Rustic dining room in France

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This is a fab idea.

The Hidden Veggie Kitchen is a gorgeous dining room tucked away in the French region of Haute-Vienne (4 hours from Paris). Louise is a self-taught chef who wanted to bring meat free cuisine to rural France. In a message this week, she told me how incredibly difficult it is finding vegetarian or vegan dining opportunities outside the larger cities which pushed her to open her own home to hungry diners.

Louise has set up a rustic (and super gorgeous) dining room in her, well…. in her own dining room! It is a relaxed restaurant set up where people are served three courses for the ridiculously low price of €16 and they can even bring their own wine with no corkage fee.

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You can read a lot more about the permanent pop-up restaurant on the website and be sure to like their Facebook page.

Of course I would love to see this (or any) veggie restaurant serving vegan food only but if you take a look at the The Hidden Veggie Kitchen menu, you will no doubt be keen to try delights such as the decadent praline covered chocolate truffle and the spicy lentil bolognese with quinoa spaghetti.

Get to the French countryside and eat well!

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Award winning

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This is big news.

The VegfestUK Awards were held during the huge two-day London event over the weekend and I’m thrilled to report that this blog was recognised!

I had been nominated in the category called Best Vegan Blogger/Info Website alongside some true giants of the plant-based community including The Vegan Society, Animal Aid and Viva! Campaigns.

I am absolutely shocked (and grateful) to have received almost 30% of the votes cast and to be named Best Vegan Blogger. I truly didn’t believe that I would win this award and was convinced one of the other bigger charities would scoop all the votes.

Heck, even my partner Josh told me he didn’t bother voting as he didn’t think I stood a chance!

BIG THANKS to every single person who voted for me and my blog. I have worked hard for almost six years to make it an informative and inclusive platform to help improve outcomes for animals.

I am deeply appreciative that people have recognised the blog by casting a vote. Thanks also to VegfestUK for giving people the opportunity to vote.

You can see the final vote tally, alongside all the other award winners, on the VegfestUK website here.

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New vegan shoe company in London

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Hey all.

As you might know, I’m busy enjoying a vegan cruise through the south of France but it occurred to me that we haven’t discussed the new vegan shoe business that recently popped up in London.

Their shoes look kinda snappy and cool.

Steve and Caroline of Friendship shoes in the showroom on launch day.

A photo posted by Friendship Vegan Shoes (@friendshipveganshoes) on


The company is called Friendship Vegan Shoes and they have a showroom in London for you to visit (or you can order online).

I’m definitely going to make time to check out their range soon.

Get over to their website to find out more and be sure to follow them on Instagram.

Yay for vegan shoes!

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Top ten at VegfestUK London

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Are you heading to the huge VegfestUK London this weekend?

I’ve put together a list of ten things you CANNOT miss during this two day event.

Please be warned that some of this stuff is going to be in huge demand and is likely to sell out extremely quickly. Don’t waste time if you are keen on any of these things.

10.

Heart of Cake – stand number CN3 Saturday only.

Fabulous cakes, handcrafted to perfection. So pretty and tasty. Make a special attempt to get some macarons.

Macaron heaven over here 💘 #vegan #veganmacarons #vegfest2016 #aquafaba

A photo posted by Heart of Cake (@heartofcakelondon) on


9.

Ms. Cupcake – stand number CAT6

Of course this legendary business has a sweet stand, but also look out for their hot food outlet selling tasty savoury delights.

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8.

Tofurky – stand number WB4

This sandwich fridge photo almost broke the vegan Internet when I featured it a few weeks ago and I’m thrilled to say it is BACK for VegfestUK this weekend.

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7.

All Glamour No Guts – stand number WA6

These gorgeous t-shirts are on special offer for £10 or you can get the design on a tote bag for just £5. I love this design! They also have lots of other products and jewellery to get your hands on.

A photo posted by Fat Gay Vegan (@fatgayvegan) on


6.

Just Fab – stand numbers CE4 CE8

Don’t waste time trying to get your hands on these cheesy pizza dough balls. Go there first up or risk missing out. Just Fab make some of the best food in the country and they have plenty for you snap up during this show.


5.

Follow Your Heart  – stand number WE10

One of my favourite brands on the planet are sampling their new cheese slices, soon to be launched in the UK. Get a sneak preview this weekend!


4.

Mouse’s Favourite – stand number CN3 Sunday only

Don’t act like you don’t know! This cheese company is one of the finest you will find anywhere. If their camembert doesn’t sell out in about an hour, I’ll eat my shoe. Yes, my shoe is vegan.

What?! Just bought #vegan Camembert from @mousesfavourite – so good!

A photo posted by Fat Gay Vegan (@fatgayvegan) on


3.

