Back from the brink

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If you come around these parts of the Internet looking for vegan food news but have been finding it all a bit quiet lately, I have a pretty solid excuse.

I have been dealing with COVID… and it has been a massive struggle.

A few weeks back, my husband developed COVID symptoms and I did my my best to look after him and maintain isolation from the outside world. He was ill, but nowhere near the worst I had heard of or seen amongst my friends. I stayed in the other room, delivered him food, and kept the windows open wide for cleansing breezes.

But three days into his COVID, my test came back positive and my symptoms started.

I don’t really want to go into what came next in too much detail because I’m still processing, but I took bad turn. Thankfully my husband recovered quickly, but my health took a nose dive.

After 11 days of at homes symptoms, my oxygen levels were lower than where they should be and I was unwell. Sweating. Couldn’t eat. Couldn’t sleep.

After a few phone calls, an ambulance made its way to my place and spirited me off to the hospital where I stayed for the next 5 days.

I will never forget the care and professionalism with which I was was treated by the NHS staff during my stay. I was scared and in pain, but never for a second did I feel as though I didn’t matter.

Patients on the ward improved. Some deteriorated. I saw oxygen levels plummet in real time before my eyes. I heard people crying. I saw people go from thinking they were about to be released to being taken to ICU.

I have been home again now for two nights and I am slowly recovering.

I know that not only did my double vaccination save my life, it also made the job faced by the NHS workers just a little bit easier.

Workers on my ward told me how they haven’t been able to look on their colleagues’ faces for a year and a half due to critical PPE attire. They have been stressed and overworked and alone.

They talked to me about how upsetting it is when they see members of the public laughing about wearing masks or refusing vaccinations. One young worker said he believes COVID will never go away and we must learn to manage our lives around it.

I feel grateful to be home but I have to be honest and say I am emotionally not OK. Not only am I dealing with the trauma of being hospitalised and seeing fellow patients struggle for life, I have been fundamentally challenged by the relentless conditions foisted upon our NHS workers.

Please get vaccinated and do everything you can to encourage your friends and family to get vaccinated. Wear masks when you can in crowded settings.

Use your voice and privilege to stand up for the NHS. Fight for fair wages and working conditions. Stop voting for politicians who are not focussed on saving our NHS.

FGV is slowly making a comeback, but it is only with the support of healthcare professionals. I am eternally grateful.

Things sent to me for free

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It feels like a long time since I’ve done one of these blog posts.

There isn’t much writing. It’s all about the freebies I have recently been given.

Check them out below.

Swipe through the post above to see these crackers made from peanuts. Yes, peanuts!

I was invited to try the cuisine of PlantXology, a vegan Indian food stall on Brick Lane. Watch the video above.

I got my hands on some of the new Wicked Kitchen products launching into Tesco. Watch the video above to see them all.

My mate Phillip gave me these crisps and I was a bit freaked out by the ‘game’ aspect. Don’t like the hunting reference, but the crisps were nice… and of course vegan.

Homethings are the makers of eco-friendly and vegan house cleaning products. You keep the refillable spray bottles and just re-order the dissolvable tablets. It all comes in recyclable packaging.

Wasabi sent me some vouchers to try their new vegan salmon. I also grabbed the vegan chicken katsu when I was there.

Stem & Glory invited me to try their menu at their London restaurant. I was VERY satisfied. Take a look through the Instagram post to see all the dishes I devoured.

https://veganculinarycruises.com/

A year and a half in the life of FGV

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This past year and a half has been full of dramatic twists and turns, that’s for sure.

I relocated from Mexico City (where I was visiting) to Sheffield back in July 2020. That flight back to the UK during the height of the global pandemic was intense and included a 24-hour stint in Toronto during which I slept on the airport floor and ate out of the vending machine. I had left behind 3 months of almost complete lockdown in Mexico and I was terrified to be so exposed.

The hotel isolation period was excruciatingly expensive and lonely in London. My life had been turned upside down and I was paying handsomely for the privilege.

Once out of isolation, I worked with legendary food company Make No Bones helping them set up Saucy and La Fonda in Sheffield. I did all sorts of jobs for them, including working in frontline hospitality. It was at times exhausting and I didn’t like being customer facing, but we do what we have to do!

My partner Gil traveled to Sheffield to stay with me and while lockdown in the South Yorkshire city during winter was emotionally gruelling, it was a joy to have him by my side. Months and months passed during which the only entertainment we had was to go for a walk through the deserted streets of our neighbourhood. Oh, we also watched a few hundred hours of Drag Race.

I am now back in London, helping vegan fast food pioneers Temple of Seitan with some work and living with Gil. We also got married a few weeks ago and Gil is in the middle of applying for a visa to stay permanently with me in the UK.

