Don’t you just hate when you go to a cinema and there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING for vegans to consume from the concessions stand?
Fellow cinema goers are struggling under trays of savoury snacks and ice creams and popcorn and soda.
The rejection I’ve experienced at cinemas has been decades long so imagine my overwhelming delight at visiting a cinema in Los Angeles and being faced with too much vegan choice.
Gil and I were invited to try out all the vegan goodies at Laemmle theatres.
Laemmle is an independently owned cinema chain specialising in arthouse films. We hopped along to their North Hollywood location for a screening of the latest Jim Jarmusch release The Dead Don’t Die and picked up all of these amazing treats.
Pretty impressive, right?
As you can see, Laemmle theatres are selling Fry’s products and I promise you I never thought I’d live to see the day when a cinema chain had vegan hot food options of such a high standard.
I gobbled up the hot dog, the sausage roll, and the gluten free nuggets.
When you are in Los Angeles, make time to take in a film screening at one of the nine Laemmle locations AND eat well while you do it.
You can follow Laemmle on Instagram. You can also follow Fry’s on Instagram.
This article was originally published as my monthly column in Vegan Life Magazine. You can find out about subscribing to this magazine online here.
Are you a plugged in vegan?
At a time when more humans than ever are glued to smartphones and hooked on handheld devices, it might seem a bit irresponsible of me to encourage vegans to spend more time online.
However, I’m convinced we can harness the positive attributes of social media for the purpose of spreading the vegan message and improving outcomes for non-human animals.
Staying switched on and being connected to the wider world digitally is an effective form of campaigning. We can promote independent business, we can offer support for new vegans, and we can connect with likeminded individuals by utilising the power of the Internet.
Firstly, social media is a powerful marketing tool when it comes to helping independently owned vegan business.
Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram are no cost at their basic levels and are extremely user-friendly, easily navigable by the least computer savvy.
Small businesses can build loyal social media followings (and therefore strong customer bases) by sharing news, product updates, menu changes, opening hours, photos, and even staff profiles.
These social media platforms are simple to use and allow the business owner to have total control over how they are represented in the world, without the need for expensive marketing budgets. You don’t even need to own a computer or laptop to make yourself known online as most phones now come with all you need to self publish. A decent built in camera and the ability to surf the Internet is all you require in order to become your own publicity department.
Local vegan markets are springing up all over world and these projects can also benefit from being visible on social media.
Attendees can bring crucial attention to vegan markets and fairs by sharing photos of their experience on Instagram and Twitter. The markets themselves in turn can retweet and share these posts, which is a fantastic way to build a relationship with the market regulars and create a buzz around what is happening.
Using a hashtag on your posts make the business or market searchable, meaning people who are thinking of visiting can check out what you have to offer ahead of time. Hashtags are an incredibly effective (and free) way of keeping track of visitor-generated social media content and repurposing it as additional content for your own pages.
You might be reading this and thinking, “Hey FGV. This is all well and good but I’m not a small business owner. Why do I need to know about the value of social media?”.
Of course you can support your favourite local business by posting about them online and leaving positive reviews, but the power of social media is also a persuasive tool in our campaigning to improve outcomes for animals. Even if we don’t feel like we have a product to sell, we can use our online presence for the good of animals.
Telling our vegan stories on YouTube is a form of activism. Posting our delicious vegan food photos on Instagram is a persuasive form of activism. Sharing news stories of vegan food advancements on Facebook is a form of activism.
You can create lists on Twitter to keep track of your favourite restaurants, activists, recipes, and vegan chefs. These lists are handy resources to send to new vegans or those interested in exploring the plant-based side of life.
As exciting as diving into this digital wild west can feel, it is important to remember some rules for sharing content on social media. These rules apply no matter if you are a business, an activist, or just enjoying your own online vegan adventure.
Use your own photos and created content, or be sure to credit the creator when you can. Nobody likes to have their hard work taken for free and there are laws prohibiting you from taking and using intellectual property for free.
Make sure photos are clear and well lit. You get your point across much more effectively whether that is selling a product, trying to convince people to make kinder choices, or just trying to grab a few likes for your impressively plated dinner from last night!
Stay away from sharing stories, images, and campaigns that use oppressive language and visuals. Vegan activism doesn’t have to (and really shouldn’t) include sexism, racism, homophobia, or any other forms of bigotry in order to be effective.
Take a minute to reconsider what you are sharing before you do and ask yourself if the content is kind to animals AND humans. If it isn’t, don’t share it!
Use it wisely and social media can be wonderful. Be kind online, be considerate with what you share, and work hard to make the Internet a safe space for humans who want to do better. Harness the power of the digital age, not animals!
Gil and I were recently in Los Angeles, so I made sure I put some time aside in order to visit a Veggie Grill location.
In case you don’t know, Veggie Grill is a vegan restaurant chain with locations around the USA.
The growth of the restaurant group has been sensational with approximately thirty locations spread around the country.
Their food is some of the best plant-based cuisine you will eat on the planet, with a special seasonal mini menu that changes throughout the year in addition to their regular items.
