London vegan news, reviews & events
Imagine my delight when I opened my latest copy of The Vegan magazine and discovered my words (and URL) staring back at me from the pages within.
The marvellous manufacturers of the world’s best vegan chocolate have decided in their wisdom to use a Fat Gay Vegan quote in their eye-catching, full page advertisement for the new line of Mini Moos.
I could get used to seeing my name splashed across the printed page!
Check out the new Mini Moos online.
Buy The Vegan magazine here.
As I reported a few months ago, the grocery store chain Co-operative is a market leader in labelling cruelty-free products. What many other high street food retailers are now just doing, Co-operative has been doing well for over a decade.
You can buy all manner of food and household products that are suitable for vegan shoppers within their walls. Even though they are being overtaken by other supermarket giants for vegan food availability, Co-operative will always hold a special place in my heart for their inclusive practice.
And just when I thought I couldn’t be more loved up with the grocery store, I discover delectable frozen onion rings that have taken my life by storm. Check out my new favourite snack coupled with one of the best vegan mayos on the market.
Are you in the mood to look at delicious, cruelty-free food that is too good to be true? Excellent. You will not be disappointed.
Superstar vegan food producer Redwood Wholefood Company are very seldom matched for quality, range and taste. Their extensive selection of compassionate foodstuff includes deli slices, breaded vegan cheese, bacon rashers, burgers, faux chicken pieces and flavoured desserts. This brief product rundown is not even close to exhaustive… I could go on and on.
During a recent stroll through my local Sainsbury’s, I glanced without expectation at the usual suspects in the chilled section. One brand of tofu, multiple Quorn products containing egg and little else of vegan interest.
Just as I was about to spin on my FGV heels and exit empty-handed, I spied an intriguing box of soya mince with a snappy label. I was readying myself for instant disappointment as I scanned the ingredient list for egg and/or milk. Imagine my utter joy and delight when I saw the most loved of all supermarket words: vegan. I snatched up the container and waddled as quickly as I could back to my kitchen to create a masterpiece…
One of the things I adore about living in London is the vast array of food readily available.
The city is such a remarkable melting pot of cultures and this is reflected in the styles of cuisine on offer. Vegans can dine on Indian food, pizza, Palestinian falafel, Chinese-inspired dishes and even cruelty-free cupcakes. But you don’t need to dine out to dip into this diversity. Supermarkets and grocery stores all over the capital reflect the eclectic population and vegan shoppers can take advantage of it.
I’m putting my usual smart-talking sass mouth to rest tonight due to a severely heavy heart.
I am profoundly saddened to announce the passing of my beloved friend of 13 years… Wallace.
Wallace was recently diagnosed with cancer and had been in surgery today to remove a large tumor. His poor little body couldn’t handle the stress and trauma of the ordeal and he went to sleep this evening and didn’t wake up. I am so very sad.
He was a charming, lovable and affectionate animal who brought more joy to my life than I could ever quantify. From the time I met him in Manchester in 1998, he was a light in my often troubled and challenging life. Wallace would always attempt to claim a spot next to me on the bed and through my streaming tears, I swear I can see him there now.
I am sad for everyone who ever knew Wallace. Nobody met him and walked away untouched by his presence. His surviving brother Gromit is loved just as much, but it was Wallace who stole the show. He was adored.
I miss you Wallace. I love you. Thank you for making my world a better place.
In an ever-increasing market of vegan meats, there are a few definite standouts that always manage to find their way into my FGV basket. Redwood produce stunning rashers, roasts and sausages. Fry’s Vegetarian sell fabulous schnitzels, nuggets and strips. Rest assured, there are plenty of proteins out there and they keep on coming.
Now, I know I said there are plenty out there but plenty doesn’t mean enough. A range of vegan meats that has recently come to my attention is known as Wheaty and I couldn’t be happier that it is in my life. These succulent, plant-based deli meats are chunky, carve-able and oh-so-tasty. Produced in Germany, the seitan delicacies are among the world’s best.
Have you ever sat there in front of your laptop/computer/smart phone/tablet and drawn a complete blank when wondering what a FGV sounds like? Live in ignorance no more!
This weekend marks my first foray into being a radio show guest. The wonderful, charming and talented Jose Maldonado is graciously allowing me to keep him company during his weekly show dedicated to all things Smiths and Morrissey.
I love a good piece of meat… fake, that is and fake meat rarely comes better than a chunky slab of seitan. Seitan is a meat substitute made of wheat gluten originating from China and it is particularly chewy. It is perfect for cooking with sauces and marinades as it sucks up liquid and flavours expertly.
I don’t see a lot of quality seitan in the UK so it was with immense delight that I watched Josh produce a jar of the good stuff from his grocery bag recently. Lima seitan is a quality wheat meat that is easy to carve and is barely flavoured, making it perfect to absorb any sauce you throw at it.
It doesn’t appear to be available in many stores but the Lima website does have a list of suppliers and retail outlets. It is apparently available in countries as far spread as the Czech Republic, Bahrain, Croatia, Spain, Israel, Slovenia and Iceland. Their availability reads like the Eurovision finalist list! We didn’t have to travel that far to nab our jar as Josh made his purchase in Alara Health Store located on Marchmont Street in Bloomsbury.
So what did I make with this wonder product?
Following weeks of planning (mostly me harassing people via Twitter), the London Vegan Potluck took place last night. It was a fabulous success.
Held at the Ms. Cupcake store in Brixton, the potluck brought together vegans and non-vegans from all over London in a celebration of vegan food, vegan beer and fantastic people. Approximately 25 people gathered to try out dishes and drink beer kindly supplied by the good folk at Freedom Brewery.
The evening was a true community event. Old friends caught up and new friendships were cemented.
The selection of food on offer was wonderfully-diverse. Sweet cakes sat beside pasta specialties. Exotic salads jostled for attention with hearty stews. The choices were mind-boggling.