The VRG's Maryland Newsletter by Emma Malone April, 2013 1. EDITOR'S NOTE 2. VRG LUNCH AT THAI LANDING IN BALTIMORE SUNDAY JUNE 23 3. CALL A DIETITIAN DAY 4. VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP STAFF CHANGES 5. VISIT VRG AT THESE OUTREACH BOOTHS 6. VEGAN IN VOLUME 7. THANK YOU TO VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP VOLUNTEERS 8. VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS 9. ONE WORLD CAFE REVIEW 10. OTHER EVENTS 11. THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP VEGAN VIETNAMESE DINNER IN HOUSTON 12. CITYLIT FESTIVAL AT ENOCH PRATT LIBRARY 13. VEGGIE DOGS AT NATIONALS PARK 14. ABOUT THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP ************************************************************************ 1. EDITOR'S NOTE Thank you for your expressed interest in The Vegetarian Resource Group! My name is Emma, and I have been interning at The VRG this spring. It has been a pleasure to work with everyone at The VRG and see how much vegetarianism means to so many people out there. I will surely take the learning experiences with me. I hope you have enjoyed our services and continue to support The Vegetarian Resource Group. Enjoy! ************************************************************************ 2. VRG LUNCH AT THAI LANDING IN BALTIMORE SUDNAY JUNE 23 Thai Landing at 1207 N. Charles Street in Baltimore has created a new vegan menu after 20 years in operation. The Vegetarian Resource Group is sponsoring a vegan lunch at Thai Landing on Sunday June 23 at 2pm with the following menu. All dishes contain no fish sauce, and they said they will moderate the spice level of dishes. (However, everyone has a different notion of spices. So if you are sensitive to spices or have to have a lot of spices, you may want to go at another time.) They will be serving family style on the second floor. There are steps. Menu subject to change. Thank you to Mark Rifkin, RD for organizing this dinner, and for attendees who want to support restaurants adding vegan options. VEGAN MENU Som Tam (Thai Papaya Salad with peanut dressing) Pad Kra Prao (Tofu, fresh basil, carrots, string beans, bamboo shoots, and a little hot pepper) Roti Massaman Pak (Chick peas with cauliflower, zucchini, carrots, potatoes, and peanuts simmered in coconut milk with mild curry) Pad Woon Sen (Vegan soy chicken with stir-fried tofu, bean thread noodles, baby corn, mushrooms, onions, snow peas, bean sprouts, and green onions) Tofu with Mushroom Pad Khing (Stir fried tofu with ginger, black mushrooms, button mushrooms, baby corn, snow peas, carrots and onions) Rice COST: $25, which includes tax and tip. You must prepay by June 13th. Seating is limited. Send $25 per person with names of attendees to The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203; Call (410) 366-8343 with a credit card Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, or pay online at [ http://www.vrg.org/donate ]. Write Thai dinner and attendees' names in the comment section. Refunds can only be made if we can replace your seat, since we have to give Thai Landing a count ahead of time. We hope to see you there! ************************************************************************ 3. CALL A DIETITIAN DAY Our next Call-A-Dietitian Day is on Saturday, May 18th, 2013, from 12 Noon to 3 PM EST. Appointments are in 15 minute increments. If you have general nutrition questions, Ed Coffin, RD will be available by telephone. To reserve a 15-minute time slot, please email the VRG office at [email protected] or call (410) 366-8343. Please be advised that these sessions are not individualized nutritional counseling. Such advice should only be provided through direct in-person contact with a qualified health professional. There is no charge, but if you do commit, please call on time. Otherwise you are taking someone else's spot. Ed Coffin holds a bachelor's degree in clinical nutrition and is a registered dietitian. He has clinical experience from a variety of facilities such as Women Infants and Children and Veteran's Affairs. Ed has worked in nearly every part of the natural and organic foods sector from logistics to packaging and production. ************************************************************************ 4. VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP STAFF CHANGES VRG volunteer coordinator Mary Herbranson has taken a full time job with a bicycle group. Thank you for her years of service. We're sure she will encourage healthy eating along with great exercise which is good for the environment. Welcome to Soren, who has volunteered with us since seventh grade. He will be filling the