Essential Vegan – stand number CAT8

Go no further if you are looking to enjoy one of the best seitan burgers ever created. An FGV favourite.

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2.

Temple of Seitan – stand number CAT17

This is number two on my list but could easily be number one. Actually, let’s call it joint first place on my top ten list. If you don’t think food is an emotional experience, you should watch my tears as I look at this photo.

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1.

Sgaia’s Vegan Mheats – stand number CG6

Of course this is number one. I know these mheat and cheeze boards are available in extremely limited numbers, so you had better run when the doors open. These are going to fly out in no time at all.

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That’s it. That’s my top ten things not to miss at VegfestUK London in 2016.

How many were already on your radar? Anything that is new to you? Anyone going to try and eat and see all of that?

I hope you all have a wonderful time. Sadly I won’t be at the show as  am flying out today for the vegan cruise through the South of France. If you want to find out how you can join me for the next 100% vegan cruise happening over New Year’s Eve, click here.

Also, I was nominated in the VegfestUK Awards for the best blogger/info website category. The awards winners are announced at 3pm Saturday so please go along and exact revenge if I don’t win. LOL!

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Best in the world

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I have already posted and shared my thoughts all over social media about Sgaia and how this Scotland-based food company is truly a world leader.

I think it’s safe to say they are one of the finest vegan brands on the planet. Their products are flawless.

But even my unquestioning love for the vegan meat makers couldn’t prepare me for the outrageous and spectacular vision you are about to witness.

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Have you ever seen anything so spectacular?

This Cheeze + Mheat Charcuterie Board features Herbed Roast, Späck, Karma Ham, Gorgonzola Dolcelatte, Emmenthal and Brie. There is also a medjoul date, a couple of sweet pickled onions and charcoal crackers. There is even a vegan hard boiled egg!

I’m speechless.

This Earth-shattering cheese and meat board is being sold exclusively from the Sgaia stand at this weekend’s huge VegfestUK London. They are at stall number CG6.

You need to follow Sgaia on Instagram and order food from them online.

Get all the Vegfest details here.

Extra note: I strongly suggest getting to the show as early as you can for these boards. I predict they will sell out in about an hour. It is going to be MAYHEM!

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New vegan product

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Here’s a cheeky little post to show you a new vegan product that has me interested.

Check out this new ready-to-eat Moroccan Tagine pot by Dragonfly.

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I can’t wait for this to be available all over the UK, but the only place I can currently see it for sale is via Ocado.

Have you tried it? How was it?

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Job in vegan joint

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Hey kids.

Check out what my buddies at Kabaret @ Karamel just sent through.

Job Advert – Join the Karamel Crew

Kabaret@Karamel, London’s award-winning vegan venue & restaurant, is looking for a creative, committed and versatile multi-tasker to join the team.

In 2 years, we’ve built a small, and close-knit crew of full and part-timers who work really well together, and now we’re looking for a new member.

Someone who loves to cook for others, can hold their own in the kitchen and keep a level head under pressure. Who can jump behind the Bar at a moment’s notice, greet customers, serve coffee, beer, and cocktails, & assist where needed.

You need to be conscientious, professional and proactive, with a warm and friendly personality.

You must have previous cooking/catering and customer service experience, in a professional or semi-professional role. Also essential, is experience of collaborative team-working in a pressured environment. You will need to give details of this experience in your application, and tell us how it relates to Karamel.

It’s a demanding job: you will need to work hard, and at weekends, when we can get very busy. But it’s a rewarding and fun one too. Creating a wonderful food and entertainment experience is a buzz – and more so if you’re vegan, and keen to spread the love.

Kabaret@Karamel is unique, there’s nowhere like it. Live music, comedy gigs, art and theatre shows, club nights, private parties, socials, meetups and weddings. We do it all! This is a great chance to work in vibrant vegan venue with like-minded people, and to learn firsthand about the arts and hospitality sector.

30 hours a week. (Shift times, and rate of pay to be negotiated).

Key qualities: Committed, Reliable, Flexible, Self-motivated

Desirable Training/Qualifications: Level 2 – Food Safety & Hygiene

HOW TO APPLY: Application deadline: Friday 28th October 2016. Application by email only – please follow these instructions carefully:

Email Louise Wallis bookings@karamelrestaurant.com attaching the following:

  • Your CV (maximum 2 sides of A4) including two referees (please give their name, address, telephone number, email address)
  • 1-side of A4 outlining your reason(s) for applying, and your relevant experience of (cooking/catering, customer service and collaborative team-working

www.karamelrestaurant.com

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Day of the Dead menu

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This is my favourite event that I put together.

Every year around this time I am filled with such excitement as I start putting together the finer details for my vegan Day of the Dead dinner party.

