Josh and I are currently in San Diego visiting friends and dropping in on some of our favourite eateries.
We took a drive yesterday to one of the best (the best?) vegan fast food outlets on the planet, only to find a strange scene playing out in the parking lot.
As we pulled up to Evolution, we noticed a swarm of work trucks in the lot and people hurrying about cleaning and washing equipment. My heart sank as it looked as though my favourite place to eat in San Diego had closed down.
We all have a friendship in life that is unaffected by distance and time. A person you have known for decades and another decade can pass without your relationship spark flickering in the slightest even though you don’t see each other as much as you would like.
Let me introduce you to Steven.
Steven has been an integral part of my life since my teenage years. To say our friendship has seen some outrageous moments would be selling it to you softly.
FGV & Steven many years ago
We have danced until daylight in tacky gay bars in Brisbane. We have supported each other through emotional turmoil and romantic drama. Steven has given me a place to live when I had nowhere else to go. We have laughed at and with each other. We have fought with each other. We have splashed through the surf under the blazing Australian sun. We have propped each other up and dragged each other down.
My life wouldn’t be what it is without this friendship.
Where am I going with this blog post? I am asking you to support Steven in his campaign to raise funds for Farm Sanctuary, the legendary rescue home for farm animals. This group has been advocating and educating for decades, giving comfort to countless creatures.
Steven and his husband Nate are taking part in the Walk for Farm Animals fundraiser in San Diego and I would be so deeply moved if readers of my blog could help them reach their fundraising target of $1000. I am incredibly grateful and appreciative that one of my dearest friends is taking action for animals. It would make me proud to know we helped Steven and Nate help animals.
Please click here to donate to their fundraising effort. Your money will directly help improve outcomes for rescued farm animals. Make sure you leave a comment on their team page saying hello from FGV!
Enough with the torturous posts about divine food half a world away from where the majority of my readers reside. I will stop teasing.
Well, I will stop after this post. I promise.
I have given you some decidedly convincing reasons why you should visit San Diego. The Southern California city is a gorgeous location bursting with attractions that will keep compassionate people on the delirious side of happy. See the vegan drive thru and the vegan market stall as examples.
And there is more.
Moncai Vegan is exactly what I see when I close my eyes at night. It is like the dream I have where the food is irresistible, the service is lovely and there are vegan donuts in a large glass case.
Some wondrous food adventures were had during my recent Southern Californian vacation, but none quite as joyous and inspiring as Anthem Vegan.
San Diego is one of the must-visit destinations for plant-based food lovers and one of the most convincing reasons is this 100% vegan market stall. Anthem Vegan is a labour of love for its activist owner Patrick who serves up some of the tastiest food I have ever had the pleasure of devouring.
The stall travels around various locations in San Diego and my pal Steven and I made sure we crossed paths with it at the Pacific Beach Farmer’s Market. I was overwhelmed by the gorgeous menu and infinitely more so by the food itself.
Vegan donuts? Plentiful and decadent. Can I get nutritious and delicious soul food that is still cruelty free? Sure thing. Gay dive bars, Native Foods, gorgeous beachside neighbourhoods, farmers markets everywhere and vegan Mexican food? Yes to all of it.
Then surely it doesn’t have a fabulous vegan fast food restaurant with drive through window? It couldn’t that awesome, right?
Check it out. Evolution Fast Food is what every compassionate person deserves to have in their life.
1. Oh my. Can you believe how amazing these giant vegan cupcakes look? I saw this incredible line up in Whole Foods Market San Diego and was more than impressed. Come on London stores, get on it. I want over the top vegan cupcake designs.
2. I didn’t buy one. I was so overwhelmed by the choice I actually couldn’t decide on one. I stood there for roughly five minutes and then walked away calmly. I am a bad FGV, for sure.
