Lab Testing of LA Restaurants

Check out this rather serious testing of LA vegan restaurants such as California Vegan, Green Leaves Thai and M Cafe. Surprise, surprise Green Leaves Thai got failing marks. Well, I could have told you that. Two weeks after that place opened I confronted the manager there about their use of non-vegan products. It soon became clear they really didn't know what vegan meant at all.

But although this is an interesting study, but really I would suggest not going to crazy with this. Part of what I always tell new vegans is "try your best." If you start freaking out over being 100% vegan you are going to burn out.

On the other hand, since I work in advertising, I know how important truthful marketing is. And if a restaurant is knowingly misleading vegan customers, they don't deserve to have the support of that community. Period.

Check out the in-depth article HERE

Spork Foods End of Summer Schedule!

Whoo hooo! Check out the Spork Foods cooking class schedule for the rest of the summer... I'm not going to even put links to my posts-- if you read this blog, you know how much I RAVE about these classes... HURRY and sign up today-- spots GO FAST!

Classes are held on Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 and 4:00 unless otherwise specified in Silver Lake. Email jenny@sporkfoods.com to sign up!

July 11th and 12th
VEGAN ITALIANO II!
Oh mama mia - the flavors of Italy can make anyone’s mouth water! This class will highlight the beautiful colors and flavors of Tuscany, Sicily and everywhere between. You will leave feeling a strong kinship with our friends on “the boot.”

This week’s menu!
- Tofu ricotta stuffed shells with a light heirloom tomato basil sauce
- Baby greens salad with fresh mint, fennel, and glazed almonds in a lemon herb vinaigrette
- Socca cakes (Italian chickpea cakes) with a truffle agave sauce
- Cinnamon-scented tiramisu

July 18th and 19th
HAPPENS TO BE GLUTEN FREE, SUMMER STYLE!
Even if you're not sure what gluten is, or why so many people avoid it, just come to this class and learn how to create amazing dishes that give you energy and taste delicious! Everyone will appreciate these recipes, which just happen to be gluten-free!

This week’s menu!
- Tempeh-stuffed mushrooms with summer vegetables
- Crispy potato and cornmeal cakes with a fresh basil sauce
- Lettuce wraps with a sun-dried tomato and creamy cashew filling
- Chocolate-dipped almond macaroons

July 25th and 26th
TRIP TO THE ISLANDS!
There is no better time than summer for a taste-bud trip to the islands. In this class, we will bring home the refreshing flavors and tastes of the Caribbean. These recipes are surprisingly easy and will impress any guest, from Montego Bay to San Juan.

This week’s menu!
- Jamaican rum jerk tempeh
- Caribbean salad with a mango avocado salsa and crisp plantains
- Cuban-style black bean fritters with a basil macadamia nut topping
-Key lime cheesecake with a toasted coconut crust


August 1st and 2nd – No Classes

August 8th and 9th
MEXICAN FIESTA!
In this class we will create bold, wonderful dishes using the authentic ingredients of our neighbors south of the border! We will learn traditional ways to prepare and serve this cuisine, and we give it our own healthy vegan flair.

This week’s menu!
- Nachos with a melting cheese sauce, guacamole, lemon herb sour cream and more!
- Grilled corn fritters over a bed of fresh greens, served with a chipotle agave sauce
- Spiced shredded seitan tacos
- Cinnamon sugar churros

August 15th and 16th
ALMOST RAW, ALWAYS AMAZING!
It is hot! Who wants to slave over a stove for hours and put more sweat on their sweat? Not me. In this class we will show you how to prepare satisfying, filling meals with minimal use of the flame. We won’t use dehydrators or anything you don’t have in your home kitchen, so come learn how to cope with the heat by eating well!

This week’s menu!
- Lemon herb cashew cheese canapés
- Whole wheat cous cous salad with fresh herbs, sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives
- Smoky yellow and red gazpacho
- Individual strawberry shortcake with a coconut whipped cream

Wednesday, August 19th 6:30 p.m.!!! $55
SPORKIE SUPPER CLASS
In our Wednesday evening classes, we know you’ve had a long day, so come relax with us and make a meal that is quick, delicious and will make you forget all about your co-workers.

Class Menu!
- Incredible black bean and corn chili in a bread bowl
- Mixed green salad with avocado, tofu medallions and maple-glazed walnuts
- Chocolate cinnamon baked donuts with an amaretto icing

August 22nd and 23rd
BEACH PARTY FOODS!
Whether you plan to visit the Hollywood Bowl, or flex your muscles on the Venice boardwalk, be prepared with your own amazing vegan feast. We will create a meal in this class that is beautiful and easy to pack for your next adventure!

This week’s menu!

- Tempeh salad wraps with avocado and veggies
- Herb and flax biscuits with a whipped lemon basil cream cheese filling
- Grilled vegetable skewers with a maple mustard dipping sauce
- Homemade chocolate sandwich cookies with a mint icing

August 29th and 30th – No Classes

September 5th and 6th – No Classes. Go enjoy your Labor Day weekend!

September 12th and 13th
VEGAN BAKING PARTY!
We’ll use organic flour, rolling pins, and an arsenal of incredible ingredients to create some of the most delicious deserts the vegan world has ever seen. You will learn how to make treats that are healthy and amazing, and you’ll learn how to use that mixer you’ve always had, but have never plugged in. Now’s the time!

This week’s menu!

- German chocolate strudel with glazed pecans
- Mini lemon cheesecakes with a fresh berry glaze
- Incredible caramel dipped apples
- Rocky road chocolate chunk cookies, with almond milk for dunking

September 19th and 20th
JEWISH HOME-COOKING
Though we won’t cue up Fiddler on the Roof on the iPod for this class, we may be inclined to hum a few bars after creating this wonderful, rich, and satisfying meal. A feast to remember, right before Rosh Hashanah!