Not only is it fun devising a menu filled with delicious Mexican treats, it is also an opportunity to get dressed up and spend time with some of my best friends on the planet.

As you might know, Julio (of Sean y Julio fame) makes the journey every year to be with us for this event and for the past few years has been joined by his partner Carlos. Julio and Carlos are extremely special people to me and it a true joy to have them join me in London once a year.

Yes, yes. Whatever. I have friends. You wanna hear about the menu, right?

This year’s Day of the Dead dinner is getting supercharged thanks to the help of Mexican food ingredient specialists Cool Chile Co.

Our multi-course extravaganza will be decadent and packed solid with world class ingredients thanks to Cool Chile. Did you know they have a giant tortilla machine here in London? You should really get over to their website to check out the huge range of quality ingredients they have on offer. From no-fuss bean kits to blue corn tortillas, Cool Chile will have you cooking flawless Mexican cuisine in no time.

Wanna see the menu?

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Once again we have kept the menu completely gluten free.

I’m so pleased to be introducing the mushroom pie for this event, while also keeping much loved favourites from some of our earlier menus such as the flautas.

The 2016 version of this event takes place on Tuesday November 1. We have a sitting at 5pm for early birds and an 8pm sitting for those who cannot get away from work until a bit later. Book here.

It is a sit down dinner, you are welcome to bring your own vegan alcohol and of course you are encouraged to dress up if the mood takes you.

The 5th annual vegan Day of the Dead dinner is being hosted inside Black Cat Café in Hackney and I thank them profusely for their hospitality.

Gather your loved ones, book tickets now and I’ll see you all on November 1, 2016 for a night (and a meal) to remember. This event sells out every year, so please be quick to avoid disappointment.

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Eat well with Ms Cupcake

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There appears to be a new tradition for Ms. Cupcake when it comes to attending VegfestUK London.

Of course the superstar bakery piles tables high with sugary delights and treats, but the Brixton-based business also makes it a priority these days to turnout a decent showing of savoury comfort food.

As the huge Vegfest rolls back into town this weekend (Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 October, 2016), the Ms. Cupcake team will be serving up these three delicious dishes.

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Let’s discuss what you can see.

Top of the picture shows the drool-worthy fully loaded nachos, bottom left is a stunning bowl of mac ‘n’ cheese with toppings, while the final panel highlights the decadent sloppy Joe with creamy cheese sauce.

Wowsers!

You will find the savoury catering food shown above on stand CAT6 while all your favourite sweet Ms. Cupcake stuff (along with some new surprises) will be on stand WE5.

Happy eating!

Get all your VegfestUK London information online. It is going to be a big show this year!

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People for the unethical treatment of people

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I’m torn.

Do I write ANOTHER blog post about People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PeTA) following ANOTHER appalling social media post by the group or do I ignore it?

Does using my platform to denounce and shine a light on the sexist and anti-women tactics employed by PeTA make a difference? Or am I just giving them more attention?

All I know is that it doesn’t feel right to sit around and say nothing. Not responding to this latest social media atrocity makes me feel culpable.

Therefore, I thoroughly denounce and reject this recent tweet by PeTA.


As you can see, PeTA has taken the despicable phrase spoken by Donald Trump as part of his description of how he physically treats women and they’ve attempted to turn it into a humorous slogan for rescuing cats.

This is a crass and insensitive campaign by PeTA.

By attempting to appropriate the vile language of sexual assault for the sake of making a joke statement about animal protection, PeTA has trivialised the plight of women.

Language surrounding sexual assault and harassment of women IS NOT theirs to reappropriate for another cause, no matter how noble that cause is deemed. Their actions are unethical, inconsiderate, ill-advised and show absolutely no respect for survivors of sexual assault.

The act of raising awareness for animal protection does not need to borrow language associated with human forms of oppression, nor does it have the right to do so.

PeTA knowingly uses these tactics to be provocative with zero concern shown for how their actions affect real people. They do not seem to understand or care that their actions are part of a broader problem.

The animal rights organisation has erased women from the situation, only to replace them with cats. They are showing no regard for the gravity of sexual assault, instead reducing it to a punchline meme to grab cheap and quick attention for their campaign.

Animal rights defenders need to do better when it comes to campaigning ethically. PeTA are amongst the worst offenders when it comes to humiliating, erasing and ridiculing people in the name of animal protection. It needs to end.

Women are under attack globally, both physically and institutionally. PeTA should accept that they have a responsibility to not only stop contributing to the subjugation of women, but to also work towards redressing it actively.

I sigh heavily in closing. How do we reach them? PeTA‘s actions are not in my name and I must make that heard. It’s the very least I can do.

Please tweet your concerns to PeTA.

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