**Click here to see the April 2012 VRG-NEWS**

VRG-NEWS: The Vegetarian Resource Group Newsletter
Volume 16, Issue 3
March 2012

CONTENTS

  1. CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL® NOW OFFERING BROWN CILANTRO-LIME RICE IN ALL LOCATIONS AND TESTING A VEGAN GARDEN BLEND™ AT SELECT LOCATIONS
  2. SUBWAY® CANADA OFFERING VEGAN FALAFEL AT SELECT LOCATIONS IN WESTERN PROVINCES
  3. SPECIAL OFFER! JOIN VRG WITH $25 AND GET A COPY OF VEGAN MEALS FOR ONE OR TWO FOR FREE!
  4. VITAMIX REQUESTS PARTICIPANTS FOR A VEGAN RESEARCH STUDY
  5. SIGN UP FOR VRG'S VISA PLATINUM REWARDS CARD TO SUPPORT US WITH EVERY DOLLAR YOU SPEND!
  6. VRG'S FOODSERVICE ADVISOR COORDINATES VEGETARIAN MEALS FOR THE DALAI LAMA'S VISIT TO LONG BEACH, CA - 4/21/12
  7. VRG'S 30TH ANNIVERSARY LUNCH AT CANDLE 79, MANHATTAN, MAY 6
  8. REVIEW: "WILDMAN" STEVE BRILL'S WILDEDIBLES APP
  9. VEGAN VITAMIN D3 NOW AVAILABLE IN THE US
  10. SPECIAL OFFER ON VEGAN PASSOVER COOKBOOKS!
  11. NEW VEGAN RESTAURANTS AROUND THE U.S./CANADA
  12. VEGETARIAN IN THE MILITARY: PEN-PAL PROJECT
  13. REMINDER: VRG'S VEGETARIAN VIDEO SCHOLARSHIP - DEADLINE APRIL 20!
  14. About The Vegetarian Resource Group
  15. About VRG-NEWS

1) CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL® NOW OFFERING BROWN CILANTRO-LIME RICE IN ALL LOCATIONS AND TESTING A VEGAN GARDEN BLEND™ AT SELECT LOCATIONS

By Jeanne Yacoubou, MS
VRG Research Director

As of late 2011, Chipotle Mexican Grill® is offering a brown cilantro-lime rice option at all of its restaurant locations. The VRG was informed by a Chipotle® customer service representative that the brown rice is a "vegan friendly option as it does not contain animal-based ingredients."

We also received confirmation that select Chipotle® restaurants are testing a new product called Garden Blend™. A senior staff member at Chipotle® told us that Garden Blend™ is "a vegan offering... the recipe was worked over between us and the folks at Gardein™." According to the Gardein™ website, Garden Blend™ is a "vegan blend of plant proteins, grains and vegetables marinated in our chipotle adobo, then grilled."

For a list of locations, visit our blog: [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2012/02/27/chipotle-mexican-grill-now-offering-brown-cilantro-lime-rice-in-all-locations-and-testing-a-vegan-garden-blend-at-select-locations/ ]

2) SUBWAY® CANADA OFFERING VEGAN FALAFEL AT SELECT LOCATIONS IN WESTERN PROVINCES

By Jeanne Yacoubou, MS
VRG Research Director

Subway® Canada is offering a vegan falafel patty as a market option at Subway® Canada stores. An employee at a Subway® Canada western regional office told us in February 2012 that currently "approximately fifteen stores in the lower mainland region of British Columbia and some restaurants in Alberta" opt to carry it. She was not sure how many Alberta restaurants were offering it, nor was there a list of locations readily available.

Visit our blog to find out more: [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2012/02/29/subway-canada-offering-vegan-falafel-at-select-locations-in-western-provinces/ ]

3) SPECIAL OFFER! JOIN VRG WITH $25 AND GET A COPY OF VEGAN MEALS FOR ONE OR TWO FOR FREE!

Join VRG with $25 via our donation form [ https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=1565 ], and receive the Vegetarian Journal [ http://www.vrg.org/journal ] for one year AND a copy of Vegan Meals for One or Two: Your Own Personal Recipes [ http://www.vrg.org/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=4 ]!

