Mexico has certainly been stepping up when it comes to vegan cuisine.
Most major towns and cites have at least one or two vegan eateries, mainstream supermarkets are bursting with plant-based alternatives, and there is even a monthly vegan food fair in Mexico City.
But in even bigger news, Mexico now as a vegan restaurant chain called VEGAN INC.
VEGAN INC was founded a few years ago by Chef Andres in the northern city of Monterey, the capital of Nuevo León. Branching out from there, he soon opened a second location in the upmarket Mexico City neighbourhood of Polcano.
Andres crafted a sophisticated menu that combines traditional Mexican flavours, international cuisine, and the latest vegan food advances.
I was recently invited to a sneak preview of the menu at the third VEGAN INC location on Avenida Revolución in San Angel, positioned in the south of Mexico City.
The food was sensational.
Before you scroll down to enjoy the view, I’m thrilled to also tell you that VEGAN INC have TWO MORE restaurants opening over the next few months.
Locations four and five will be in the cities of Puebla and Guadalajara.
That’s correct, friends. Mexico has a vegan restaurant chain that is soon to boast five locations spread around the country. Now that’s some impressive progress.
Preview menuStrawberry and agave syrup limeadeGinger and agave syrup limeadeFondue selection of croutons, grapes, and broccoliMushrooms marinated in lime juice and chile served with chipotle and avocado mayosDry noodles served with almond ricotta, avocado, and dehydrated crackerAvocado, beetroot, hummus, and radish stackMushroom taco served with moleBBQ BurgersChocolate cake (with carrot cake in the background)
Have you been missing Hackney Downs Vegan Market ever since we wrapped it up earlier this year?
Well, dry your tears because we are coming back in mini form for one night only… and the food line up is set to be legendary.
Thursday July 4, 2019 marks the tenth anniversary of the Open Studios celebration at Hackney Downs Studios and as part of their mammoth party they have asked me to return with my favourite traders for the evening.
From 6pm you will be able to feast heartily on the following:
Arancini Brothers will be there with their famous food truck selling their even more famous loaded arancini balls. This is some of the finest food in the city and will be difficult to turn down if you are there on the night.
Bar Dei Baci have built up a huge and loving following of customers and it’s not a surprise why. Their deep fried pizzas are the stuff of dreams.
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I am so deeply proud of Let’s Do Temaki and the growth they’ve shown since debuting at the original Hackney Downs Vegan Market. Maki rolls and sushi burritos from Temaki are second to none.
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The 100% plant-based cuisine by Oh My Gulay! is spectacular. Filipino recipes done vegan and done better than most food you will ever taste. I promise.
Vegan Delice was the reigning sugar queen of the original Hackney Downs Vegan Market so it makes sense to have Chanel back for our special night. Expect the usual decadent treats from one of the best vegan bakers on the planet.
If the food isn’t enough to get you down there, certainly all the other fun stuff happening on the night will do it.
The Open Studios event will allow you to meet and network with over 300 inspiring creatives, as you discover their spaces and check out their incredible work. Take a tour of our collaborative spaces Palmspace and Heartspace to meet the makers & artists behind them for a chance to purchase original works of art, craft and design.
Expect exhibitions and talks curated by residents as well as taster classes & workshops, exclusive sample sales and art showcase at Public Gallery. Enjoy live music, food, drinks and dancing at our after party.
In addition, Venetia Falconer will be bringing you an insight into the world of sustainability with an exclusive talk and Q&A at low waster shop Re:Store as part of the Open Studios programme.
Venetia Falconer has long been an advocate of reducing plastic usage and promotes mindful consumption, and has been featured in Vogue as one of the ‘Top Eco Influencers To Follow’.
Book your tickets NOW for this sensational vegan pop up event featuring the flavours of Mauritius.
Vegan Mauritian Supper Club is taking place at Black Cat Café in Hackney on Tuesday July 30, 2019 from 7pm.
This is a meal you do not want to miss. Chef Khaleed is ready to feed you some of the finest plant-based cuisine in the capital.
Khaleed says of the night:
In Mauritius, we have a phrase we say ‘La case Mama’ which means Mother’s House. My food will be proper home cooked food and hopefully you will not be leaving hungry. Please feel free to ask for seconds!
The menu? Check it out below:
Starters: vegetable samosa and gateaux piment (chilli cakes, crushed split peas) served with a tomato and coriander chutney
Mains: tomato curry, butter bean curry, chow chow curry, aubergine and potatoe curry served with rice and ti puri (fried roti)
Dessert: tarte bannan (banana tart) served with vegan vanilla ice cream
Black Cat will be selling their drinks at this event.
Click here to book your tickets before they are all gone and be sure to follow Mauritian Vegan Supper Club on Instagram.
Gorgeous new vegan bakery VeganeríaLe Muf is hosting another spectacular pop up dining event and you need to book tickets now!
This is set to be an afternoon starring a delicious menu of 100% vegan food served in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.
Your ticket costs 500 pesos and includes:
Two main courses.
A dessert
Flavoured water of the day or beer plus a mezcalito (a mezcal digestif)
This special event is taking place on Saturday June 29 between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. The secret location in Colonia Escandón will be announced when you confirm your booking.
