Oh god, what was she doing there?

My name is Fat Gay Vegan and I am an addict. Cupcakes and cookie sandwiches are my vice and Ms. Cupcake is my dealer. The vegan Brixton-based bakery creates award-winning delicacies and I simply cannot get enough of their sweet goodness. I make the journey across London whenever I can in order to get my fix.

Venn Street Market

But like any good dealer, Ms. Cupcake knows the success is all about getting the product to the customer any-which-way. During the next few months, the compassionate baking company are trialing a weekend stall at the Venn Street Market in Clapham Common. This streak of stalls is tucked away in a side street a few steps from the Underground station. The usual market fare is on offer including a large range of fresh fruit and vegetables. It is a nifty little market made all the more appealing by the presence of Ms. Cupcake.

During a visit to Venn Street Market last week, I was pleasantly surprised by the Ms. Cupcake treats on offer. Check them out…

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This native love is restless

Native Foods Westwood

If you are contemplating opening a vegan restaurant and are looking for inspiration on how to do it just right, I suggest making a trip to your nearest Native Foods. The food is consistently incredible and it has been one of my favourite places to dine out in the USA for many years.

During my Summer vacation in the States, I made sure there was just enough time to swing on by Native Foods in Westwood. Even though the Costa Mesa location is my favourite to dine in, the Westwood Native Foods is very dear to my heart as it was the first restaurant bearing the name that I ever visited.

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Shake, baby shake

A fat, gay vegan must work hard at a couple of things to qualify as a fat, gay vegan. Obviously, you have to be same-sex attracted in order to fill the gay requirements. If you want to call yourself vegan, don’t eat or wear non-human animals. To stay on top of the fat moniker, consume as many gourmet milkshakes as humanly possible.

This blog entry is a thank you to Shakeaway for assisting this FGV to stay worthy of the name.

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I know I won’t be leaving here

Josh has taken on guest reviewer duties once again following a recent trip to Glasgow. Take it away…

I am seriously impressed by Glasgow and it’s hard to know where to start.

When I found out that my job was taking me to Glasgow for four days, I immediately looked to HappyCow and was delighted to see that there was not one, not two… but FOUR completely vegan eateries located in the city plus several vegetarian places.  How could I possibly fit them all in?  Apologies in advance for the dodgy phone-photos.

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London Vegan Potluck 6 review

We did it! We moved the London Vegan Potluck to a new Central London location and many wonderful vegans and friends came out to celebrate.

The night was a delightful fusion of food, fun and fabulous people. Located just off High Holborn, the event took place in a large room generously supplied by Syracuse University London Program. Much gratitude goes out to the program for affording us the opportunity.

Potluckers had extra reason to be excited as world-class dessert chef Fran Costigan was in attendance with copies of her book and a sampling of her delicious truffles. Much love and thanks go out to Fran for taking time out of her busy schedule to visit with us tonight.

Fran Costigan chatting at the potluck
Fran's chocolate creations

The food didn’t stop with Fran’s truffles. There was plenty on offer and everything I tried was delicious. Before we get to the photos though, I must mention one thing…

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London Vegan Drinks review: September 2011

Last night was one for the history books as London Vegan Drinks steamrolled into the capital in a major way.

London Vegan Drinks

The evening was destined to be memorable. Regent Street was packed with bustling shoppers, workers and tourists as I made my way to Tibits. I was delighted to be out on a hot, London night anyway but the London Vegan Drinks attendees and Tibits staff quickly turned the outing into one of my favourite nights in recent memory.

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Sweet and spicy

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.

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Alma matters

As I am busy preparing for London Vegan Drinks (that is, harassing people via email and Twitter), Josh has kindly stepped in to keep you informed of vegan eats and drinks in the town of Oxford.

Take it away, Josh.

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Tears flowing in full force tonight

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.

Me and Wallace in his last ever photo taken a few days ago...

BBB

I had to think for a while prior to writing this entry. How should I tackle the subject matter at hand? The product I am reviewing is not so unusual in itself but the name is extremely unique and conjures up certain… ahem, imagery. But I certainly didn’t want to be juvenile or crass.

I decided to take the mature and classy route as I talk to you today about the Bowel Benefit Bar. Let’s not make a scene.

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