Each recipe in Vegan Meals for One or Two [ http://www.vrg.org/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=4 ] by Chef Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD, is written to serve one or two people. We've heard the "But I'm the only one in my family who eats vegan meals" and the "I'm vegan, but it's so hard to cook for one" excuses. Now you have no reason to eat unhealthfully!

  • Table of Contents
  • Chapter 1: It's All About You!
  • Chapter 2: Meal Planning and Shopping
  • Chapter 3: Breakfast
  • Chapter 4: One-Pot Wonders
  • Chapter 5: Freeze or Refrigerate Now, Eat Later
  • Chapter 6: Grab-and-Go
  • Chapter 7: Desserts and Snacks
  • Chapter 8: Every Day and Special Day Cooking
  • Glossary
  • Resources from The Vegetarian Resource Group

Sample Recipe:
Is it Tofu? Is it Tempeh? It's Garlic, For Sure

(makes 2 hearty servings)

This dish is guaranteed to keep vampires away. Use this as a sandwich stuffing (good hot or cold) or serve over cooked noodles (how about spinach or carrot pasta), steamed rice, or over a baked potato.

  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil (any vegetable oil is okay)
  • 2 Tablespoons minced garlic cloves
  • 3 Tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup soymilk
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 cup cubed firm tofu or tempeh

In a medium-sized frying pan, heat oil. Add garlic and saute� until garlic is lightly browned. Remove from heat and whisk in flour to make a paste.

Heat soymilk in a microwave or in a small pot until bubbly. Slowly add paste to soymilk, whisking, to form a smooth sauce, over low heat, approximately 5 minutes. Add tofu or tempeh and allow dish to cook for 3-4 minutes, until heated.

Note: You can try flavored tofu or tempeh, such as barbecue, smoked, or Cajun to add even more flavor.

Total calories per serving using Tofu: 353
Total Fat as % of Daily Value: 37%
Fat: 24 grams
Protein: 20 grams
Carbohydrates: 18 grams
Iron: 12 mg
Calcium: 177 mg
Dietary Fiber: 4 grams
Sodium: 30 mg

4) VITAMIX REQUESTS PARTICIPANTS FOR A VEGAN RESEARCH STUDY

Vitamix is working with Dr. Joel Fuhrman and the Nutritional Research Project on a study to determine how age and gender impact the blood levels of essential fatty acids, EPA, and DHA in long-term vegans. Vitamix is supporting this research because omega-3 fatty acids are important in reducing the risk for heart disease, depression, and dementia.

You are eligible to participate in the study if:

  • You are between the ages of 20 and 100
  • You have been a vegan for at least three years
  • You are not currently taking essential fatty acid supplements
If you are selected to participate, you will receive a copy of the report of your blood levels of these important essential fatty acids, and as a thank you, a $20 Target gift card. A small number of participants will be asked to take a vegan omega-3 supplement for three months in the second part of the study.

If you are interested, please visit [ https://www.nutritionalresearch.org/survey/ ] for more information.

The study has been approved by the University of San Diego Institutional Review Board. The Principal Investigators are Barbara Sarter, PhD, APRN, FNP-C, Hahn School of Nursing and Health Resources, University of San Diego, and Joel Fuhrman, M.D., Research Director of the Nutritional Research Project.

5) SIGN UP FOR VRG'S VISA PLATINUM REWARDS CARD TO SUPPORT US WITH EVERY DOLLAR YOU SPEND!

When you sign up for VRG's affinity Visa® Platinum Rewards credit card, VRG receives $50 upon activation of the card. Then for the life of the program, VRG will receive a portion of every dollar that each cardholder charges.

This is a great way to support our work with every purchase you make with The Vegetarian Resource Group Visa® Platinum Rewards card. To apply, see: [ http://www.cardpartner.com/app/vrg ]

For FAQs about the program, see: [ http://www.vrg.org/credit_faqs.php ]

6) VRG'S FOODSERVICE ADVISOR COORDINATES VEGETARIAN MEALS FOR THE DALAI LAMA'S VISIT TO LONG BEACH, CA - 4/21/12

His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be visiting Long Beach, California for a public talk on April 21, 2012.