Volunteer Coordinator position until the end of the year when he will be going off to Latin America to volunteer, tutor, and coach. If you would like to volunteer in the office or at a booth, please contact [email protected] ************************************************************************ 5. VISIT VRG AT THESE OUTREACH BOOTHS The Vegetarian Resource Group will be having an outreach booth at the following events. Local (Maryland Area) Events: 1. On April 20th: Kale-a-Rama in Greenbelt, Maryland. [ https://www.facebook.com/kalearama ] 2. On April 27th: UMBC VegFest in Baltimore Maryland. [ http://my.umbc.edu/events/11337 ] 3. On May 19th: Booth at the Baltimore Farmers Market & Bazaar in Baltimore, Maryland. [ http://www.localharvest.org/baltimore-farmers-market-bazaar-M2403 ] 4. On June 1st-2nd: Charles Village Festival in Baltimore, Maryland. [ http://www.charlesvillagefestival.com/ ] 5. On June 22th: Booth at the 32nd Street Farmers Market in Waverly, in Baltimore, Maryland. [ http://www.32ndstreetmarket.org/ ] National (Outside of Maryland Area) Events: 1. On April 27th: PIFA Street Fair in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [ http://www.pifa.org/streetfair ] 2. On May 18th: Chicago GreenFest in Chicago, Illinois. [ http://www.greenfestivals.org/chi ] 3. On June 15th: Richmond VegFest in Richmond, Virginia. [ http://www.veggiefest.org/ ] 4. On June 27th-30th: Animal Rights Conference near Washington, D.C. [ http://www.arconference.org/exhibitors.htm ] If you would like to volunteer at any of these events, contact Soren at [email protected]. If you would like to donate towards our veggie outreach, donate at [ http://www.vrg.org/donate ]. Donations can also be sent to The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203. Or call (410) 366-8343. Thank you. ************************************************************************ 6. VEGAN IN VOLUME VRG's Vegan in Volume (272 pages) by Chef Nancy Berkoff, RD is for anybody who wants to make vegetarian food in quantity. Included are "A Fast Course In Vegan Nutrition and Vegan Ingredients," "Cooking For Kids," "Elegant Dining," "Holiday Hints, Menus and Recipes for Special Occasions" (Such as weddings, bar mitzvahs, birthdays, and communion), "Cooking For College Students," "Grab and Go Fast Foods," "Un-Hospital Food," "Menus and Recipes For Seniors," "Garnishes," "Food Safety," "Weights and Measures," and other Food Service Resources. Thank you to the Humane Society of the United States, which gave the book to over 1,000 food services. If you would like to support giving *Vegan in Volume* to more food service staff, please send donations (Retail cost of the book is $20) to The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203 or go to [ http://www.vrg.org/donate ]. ************************************************************************ 7. THANK YOU TO VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP VOLUNTEERS Thank you to all who helped out with the responses to the VRG scholarship contest submissions: Ryan Andrews Nancy Benjamin Whitney Blomquist Ali Browder Soren Clarkwest Chris Dietrich Kristi Fecchio Mary Herbranson Emma Malone Amanda Matte Gianna Mautone Amy Vaughn Jenny Saccenti Susan Petrie Next year's scholarship contest information can be found at the following link: [ http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ] Also thank you to our high school volunteers McKenzie Hall, and Morgan Hall. And to our winter interns Ali from Johns Hopkins and Emma from Towson. If you are interested in interning see [ http://www.vrg.org/student/ ]. If you would like to volunteer at booths or in The Vegetarian Resource Group office, please e-mail [email protected] with your background and interests or call (410) 366-8343 ************************************************************************ 8. VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS Is Nutritional Yeast Safe for A One-Year-Old? [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2013/03/29/nutritional-yeast-safe-for-a-one-year-old/ ] P.F. Chang's Says "No Ghee" [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2013/03/22/%E2%80%9Cno-ghee%E2%80%9D-says-p-f-chang%E2%80%99s/ ] Southern Adventist University Begins Vegetarian Culinary Arts Program [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2013/03/20/southern-adventist-university-begins-vegetarian-culinary-arts-program/ ] 7-Eleven Fresh Foods Options [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2013/03/18/7-eleven%C2%AE-fresh-food-options/ ] Why So Many Food Label Disclaimers? [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2013/03/14/why-so-many-food-label-disclaimers/ ] Protein And the Vegan Diet [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2013/04/12/protein-and-the-vegan-diet/ ] ************************************************************************ 9. ONE WORLD CAFE REVIEW by Emma Malone If you're in the Baltimore area and looking for a place to get some freshly prepared, carefully crafted vegan cuisine, One World Cafe on the corner of University Parkway and Canterbury Road, offers a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes and a comfortable, yet classy environment to enjoy them in! The cafe offers mostly vegetarian dishes, besides the couple of entrees with fish, and the menu clearly distinguishes Vegan entrees, which comprise nearly half of the menu, as well as gluten-free entrees, which also make up a significant portion of the entrees. The impressive variety of vegan dishes is definitely at the height of the restaurant's appeal, ranging from classic American style dishes, like Veggie burgers, "Not-dogs," and Reubens, to internationally inspired dishes like Falafel, Miso Soup, Thai Tempeh Saute, Tofu Curry, Soy Cheese Quesadillas, and Burritos. Not to be forgotten dishes that are also on the menu are breakfast options including their Tofu Scrambler and Vegan Pancakes, a Seitan Philly Cheese-steakless sandwich, a Fakin' Bacon BLT, Crabcakes, and delicious Vegan Chili. And not only are there a variety of dishes, but a variety of meat substitutes to choose from, with add ons of tofu and portobello mushrooms available for many entrees. Cheese dishes can be substituted with vegan soy cheese to accommodate vegan diets, and many other dishes can also be made with vegan substitutes like their soy sour cream, Nayonaise, vegan Russian dressing, and their housemade vegan butter. All products marked as vegan are dairy-free, made with Daiya or Tofutti dairy-free soy substitutes. Once you're done salivating at the menu, remember the cafe ensures the use of organic and chemical-free fruits, veggies, and whole grains whenever possible. One World Cafe's self-proclaimed purpose is to provide customers with simple, honest, and healthy cuisine that will "satisfy your body, conscience, and soul." With this passion in mind, Chef and Owner Sue Novak brings a devotion to healthy eating that can certainly be seen and appreciated in her menu. Homemade soups, sandwiches, and entrees can be complemented with a glass of organic wine, beer, or local brew (the bar is open until 2 am everyday except Sunday) and then followed with your choice of many dessert options, a long list of which are vegan. Needless to say, this place is a great dining location for those wishing to try new cooked vegetarian and vegan foods with a delightful dining experience. You walk in to find a selection of delicious coffees, teas, and smoothies on the menu boards and enter the back to find the bar and seating area of cushioned seats and pillows, spacious tables, and local art accenting the earthy d�cor. The environment is welcoming and perfect for a casual lunch or relaxed dining experience. If the cozy atmosphere isn't enough to win you over, the extensive menu will certainly keep you coming back to try different dishes. I personally went with the Not dog and chili, which made me forget any longing I had for the meat version. Then after hearing about the many vegan desserts I opted for a chocolate and vanilla layered cake with strawberry glaze that we agreed was plenty for two people and couldn't have tasted better. This restaurant is truly a gem, and I will definitely be going back soon! -By Emma Malone One World Cafe is located at 100 W University Pkwy, Baltimore, MD 21210 near Johns Hopkins University. To read more about One World Cafe, see their website at [ http://www.oneworldcafe.us/ ] To see our comprehensive list of Vegetarian Restaurants see this link [ http://www.vrg.org/restaurant ], [ http://www.vrg.org/links/restaurant.htm ] and for information on vegetarian restaurants in and around Baltimore, see a copy of the VRG's Guide to Vegetarian Dining in the Greater Baltimore Area at [ http://www.vrg.org/travel/baltimore.pdf ]. ************************************************************************ 10. OTHER EVENTS EARTHSAVE VEG POTLUCK This will be a week earlier than usual, and will happen in Owings Mills this Saturday, April 20th, 6-9 pm, when they will have a live presentation on "Food and Cancer". Dana Simpler, MD, will explain the cancer promoting aspects of animal products and the cancer fighting affects of plants. Dr. Simpler will specify which are the best vegetables for fighting cancer, and why animal products promote cancer. Dr. Dana Simpler is board certified