This week’s menu!
- Knishes stuffed with sautéed spinach and potatoes
- Velvety carrot soup with a lemon dill sour cream
- Lentil walnut pate (mock chopped liver) with crackers
- Toasted coconut rugelach

September 26th and 27th
CUISINE OF THE SOUTHWEST!
The Cuisine of the Southwest does not get enough props for being the ultimate in food fusion done right! In this class we will celebrate the flavors and dishes co-created by Mexico and the United States that get people from both sides of the border, and beyond, salivating.

This week’s menu!
- Chile relleno stuffed with a pinto bean plantain filling
- Home-made tomatillo salsa and chips
- Watermelon, jicama, watercress and lime salad with toasted pepitas
- Sopapillas with an agave cinnamon drizzle

Don't Have July 4th plans? Celebrate with the Animals!

The idea of another meat-filled 4th of July BBQ got you down?

Celebrate a festive Fourth at Animal Acres! Join them for their annual PIGNIC with farm tours, face-painting, delicious picnic food and old-fashioned field games.

The celebration will be in full swing from 12 noon to 4:00 pm with food served all day and field games starting at 2:00 pm. Reservations are not required - Tickets are just $7 per adult and $5 per child (12 and under) and admission price includes a FREE soydog and beverage.

This will be a great way to introduce your kids (or spouse) to actual farm animals if they've met a pig, cow, turkey or sheep...

ANIMAL ACRES
5200 Escondido Canyon Road Acton, CA 93510
Phone: 661.269.5404 Fax: 661.269.0194
Email: info@animalacres.com
Website: animalacres.org

Veg in the City: Part Two

Vegan Steven iPhone App FAIL!

After extolling the benefits of this iPhone application previously, I now "eat" my words. I'm standing in the middle of Union Square on Friday afternoon with my friend and her newborn, in the sweltering New York heat and humidity, looking for a veggie-friendly eatery... and I pull out my iPhone and try to be all cool with my Vegan Steven App. It pulls up an interesting place labeled just "Zen" so we head over. And it's CLOSED. Not closed as in not open, as in OUT OF BUSINESS.

Then, of course, I realized that I was standing in front of the old and much-loved Zen Palate restaurant. I'm still not 100% sure why it went out of business just before they were set to open a restaurant in Los Angeles, but I do know I miss going to that place... especially today, in the heat, with a baby, and a useless iPhone App!!

Tomorrow: Read how I met Sara of Sweet & Sara Marshmallows at Lula's a new vegan ice cream shoppe!!!

ShoeBuy.com -- who knew?

News to me, but ShoeBuy.com has a great selection of vegan shoes by one of my favorite brands, NeuAura!

Check out some of they styles by clicking HERE

Fundraiser for AIDS Project LA -- with Free Vegan Food!

Veggywood reader Janelle sent me a flyer for her upcoming July 9th fundraiser for AIDS Project LA at Ultra Zone Laser Tag. Besides supporting a great cause, this will be fun for kids, pre-teens and up... plus free vegan goodies! There will also be a raffle with prizes such as gift certificats to Real Food Daily, Truly Vegan and Vegan Plate!

Go HERE to check out Janelle's AIDS Project LA webpage, contribute to the cause, and read more about the fundraiser!

Veg in the City '09, Part One

So last week I made a quick visit to NYC and hit up some of my favorite vegan spots! Next to LA, I would pick NYC as the second most vegan city... feel free to disagree, but the range of veg shops and restaurants in NYC far outweigh other places I've been, including SF (still love ya Millennium!).

Anyway, I started off by the obligatory trip to Baby Cakes NYC, where honestly, I didn't have the best experience at last time. And this time, things didn't look good as I walked in the same time as a HUGE busload of American tourists, who attempted to haggle over cupcake prices and had lots of screaming kids. However, I waited that out, and once the place was cleared, quickly ordered a Cinnamon Toasty, a deliciously moist bread with the taste of Cinnamon French Toast that I fell in love with on my last trip. The people behind the counter, including owner Erin McKenna frosting cupcakes (OMG!), were friendly and nice.



And yum was that cake amazing... I only ate about half with my coffee, but saved the rest for a snack later.



Then I walked a few blocks and stepped into Moo Shoes! You can see by the photo, what kind of gray, gloomy day it was, but this store immediately brightened my spirits. Last time I was in NY they were closed, so I was ecstatic to finally be in the store that I have ordered (online) from for so many years!



Moo Shoes is in a super cool, modern space, shared with 4 RESCUED CATS! Including this one, a giant black and white who lounged about the counter like he owned the store. Cats + Shoes = Love.



Keeping in mind I had to get what I bought back on the plane, I scoped out some stuff I'd like to order online at home, and then bought a super cute pair of sandals by new shoe company Marais (not a vegan company). Although I think they are going to rub a bit in the back, but owner Erica Kubersky, who helped me, said they've been flying off the shelves with no complaints. She was super cool and even wrote down the name of a brand new vegan ice cream store for me to check out on 6th Street. Check them out online HERE. FYI, I would say they run a full size large. I usually wear a 7 - 7 1/2 and I bought a 6....



I also bought a nifty Moo Shoes canvas bag. All in all, an awesome shopping experience-- even though the Novacas Aurora riding boots in Tan that I've been looking for were not available in my size AGAIN! Sigh, perhaps they are not to be.

If you are in NYC, definitely skip over to Moo Shoes and look around. And before or after, hop over to Baby Cakes for the perfect vegan afternoon!!

Moo Shoes
78 Orchard Street
New York, NY 10002

Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 11:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Sunday: 12 Noon - 6:00 PM

MooShoes.com

Friday I'm in Love.

Thanks again dear readers for visiting my blog in record numbers again this month. I'm really happy so many of you have emailed me to tell me you like Veggywood and/or decided to "Become a Fan" on Facebook.

I look forward to bringing you new vegan fun every day, and am in the early stages of designing a delicious new website.

Also, be on the look out for my first Secret Special Interview in the coming days.....but for now, look out below for my absolute favorite vegan brownie recipe, courtesy of the amazing Sinfully Vegan by Lois Dieterly. The full recipe includes a delectable chocolate topping, and if you love baking, the book is totally worth getting at Amazon HERE.

