Following on from my jaunt around Europe thanks to Vegan Travel’s NYE cruise on the Rhine, I’m slowly catching up with reporting on some of the food places I visited.
After the cruise, Gil and I got a chance to spend a few days in Paris.
One of my food highlights from the city of lights was VG Pâtisserie, a super cute vegan patisserie located just a few steps away from the Voltaire Metro station in the 11th arrondissement.
The handcrafted patisserie items at VG Pâtisserie were exquisite and we had a difficult time trying to pick a selection. The cafe was absolutely bustling and seemed to be the most popular business on its block.
Check out the photos below to see what we ended up with and be sure to follow VG Pâtisserie on Instagram to stay updated with their gorgeous offerings.
I recently had 12 hours to hang out in Amsterdam and I made damn sure that I made time to dine with Deer Mama.
Deer Mama is a relatively new burger and shake bar located just south of the central canals of Amsterdam. It’s close enough to walk from the centre, or you can whizz down there via a tram in minutes.
I had been reading about the restaurant for a few weeks before my visit, meaning my anticipation was high and my excitement levels for decadent burgers, boozy shakes, and vegan soft serve were at fever pitch.
Sometimes being THAT excited about a new vegan place can kinda set you up for disappointment, but I’m happy to say that I walked out of Deer Mama one extremely satisfied customer.
The burgers were some of the nicest I’ve tasted in recent years and the baked-on-premises cookies, cakes, and cinnamon scrolls added an extra layer of delicious temptation.
Check out my photos below and be sure to drop in next time you are in Amsterdam.
The exact location of Deer Mama can be seen thanks to Google Maps and you can follow the vegan restaurant on Instagram.
I am thrilled to share news of my collaboration with Time Out Mexico.
The magazine asked me to help with their January vegan issue and I’m pleased to say we were able to promote many independent vegan businesses in the Mexican capital.
the top ten places to shop for vegan groceries in Mexico City
five reasons why a person should go vegan
If you are not in Mexico City and unable to get your hands on the magazine, you can download a PDF version online here.
I am quite emotional that I have been able to share the vegan message via such a huge platform, especially as it is directly supporting independent vegan business.
The Vegan Candy Company believes that yummy sweets should be enjoyed by everyone.
Founded by Joanna and Lorraine, The Vegan Candy Company has created their own vegan sweet supply store. They believe vegan products shouldn’t have to come with a premium price tag and they’ve worked hard to bring their customers affordable vegan pick n mix at a sweet price.
Joanna and Lorraine are building their business in order to give back to animal rescue charities and to make plant-based confectionery the norm. As they grow, they intend to choose a selection of charities to which they will donate a portion of their profits.
The Vegan Candy Company currently offers its vegan pick n mix range with over 40 varieties of sweets that can be delivered straight to your door.
You can learn more about the company and order your own vegan pick n mix by visiting The Vegan Candy Companyonline here.
The pick n mix can be purchased in a 500g box, a 1kg box, and a 1kg monthly subscription box.
January means Veganuary for a lot of people, so premium frozen food brand Thyme is taking part in the celebrations by supporting its UK customers by going entirely meat-free for the month of January including the launch of their first Thyme To Try Vegan meal box.
Thyme told me their mission is simple: to make it easier, to eat better.
A lack of time, recipe inspiration and know-how are often cited as reasons why it can be difficult to successfully navigate and maintain a purely meat-free regime.
Thyme aims to make real, honest, slow-food a lot easier, much quicker and far more convenient simply by using the freezer. They are taking out the roadblocks for people who feel eating vegan is too difficult or complicated.
Thyme creates deliciously fresh food under its own label as well as supporting upcoming independent brands through its online market place. Food is delivered frozen, directly to their customer’s door.
Satisfying the hunger of Britain’s fastest growing food phenomenon (yes, I’m talking about plant-based eating!) the Thyme to Try Vegan Box provides 3 meals and 3 sides including wholesome Blackbean & Sweet Potato Chilli, Butternut Squash & Chickpea Curry, Roasted Root Vegetables and Crispy Chilli Potato Bakes all for just the special offer price of £10.
The Thyme To Try Vegan box is available for £10 throughout January when using promotional code ‘try for 10’. Usual price £20.
Thyme has announced they will become a meat-free brand forever if the January meat-free trial is successful.