VRG's foodservice advisor Chef Nancy Berkoff, RD, EdD will be coordinating the vegetarian meals and refreshments provided to the Dalai Lama, his entourage, and the audience. She is author of Vegan Meals for One or Two [ http://www.vrg.org/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=4 ] and Vegans Know How to Party [ http://www.vrg.org/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=63 ].

For more information about the event, please visit: [ http://www.facebook.com/events/210123165744569/ ]

7) VRG'S 30TH ANNIVERSARY LUNCH AT CANDLE 79, MANHATTAN, MAY 6

It's VRG's 30th Anniversary! Come celebrate with us at Candle 79 [ http://candle79.com/ ], and hear about our current and upcoming projects!

Sunday May 6, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Candle 79
154 East 79th Street
at Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10021

PRICE
$25 for paid-up VRG members who reserve by April 15
$35 for paid-up VRG members who reserve after April 15
$50 for non-members

Price includes tax and gratuity. Drinks are not included.

Seating is limited. Reservations must be made & paid in advance! Please see below.

(Subject to change)

APPETIZERS

Steamed Dumplings seitan, shiitake mushrooms, baby bok choy, sesame-soy-ginger sauce

Angel's Nachos corn chips, mozzarella, tomatoes, refried pinto beans, chili-grilled seitan, guacamole, salsa, tofu sour cream, romaine lettuce

ENTREE (choice of one) Stuffed Avocado Salad baby greens, quinoa, zucchini, cucumber, radishes, black beans, toasted pumpkin seeds, grape tomatoes, chipotle-avocado dressing

Black Bean-Pumpkin Seed Burger mixed lettuces, avocado, polenta fries, chipotle ketchup

Spaghetti & Wheat Balls truffled tomato sauce, roasted garlic, spinach, cashew parmesan

Home-Style Pancakes seasonal fruit, strawberry butter, gingered maple syrup

Seitan Picatta creamed spinach, grilled potato cake, oyster mushrooms, lemon-caper sauce

DESSERT (choice of one) Fruit Crumb Pie vanilla ice cream Chocolate Mousse Pie

There are three ways to reserve your seat:

  • Pay online at [ http://www.vrg.org/donate ] (write "Candle 79 dinner" and the names of the guests attending in the Comments section)
  • Pay with your Visa or Mastercard over the phone by calling us at (410) 366-8343, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. EDT, Monday-Friday
  • Mail a check before April 27 to The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203 (write "Candle 79 dinner" and the names of the guests attending in the notes section)
We look forward to seeing you there!

8) REVIEW: "WILDMAN" STEVE BRILL'S WILDEDIBLES APP

If you're interested in foraging, "Wildman" Steve Brill's WildEdibles App makes a great addition to your iPhone or Android App collection.

WildEdibles features 165 edible plants, 52 minor lookalikes, 719 images, and 162 recipes. The focus of the collection is on eastern North American species. Each entry features photos and drawings by "Wildman" Steve, and is broken down into three sections - "Finding," "Identifying," and "Using." These three sections are further subdivided to provide information about the plant's habitat, seasons, positive identification, confusing factors, poisonous parts or lookalikes (if there are any), nutrition, food and medicinal uses, and recipes.

The vegan recipes are what make WildEdibles particularly unique and practical. With recipes such as "Wild Brown Rice with Carrion Flower," "Savory Chicory with Sweet Red Dal," and "Currant Corn Bread," "Wildman" Steve shows you just what to do with what you've harvested!

Visit our blog to read more about the WildEdibles app: [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2012/03/14/review-wildman-steve-brills-wildedibles-app/ ]

9) VEGAN VITAMIN D3 NOW AVAILABLE IN THE US

According to an article on the website for NutraIngredients- USA, a British firm, ESB Developments, has isolated what is apparently the first plant-sourced vitamin D3.