Cheers, Polly

Note: I'm in NYC today! Look for my "Veg in the City" posts next week to hear all about my trip... Baby Cakes, Moo Shoes, and more!


Death by Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients:

1 1/3 cups granulated sweetener
3/4 cup organic applesauce
2 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons flax powder
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/3 cups unbleached white flour
3/4 cup cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegan chocolate chips

Directions:

* Pre-heat oven to 350 F. Coat an 8x8-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
* Stir together granulated sweetener, applesauce, and 2 tablespoons water in a medium-size bowl. In a small cup, mix flax powder with 1/2 cup water. Add to applesauce mixture and stir to combine. Add vanilla to this mixture.
* In another small bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Add applesauce mixture to flour mixture. Stir just to combine. Add chocolate chips and stir to combine. Pour into prepared pan.
* Bake for 40 minutes for chewy brownies, 45-47 minutes for cake-like brownies.

Taa-dah!

RIP Michael Jackson

I know this isn't vegan related, but I am in such shock over Michael Jackson's passing. I'm thirty, and Michael Jackson and Madonna are the two musical symbols of my youth. I just can't believe it, another Hollywood tragedy. What a sad, lonely man. What a sad life. Despite all the weirdness in his personal life, you can't deny that we lost a musical genius yesterday, someone who reshaped and defined the genre of pop music.

And while I of course don't condone the keeping of wild animals as pets, I thought it would be appropriate to post a photo of the animal lover with his friend Bubbles, who was rescued from a research lab before he would up with Michael. Michael did the right thing and sent Bubbles to a sanctuary in 2002. You can read more about Bubbles' life at the sanctuary HERE.

Rest in Peace MJ (Finally). Teach God to Moonwalk.

Vegan Shoe of the Day!

We're gonna cover the entire budget spectrum today!

In one corner, the metallic linen bootie from olen Haus clocks in at $265
Oogle them HERE



If $200+ isn't an option for you, and hello it's summer anyway, check out these cute Jelly Gladiator Sandals over at Payless. Now, granted it's Payless, so these will probably make your feet bleed, but something about updated Jelly shoes seems cute to me. I used to wear them as a kid and now here they are updated with a top '09 summer trend. Plus, they're only $16.99 and can be shipped for free to your local Payless Store.

Grab them HERE

Note: I'm in NYC today! Look for my "Veg in the City" posts next week to hear all about my trip... Baby Cakes, Moo Shoes, and more!

Only a few more days to take advantage of Vaute Couture's amazing Pre-Order deal!

Through June 30th, Vaute Couture is giving their new friends and hopefully long-time customers, a great deal that is not to be missed! THEY WILL MATCH YOUR DEPOSIT on one of their gorgeous, 100% vegan, "Chicago-winter approved" coats.

For example, I ordered the beautiful Blue Pea Coat on Saturday. The price is $371 and I put down a $185.50 deposit (I know, I know, my bank account hates me right now), but Vaute Couture will MATCH my deposit, so I owe nothing!

Don't miss this opportunity to own a coat that only 24 other people will have!! And in LA you know that means something...

Hurry-- the offer expires June 30th!

Note: I'm in NYC today! Look for my "Veg in the City" posts next week to hear all about my trip... Baby Cakes, Moo Shoes, and more!

Reminder: Vegan Bake Sale on Thursday!

See below for yummy vegan baking goodness...

Councilmember Ed P. Reyes invites you to the City's First Vegan Bake Sale, this Thursday, June 25, 2009, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Los Angeles City Hall Farmers Market, 200 N. Spring Street. Proceeds from the bake sale will help benefit the L.A. River Keepers, a non-profit Los Angeles Conservation Corps team of students who help clean and green the L.A. River.

Those wishing to contribute *vegan bakery can drop it off at our office tomorrow(Wednesday) before 5 p.m. or Thursday morning by 9 a.m. If you arrive after 9 a.m., you can simply drop off vegan baked goods at our Farmers Market table by the fountain.

Bakers, ... please include with your baked goods an index card, or typed-up sheet, with your name, name of baked good(s) and ingredient list.

If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail Monica Valencia monica.valencia@lacity.org or call the office at (213) 473-7001 phone.

More info at Reyes' blog HERE

Looks worth trying...

Seriously, where would we be without Soy Delicious? The newest additions to the Coconut Milk line is a yogurt-like Kefir, which looks promising. I'll definitely grab one of these for breakfast one day, the strawberry one looks good...

Discounts on GirlieGirl Army

In my vegan dreams, I would love this blog to be GirlieGirl Army. But in the meantime, I will simply point you over to their gorgeous, fun site with tons of eco-news and fashion.

Don't miss the Cheapskates section with tons of discounts on stores I've mentioned on this site like Modcloth and Mooshoes.

Go ahead, get glamorous....

Father's Day at RFD!

Today I spent a nice Father's Day with my dad and brother down in Santa Monica. The weather was absolutely gorgeous! My dad, not a vegan or vegetarian, suggested brunch at RFD, which is just a few blocks from the beach. I hadn't been to this RFD in ages, not since the new bakery opened, so I was excited to go. Plus, as I mentioned in a previous post, supposedly RFD had all kinds of things planned for their 16th anniversary, including giving away gift cards to the 16th, 116th and 216th patrons.

Supposedly. There was no mention of the anniversary or anything by the hostess, who had no idea about the gift cards, nor by our waiter until I brought it up. He gave a mild "Oh yeah, I think I remember something about that" and promised to "check on it"-- of course never coming back with a response. I guess we didn't win.

On to the food. RFD Santa Monica has always gotten a bad rap in my book because of one isolated incident years back when on a 100 degree summer day I asked for ice water and they informed me "we don't serve THAT here" as if I were asking for a Big Mac. But as the original RFD, I am willing to forgive and forget.