The inability to see friends and family has been tough and the financial instability caused by the pandemic has been stressful. I’m working out my tactic for the upcoming discussion I need to have with the tax office. At the moment the best reasoning I have is, “If I don’t have the money, how do you expect me to pay?”.

But I’m not alone in these struggles and I wish everyone love and support as we continue to work to get life back on track.

It’s easy to think that WE MUST be coming out of the pandemic based on the length of time we have endured, but there are still obstacles in front of us. Heck, I’m caring for my husband right now as he has developed mild COVID symptoms and has tested positive using the at-home test from the NHS. We are waiting on further results.

A year and a half into this thing and we are now isolating for the next two weeks. A dear friend of my husband passed away a few days ago in Mexico City following COVID illness. Friends all over the world have lost parents to COVID and have had to grieve on their own.

Prior to this latest isolation stint, Gil and I were starting to access ‘normal’ life again. We are both twice vaccinated and the call of the city is strong. We felt it was time to safely return, in stages. Right up until this latest isolation stint, we both worse masks indoors and avoided a lot of activities that we would normally do.

But the ease with which COVID spreads caught up with him and I’m hoping for a quick and speedy recovery (and that I can somehow dodge it).

I know I usually use these pages to champion vegan eating and lifestyles, but I think it is also important to make emotional connections about this monumental global event and this tough time in history.

For everyone who has lost loved ones, my heart is heavy for you and I send you warmest wishes and kind thoughts. My friends Neil, Fiona, and Carlos are in my thoughts often and I’m deeply saddened by the loss of their parents. For people living with COVID right now (such as my husband), I hope for a speedy recovery. For the many people living with long COVID, I hope the world’s understanding of how to treat the virus keeps expanding and will soon help you.

And finally, thank you to all the people taking up the vaccines as soon as possible. I’m hopeful the vaccine will help protect my husband, while every single person who has been vaccinated has played a role in keeping our communities that little bit more protected.

New oat milk on the block

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With the non-stop tidal wave of plant-based milks crashing onto the vegan scene, it can a tough job trying to stay updated on the best options.

I know we all have different tastes and preferences, but I am happy to tell you this recent release by Co-Operative supermarkets is my new favourite.

I have become a big fan of oat milk but often find my favourite brands are a bit pricey for my budget.

Thankfully, the Co-Operative GRO label now has an affordable option priced at just 79p and in even better news… it tastes just us good as the pricier brands IMHO.

I am unsure if 79p is an introductory offer, but I am certainly stocking up just in case. Let’s hope it stays low!

Huge thanks to Co-Operative stores for making the experience of being an ethical consumer that little bit more afforadable.

Oumph! is heading to Australia

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LIVEKINDLY Collective, a collection of brands on track to become one of the world’s largest plant-based food companies, is spicing up the plant-based food category with the launch of Swedish brand Oumph! into Australia.

The award-winning range – which has gained a cult following in Europe for its uniquely ‘meaty’ mouth feel, and bold, irreverent brand – has been introduced to the Australian market with its hero product, Pulled Oumph!

The Oumph! range is made from sustainable soya protein and is designed for use in cooking and recipes, setting it apart from the many ‘ready meal’ style plant-based products currently available in Australian retail. 

LIVEKINDLY Collective is a global group of brands led by a management team of food industry veterans that collectively aim to lead the lifestyle shift to plant-based. The launch of Oumph! in Australia, alongside top performing sister brand The Fry Family Food Group, signals a rapid development of Australia’s plant-based food market.

LIVEKINDLY Collective Australia’s General Manager Shaun Richardson said, “We’re excited about what Oumph! will bring to the Australian market. We want to kill boring and see a huge opportunity to satisfy consumers – particularly younger audiences – that are keen to experiment with plant-based foods, but don’t resonate with the brands and products currently on the market.”

“In the early days of the plant-based movement, plant-based consumers were seen by the market as a homogenous group – the stereotypical vegans. Now, as plant-based gains pace in becoming the ‘new normal’, we’re at an exciting phase where we’re realising that there are many different types of people that enjoy plant-based foods, and there are many different ways to enjoy them.”

Pulled Oumph! has already been listed at Woolworths supermarkets down under. 

Follow Oumph! on Instagram.

Extra note: Oumph! and LiveKindly have sponsored some of my content in the past, however this is something I’m sharing off my own back. I’m excited this brand is now available in the place of my birth!

New vegan cafe for South Ealing

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West London often gets overlooked when it comes to the vegan revolution, but South Ealing (about halfway between Central London and Heathrow) has just joined the plant based eating map thanks to a new cafe.

