photo from Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

The Vegetarian Resource Group will host a networking dinner in Denver, Colorado, during the annual FNCE meeting of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Within one mile of the Colorado Convention Center. The public is invited. Participants from Denver and places from around the country will have a chance to share veg related activities they have coordinated.

RIO GRANDE MEXICAN RESTAURANT BUFFET:

Chips and Salsa

Guacamole

Black Beans

Portabella and Squash

Grilled Peppers and Onions

Plain Rice

Pico de Gallo

Selection of Salsas

Flour Tortillas

Soft Drinks, Coffee, Tea

PLEASE RESERVE IN ADVANCE. SEATING IS LIMITED

$30 for The Vegetarian Resource Group and Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group members. $35 for nonmembers. Includes tax and tip.

Please prepay at vrg.org/donate. Write in the comments section names of participants and that it is for the Denver dinner. Or call (410) 366-8343, or mail payment to The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203.

Each issue of Vegan Journal contains a column called Scientific Update where we review recent scientific papers related to vegetarianism. In the latest magazine, Reed Mangels, PhD, RD reviews a paper on Plant Sources of Protein Associated with a Lower Risk of Physical Decline in Older Women and another paper on Ultra-Processed Foods and Mortality.

Read the entire column here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2023issue2/2023_issue2_scientific_update.php

To subscribe to Vegan Journal, visit: https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

The next time you’re in Cincinnati, Ohio, you might want to enjoy lunch, dinner, and/or dessert at one of these vegan establishments:

Harmony Plant Fare Findlay Market, 1801 Race St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

Vegan/deli. Harmony Plant Fare filled a spot in Findlay Market to provide the local community with a New York and New Jersey-inspired deli – that was also vegan! They make all of their vegan cheeses and meats themselves, and aim to mirror a traditional delicatessen. Some of their hot sandwich options include grilled cheese, turkey and Havarti, and gyro with muhammara. Additionally, they offer a variety of cold sandwiches and also sell orders of vegan “cheese” and “meat”!

Like Mom’s Only Vegan Findlay Market, 1801 Race St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

Vegan/bakery. Like Mom’s Only Vegan offers vegan cupcakes and cookies via delivery and in Findlay Market! The customer can mix and match their favorite icings and cake types for cupcakes or choose from the various types of cookies (which use applesauce instead of eggs). Three generations of women work together to produce these baked sweets that the company hopes will change the stereotype around vegan desserts.

Loving Hut 6227 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45213

Vegan/American. Loving Hut is an international vegan restaurant chain with the slogan, “Be Veg. Go Green. Save the Planet.” They offer gourmet vegan cuisine “for those making the noble transition to a plant-based diet.” Although the menu varies by location, it typically includes appetizers, soups, salads, entrées, desserts, and special beverages. Both Asian and American meals are served including mock meat and vegetable dishes. Loving Hut was created with a vision that all beings could live in peace, love, and harmony with each other and the planet. Formerly Loving Café, Loving Hut is located in Pleasant Ridge. The restaurant is closed between lunch and dinner so please call ahead for hours.

Vegan Treats, Meats, and Eats 8020 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45237

Vegan/food truck. Whether you’re a meat-eater, a longtime vegan, or a brand-new vegan, you’re sure to find something to enjoy at Vegan Treats, Meats, and Eats! This food truck offers a wide range of comfort foods—like chili, burgers, and burritos. With their unique “Soul Food Sundays,” you can order dishes like chicken wings, ribs, or a fish dinner— all without the meat. Don’t forget to grab a strawberry lemonade or a slice of vegan carrot cake to complete your meal!

Traveling somewhere else in the USA or Canada? Be sure to visit VRG’s online guide to veggie restaurants: https://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php

Each year The Vegetarian Resource Group holds a Video Contest. You can view the wining videos from last year’s contest here: https://www.vrg.org/veg_videos.php

Information on how to submit your entry for the 2023 contest can be found here: https://www.vrg.org/videoscholarship.php

Each issue of Vegan Journal we review products that we feel our readers would like. In the latest issue, we take a look at nutty snacks from Daily Crunch. This company sprouts and then dehydrates their nuts. They are available in several varieties and are gluten-free.