in Internal Medicine, and has been practicing in Baltimore City for 27 years. Please RSVP. Dinner Guests may choose to either bring a dish made without animal products (to serve 8) plus $5 donation; pay $12 to enjoy dinner and presentation; or pay $5 for presentation only. We eat first, then make announcements, vote and present awards for our favorite dishes, and then show presentation. Let us know in advance, if possible, if you plan to pay for dinner rather than bring a dish. RSVP by calling 410-252-3043, or emailing [email protected]. These monthly dinner events are usually held on the last Saturday at the Learning Center of Your Prescription for Health, 10210 S. Dolfield Rd. in Owings Mills. Please RSVP and join us if you can! More info at [ http://earthsavebaltimore.org/node/76 ] For great discussions and friendly, supportive advice on adopting a healthier, earth friendly diet and lifestyle, join Earthsave Baltimore Facebook group at [ https://www.facebook.com/groups/EarthsaveBaltimore/ ] Learn more at [ http://earthsavebaltimore.org/ ] COOKING DEMONSTRATION Hosted by Open the Cages Alliance at The Land of Kush on Sunday, April 21 from 6-8 PM, Chef Greg Brown will demonstrate preparation of local, seasonal produce. The Land of Kush is located at 840 N. Eutaw Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201 and serves all vegan soul food. Come early for the cafe's delicious offerings such as vegan BBQ ribs, mac n cheese, collard greens, and much, much more. RSVP on Facebook at [ http://www.facebook.com/events/519345631419210/ ]. VEGAN DRINKS EVENTS There will be one in April on the 22nd at One World Cafe. The address is 100 W. University Pkwy., Baltimore, MD 21210. Also there will be one on May 15th at the Judge's Bench. The address is 8385 Main Street Ellicott City, MD 21043. As always they are from 7-9pm. CLASSES: EAT WELL - STAY WELL On April 24th from 10 am - 2 pm, Board Certified Internist Dana Simpler, MD, will present this four-hour conference on the many health benefits of a whole food, plant-based diet. Conference held in Columbia, MD, will include a healthy and tasty lunch and a food demo by certified Health Coach Sharon McRae. Cost $75. Download details and registration form at [ http://www.meetup.com/The-Baltimore-Vegan-Meetup-Group/files/ ] Or call 410-563-1700. THE SOPHISTICATED VEGAN EVENTS Bethesda, MD hosts these friendly events over veg meals. Upcoming events include: "Vegan Potluck in the Countryside" on Saturday, April 27th at 4 PM "Paws in the Park" on Sunday, April 28th at 12 PM "10th Annual Run for the Animals" on Sunday, May 19th at 8 AM For more information or to follow future events follow the link [ http://www.meetup.com/TheSophisticatedVegan/ ] 32ND ANNUAL VRG PRE-THANKSGIVING POTLUCK DINNER Hosted at 5:00 PM, Sunday November 24th at North Baltimore Mennonite Church, 4615 Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21210, we will show our appreciation for turkeys by not eating them and serving many delicious festive vegan dishes. ************************************************************************ 11. THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP VEGAN VIETNAMESE DINNER IN HOUSTON The Vegetarian Resource Group will host a vegan networking dinner during the annual meeting of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The restaurant is within walking distance of the Convention Center. VRG's Nutrition Advisor Reed Mangels and VRG staff will participate in a discussion. Located at Cafe TH, 2108 Pease Street, Houston, TX 77003 Sunday, October 20, 2013, 6 PM Menu: Spring rolls with tofu. Vegetable Noodle Soup with rice noodles, tofu, and vegetables including squash, portabella mushrooms, and bok choy Yellow Curry with cauliflower, green beans, carrots, and potatoes Vermicelli with Lemongrass Stir-Fried Tofu with tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers Rice Tea Cost: $25 per person. Includes tax and tip. Menu subject to change. Please reserve early as seating is limited. Please send $25 to The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203. Pay at [ http://www.vrg.org/donate ] and write in Th Dinner and the attendees' names in the notes. Or call (410) 366-8343 between 9 AM and 5 PM Eastern time, Monday to Friday to pay with a Visa or MasterCard. Refunds only if we can replace your seat. ************************************************************************ 12. CITYLIT FESTIVAL AT ENOCH PRATT LIBRARY by Emma Malone On Saturday, April 13th, Enoch Pratt free library and the CityLit Project hosted a festival in celebration of literary arts in Baltimore. There were over 70 booths featuring local