“It’s time for change,” said Thyme Managing Director Heidi Thompson. “Will Thyme be meat-free? Our fate is in our customers’ hands and we’re very excited to see where they take us.”
What do you think? Are you going to order some Thyme cuisine? Click here to order and don’t forget to use ‘try for 10’ to get the special price.
Extra note: Thyme paid a fee in order for fatgayvegan.com to share this news. 10% of this fee is being donated to Isla Urbana, a water security initiative in Mexico City.
Superstar vegan restaurant chain Arancini Brothers now has a fourth location in London, this time south of the river!
The 100% vegan restaurant chain is famous for its Sicilian risotto balls, flavoursome wraps, and decadent burgers. With much-adored outlets in Old Street, Kentish Town, and Dalston this fast and nutritious food chain has already established a solid hold north of the river.
Owner and founder Dave told me:
“We are opening our fourth location at Arch 34 Maltby Street, Bermondsey. We have come such a long way since we started with a simple street food concept in Brick Lane Market almost ten years ago!”
You can eat with Arancini Brothers at their Maltby Street location between 9:30am and 9:30pm, 7 days a week. The location is good for dining in, taking away, or having food delivered.
In other huge news, Arancini Brothers has become the first ever UK chain to offer a franchise opportunity.
Yes, it is your chance to franchise a vegan restaurant!
Arancini Brothers are now looking for franchise partners to open and run versions of their wildly successful business all over the UK and the planet.
If you think you have what it takes (including the funds!) to open a location of this popular vegan food business in your area, click here to read more about the franchise opportunity.
Be sure to get into the Bermondsey location as soon as you can in order to eat some amazing vegan food and congratulate Arancini Brothers on their deserved success.
Extra news: to help Arancini Brothers celebrate the opening of their fourth London restaurant, I am running an Instagram follower drive. I am trying to get them to 15,000 followers! They are just short of 10k so we need to work hard to get them there. Follow them on Instagram now.
I need to remind you that GreenBay Supermarket in Fulham still exists and as one of London’s best independently-owned vegan businesses, you should take a moment shop with them when you have the funds.
GreenBay has just started selling copies of my first ever book. Eat, Drink and Live Like You Give a Sh!t costs £8.99 and if you buy from them online or in the shop, they get to keep half of the money!
Click here to buy it from their online store. While you are there, grab a basketful of vegan groceries and enjoy next day delivery in the UK!
GreenBay is a fully-stocked vegan grocery store located on North End Road but if you can’t get in there, you can shop online and they will bring the good stuff to you.
The shelves are overflowing with all manner of compassionate products including cheese, meats, pastas, personal care items, drinks, yogurts, chocolates, and pretty much anything you could want or need.
My friend (and all-round vegan yoga superstar) Louise Wallis is hosting an amazing yoga retreat in May 2019.
And you wanna get booking because space is limited and these retreats ALWAYS book up super quickly.
Celebrate the May Day Bank Holiday weekend and the first stirrings of summer with 4 days and 3 nights of yoga and delicious vegan food in an idyllic location. Take a dip in the indoor heated pool, walk to the beach, or sit by the campfire (or wood burner) and relish every moment.
Treat yourself to:
4 x days and 3 x nights full-board stay in a beautiful eco-Retreat
Exclusive use of the venue & all facilities, including heated pool (see photo below)
8 x Yoga / Meditation / Relaxation classes
Delicious vegan meals prepared by the resident Chef (mainly organic, local produce)
Complimentary gift bag
Free WiFi and parking
The venue
Bonhays Retreat Centre is a magical place. A secluded sanctuary, nestled in Dorset’s rolling hills between Bridport and Lyme Regis, and just 2 miles from Charmouth beach. With its heated pool, comfortable accommodation, valley views, and tranquil location it’s the perfect getaway.
If you are interested in finding out prices, accommodation types, and the yoga schedule for this May 3 – May 6, 2019 retreat, see all the information online now.
UK company Norty is making delicious vegan desserts in Bristol before shipping them all over the UK.
And you can order online!
Check out these gorgeous flavours:
The Norty puds come in three flavours: Banoffee, Salted Choc, and Xmas Choc Orange.
You can also pick up some nut butters (Chai Spiced Peanut Butter, Choc Hazelnut Butter, or Salted Caramel Cashew Butter) and drink blends (Hot Chocolate or Turmeric Latte).