I got the LA Benedict, which was pretty good, although I have to say, despite my complaints about Follow Your Heart, the Canoga Park restaurant wins the vegan benedict wars. While the accompanying hash browns were to die for, the corn hollandaise sauce was just not right. It really is just so hard to get a balance with that stuff. Follow your heart has a tendency to pour it on like gravy, smothering the english muffin, and RFD put on too little. And honestly, I'm not a fan of pieces of corn on my benedict. It makes it seem like tex mex. Anyway, it was NOT BAD. Definitely needs some fine tuning, and I do miss the English Muffins of the Follow Your Heart version. The hash browns on the side were totally fab, the tempeh bacon not so much. Actually, I hate tempeh bacon. Really? That's the best you can do? Sorry, but I've had it a few times at various other restaurants, and the truth people is that tempeh does not make good fake bacon. Back to the drawing board.



On the other side of the table, dad ordered his favorite, the TV Dinner and seemed to be pleased, if though they had drowned the whole thing in gravy. Our waiter also comp'd my dad's drink, but only when I reminded him it an offer mentioned on the newsletter. Got another "Oh, yeah". My brother had the Breakfast Burrito which was delicious.



I'd never been to the new bakery next store, but decided to wait after a quick walk along the beach. After we had worked some of our lunch off, we headed back to the bakery, but I was still too full to order anything if you can believe it. And I must say, not too impressed. Especially after you've been to some place like Penny Licks in Brooklyn, which is like walking into paradise. The few cakes and couple of cookies at the RFD bakery just looked to healthy to me. Eventually I decided to try a little Tea Cookie, which was basically a Mexican Wedding Cookie, but it was just so-so and pretty dry. I'll be blunt. I like my baked goods with sugar, frosting and gooey-ness. None of that at the RFD bakery, or so it seemed on first visit. Everything just looked so healthy...

4th of July Meal Classes @ Spork!

Learn to prepare the perfect Independence Day meal with lovely Chef Jenny of Spork Foods! She'll help you to prepare traditional 4th of July yummies with a vegan twist. All classes are taught in the Spork Kitchen in Silverlake and are limited to only 5 people-- so REGISTER now!!

The class menu includes:

- Zesty lemon and herb potato salad with fresh arugula
- Meaty tempeh burgers with all the fixins
- Perfectly grilled corn with a chipotle lime seasoning
- Apple pie milkshakes

Spork Foods Home Kitchen
(address provided with registration)
323.284.8733

I can't wait until October!!

I'm so excited, I just purchased a 100% vegan Vaute Couture Pea Coat! I couldn't resist their amazing presale offer where they will MATCH YOUR DEPOSIT.

The coat is $371 and I put down a $185.50 deposit, MATCHED BY VAUTE COUTURE, so I owe nothing! 50% off.. you can't really beat that!

According to the site, they are being this awesome because:

We are a new independent label and have to find creative ways to fund our production run. We also want to show our love towards those who support us early on. Putting those two ideas together, we realized that we could offer cash off balances to those who reserve their coats with a deposit now, just in time for us to use those deposits to fund our production run. A win-win.

You can say that again. Is it October yet???

Love for Old Stand-bys: The Newsroom on Robertson

With all the recent love bestowed on Cruzer's Pizza by this blog and others, I wanted to remind everyone that there are restaurants who have done vegan cheese just as well over there the years. My fav is probably The Newsroom Cafe.

A healthy, reasonably priced and low-key restaurant sticking out like a sore thumb on the paparazzi-infested Robertson Blvd, The Newsroom seems to have always been there. For at least 10 years (my guess) this place has been surprising eaters with great vegetarian and vegan options. I say "surprising", because Newsroom is a place you can order a vegetarian option just out of curiosity (the place also serves meat & fish), and wind up loving it. Vegan options include sandwiches, soups, bowls, dessert and breakfast items.

My favorite item on the menu has to be the Spinadilla - a cashew-cheese quesadilla made with veggie ham and spinach, with little almond pieces crushed in, spread between a tomato tortilla. It comes with homeade guacamole, and the combo couldn't be better. The cashew cheese is perfectly melted, and some of the best vegan cheese I've ever had.

Daiya, eat your heart out!

The Newsroom Cafe
120 N. Robertson Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
310-652-4444

Hours:
Mon. 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Tue-Thu. 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sun. 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Word to the wise: A bit of a scene at lunch, but a nice, relaxing dinner spot after the tourists and celebs have cleared out. Also a nice brunch spot on weekends. No reservations required, eat outside or in, and don't forget to peruse their nice magazine stand.

Father's Day at RFD!

Sunday is a big day at Real Food Daily Santa Monica-- it's their 16th birthday! And to celebrate, they are giving away a free $25 gift card to the 16th, 116th and 216th patron that dines there on Sunday!

And of course, it's also Father's Day! So both RFDs (West Hollywood and Santa Monica) are offering FREE DRINKS for dads who dine with their kids.

It you are looking for a place to bring Dad, RFD sounds like the place! My dad and I will probably wind up going there too!

Real Food Daily
514 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 451-7544

Open seven days a week: 11:30 a.m. -10:00 p.m.
SUNDAY BRUNCH 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

OMG! My kitties made it onto the front page of the Animal Rescue Site!

This is too cool! I just noticed!!! : )

The Animal Rescue Site

The Sexy Life of a Vegan

Just finished super-gluing my favorite pair of vegan boots back together.... sigh

Vaute Couture Coats on sale now - only 25 of each style will be made!

If you have $500 to spare (god knows I wish I did), head over to vegan couture house Vaute Couture and put down a deposit for one of their amazing vegan made-to-order coats.



The site has also just added a brand new Tee Shop, with super cute shirts like the one above, for around only $25. Yippee! Much more my style...

Vaute Couture garments are made on a living wage in Chicago, inspired by artists, eco-conscious fabrics and methods. Go to their site to learn more!

