The vegan cruise is over

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I am tired but happy.

Right this very moment I am sitting on my bed in west London after calling a cruise ship home for the past week. It has been a wonderful trip with lots of unique experiences.

I’m about to post all my favourite photos from the trip with Vegan Travel, but I also need to remind you of the next wonderful adventure coming up.

Click here to read about the New Year’s Eve cruise heading out of Amsterdam on December 29, 2016. It is going to be a trip to remember!

Now my photos from the south of France!

Fab salad plate on the #vegancruise today. Incredible maple mustard dressing. #vegan #vegantravel

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

If I see ONE MORE enchanting castle in the stunning French countryside… #vegan #vegancruise #vegantravel

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

Just devoured this sloppy cannelloni for lunch on the France #vegancruise #vegan #vegantravel

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

So pretty! Lunchtime dessert on the #vegancruise today is pineapple rice pudding with cream! #vegan #vegantravel

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

Ratatouille with rosemary potatoes for dinner on the #vegancruise tonight. #vegan #vegantravel

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

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

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

Enjoying a rain day on the river with a bottle of @fritzkola #vegancruise #vegantravel #vegan

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

Dang! Afternoon #vegan cake on the @vegantravel cruise. #vegancruise

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

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

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

Josh is getting VERY comfortable with living on a cruise ship. Pot of tea and a 500 piece jigsaw!

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

Hanging out in my cabin, watching France roll past. Dreamy times on the south of France #vegancruise with @vegantravel

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

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

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


Get booking for the next cruise. You’ll love it!

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Make chilaquiles

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Ingredients:

  • 1 large bag of totopos/corn chips
  • 2 cups of cooked Salsa Verde (see our recipe for raw Salsa Verde and cook well)
  • 1 cup of refried beans (see our recipe for these)
  • Vegan sour cream (we used the Tofutti brand)
  • 1⁄3 cup of finely sliced white onion
  • Half a ripe avocado, sliced

Makes approximately one large plate/serves two

Instructions:

  • ­ If not already warm, heat the salsa verde in a medium/large saucepan ­
  • Stir in the totopos/corn chips and stir until they are well covered
  • Spoon totopos/salsa verde onto a large plate
  • Add warmed refried beans
  • Add a couple of tablespoons of vegan sour cream
  • Place the finely sliced onion on top
  • Finally, add the avocado to finish

This recipe is for Chilaquiles Verdes (Green Chilaquiles). You can also make Chilaquiles Rojos (Red Chilaquiles) using our Salsa Roja recipe instead of the Salsa Verde. Optional toppings can include anything, but frequently Chilaquiles are served with fried mushrooms, cheese, cilantro/coriander etc.

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Recipe and photo remain property of Sean O’Callaghan and Julio Alcantara and may not be reproduced without permission. © fatgayvegan.com

Buy bulk vegan cheese

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Is there such a thing as too much vegan cheese?

Not when you speak to the friendly people over at Coffee & Cheese.

Coffee & Cheese is a catering supplies company specialising in (do I really need to say it?!) coffee and vegan cheese. Yep, that’s pretty much their entire game plan and to be honest they are doing a grand job of spreading vegan cheese across the entire UK.

The company mainly deals with getting non-vegan cafés and restaurants to add vegan cheese such as Violife to their menus, instantly transforming their offerings and increasing the quantity of their plant-based dishes.

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Coffee & Cheese owner Pedro doesn’t just sell bulk packets of Violife to restaurants, he also takes the time to explain the demand for veganising menus and demonstrates the best way to cook with vegan cheese.

If you have a local café or restaurant you think would be open to expanding their vegan offerings, put them in touch with Coffee & Cheese.

You can also buy from this fabulous catering supplies company if you want to save money by purchasing your vegan cheese in bulk for your own home, if you run a vegan catering business or if you need vegan cheese for a large function you need to cater.

Other products you can source from Coffee & Cheese include huge tubs of vegan mayo, plant-based milks, vegan hot chocolate powder and, of course, everything you need to make and sell coffee.

All contact details for Coffee & Cheese can be found on their website.

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HUGE vegan event back this weekend

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You know what? I absolutely adore the West Midlands Vegan Festival so I’m a bit depressed I am missing it this weekend.

But just because I am out of the UK doesn’t mean you should miss out on this super fun annual event that now spans two full days in Wolverhampton.

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There are always a whole lot of great food stalls, a vegan bar and a bunch of cooking demonstrations.

Get over to the Facebook event page to RSVP and invite friends. Visit the website for more details.

Have fun everyone!

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Brand new menu from one of the best

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It’s no secret that I adore Make No Bones in Sheffield.

You only have to check out my previous post to see why I blathered on about it being one of the best places to get vegan cuisine in the UK. The food really is outstanding.

But it gets better.

Take a cheeky look at the brand new menu being launched by Make No Bones this week. I’m desperate for all of this!

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How do I even begin singing the praises of this menu?

Beer battered fish and chips? Pumpkin pie brownie with whipped cream? Philly cheesesteak? There is too much good stuff going on with this menu. I think it would cause me genuine distress to be forced to choose. I want it all.

This menu is going live THIS WEEK so get along and fill up.

Tell them FGV loves them and their food forever. xx

Follow Make No Bones on Instagram.

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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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