How many times have you thought to yourself, “Someone should open an awesome vegan grocery store and call it Vegan Ville”?
Well, check it OUT!
Mexico
Vegan bakery
Mexico City is intensely invested in vegan food. It is everywhere.
Street food vendors? Pizza shops? Ice cream parlours? Yes, yes and hell to the yes!
Mexico City has all of this and more. I would even boldly suggest the mega-city is up there with the untouchable plant-based locations of Portland, Austin, Berlin and Los Angeles.
Vegan food is such a serious concern here in Mexico City, you can even shop in a 100% vegan and gluten free bakery.
Check out these photos from my visit to Pan Gabriel in the leafy Condesa neighbourhood.
Costco in Mexico
As a vegan with a predilection for grocery shopping, I was totally in my element during a visit to Costco in Mexico City today.
Scroll down for photographic proof that I was almost overwhelmed by vegan choices in the mammoth Polanco branch of the retail behemoth.
Monkey Business
Do you want to see something that will melt your heart?
Make sure you switch your TV over to the Community Channel (in the UK) this Sunday night (September 27, 2015) at 6pm for a very special documentary that will make you want to rush to Mexico to cuddle a rescued monkey.
My friend Wendy Turner Webster recently teamed up with Julie Peasgood for a trip to Mexico in order to visit a sanctuary for spider monkeys rescued from the pet trade.
This is what the resulting documentary, Monkey Business, has in store for viewers:
In Wendy & Julie’s Monkey Business, the intrepid duo fly from London to Cancun in Mexico to visit The Jungle Place – a sanctuary dedicated to the rescue of the endangered Spider Monkeys who are victims of the illegal pet trade, poaching, and habitat destruction.
The Jungle Place is a sustainable charity and has the endorsement of the Born Free Foundation. It is run by Heidi and Joel – a couple who have dedicated their lives to the setting up and running of the sanctuary.
In the programme, Wendy & Julie meet the residents and learn of their stories, and find out how Heidi and Joel went from casual holiday makers to spider monkey rescuers and renowned experts.
The documentary debuts this Sunday night. Make sure you tune in for a simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking tale of compassion. Community Channel can be found at Freeview 63, Freeview HD 109, Sky 539, Virgin 233 and freesat 651. Look for other platform screenings soon.
Like Monkey Business on Facebook and read more about The Jungle Place here.
Monkey Business featured in Hello magazine
Extra note: Covent Garden bar and restaurant Joe Allen has generously created a vegan-friendly ‘Spider Monkey’ Cocktail and is donating £1 to The Jungle Place for each drink sold. Stop in for a drink if you feel like helping the spider monkeys in a unique way!
Dulce María
Estoy tan feliz que mi favorita pop star Mexicana, Dulce María, está hablando sobre elefantes. Comparten con sus amigos hispanohablantes.
I am very happy that my favourite Mexican pop star, Dulce María, is speaking about elephants. Share with your Spanish-speaking friends.
Y ahora una musica.
And now some music.
Eat vegan with non-vegans
My partner Josh is climbing on board the blogging train today to give you some advice on where to go in central London when faced with dining companions who flatly refuse to go to an entirely vegan restaurant.
Thanks, Josh. Love you. xx
Day of the Dead 2014
I host a few big parties each year and my Day of the Dead extravaganza is certainly one of my favourites. Lots of candy, a vegan feast and a chance to wear one of my Mexican wrestling masks all night… what’s not to adore?
Get ready to party your socks off as Day of the Dead takes over London on November 2nd, 2014 from 3pm. For the third year in a row, I am asking you to celebrate with me as I show you why I love this festival so deeply.
This year’s party is set to be the biggest and best yet as I team up with brand new vegan venue Kabaret of Wood Green. This huge venue allows our party to explode in size and what we have lined up for entertainment is sure to thrill.
Need some reasons why you should book a ticket?
- massive vegan buffet to keep you well fed – prepared by chef straight from Mexico City
- Vanessa of Essential Vegan giving a cooking demo and talking of Finados (Day of the Dead) celebrations in Brazil
- Emma of Veganbnb Travel talking about her vegan holiday business in Spain and Guatemala and giving you an insight into Day of the Dead celebrations in Guatemala
- a 100% vegan bar staffed by the wonderful owners of Kabaret
- Day of the Dead craft activities
- pose for photos with a luchador (Mexican wrestler) thanks to KANKUN
- venue decorated for a traditional Day of the Dead celebration
- buffet contributions by Scoff Sweets, Cocoafeliz chocolates and Bloom’s popcorn
- altar to place photos of dearly departed loved ones so they can celebrate with us
- stay late and dance into the night
- dress in Day of the Dead costumes for a chance to win prizes (check this for inspiration)
- more to be announced
This is going to be a party to be remembered. I am thrilled to be helping vegan London take part in a celebration that has roots all over the world.
Below is the buffet menu.
Tickets are available for £25 (plus booking fee) and are non-refundable, although you are welcome to sell on or gift to a friend in the instance you can’t attend. This price is only for pre-purchased tickets and the cost will rise on the door if we have space.
The party is all ages and a specially-priced ticket for children under the age of 18 costs £18 plus booking fee. All attendees under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Anyone wanting to buy and consume alcohol will be required to prove they are of legal drinking age.
Ticket price includes vegan buffet and activities, but not drinks. You will be required to pay for your own drinks at the bar. The bar takes card payments.
Mexican chocolate
As you might know, I am currently in Mexico City where I am eating up a storm.
Stay tuned here or to my Instagram feed for lots of shots of delicious vegan food from the Mexican capital.
Photo above shows a bag of giant dark chocolate and almond treats I bought in the nearby grocery store. They are fabulous.
Mexico otra vez
This post serves two functions.
Firstly, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my love of Mexico. I adore it in so many ways, some of which have been highlighted here on my blog. You might recall:
- Stunning vegan menu in Cholula
- A vegan restaurant just when we needed it most
- Gorgeous and delicious falafel experience
- My friend can supply vegan cupcakes
All this is great, but you are probably still wondering why I’m dragging you down memory lane.
Josh and I have just booked a short vacation for Mexico this February and I want your help. Are there any places you know of that I must visit during my trip? Obviously I’m more concerned with eating, but I am open to all suggestions. Tell me best places for groceries, wonderful vegan meals you’ve enjoyed or even cultural or sightseeing tips. I want it all!
¡Vamanos!