writers, publishers, and other artists displaying their works, of which the Vegetarian Resource Group was a part. There were several presentations given by respected authors throughout the day as well as emerging artists displaying their designs. The festival was energetic with conversations as guests made their rounds by all of the tables and stopped to chat with representatives from each. I personally talked to a lot of interesting people with diverse perspectives and made some great connections. I was impressed by the volume of people who were interested in talking to me and sharing insights about vegetarianism, the literary arts, or just personal experiences. I also met a lot of people who were interested in getting involved with The VRG and who wished to receive our email newsletter. If you're interested in attending a festival like this one in the future, see our upcoming events and mark your calendar or contact us about coming in to volunteer. ************************************************************************ 13. VEGGIE DOGS AT NATIONALS PARK FROM VEGGIEHAPPY *Attn. D.C. area supporters and Nats fans* We've heard from several fans about their disappointing experience at Nationals Park this past week. Veggie dogs are listed on their online menu guide, but are not on the menu boards, nor are the concession staff aware of them. One fan managed to track them down via a worker who found them "in the back" and waited 10 minutes to get one. If you're a supportive DC local or a Nats fan, please take a few minutes to chime in! *They need to hear from locals and fans who want a serious option on the menu and clear signage and concession worker awareness to go along with that.* Call 202-675-6287 and ask for concessions, guest relations or customer service. Your feedback goes a long way, especially while we're still reaching out to help them. FYI: Veggie frankfurters are outselling any pre-existing veggie dogs at all the ballparks that we've helped, so we're encouraging that option as a win/win for all involved. Veggie dogs are new at the ballpark this year, but they did not use our help to implement them. We will update their menu status on the MLB Venue Vegetarian Guide as soon as we have more information. For more information see link at: [ http://www.veggiehappy.com/venue_mlb.htm#Nationals ] ************************************************************************ 14. ABOUT THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP Our health professionals, activists, and educators work with businesses and individuals to bring about healthful changes in your school, workplace, and community. Registered dietitians and physicians aid in the development of nutrition-related publications and answer member and media questions about vegetarian diets. The Vegetarian Resource Group is a non-profit organization. Financial support comes primarily from memberships, donations, bequests and book sales. The VEGETARIAN JOURNAL, a print magazine, is a benefit of membership in The VRG. (For more information, please see the VEGETARIAN JOURNAL online at [ http://www.vrg.org/journal/ ] ) To sign up for The Vegetarian Resource Group national email newsletter, please visit: [ http://www.vrg.org/vrgnews/ ] To sign up for The VRG's Maryland Email Newsletter, please visit: [ http://www.vrg.org/local/ ] We are also on Facebook and Twitter!! [ http://www.facebook.com/thevegetarianresourcegroup ] [ http://www.twitter.com/VegResourceGrp ] If you would like to make a donation, become a member, volunteer, or find out more about The VRG, contact us at: The Vegetarian Resource Group P.O. Box 1463 Baltimore, MD 21203 Phone: (410) 366-8343 Fax: (410) 366-8804 E-mail: [email protected], Website: [ http://www.vrg.org ] To donate: [ https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?Action=GC&CID=1565 ] Copyright The Vegetarian Resource Group 2013 The contents of this newsletter, and our other publications, including Vegetarian Journal, are not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. We often depend on product and ingredient information from company statements. It is impossible to be 100% sure about a statement, info can change, people have different views, and mistakes can be made. Please use your own best judgment about whether a product is suitable for you. To be sure, do further research or confirmation on your own. If you were forwarded this message and would like to sign up for our monthly local email newsletter please see our website: [ http://www.vrg.org/local/ ] If you wish to not receive the Local Email Newsletter, send an e-mail message to [email protected] with the phrase "remove me from local email newsletter