Breaking: Jamie Kilstein heads back to London

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As you may be aware, I am proudly involved with a mammoth vegan festival heading to London Olympia this October. VegfestUK is the biggest vegan festival in the world and is now, for the first time in its long history, heading to the capital.

The line up of talent and respected performers/speakers/specialists is growing weekly and there has been a slew of recent announcements around the personalities heading to VegfestUK London for the weekend of October 5th and 6th, 2013. But as far as I’m concerned, here is the major reason to make sure you are at the event come October time…

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The only thing that helps me pass the time away

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Josh has once again stepped in with a guest post, although I have a suspicion the only reason he volunteered to write for me was to make me jealous… he knows I ADORE potato!

Take it away, Josh.

For those of you with desk jobs, you probably know that feeling… it’s getting close to lunch time, it’s chilly and raining outside and the thought of a trek to the supermarket to battle it out with the lunchtime crowd just doesn’t appeal. I wanted something quick, cheap, tasty and filling. Sure, I am surrounded by great vegan options all just a short walk from where I work: Hummus Bros, The Vegetarian’s Paradise, Amico Bio etc. but none of them as convenient as the vegetarian cafe in The Mary Ward Centre on Queen Square, WC1.

This place is about a 50 second walk from my building so last week I grabbed my umbrella to shield me from the rain and grey skies and took the short walk up the street to this hidden gem.

The place is simple and inviting. You order and pay at the counter and there are about 20 small tables to sit around and take respite from the central London hustle and bustle. That day though, I just wanted to get back to the comfort of my desk so I got my lunch to takeaway.

The Mary Ward Centre
The Mary Ward Centre

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You can crush us

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You think you know a place and then BAM! You turn a corner and suddenly you realise how big and complex a city like London can be. The greatest wonders may very well have been under your nose the whole time.

I was surprised in just this manner during a recent food jaunt around the inner city London neighbourhood of Brixton. Strolling around like a vegan food-consuming superhero, I didn’t expect to be bowled over by a gorgeous juice bar serving plant-based drinks, sandwiches and salads.

Situated inside the bustling Market Place of Brixton Village, The Oracle’s Organic Juice Bar is a green oasis in a sea of shops and stalls offering all manner of animal products.

Oracle's of Brixton Village
Oracle’s of Brixton Village

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VegfestUK London latest

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I love being involved in VegfestUK London. Not only am I helping promote the biggest vegan festival in the world as it sets sail for London for the first time in its ten year history, but I also get to break news about speakers as they are announced.

Just announced to be appearing at the London show on October 5th and 6th….

Mellissa Morgan of the world-famous vegan bakery Ms. Cupcake will de doing her thing in the Cookery Demo Area. Expect expert tips on how to make delicious vegan treats… and lots of smiles and sweet words!

Jill Swyers is a pioneer of the raw food scene in the UK and one of the most respected personalities in the field. She will be appearing in the Living Raw Zone. Learn to live a healthier life with wise words from this expert.

Patrick Baboumian is an inspiration to thousands of people around the world having been voted Vegan Athlete of the Year 2012. The popular powerhouse will be appearing in the Lifestyles Talks Room to inspire your inner weightlifter.

Wendy Turner Webster is a legendary animal rights campaigner and was the host of the long running TV show Pet Rescue. Wendy is also a patron of The Vegan Society and she will be appearing in the Lifestyle Talks Room where she will share her invaluable insights and knowledge.

These four personalities join an ever-expanding line up that gets more impressive with every announcement. VegfestUK London is something to mark in your calendar and get very excited about.

Remember… tickets are available for a limited time as part of a buy-one-get-one-free deal. Go here to buy your tickets now.

See you at the show!

VegfestUKLondon2013Poster1

Four good reasons

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Do you need another reason to visit the Ms. Cupcake vegan bakery in Brixton? Well, I have four reasons under my FGV belt that will convince you to get down there. Enjoy!

1.

The new mint Mini Moos by Moo Free Chocolates
The new mint Mini Moos by Moo Free Chocolates

2.