Revival Café is the latest project from one half of the original Picky Wops team, Andrea Moro.

Andrea has teamed up with his buddies to bring a desperately needed vegan spot to South Ealing Road. Revival is everything a classic café should be about. Visitors can sample specialty coffee, freshly-baked focaccia, succulent cakes, and tempting pastries.

It marks the first vegan eatery in the area since Vegan HQ closed down. What a great spot that was!

But we are talking about Revival, so take a look at this glorious food.

You can see the exact location of Revival thanks to Google Maps. If you know the area, it is opposite Wickes and the Co-operative. You can visit easily by taking the Piccadilly Line to South Ealing. The 65 bus also runs straight past Revival’s front door.

You can also follow Revival on Instagram.

Help a vegan cheese company recover

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Vegans, we need to band together.

I AM NUT OK is a superstar vegan cheese company and they need our help.

Check out what the brand said about the vandalism of their kitchen:

Hello! We are an independent vegan cheese company based in London called I AM NUT OK. Many of you who know our brand also know us (Nivi and Angela) and our story, but we are guessing some of you are new to us and our products!

We started as a couple making vegan cheeses and spreads at home, and when we outgrew our home kitchen, we moved to a small commercial kitchen. Recently, we decided to take a bigger step to scale up our business and found the perfect space.

After spending all our savings on securing the new space and building plans, we finally started building our dream kitchen. A few weeks back, when we went to go and check on the space, we entered the building to find the door had been forced open, breaking the locks and shutters. Upon entry, we were met with a totally vandalised space – every surface has been graffitied, trash was left everywhere, and the construction we’d been undergoing had been completely destroyed. Every entrance point was broken, the cables to operate the shutters had been cut, our new break room kitchen destroyed, bathroom trashed, and there was even vomit and human excrement…

This setback has not only cost us to have to replace, repaint, and clean everything, but it has also unfortunately delayed our building plans, costing us thousands in rent which the landlord will not cover. We are honestly in shock, and we have been unsure what to do, as we really do not like the idea of asking for money, so if you would like to support our business by purchasing from the online shop instead, that would also mean a lot to us! Any donations over £150 (UK only), we will send you a thank you cheese hamper for supporting us. We are grateful for anything, even sharing with those that might be able to help.

To all our customers, thank you so much for supporting our business all these years to help us get it to where it is now, and we are so excited for the new kitchen to be completed and share our journey with you – setbacks, victories, and all!

This is a tough situation that would break a lot of us, but Angela and Nivi are determined to rebuild.

Click here to donate if you can afford to give and be sure to take them up on their hamper offer if you are feeling flush with cash. I AM NUT OK make some of the finest vegan cheeses on the planet!

You can also follow I AM NUT OK on Instagram.

Swansea’s first 100% plant-based coffee shop

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Two entrepreneurs from Swansea have joined forces to open Swansea’s first 100% plant-based coffee shop.

Ground Plant Based Coffee, based on Francis Street in Brynmill, is a joint project between three times national Stand-Up-Paddleboard Champion, Matt Barker-Smith and Helen Wilson, founder of Womankind Yoga, who runs Europe’s largest Beach Yoga Class on Swansea Bay.

Matt and Helen found common ground in a passion for paddle boarding, the environment, better health and plant-based food which led them to make the commitment to create a new coffee bar in Swansea, where oat milk is served as standard.

Ground Plant Based Coffee has also committed to not selling any products in plastic, serving drinks using 100% biodegradable cups and lids.

All the food is made by hand by Helen, in her home kitchen in Craig Cefn Parc, near Clydach.

The takeaway only coffee bar is based within The Sup Hut, on Francis Street.

Matt says, “We wanted to open a business that represented all the things that are important to us, protecting the planet and encouraging people to lower their carbon footprint through food and drink choices. We have strived to do this with great barista coffee and sweet and savoury bites to eat, made only from plants.”

“The popularity of people taking up SUP, has led to a greater understanding of how important our oceans and our responsibility to the eco system that we take so much fore granted – which goes hand in hand with an increasing awareness that the impact of our diet plays on our personal carbon emissions and the future of our marine life and environment.”

Helen, who opened the doors also in celebration of her 40th birthday, says: “We have had a fantastic welcome from the local community and businesses and have been delighted at people’s reception to a coffee bar that serves only plant milks.”

Helen has worked in the vegan industry for 14 years as a professional animal rights campaigner, educator, consultant and chef. She has been following a vegan diet for 14 years and gave up meat when she was 10.

You can visit Ground Plant Based Coffee online and be sure to follow the cafe on Instagram and Facebook.