Read our complete review of this product here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2023issue2/2023_issue2_veggie_bits.php

To subscribe to Vegan Journal, visit: https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

Each issue of Vegan Journal includes the column Notes from the Coordinators. In the latest issue we discuss what it takes to acknowledge all the high school students that apply to VRG’s annual scholarship contest. We also share some of the student’s comments on this scholarship opportunity.

See: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2023issue2/2023_issue2_note_coordinators.php

To subscribe to Vegan Journal, visit: https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

Photo from Total Vegan Indian Restaurant

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:

Full Taste Vegan, 5255 Peachtree Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30341

Comprehensive menu including Daily Specials such as Creole Not Shrimp Po Boy and Not Crab Cake Sandwich, as well as Truffle Burger. Also sells assortment of “cheeses” by the pound. Does group reservations and private parties.

Hindusthali, 1574 Bayview Ave., Toronto, ON, Canada M4G 3B7

Vegan Indian restaurant providing thalis (full platters with various dishes comprising a meal) and al la carte items, plus cold beverages. Example of “Thali A” platter includes salad, daal (lentil curry), 3 choices of any curry, basmati rice, naan bread or roti (whole wheat flour), papadum (Indian crispy cracker or flatbread).

Journey Café, 75-5729 Ali’i Dr, C-106 Kailua Kona, HI 96740

Located in Kona Marketplace, a sample dinner is:  Baked Lava Pasta (marinara, spicy jackfruit, macadamia nut-based béchamel, mozzarella, chickpea-hempseed parmesan, and roasted kale; includes choice of soup or hummus and homemade focaccia bread.

MAZU, 229 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs, OH, 45387

Inspired by Taiwanese, Israeli, and Indian cuisines, the space also promotes “art, collaboration, and community.” Counter service with plenty of seating options.  Wheelchair accessible and child friendly.  Fully vegan with several gluten-free options. Sample meal: Dandan Noodles (sesame sauce on noodles with shitake mushrooms, shredded cabbage, and pickled mustard greens); and Zucchini Kofta with Tamarind Rice (zucchini-potato pancakes in a tomato coconut cream sauce served over tamarind rice).

Planta Queen, 413 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Enjoy sushi, dumplings, wok and noodles, and chilled and raw, small plates. Sample items: Queen Caesar (green papaya, kale, mushroom bacon, almond parmesan, yuba crisp); Chili Peanut Noodles (hearts of palm, jackfruit, bok choy, sesame, doubanjiang sauce, cilantro); and Avocado Lime Tartare (beetroot tuna, pine nuts, capers, citrus soy, sesame, cilantro, taro chips).

Plantasia Eatery, 126 W. Cottage Ave., Flagstaff, AZ 86001

With its plant-inspired interior complete with a carpet of artificial grass and lush greenery adorning the walls, as well as an eclectic rotating menu, Plantasia Eatery’s dining experience is as fun as its name implies. Some of the dishes you can look forward to catching on the menu include the V. Chorizo Tostadas with seasoned black beans, cashew cheese, house salsa, harissa-pickled red onion, radish, and onion, or the Bahn Mi made using marinated fried tofu. Plantasia Eatery definitely doesn’t skimp on dessert, with offerings such as their chocolate cake, a carrot cake with maple cream cheese, and a tiramisu cake. If you find yourself anywhere near Flagstaff “south of the tracks,” make sure to check out this vegan gem!

Total Vegan Indian Restaurant, 9563 S. University Blvd. A, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

Many “Specialties” such as Nariyel Kofta (gluten free and made with mixed vegetable croquettes in an aromatic cashew nuts and coconut sauce) and Khatta Bhindi (gluten and nut free and made with chopped okra sautéed with bell peppers, onions, and mango powder). Has loyalty program for frequent customers.

We review vegan books that we especially like in every issue of Vegan Journal. In the latest issue Nadely Requena, a VRG intern, reviews The Korean Vegan Cookbook. There are 80 recipes in this book including side dishes, noodle dishes, desserts, and much more. Korean cuisine tends to be heavily meat-based, but Joanne Lee Molinaro shows readers that there are many vegan Korean dishes that you can enjoy.