Check out my photos below and be sure to follow Veggie Grill on Instagram.
Brussels sprouts and tempura green beans with ranch dipping sauceBuffalo Bomber burger with Smoky Corn Bisque, All Hail Kale salad, and mash potato with mushroom gravy
Mexico has certainly been stepping up when it comes to vegan cuisine.
Most major towns and cites have at least one or two vegan eateries, mainstream supermarkets are bursting with plant-based alternatives, and there is even a monthly vegan food fair in Mexico City.
But in even bigger news, Mexico now as a vegan restaurant chain called VEGAN INC.
VEGAN INC was founded a few years ago by Chef Andres in the northern city of Monterey, the capital of Nuevo León. Branching out from there, he soon opened a second location in the upmarket Mexico City neighbourhood of Polcano.
Andres crafted a sophisticated menu that combines traditional Mexican flavours, international cuisine, and the latest vegan food advances.
I was recently invited to a sneak preview of the menu at the third VEGAN INC location on Avenida Revolución in San Angel, positioned in the south of Mexico City.
The food was sensational.
Before you scroll down to enjoy the view, I’m thrilled to also tell you that VEGAN INC have TWO MORE restaurants opening over the next few months.
Locations four and five will be in the cities of Puebla and Guadalajara.
That’s correct, friends. Mexico has a vegan restaurant chain that is soon to boast five locations spread around the country. Now that’s some impressive progress.
Preview menuStrawberry and agave syrup limeadeGinger and agave syrup limeadeFondue selection of croutons, grapes, and broccoliMushrooms marinated in lime juice and chile served with chipotle and avocado mayosDry noodles served with almond ricotta, avocado, and dehydrated crackerAvocado, beetroot, hummus, and radish stackMushroom taco served with moleBBQ BurgersChocolate cake (with carrot cake in the background)
Have you been missing Hackney Downs Vegan Market ever since we wrapped it up earlier this year?
Well, dry your tears because we are coming back in mini form for one night only… and the food line up is set to be legendary.
Thursday July 4, 2019 marks the tenth anniversary of the Open Studios celebration at Hackney Downs Studios and as part of their mammoth party they have asked me to return with my favourite traders for the evening.
From 6pm you will be able to feast heartily on the following:
Arancini Brothers will be there with their famous food truck selling their even more famous loaded arancini balls. This is some of the finest food in the city and will be difficult to turn down if you are there on the night.
Bar Dei Baci have built up a huge and loving following of customers and it’s not a surprise why. Their deep fried pizzas are the stuff of dreams.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwOjQXTA0No/
I am so deeply proud of Let’s Do Temaki and the growth they’ve shown since debuting at the original Hackney Downs Vegan Market. Maki rolls and sushi burritos from Temaki are second to none.
https://www.instagram.com/p/ByKsbFKJ4SN/
The 100% plant-based cuisine by Oh My Gulay! is spectacular. Filipino recipes done vegan and done better than most food you will ever taste. I promise.
Vegan Delice was the reigning sugar queen of the original Hackney Downs Vegan Market so it makes sense to have Chanel back for our special night. Expect the usual decadent treats from one of the best vegan bakers on the planet.
If the food isn’t enough to get you down there, certainly all the other fun stuff happening on the night will do it.
The Open Studios event will allow you to meet and network with over 300 inspiring creatives, as you discover their spaces and check out their incredible work. Take a tour of our collaborative spaces Palmspace and Heartspace to meet the makers & artists behind them for a chance to purchase original works of art, craft and design.
Expect exhibitions and talks curated by residents as well as taster classes & workshops, exclusive sample sales and art showcase at Public Gallery. Enjoy live music, food, drinks and dancing at our after party.
In addition, Venetia Falconer will be bringing you an insight into the world of sustainability with an exclusive talk and Q&A at low waster shop Re:Store as part of the Open Studios programme.
Venetia Falconer has long been an advocate of reducing plastic usage and promotes mindful consumption, and has been featured in Vogue as one of the ‘Top Eco Influencers To Follow’.
Book your tickets NOW for this sensational vegan pop up event featuring the flavours of Mauritius.
Vegan Mauritian Supper Club is taking place at Black Cat Café in Hackney on Tuesday July 30, 2019 from 7pm.
This is a meal you do not want to miss. Chef Khaleed is ready to feed you some of the finest plant-based cuisine in the capital.
Khaleed says of the night:
In Mauritius, we have a phrase we say ‘La case Mama’ which means Mother’s House. My food will be proper home cooked food and hopefully you will not be leaving hungry. Please feel free to ask for seconds!
The menu? Check it out below:
Starters: vegetable samosa and gateaux piment (chilli cakes, crushed split peas) served with a tomato and coriander chutney
Mains: tomato curry, butter bean curry, chow chow curry, aubergine and potatoe curry served with rice and ti puri (fried roti)
Dessert: tarte bannan (banana tart) served with vegan vanilla ice cream
Black Cat will be selling their drinks at this event.
Click here to book your tickets before they are all gone and be sure to follow Mauritian Vegan Supper Club on Instagram.