California Assembly Bill 1478

Lex at Vegan-LA.com alerted me to a new bill coming up in California that would require doctors to recommend a plant-based diet for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Now, maybe I'm just spoiled, but I have always gone to vegetarian-friendly doctors my whole life. When I decided to go vegetarian at age 12, I was fortunate to already be a patient of the great Dr. Jay Gordon, who raised two vegan/vegetarian children himself. Anyway, I have always had doctors that asked me about the amount of exercise and fresh fruits/vegetables I was getting. As I've gotten older, I've had doctors "hint" at alternative medicine, but say it's something I have to explore on my own.

To be fair, there are many reasons doctors shy away from bringing up alternative forms of therapy, from fears of malpractice lawsuits (as most alternative medicine doesn't go though the rigorous testing process of manufactured drugs aka animal testing) and the simple comfort of just doing what has always worked in the past.

That being said, I believe the patient should be have certain level of responsibility and should seek out second opinions on there own. Honestly, I am not keen on the wording of this bill. "Requiring" a doctor to speak about something he may actually really not believe in makes me nervous, although in this case it can mean anything from a doctor explaining the concept of vegetarianism in great detail, to the patient being handed a brochure on their way out.

I'm also concerned about where the doctor would be getting his info. Additional seminars or required reading maybe? How would this be monitored? What are the additional costs?

But let's be frank-- anything that helps lower the cost of health care in California is worth looking into. A simple change in diet or lifestyle is much less expense that the truckload of drugs usually prescribed by doctors these days. I think any bill that forces them to question their perhaps outdated beliefs to be worth looking into.

What do you think? Read up on the bill HERE and post your thoughts!

Don't Forget! Saturday is Farm Chore Day at Animal Acres!

Don't miss this opportunity to help out at Animal Acres THIS weekend and cuddle with some farm animals...

Farm Chore Day & Picnic - Saturday, June 20th
It’s summertime, and boy do we have the summer chores! Please help us care for the animals and maintain our beautiful sanctuary grounds and buildings by pitching in with farm chores. We need a BIG turnout for our special monthly FARM CHORE DAY -- volunteers are asked to arrive between 9 -11 a.m. and commit to a three hour chore task. Chore time will be followed with a vegan picnic (provided by Animal Acres) and a special tour with our fabulous tour guide Ciddy Fonteboa. Please note: Volunteers must be age 18 or over. Please RSVP to info@animalacres.org

ANIMAL ACRES
5200 Escondido Canyon Road Acton, CA 93510
Phone: 661.269.5404 Fax: 661.269.0194
Email: info@animalacres.com
Website: animalacres.org

Somethin' for the Fellas

This Vegan Shoe of the Day feature is dedicated to the guys. I, personally, think guys are a little better well off than us ladies in the vegan shoe department as they can wear sneakers virtually every day with out people blinking an eye, but when the occasion calls, here are some killer cruelty-free shoe ideas for your man.


Hermes by Bourgeois Boheme
$109.95 at Moo Shoes HERE


Kent Clark by Vegetarian Shoes
$105 at Moo Shoes HERE



Vida Shoe by Bourgeois Boheme
$119.95 at Moo Shoes HERE


Men's Muerto Mid High Top by Draven
$54.00 at Alternative Outfitters HERE

Men's Moutain Slip On by North Face
$67.50 at Zappos HERE

Elliot in Smoke Gray by Macbeth
$39.95 at Amazon HERE

Shelter Budget Slash! Urgent!

I could barely sleep last night, I am so sick about this turn of events. In case you haven't heard, Governor Schwartzenegger has decided to reduce California's massive budget deficit in part by slashing funding to city and county animal shelters, and overturn the "animal mandate" that forces kill shelters to hold animals for a full 6 days before euthanasia.... cutting the holding period down to THREE DAYS OR LESS.

Already, MILLIONS of animals (including a million puppies and kittens) are put to sleep each year in California alone. If this idea is put into action, the results will just be devastating. It just makes me sick.

I understand the need to get California's budget under control, but at what cost? A loss of humanity? Think about what happens if you lose your beloved pet and can't find them WITHIN THREE DAYS???

Please call your state representatives and the Governor TODAY! I spoke to someone at Gov Schwartzenegger's office on Friday and a rep at Mike Fuerer's office tonight (District 42). Both offices have LIVE people picking up the phones and TAKING A TALLY!

Please take a moment and CALL! We are the state that passed the most far reaching animal rights legislation in history... we can stop this!! It only takes a few minutes of your day.

Call and say you "Strongly oppose suspending the animal adoption mandate" and make sure and say you are a constituent!

Go HERE and put in your address to get your legislature's phone number!

Make a polite call to Governor Schwartznegger's office at (916) 445-2841

M Cafe - Better this time, But Skip the Tiramisu

My mom and I had lunch at M Cafe in Beverly Hills last week, and although better than my last experience where they completely f-ed up my order, things were much calmer this time. I order the carrot soup and 1/2 margarita panini. The soup was delicious (as my dad would say, "those vegans know soup.") but the cheese on the panini wasn't melted and the inside was cold so I sent it back. For dessert, we sprung for the tiramisu that I had been eyeing all lunch, and I have to say we were both disappointed. The dessert was way too heavy, and had a weird aftertaste. We both took about one and a half bites and left the rest. Back to drawing board guys. RFD definitely wins with round with their tiramisu cake, although it's considered a "special" dessert so you have to catch them at the right time.

In other dessert-related news, ever since I made Vegan White Russians last weekend, I have been putting Vanilla Soy Creamer in everything. This weekend I made a simple and sweet quick dessert of fresh cut strawberries, Soy Creamer, and a sprinkling of vegan chocolate chips. So so good and the excess creamer turns strawberry-flavored by the time you're done...

Cute Cupcakes

Sweet little article on the cult of the cupcake in the LA Times last week. Although no mention of vegan cupcake superstore BabyCakes or my favorite cookbook, Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World, its a quick, cute read HERE.

And just cuz reading it made me hungry, check out my fav recipe for Cookies N Cream Cupcakes.

Yummy Yum!

Reminder: No Cookie Left Behind TODAY!

