vegetarian

No single bite could satisfy

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Dairy cows are some of the most abused creatures on the planet and their suffering is unjustifiable. Humans do not require cow milk to live healthy lives and there is absolutely no reason to exploit cows in order to give humans chocolate.

Chocolate is delicious though, so I am eternally grateful to the fabulous people of Moo Free Chocolates. This company is dedicated to creating mouthwatering chocolate treats that are dairy-free and delicious. This FGV has been in love with their products for a while now (see here) and my love just grew stronger with the release of several new tempting items.

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That’s the Philly in I

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Even though my trip to Philadelphia was several months ago, I am still sifting through the memories in order to bring some international flavour to this blog. This particular jaunt down memory lane takes us to Essene Market & Cafe in South Philly.

Essene is somewhat of an institution in South Philadelphia. This organic grocer, bakery, delicatessen and cafe has been a part of the city landscape since 1969 (their original store was just around the corner from their current South Fourth Street location). Ask any local for a natural food store and you will surely be told to head to Essene. Even the arrival of a Whole Foods on South Street has failed to dampen the love people feel for this retail stalwart.

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Vegans helping vegans

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This is the kind of blog post I adore writing. There is nothing more satisfying than helping spread news of vegan companies helping organisations dedicated to furthering the well-being of non-human animals.

I recently spoke with Lisa of UK-based vegan food distributor Beanie’s Health Foods about the wonderful support they offer to whale protectors Sea Shepherd. Lisa and her father own and run their company that supplies Fry’s Vegetarian frozen foods to the whole of the UK (Remember our campaign to get them back in a certain High Street retailer?). They are the sponsors of next week’s London Vegan Potluck 7, so you can just imagine the amount of delicious, vegan food we will be consuming.

Enjoy this brief chat I had with Lisa about why her company supports Sea Shepherd, what you can do to help their cause and what exciting developments the future holds for Beanie’s Health Foods and Fry’s Vegetarian in the UK. Sounds like there are some massive plans afoot…

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London happy, Leeds sad

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The Third Estate in Leeds

This news is simultaneously good and bad. The phenomenal clothing and footwear retailer The Third Estate has announced its final days trading in Leeds city centre and the subsequent move they are making to London. Like I said, happy London but sad Leeds.

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you will recall a story I did on The Third Estate back in January. This shop has been a haven for vegan shoe shoppers for many years and also has been one of the most comprehensive stockists of cruelty-free footwear the UK has ever seen.

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Follow that unicorn on the road to love

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Unicorn Grocery in Manchester

Manchester has a lot of things going for it. From the innumerable musical acts that have risen from the streets to its rich industrial history, Manchester is a place like no other in the north of England that keeps me coming back for more.

Undoubtedly one of the most intriguing attractions in the city for compassionate visitors is the 100% vegan grocery store known as Unicorn. Yes, that is correct. Every single item for sale in this owner-operated co-operative is cruelty-free. Fresh fruit and vegetables line the entrance while wine, cider and beer jostle for space along the shelves. Bulk goods sit beside household cleaning products and a huge deli case brims with tasty treats. Wanna see what I bought?

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Amazing cheese now in Camden

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Remember how I went on and on about Vegusto vegan cheese? You don’t? Surely you recall when I announced it to be amongst the finest in the world. No? Take a quick trip back in time to refresh your memory here and then hold onto your fedora with a faux feather because I have some exciting news for you.

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Bite me

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This post is tiny, just like the super-cute and mega-tasty product I am reviewing.

Redwood are undoubtedly one of the finest vegan food providers in the world. The food they produce is stunning. For many years I have been a devout consumer of their vegan bacon, deli slices, roasts, cheese, cocktail sausages and many other items. Just when I think they can’t go further to impress my taste buds, they pull another winner out of their basket. FGV readers… I give you Breaded Pepperjack Style Cheezly Bites.

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¡Viva la comida vegana!

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New vegan mince by Sainsbury's

During a recent stroll through my local Sainsbury’s, I glanced without expectation at the usual suspects in the chilled section. One brand of tofu, multiple Quorn products containing egg and little else of vegan interest.

Just as I was about to spin on my FGV heels and exit empty-handed, I spied an intriguing box of soya mince with a snappy label. I was readying myself for instant disappointment as I scanned the ingredient list for egg and/or milk. Imagine my utter joy and delight when I saw the most loved of all supermarket words: vegan. I snatched up the container and waddled as quickly as I could back to my kitchen to create a masterpiece…

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It’s a date!

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Fantastic news for London vegans and their friends!

Following on from the hugely-successful event in September and news of the next drinks night happening on Thursday October 20, I am delighted to announce tibits has agreed to host London Vegan Drinks on a long term basis.

The Central London restaurant and bar is a fabulous location in the heart of Mayfair. Our event is housed in the generously-proportioned downstairs room featuring ample seating, tables, child-friendly activities, relaxed lighting and non-stop music. It is a special space and tibits has locked us in as a regular event.

London Vegan Drinks will always be on the 3rd Thursday of each month. This is a perfect accompaniment to the thriving London Vegan Potluck events that are held in Holborn on the 1st Wednesday of each month. Now there are plenty of opportunities to meet, greet and avoid eating meat in the capital.

If you like to plan ahead, the next six London Vegan Drinks have been locked into the tibits diary. They are as follows:

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Oh god, what was she doing there?

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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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