Buy vegan cheese and cakes in Camden

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I mentioned a few weeks ago that I am involved with rolling out a new vegan market in central London and I’ve now got some news for you.

Tasty news!

Vegan Makers at Buck Street Market is starting small (sigh… COVID is making everything so tough) but the three traders we have lined up for you this week are top shelf.

Vegan Makers at Buck Street is a 4-day a week collection of traders located in the courtyard of Buck Street Market. You might have already seen this impressive complex made from shipping containers, just a few metres along Camden High Street from Camden Town Underground station. See the location thanks to Google Maps.

Our artisan market is starting small this week, but you can get along for some of the finest vegan products in the city. (Vegan Makers is on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between 11am and 5pm)

What will you find this week?

Vegan Makers is now a permanent home for Honestly Tasty, the sensational vegan cheese company based in Wood Green.

Run by sister and brother team Beth and Mike, Honestly Tasty is quickly becoming the vegan cheese brand everyone is talking about. Mike trained in vegan cheesemaking in Berlin, so stop by their stall to talk about their interesting family story and to buy their game-changing cheeses.

You can also follow Honestly Tasty on Instagram.

You can’t have a Fat Gay Vegan market or trader get-together without Chanel and Cake Cult LDN.

In her previous incarnation as Vegan Delice, Chanel was the heart and soul of Hackney Downs Vegan Market. Her cakes, donuts, and tray bakes would bring people from all over London.

We expect Cake Cult LDN to be just as popular at Vegan Makers at Buck Street Market, especially with busy people on their lunch breaks.

Everything Chanel makes is delicious and I say that as an authoritative source, having eaten MANY items over the years.

You can also follow Cake Cult LDN on Instagram.

Have you been looking for vegan-friendly CBD oil?

Our third trader this week from Thursday until Sunday at Vegan Makers at Buck Street is Cosmic Oils.

Cosmic Oils specialise in high strength CBD oils and related products. Everything they do is homemade in London and of course it’s always vegan. You can also follow Cosmic Oils on Instagram.

Get along to from 11am this Thursday June 24, 2021. These traders will be in the courtyard of Buck Street Market Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday this week between 11am and 5pm.

You can follow Vegan Makers on Instagram for all the latest trader information each week.

If you need more reason to visit our traders (umm… vegan cheese and cake is not enough?), Buck Street Market is overflowing with vegan food options from their regular restaurants.

PRTZL is on the first floor and is home to 100% vegan burgers and hot dogs. Bad Vegan (on the top level but not 100% vegan hence the name I guess) is having their grand opening on Thursday June 24 and are even giving away free food. Magic Falafel is 100% vegan and they are also on the first floor. There are many other vegan options on site as well as just a few metres around the corner (Temple of Seitan and What The Pitta to name just two).

Buy cheese. Buy cake. Buy CBD oils. Support independent vegan traders.

Really Good Beer is really good… really!

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Do you like beer? Do you like making positive choices for the planet as a consumer?

Well, say hello to your new vegan beer supplier!

Launched in March 2021, Really Good Beer is all about sourcing beer from small breweries and chaneling partial profit to good causes.

That sounds EXACTLY like my drop of amber.

What is the ethos behind Really Good Beer? The gang over there says:

Our mission? To create gorgeous beer that helps solve important problems whilst you’re drinking it. Clever huh? OK, not Einstein clever, but we like to think we wouldn’t be kicked out of A-level business studies.

After realising that the five largest mega-brewers in the world make nearly 60% of all the beer on Earth, Really Good Beer jumped into action.

What was the plan of action to make sure they could make a difference to the world of beer and the world in general?

First: we brewed our first beer in a shared space in Hackney but we realised the better model was to get our beer brewed at existing small breweries (who really know their stuff).

We spent a long time (and tasted a lot of beer) finding the right partners and now work with several; they are all small, independently owned, focused on sustainable production, and (pretty much) all award-winning.

And second: we track down the most impactful projects and charities seeking to solve some of the planet’s biggest problems to pair with each of our beers; then we think of a low-key genius name that brings together the beer, cause and charity partner.

The beers are never mass produced and Really Good Beer are committed to giving 2.5% from the sales of all their beer to initiatives that tackle the biggest problems facing people and the planet.

Really Good Beer has just been named in the Top 12 IPAs in The Independent Best Buys and named as “Best Beer with Purpose”. Amazing! (read more about that here)

You can also read about some of the small charities each beer supports online here.

It sounds like a winning situation all round. Beer from small producers and money for charities… and I almost forget to mention that all the beer from Really Good Beer is vegan!

Click here to buy through the web shop (soon to be in bars and stores) and follow Really Good Beer on Instagram.