Visit our blog to find out more: [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2012/03/15/vegan-vitamin-d3-now-available-in-the-us/ ]

10) SPECIAL OFFER ON VEGAN PASSOVER COOKBOOKS!

Passover is right around the corner (begins April 6), so if you need vegan recipes for Passover, right now we're offering a special!

Get both Vegan Passover Recipes and No Cholesterol Passover Recipes for just $13 and receive FREE shipping. [ http://www.vrg.org/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=26 ] A must have for every home that wants to celebrate a healthy and ethical Passover. Enjoy egg-less blintzes, knishes, apple latkes, sweet and sour stuffed cabbage and much much more.

Makes a great gift!

Passover begins April 6 and ends April 14.

For ordering call (410)366-8343, send your check to VRG at P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, Maryland 21203, or go to: [ http://www.vrg.org/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=26 ]

11) NEW VEGAN RESTAURANTS AROUND THE U.S./CANADA

These vegan restaurants were recently added to our online restaurant guide. To find restaurants in your area, visit: [ http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php ]

Chomp Vegan Eatery
[ http://www.chompveganeatery.com ]
201 Morrissey Rd., Ste. 7, Port Moody, BC V3H 0E5
(604) 917-0201
Vegan. Chomp Vegan Eatery is a 100% vegan and gluten-free restaurant featuring organic and local foods. Selections at this cozy spot include Mac 'n Cheesy, Fiery Thai Tofu Bowl, Poutine, Full-afel Sandwich, and Grilled Cheese Madness, along with sweets and specialty coffees. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, catering, espresso/cappuccino, soymilk, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Darbster
[ http://www.Darbster.com ]
8020 S. Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach, FL 33405
(561) 586-2622
Vegan/natural foods/organic. Darbster offers innovative, vegan cuisine that will appeal to all tastes. The atmosphere is elegant and relaxed with an incredible view on the waterside deck. Try the Tempeh Reuben, Chikn' Apple Wrap, Rawvioli Beet 'Pasta,' or Palm Cakes. Make your reservations for Sunday brunch where a special menu is offered along with live music. Darbster is named in honor of the owners' beloved poodle, Darby, so it's no surprise that the restaurant is dog-friendly! In fact, Sundays are Dog-Night; bring your pooch during certain hours and get a discount! Darbster is closed between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open Wednesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for brunch and dinner. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Full service, take-out, special beverages, beer/wine, VISA/MC, $$.

Sweetpea Baking Company
[ http://www.SweetpeaBaking.com ]
1205 SE Stark St., Portland, OR 97214
(503) 477-5916
Vegan/bakery/cafe. Sweetpea Baking Company is 100% vegan and 100% delicious! Their mouth-watering sweets include cupcakes, brownies, cakes, cookies, pastries, and cheesecakes. They also offer sandwiches, soups, and bagels. Check the board for daily specials. Fresh doughnuts are available on Saturday mornings, and you don't want to miss their all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch! Sweetpea also specializes in allergen baked goods, such as gluten free, soy free, and nut free. In addition to making vegan wedding and birthday cakes, special orders are welcome. Open Monday through Saturday for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner. Open Sunday for brunch. Counter service, take-out, catering, espresso/cappuccino, soymilk, VISA/MC, $-$$$.

Please help us keep our restaurant guide current and accurate. Restaurants continually change locations, new ones open, and others close. To let us know about any restaurants we should add, delete, or if our existing entry should be changed, please complete the form here: [ http://www.vrg.org/travel/restupdate.php ] If you would like to volunteer with maintaining and updating The Vegetarian Resource Group restaurant guide, please email us at [email protected].

12) VEGETARIAN IN THE MILITARY: PEN-PAL PROJECT

By Mary Herbranson

The "Vegetarian in the Military" article in Volume XXXI, No 1 of Vegetarian Journal sparked a discussion between staff, donors, and members who wish to reach out to service members following a vegan or vegetarian diet overseas. Servicemen and women are not given a spectrum of vegan foods and the lack of consideration to special diets in the military can be discouraging. What better way to express gratitude and promote our favorite vegan foods companies than to honor the vegan and vegetarian military with a pen-pal gift box?