The new Thumbs Up candy bar by Go Max Go Foods
The new Thumbs Up candy bar by Go Max Go Foods

3.

Vegan biscotti
Vegan biscotti

4.

Lovely people
Lovely people

Meet you there?

Follow Ms. Cupcake on Twitter

Like Ms. Cupcake on Facebook

Visit Ms. Cupcake online

 

 

There’s a moose on the loose

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We can never have too many vegan food suppliers in the world, right? Well, we certainly can never have too many vegan food suppliers working towards building social capital in their neighbourhood, right? I knew you’d agree with me.

Moose’s Kitchen is a cafe set to open over the coming months and will focus on sustainable, organic, local and vegan food. The idea behind the eatery is to supply ethical and organic food to the community while working to educate people on healthy eating, collective organising and vegan cooking.

MK logo_brownBGorange

This initiative is set to transform the way people in Hastings and the South East approach food. The founder of Moose’s Kitchen sat down with me to explain the concept of the cafe and why she is asking you (yes, YOU!) to make a donation in order to make the idea a reality.

Read the interview below and make a donation to Moose’s Kitchen here.

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Rome (if you want to)

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Last year I travelled to Rome to be in the presence of my spiritual leader. I lined up in the scorching heat with fellow disciples, for what seemed like eternity, to have my soul nourished by his teachings. Looking back on that trip to the Holy City, I recall vividly the wonder and grace exuded by this man and it is hard to believe it is the same person I heard about just last week. You can imagine my distress on hearing the news that the great one himself had taken gravely ill and could no longer fulfil his work commitments.

But enough about Morrissey. This is a food blog so strap yourself in.

In celebration of my trip to Rome last year, I wanted to share a few food photos of a friendly vegetarian eatery tucked ever-so-slightly behind Piazza del Popolo. FGV readers, I give you il Margutta.

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I long to nibble your ears

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My love of Moo Free Dairy Free Chocolates is well documented and I jump at any opportunity to sing their praises. The confectionery company are unparalleled when it comes to making a vegan product that tastes like milk chocolate.

I have often proclaimed it the best vegan chocolate in the world, so obviously every new product must be chronicled. It is my FGV duty.

Wanna know what they have up their crafty sleeves for Easter this year? It is an organic Bunny Bar and it is delicious.

The Bunny Bar by Moo Free is perfect. It is just the right size for a snack, it is the same fabulous Moo Free taste we adore and it retails for a lot less the a pound. The recommended shop price is only 69p.

How terrific is that?! Get to a store or order online. Then I suggest starting with the ears…

Moo Free Bunny Bar
Moo Free Bunny Bar
It was made for my hand... & belly!
It was made for my hand… & belly!

Follow Moo Free on Twitter

Visit Moo Free online

 

 

And I don’t even know what’s the tea!

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Prepare for another level of indulgence as Fat Gay Vegan invites you to join the feasting and oppulence that is London Vegan High Tea.

Vegan supper clubs do not come a lot finer than what is being presented forLondon Vegan High Tea. An afternoon of plant-based culinary delights await, handcrafted by one of the finest vegan bakers in London. The Vegan Tart is adored by fans of fine eating familiar with his popular market stall and now it is your turn to sample his wares during this decadent event.

High tea is an indelible part of British life and has been enjoyed by food fans for decades. Unfortunately, the tradition of serving clotted cream has kept vegans longing to take part in this ritual at bay. Until now!

Purchase a ticket for London Vegan High Tea and you will experience the splendour of a full British high tea with all the trimmings.

Four Course Menu

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Got a nice package, alright

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Do you like the idea of food swaps? You know… it is when you get a box of goodies together and send it to a stranger and they send you a box back with specialties they have picked out for you. If you are a fan of such activities, surely you are also excited about vegan food swaps. Who wouldn’t be?

But I have just discovered parcel and package swapping is being taken to the next level. I received some very exciting news from my friends over at All About Vegan Food and you will want to be quick to get involved in this special scheme.

Tell us what we need to know…….

VeganPackageSwap_AAVF

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