Stop the Presses: Cruzers Pizza Blows My Mind Yet Again

In addition to the best vegan pizzas I've ever had, Cruzers Los Feliz now offers a Vegan Lasangna, Vegan Eggplant Parmigina and "Chicken" Parmigina... All for $9.99 each!!

And LA takes one more step towards becoming the Veg capitol of the world!!!

-- Posted by veggyPhone

June and July Animal Acres Events!

Feel like rubbing the belly of a pig or cuddling up to a cow? Well head over to Animal Acres this month or next for one of their fun farm days and hear some inspiring animal rescue stories. A great learning experience for kids and adults alike!

Farm Chore Day & Picnic - Saturday, June 20th
It’s summertime, and boy do we have the summer chores! Please help us care for the animals and maintain our beautiful sanctuary grounds and buildings by pitching in with farm chores. We need a BIG turnout for our special monthly FARM CHORE DAY -- volunteers are asked to arrive between 9 -11 a.m. and commit to a three hour chore task. Chore time will be followed with a vegan picnic (provided by Animal Acres) and a special tour with our fabulous tour guide Ciddy Fonteboa. Please note: Volunteers must be age 18 or over. Please RSVP to info@animalacres.org

4th of July PIGNIC – Saturday, July 4th Noon to 4 pm
Come celebrate a festive Fourth at Animal Acres! Join us for our annual PIGNIC for farm tours, face-painting, delicious picnic food, and old-fashioned field games like our watermelon eating contest and gunny sack races! Stuff your face with watermelon, frozen treats and our cruelty-free twist on the traditional "Fourth of July" barbeque! Our celebration will be in full swing from 12 noon to 4:00 pm with food served all day and field games starting at 2:00 pm. Reservations are not required - Tickets are just $7 per adult and $5 per child (12 and under) and admission price includes a FREE soydog and beverage.

Vegan Potluck Tour – Sunday, July 12th 11 am to 3 pm
Animal Acres hosts public tours every Sunday, but on July 12th, we will be holding a potluck tour day to introduce everyone to great tasting and nutritious vegan food! It’s a great tour day to bring friends and family to encourage people to adopt a healthy and humane diet. Enjoy a sanctuary tour at either 11 am or 1 pm, and gather in our beautiful courtyard for a vegan potluck at noon. Please bring a vegan dish to share (that can serve 8 -10 people). Tours are just $5 per person and FREE for 2009 Animal Acres members (you must bring your 2009 Animal Acres membership card to receive free tour for you and a guest.)

ANIMAL ACRES
5200 Escondido Canyon Road Acton, CA 93510
Phone: 661.269.5404 Fax: 661.269.0194
Email: info@animalacres.org
Website: www.animalacres.org

Sweet Bags

Besides the article on Erin McKenna of BabyCakes this month's issue of Lucky Magazine mentioned website FashionFlairs.com as having cool handbags "most in faux leather" so of course I had to check 'em out.


This bag by Melie Bianco is no leather but all hotness. For $99 HERE



I also drooled over this baby is soft brown faux leather also by Melie Bianco.
A steal at $77 HERE (also comes in black, red and green)

I'm a sucker for yellow (and no leather) so I think this would look so rad with dark blue jeans and boots.
By Urban Expressions, $64.99 HERE

Urgent Alert!

Californians: Urge Lawmakers Not to Make Sheltered Dogs and Cats Victims of Budget Crisis

California faces a massive budget deficit and state leaders have only days to figure out which critical services and programs will be sacrificed to make up the difference.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has again proposed to suspend the "animal adoption mandate," which would reduce the holding period for stray dogs and cats in the state's city and county animal shelters by half—to three days. The savings generated by suspending this mandate is a paltry 0.1 percent of the $24 billion deficit.

These funds are the only state dollars that presently go to assisting local governments with the costly problem of pet overpopulation and this holding period is critical to give pet owners more time to locate lost animals and to give unclaimed animals more time to either be adopted or transferred to an animal rescue.

State lawmakers need to hear from you today.

TAKE ACTION:
Please call Governor Schwarzenegger at (916) 445-2841. Click here to look up your state legislators and their phone numbers. Ask them not to suspend the "animal adoption mandate.

If you prefer to send an email, go to www.gov.ca.gov, then click on the "Interact" tab and send a message that way.

Please take action today!

No Cookie Left Behind THIS Sunday!

Yeaaaa! Speaking of bake sales, one of my favorite summer events is this Sunday! The No Cookie Left Behind Bake Sale is a community event that bring people together to help combat childhood hunger in the U.S.

Like last year it is going to take places at Scoops Ice Cream Shoppe and will include sweets by my favorite ladies at Spork Foods. If you are in the neighborhood come early and enjoy is some delicious delights. I can attest that you won't be disappointed!!

Like you need an excuse to buy shoes...

Type shoetrifecta at check out and get 10% off purchases through June 15 (hurry)

MooShoes.com

something else to do this weekend...

Take advantage of June gloom and help out our California shoreline before it gets crazy summer hot, by participating in Saturday's Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue in Huntington Beach.

Back for its third straight year, The Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project is bigger than ever! In celebration of Surfrider Foundation's 25th Anniversary, Barefoot Wine and the Surfrider Foundation are rescuing, renewing and restoring 25 beaches this summer.

Volunteers are rewarded with drinks, snacks and a concert by Mason Jennings at the pretty new Shorebreak Hotel! I saw Mason a few months ago and he is great, perfect evening beach music (go figure, he's on Jack Johnson's record label)! Check out some of his tunes on MySpace. Mason will a;sp be donating proceeds from his new track “Sunlight” to the Surfrider Foundation, for the duration of the Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project

Beach Rescue Project @ Bolsa Chica State Beach
17851 Pacific Coast Hwy b/t Main & Sixth Sts
Huntington Beach
714-861-4470
Please RSVP to republic.barefootwine.com

New FREE Vegan iPhone App!