To book, you need to send a direct message to Le Muf via their Instagram or Facebook page. You will then be given instructions on how to make payment via bank deposit.
Would you like to read about the menu?
Mediterranean salad of vegan mozzarella, arugula, olive and basil and Provençal herbs
“Lobster” with Mediterranean sauce featuring wild olives, basil, sundried tomato and palm heart “squid”
Taco Baja California: fried oyster mushrooms Baja California style in black corn tortilla, purple cabbage, homemade veganesa and salsa
Almond ricotta cheesecake with passion fruit coulis and meringue crumble
All food is made with seasonal, local and organic ingredients. The space in which it will take place is part of the experience as each smell, colour, and sound are specially designed for that day. It is a place to share time with people from the vegan community who have a special interest in food.
Going plant based doesn’t mean you need to miss out on fishy tastes and textures. I’ll show you how to make a decadent smoked carrot lox (hold the salmon), divine seaweed marinades, dinner party standard mushroom scallops, and a battered ‘fish’ alternative to curb any chip shop cravings.
Oliver Bragg, professional chef (formerly at Whole Foods) and teacher at the College of Naturopathic Medicine
Get ready for an incredible vegan fish masterclass, London. Tickets for this event at Made in Hackney on Sunday June 23, 2019 are just not going to last.
The class will include:
How to create convincing fishy tastes, textures and appearances such as Mushroom ‘Scallops’
The ultimate Smoked Carrot Lox recipe (vegan ‘smoked salmon’)
Learn to make creative dishes such as Watermelon Poke and Chickpea Tuna
How to make melt-in-your-mouth Battered ‘Fish’ to please even the most ardent fish ‘n’ chips lover
Learn presentation skills from a professional to impress your guests
A delicious plant based lunch and a take home recipe pack
10% discount on the day in neighbouring wholefood shop, Food for All
Oliver Bragg is a nutritional chef and teacher at the College of Naturopathic Medicine. He has a strong interest in nutrition and loves to create highly nutritious, beautiful dishes that reflect his passion for seasonality, sustainability and original flavours.
Fee: £84 (£66 Concession) includes a delicious organic plant based lunch
This fee is used to fund the Made in Hackney programme of free courses to vulnerable and low-income community groups. By attending a Made In Hackney masterclass you get a great day of learning AND you’re providing the charity with essential funds to continue their work with vulnerable community groups.
** Concessionary rate available for students, pensioners, unemployed and low waged
Veelyfe is set to be a London music festival with a difference.
Not only does Veelyfe feature a fabulous musical line up (including Radio 1 and 4 DJ Claira Hermet, Melody Kane, House of Grae, and Rachael Anson) but it has a big aim of creating a ‘greener’ feel to the traditional festival.
Everything from the UK’s largest solar panelled staging to the eco toilets and biodegradable cups will make this a cleaner and more environmentally festival.
All of the food will be 100% vegan as well. Oh, yes. You read that correctly. ALL of the food is plant-based, and so are the drinks on site.
This new London festival – at the only urban beach location – is looking to change the industry and shine a light on the need for mainstream festivals to think about the environment and be more responsible in their approach.
Veelyfe is taking place in east London on Saturday July 27, 2019.
Click here to read more about Veelyfe and buy tickets.
Legendary London vegan business Ms. Cupcake is returning to the FGV section of Venn Street Market EVERY Saturday!
The Brixton bakery has been serving up sweet treats to the capital for about a decade and is one of the true pioneers of the vegan scene in the UK.
We are simply honoured to have them return as our resident cake and bake trader at our market section in Clapham Common.
To celebrate their return on Saturday June 15, 2019, I am sharing my top 5 picks from what they will be serving.
Cookie Dough Brownie – fudgy chocolate brownie with baked caramel choc chip cookie dough baked on top. Jam Doughnut Muffin – a doughnut/muffin hybrid. Cut open the cinnamon flavoured dough like sponge to reveal tons of gorgeous sweet jam.Lemon Blueberry Cookie – New for summer! A giant American-style cookie made with real lemon and plump, juicy blueberries, finished with a lemon sugar glaze.Red Velvet Cookie Sandwich – Two chewy American-style cookies lightly flavoured with cocoa, sandwiched by a soft cloud of vanilla cream cheese icing. Ambassador Cupcake – a Ms. Cupcake classic. It’s take on the Ferrero Rocher chocolate with it’s mash-up of chocolate and hazelnut elements.
That is some good eating right there.
Venn Street Market takes place every Saturday between 10am and 4pm. It is a 30 second walk from Clapham Common Underground Station.
Hackney Downs Studios are excited to announce their collaboration with Re:Store (on site zero waste/sustainable store) and Venetia Falconer as part of their Open Studios event.
Venetia Falconer will be bringing you an insight into the world of sustainability with an exclusive talk and Q&A at Re:Store as part of the Open Studios programme.
Venetia Falconer has long been an advocate of reducing plastic usage and promotes mindful consumption, and has been featured in Vogue as one of the ‘Top Eco Influencers To Follow’.