My brother and sister-in-law are Majors in the U.S. Air Force and they both spent the last six months serving in Kabul, Afghanistan. Knowing my interest in food service, Travis told me about his Christmas dinner. A member of his cohort follows a strict vegan diet and without access to her ready-made meatless-meal favorites or a vegan cookbook, Travis and two others put together three delicious dishes to satisfy vegans and the non-veg alike. Thrilled to see cleared casserole pans, they wondered why such colorful, hearty meat-free meals are not regularly available. The vegan menu was a success and with broadened awareness the possibilities reach far for the military pen-pal project.

As the Vegetarian Journal article states, if three percent of Americans are vegetarian there are about 40,000 vegetarian U.S. servicemen and women overseas. To reach these people The VRG needs help! There may even be a natural foods company with products they are willing to donate to the cause. There are regulations that define what can be sent and servicemen and women who follow meatless diets must sign up if they wish to be included because of heightened security measures. Fortunately, the cost and speed of mailing is similar to shipping within the U.S. since every individual sent overseas is given a U.S. registered P.O. address.

Volunteer coordinators who are willing to take the reigns and develop a plan, recruit volunteers, and manage the pen-pal project are essential to making this a success, so get involved today! To volunteer, you can contact [email protected] or call (410) 366-8343 or write to The Vegetarian Resource Group at P.O. Box 1463 Baltimore, MD 21203

13) REMINDER: VRG'S VEGETARIAN VIDEO SCHOLARSHIP - DEADLINE APRIL 20!

One $500 award; two $250 awards!

The Rules:

Create and submit a video relating what you want to tell others about vegetarianism and/or veganism.

Some possible topics: food, nutrition, your feelings about veganism and/or vegetarianism, water usage and vegetarianism, vegetarianism and animal rights, or other vegetarian topics which appeal to you. Humor and feelings are appreciated. All videos should be positive, not be critical of anyone, and not include any footage of animal cruelty. You may submit a video you have already made.

Aspects of judging include accuracy and judges wanting to share the video with others.

Entrants give permission to The Vegetarian Resource Group to post and share the video, to link to and from the video, and share the video with the media.

DEADLINE: April 20, 2012

Please e-mail to [email protected]:

  • Your name
  • Street Address, City, State, Zip
  • Phone number
  • E-mail contact
  • Indicate if 18 or older. If you are under 18, please include a parent or guardian's permission for entry and use of the video.
  • A brief statement on why you are interested in vegetarianism.
  • A link to your video.
  • Include Vegetarian Video in the subject line of the e-mail.

Click through to read the rest of the scholarship rules [ http://www.vrg.org/videoscholarship.php ]

Share VRG's Video!

Check out VRG's video, "A Hunter's Guide to His Vegetarian Daughter and His Vegan Son," and share with your friends!

[ http://www.youtube.com/embed/-jOkLm2NEg8?rel=0" ]

For information about VRG's scholarship for high school seniors, see [ http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ]

For information about our internships, see [ http://www.vrg.org/student/index.php ]

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.)

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 ]
Like us on Facebook: [ http://www.facebook.com/thevegetarianresourcegroup ]
Follow us on Twitter: [ http://twitter.com/VegResourceGrp ]
Donate: [ https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=1565 ]

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.

ABOUT VRG-NEWS

VRG-NEWS is the e-mail newsletter of The Vegetarian Resource Group. This is an announcement list so subscriber messages are not accepted by the list. If you have a technical question about the list, please contact us at [email protected]. If you have any suggestions, ideas, or corrections to VRG-NEWS, please direct them to [email protected]. Thanks!

To subscribe, unsubscribe, or otherwise manage your subscription to VRG-NEWS, visit [ http://lists.vrg.org/mailman/listinfo/vrg-news_lists.vrg.org ]

If you are a new subscriber, you might enjoy reading past issues of VRG-NEWS online at [ http://www.vrg.org/vrgnews/ ].

Contents of VRG-NEWS are copyright 2012 by The Vegetarian Resource Group. The newsletter may be freely distributed in electronic or print form provided its contents are not altered and credit is given to The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203.