Yeah, finally a really, really good vegan restaurant listings app... and it's FREE! I reviewed a few current apps last month HERE, but just downloaded a new one today called Vegan Steven. It's SUPER EASY to use, with a great interface that makes finding a vegan restaurant in your area totally simple.

There are basically only two screens. After the app pulls your current location, it fires off a list of nearby restaurants:



As you can see, it's organized by distance with the address and phone number, with notations for price and numbers of reviews.
By clicking on one of the entries you get to this screen:



You can hit a button and call the reservation, or read a number of restaurant reviews.

Genius! I love it!

Be Our Fan!

Join my Facebook page for quicker updates on all things Veggywood!

Click here!

Yeeee!

Neat-O: First World-Wide Vegan Bake Sale Info

Just stumbled across this! On June 20 through June 28, groups and animal lovers from across the world will be holding vegan bake sales! Super cool-- there are groups ALL OVER THE WORLD participating from Australia to the UK to Nova Scotia and of course the USA!

So far two bake-sales are planned in Los Angeles!

Bake Sale #1

Date: Thursday June 25, 2009

Time: 10am – 2pmVenue: Los Angeles City Hall Farmers Market

Address: 200 N. Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
The market is located on the south lawn on First Street between Main and Spring Streets.

More Info: monica.valencia@lacity.org

Proceeds: The Los Angeles River Keepers, which is a program of the non-profit Los Angeles Conservation Corps, and part of the city's Los Angeles River Revitalization

Bake Sales #2 and #3

Dates: Sunday June 21, 2009 and Sunday June 28, 2009

Time: 11am – ?pm

Venue: Locali

Address: Hollywood
5825 Franklin Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 466-1360

Website: Bake Me Up! LA

More Info: bakemeupla@gmail.com.

Proceeds: Animal Acres, Earthlings, and Little Big Dog Rescue

Anyone can participate so if you are interested or just want to scope out the locations, head over to VeganBakeSale.org (wow do I love that URL!) for tons of info... It's also a really inspiring list to check out!

I am DEFINITELY going to check these out and hope I can find some way of participating!

Erin McKenna of BabyCakes NYC in this month's Lucky Mag!

I think a part of me will always want to be Erin McKenna, the founder of vegan bakery BabyCakes NYC (no that's not her on the cover, check out the foto below, actually there is some similarities)... she's cute, funny, and can bake a mean cupcake. Oh yeah, and apparently BabyCakes grossed over $1 million in sales last year.

But on the other hand, she's apparently not vegan so, screw that, I'll just be me. And, I have to say, that on my visit to New York last year, I was less than impressed with the cup cake shop. Read about my personal tour of vegan New York HERE

Anyway, in any case, there's a cool article on Erin in this month's Lucky Magazine, centered more on her sense of style, but giving a nice shout out to vegan baked goods in general...

I'd post it but I can't find a web-friendly verizon anywhere. lame.

GREAT Vegan Catering Article in Today's LA Times!

Really neat article this morning* in the LA Times' Food Section on vegan/vegetarian/raw caterers and chefs, mainly centered in the Silverlake/Echo Park indie rock scene.

This is my favorite quote from the article that you can read HERE

"People don't realize that just as there are all these professional people going to train at Le Cordon Bleu, there is a whole generation of chefs who are punks, and they're partying and they're hedonists and they're into food and sucking the nectar out of life"

--Amanda Brown of Crops and Rawbeers catering

If you enjoy the article, send the writer a quick note at jessica.gelt@latimes.com and encourage her to write more vegan-friendly stories!

* Thanks Mom!

OMG! Ew!

Wow THIS is just disgusting! Fuck you Hermes!

You May Have Noticed I've Sold Out

Sorry about the new ad banners folks, but I'm trying to save up to get a spiffy new webpaged designed, as I am html retarded... So if you want to show your support, click on an ad or two or three haha... It throws me a couple of cents (actually I think 1 cent, lol) every time.

The google "vegan search" is actually really cool. Because I added in "vegan" as search qualification, every entry should be vegan/vegetarian... no more results for "mail order steaks" or "delicious horsemeat" something...

Anyway, once in a blue moon a usefully ad will pop up. Hopefully!

Veggie Kitchen Essetials

I wrote up a list on amazon the other day.... check it out!

Do you have all, some, or most of these items? Anything you'd add?

Vegan Kitchen Essentials

I Eat My Words!

While I didn't have the most glowing review of the new site VeganOutfitter.com, I totally take that back. The site has totally stepped up its game with a freshened-up site, and literally, with some brand new shoes that will knock your socks off.

Check these out:



Vegan Salin - black
$58 HERE

Vegan Cupid - pink
$48 HERE



Vegan Nadie - purple
$58 HERE


Vegan Yaya - navy
$58 HERE

OMG I WANT THEM ALL!!! And...



Wake me up. I think I'm dreaming....

Vegan Happy Hour at The Short Stop!

How cool is this? One of my favorite hole in the wall bars (and I say that with nothing but love), The Short Stop in Echo Park hosts a Vegan Happy Hour & Potluck every Thursday (except when there is a Dodger game)!

According to the MySpace Page you are encouraged to bring vegan treats to share... Drink specials run from 5 to 8pm!

Seriously, could my neighborhood rock any harder???

The Short Stop
1455 Sunset Blvd (at Sutherland)
LA 90026

If you haven't been before, look for the red neon "cocktails" sign...

Vegan Shoe of the Day!

Yes, please.

Liz heels from Mod Cloth...

$39.99 HERE

Cat Travel Info

Catster.com has some good info in their article Traveling with Your Cat: Flying the Friendly Skies with Fluffy including pet travel tips and a list of the top 5 pet-friendly airlines of 2009. Also info on Pet Airways which I've mentioned in a previous post.

Happy Traveling!

Interested in Vegan Macro Cooking?

Do the words "M Cafe" instantly make you salivate? Well then maybe you'd like to check out the vegan macrobiotic cooking classes offered by LA-based Viva la Greens.