Gorgeous new vegan bakery VeganeríaLe Muf is hosting another spectacular pop up dining event and you need to book tickets now!
This is set to be an afternoon starring a delicious menu of 100% vegan food served in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.
Your ticket costs 500 pesos and includes:
Two main courses.
A dessert
Flavoured water of the day or beer plus a mezcalito (a mezcal digestif)
This special event is taking place on Saturday June 29 between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. The secret location in Colonia Escandón will be announced when you confirm your booking.
To book, you need to send a direct message to Le Muf via their Instagram or Facebook page. You will then be given instructions on how to make payment via bank deposit.
Would you like to read about the menu?
Mediterranean salad of vegan mozzarella, arugula, olive and basil and Provençal herbs
“Lobster” with Mediterranean sauce featuring wild olives, basil, sundried tomato and palm heart “squid”
Taco Baja California: fried oyster mushrooms Baja California style in black corn tortilla, purple cabbage, homemade veganesa and salsa
Almond ricotta cheesecake with passion fruit coulis and meringue crumble
All food is made with seasonal, local and organic ingredients. The space in which it will take place is part of the experience as each smell, colour, and sound are specially designed for that day. It is a place to share time with people from the vegan community who have a special interest in food.
Going plant based doesn’t mean you need to miss out on fishy tastes and textures. I’ll show you how to make a decadent smoked carrot lox (hold the salmon), divine seaweed marinades, dinner party standard mushroom scallops, and a battered ‘fish’ alternative to curb any chip shop cravings.
Oliver Bragg, professional chef (formerly at Whole Foods) and teacher at the College of Naturopathic Medicine
Get ready for an incredible vegan fish masterclass, London. Tickets for this event at Made in Hackney on Sunday June 23, 2019 are just not going to last.
The class will include:
How to create convincing fishy tastes, textures and appearances such as Mushroom ‘Scallops’
The ultimate Smoked Carrot Lox recipe (vegan ‘smoked salmon’)
Learn to make creative dishes such as Watermelon Poke and Chickpea Tuna
How to make melt-in-your-mouth Battered ‘Fish’ to please even the most ardent fish ‘n’ chips lover
Learn presentation skills from a professional to impress your guests
A delicious plant based lunch and a take home recipe pack
10% discount on the day in neighbouring wholefood shop, Food for All
Oliver Bragg is a nutritional chef and teacher at the College of Naturopathic Medicine. He has a strong interest in nutrition and loves to create highly nutritious, beautiful dishes that reflect his passion for seasonality, sustainability and original flavours.
Fee: £84 (£66 Concession) includes a delicious organic plant based lunch
This fee is used to fund the Made in Hackney programme of free courses to vulnerable and low-income community groups. By attending a Made In Hackney masterclass you get a great day of learning AND you’re providing the charity with essential funds to continue their work with vulnerable community groups.
** Concessionary rate available for students, pensioners, unemployed and low waged
Veelyfe is set to be a London music festival with a difference.
Not only does Veelyfe feature a fabulous musical line up (including Radio 1 and 4 DJ Claira Hermet, Melody Kane, House of Grae, and Rachael Anson) but it has a big aim of creating a ‘greener’ feel to the traditional festival.
Everything from the UK’s largest solar panelled staging to the eco toilets and biodegradable cups will make this a cleaner and more environmentally festival.
All of the food will be 100% vegan as well. Oh, yes. You read that correctly. ALL of the food is plant-based, and so are the drinks on site.
This new London festival – at the only urban beach location – is looking to change the industry and shine a light on the need for mainstream festivals to think about the environment and be more responsible in their approach.
Veelyfe is taking place in east London on Saturday July 27, 2019.
Click here to read more about Veelyfe and buy tickets.
Legendary London vegan business Ms. Cupcake is returning to the FGV section of Venn Street Market EVERY Saturday!
The Brixton bakery has been serving up sweet treats to the capital for about a decade and is one of the true pioneers of the vegan scene in the UK.
We are simply honoured to have them return as our resident cake and bake trader at our market section in Clapham Common.
To celebrate their return on Saturday June 15, 2019, I am sharing my top 5 picks from what they will be serving.
Cookie Dough Brownie – fudgy chocolate brownie with baked caramel choc chip cookie dough baked on top. Jam Doughnut Muffin – a doughnut/muffin hybrid. Cut open the cinnamon flavoured dough like sponge to reveal tons of gorgeous sweet jam.Lemon Blueberry Cookie – New for summer! A giant American-style cookie made with real lemon and plump, juicy blueberries, finished with a lemon sugar glaze.Red Velvet Cookie Sandwich – Two chewy American-style cookies lightly flavoured with cocoa, sandwiched by a soft cloud of vanilla cream cheese icing. Ambassador Cupcake – a Ms. Cupcake classic. It’s take on the Ferrero Rocher chocolate with it’s mash-up of chocolate and hazelnut elements.
That is some good eating right there.
Venn Street Market takes place every Saturday between 10am and 4pm. It is a 30 second walk from Clapham Common Underground Station.
