian or vegan diet
Being currently or recently (within 12 months) pregnant
Being 18 years of age or older
Living in North America

If you are interested in participating, please complete a screening survey at go.ecu.edu/screeningsurvey