Read our complete review of this book here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2023issue2/2023_issue2_book_reviews.php

To subscribe to Vegan Journal, visit: https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

Photo from Besina Providence, RI

The next time you’re in Providence, Rhode Island, you might want to enjoy dinner at one of these vegan restaurants:

Beatnic 223 Thayer St., Providence, RI 02906

Vegan. Beatnic serves up wide variety of vegan dishes including Daily Pancake, Mom’s Cinnamon Roll, Quinoa Hash Browns, Spicy Thai Salad, Quinoa Taco Salad, Whiskey Barbecue Burger, The Guac Burger, Air Baked French Fries, Mac n’ Cheese, Avocado Pesto Pasta, cold-pressed juices, and a variety of baked goods.

Besina 334 S. Water St., Providence, RI 02903

Vegan. Totally vegan and palm-oil free, this restaurant serves unique meals and drinks inspired by Latin-American cuisine. With a view of the Providence river and skyline, Besina also has a bar serving up a large selection of tequila, wine, and unique cocktails. Try one of the many sharing plates, taco options, or delicious desserts. They also serve brunch on weekends, offering classic items like Bloody Mary cocktails and Huevos Rancheros.

Double Zero Plant City Food Hall, 334 S. Water St., Providence, RI 02903

Vegan/pizzeria. Enjoy a wide variety of ceative vegan pizzas including Farro-Fennel Sausage, Creamy Artichoke, White Pizza, and more. They also offer a variety of salads and side dishes, as well as desserts. Located on the 2nd floor of the Food Hall.

Make Out Plant City, 344 S. Water St., Providence, RI 02903

Vegan. Located in Plant City, Make Out offers oatmeal, yogurt, and acai bowls with toppings for breakfast. For lunch try one of their bowls based on either brown rice, garden herbed farro, lettuce green mix, or soy ginger quinoa then add toppings and a sauce. Their all-day menu features a wide variety of sandwiches including a breakfast wrap, as well as smoothies.

New Burger Plant City, 334 S. Water St., 1st Fl., Providence, RI 02903

Vegan. New Burger has the perfect comfort food. Their food is elevated by the addition of truffle and guacamole to their burgers, and superfoods to their shakes. Combine the truffle wild mushroom burger, p.c. fries, and a vanilla hemp shake to make the ideal meal. This establishment is located in the Plant City food hall along with other vegan restaurants.

PiANTA 408 Atwells Ave., Providence, RI 02909

Vegan/Mediterranean. Chef and founder Michelle Politano combined her passion for her family’s Italian roots and cuisine with her desire to offer healthier yet still-tasty food regardless of one’s dietary preferences and PiANTA (which means “plant” in Italian) was born. The vegan menu offers a wide range of Italian and American-inspired comfort foods, with soy-free, nut-free, and gluten-free options. Satisfy the craving for hearty Italian fare with the Italian “chicken” cutlet sandwich or the Penne Alla Vodka pasta, or else try to choose from among the 4 grilled cheese variations—made with coconut-based rather than nut cheeses. Make sure to leave room for one of the decadent desserts, such as the chocolate cake with whipped peanut butter frosting.

Veggie Fun 123 Dorrance St., Providence, RI 02903

Vegan/Asian Fusion. Veggie Fun serves an all-vegan menu of Asian delights. Try dishes like Orange Veggie Beef, Sweet Citrus Soy Chicken, Malaysian Curry Stew, or Tofu Teriyaki Sizzling Platter. Don’t miss their weekday lunch specials!

Traveling somewhere else in the USA or Canada? Be sure to visit VRG’s online guide to veggie restaurants: https://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php

A reader asked “Does being vegan affect my risk of getting Covid-19 or severe Covid-19? Reed Mangels, PhD, RD answers this question in her Nutrition Hotline column in the latest issue of Vegan Journal. See: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2023issue2/2023_issue2_nutrition_hotline.php

To subscribe to Vegan Journal, visit: https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php