For June and July they are offering a series on cooking "basics" for health food newbies or seasoned cookers that just want to brush up. As a self-proclaimed klutz in the kitchen, I might just have to check these out:

Class 1 - Knife Techniques & Overview of Whole Foods Diet
Class 2 - Soups & Vegetables
Class 3 - Whole Grains & Sea Vegetables
Class 4 - Plant-based Proteins

Class 1 - Tuesday, June 9th 6:30-9:30pm (Los Feliz)
Class 2 - Saturday, June 20th, 11-2pm (Westside)
Class 3 - Wednesday, July 1st, 6:30-9:30pm (Westside)
Class 4 - Saturday, July 18th, 11-2pm (Westside)

Each class is $50 or $180 for the whole series. Locations TBA.

You can choose individual classes or sign up for the whole series for a discount.

Email info@vivalagreens.com to register or if you have questions. They also offer private classes, cooking "parties" and dietary counseling.

Wow...

Okay so I seriously think I just had a pizza orgasm... we ordered pizzas from Cruzer tonight to be delivered (I haven't done that in years)... and I found what us vegans have been waiting for... The Margareta Pizza (daiya cheese, basil, yellow & red tomatoes) is IT. Seriously tastes like the real thing.... if you haven't gotten to Cruzers go ASAP and order the Margareta! This is the vegan pizza we've been waiting for!!

Cruzer Pizza & Pasta
4449 Prospect Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 666-0600

Hours:

Mon-Thu. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Fri-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m

Check out my Amazon List

I just wrote up an Amazon list on Vegan Kitchen Essentials, check it out HERE

It's here!

Become a fan of Veggywood on Facebook:

Click HERE!

Home-Made Vegan White Russians!

Ever since I had one at my birthday dinner at Millennium in San Francisco, I have been craving a Vegan White Russian cocktail like no other. I'd looked up recipes awhile ago online and found one that recommended adding melted ice cream to the mix, so I have had aspirations to try that for a bit.

Since my boyfriend also likes the Dude's fav drink, I decided to make them as a special dessert for our one year anniversary tomorrow. And, of course, I just had to test them out myself alone on Saturday afternoon (if you drink with cats does it still count as drinking alone?).

Anyway, anyone who says you can't make a tasty White Russian without "real" cream is mistaken.... these are super, super rich and creamy with the addition of the melted ice cream. Wow!
Ingredients:

French Vanilla Kalua (yes its vegan)
French Vanilla soy creamer by Silk
Vanilla soy ice cream (I used Whole Soy & Co Vanilla Bean)
Pretty glass
Ice cubes
Vodka (optional)*

It's tough to give you the exact measurements, but I would say it's something like 3 parts Kalua, 1 part melted ice cream and 1 part soy creamer (plus Vodka to taste if you want that in there too).

Pour over plenty of ice and enjoy (preferably while watching The Big Libowski)...

* Since it was only around 3 when I made this, I skipped the Vodka.

Crazy Sale at Vegan Chic!! Final 2 Days!

Attention shoe lovers! Final weekend of 40% off sale at Vegan Chic!

They are having an INSANE sale plus free shipping on orders of $75+! Hurry over and check it out...

Update: Ugh. I waited too long... The Vegan Riding Boots by Neuaura are sold out in my size. Grrrr....



Let this be a lesson! Get over there NOW! : (

Update 2: Just ran over to Moo Shoes and found these cuties...


... ALSO sold out in a size 7.

My day is not starting out well. It's only 10:30 am and I already need chocolate STAT.

Recall of Nutro® Dry Cat Food!

FYI if you haven't seen this yet...

On May 21, Nutro Products voluntarily recalled select varieties of NUTRO® Dry Cat Foods. The food has "Best If Used By" dates between May 12, 2010 and August 22, 2010. Inaccurate levels of zinc and potassium were discovered during an audit. Owners should monitor their cats for symptoms. The food was distributed in all 50 states in the U.S., as well as Canada, Mexico, Japan, and several other countries.

Get more info HERE

Pop Quiz!

So, since my blog has amazingly taken off recently, I want to know more about YOU, my fellow residents of veggywood. Please take a minute to take my reader survey at the top of the page. It's only a few questions, but it will really help me to learn more about my readers.

Thank you!

Are you on Facebook?

On a Friday afternoon? Of course you are.

Take a second out of your work day (as if someone needs to ask you twice) and cruise over to these vegan-friendly Facebook pages and "become a fan" or friend and show your support!

(and of course, feel free to comment with your own suggestions...)


Peta 2


Madeleine Bistro


Post Punk Kitchen


Turtle Mountain


Allison's Gourmet


Farm Sanctuary


Voute Couture


Real Food Daily


HSUS


ASPCA


The Animal Rescue Site



Follow Your Heart



Vegan Lunch Box

Somethin' For the Kids...

If you are a vegan momma this might be a fun outing for you and your bebes. I'm a mom of some cats, but it might look weird if I showed up with them... But free Uncle Eddies? Hmmm... tempting...

What: That's Why We Don't Eat Animals by Ruby Roth Launch Party

Where: Storyopolis @ 14945 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

When: Saturday June 6 @ 11:30 am

Why: Join us at Storyopolis this SAT., June 6, at 11:30am for the official launch party for the acclaimed vegetarian/vegan children's book "That's Why We Don't Eat Animals" -the first children's book to address the emotional lives of animals, factory farming, the environment, and endangered species all in regards to the foods we eat. With a reading and signing with author Ruby Roth plus "milk" and cookies provided by Uncle Eddie's Vegan Cookies and Rice Dream!

Check out the book's website here: Why We Don't Eat Animals
Look up Storyopolis HERE

Got Extra Stuff?

Did spring cleaning pass you by? Try again right now and donate any gently-used items for Forte Animal Rescue's Yard Sale on Saturday, June 13th.

100% of the revenue will go to the care of animals. Forte is an all volunteer rescue organization-- not one person gets paid! If you have extra stuff lying around (and I know you do), consider handing it over for this good cause. Come on, you know Buffalo Exchange's not gonna give you money for it anyway...

If you've got stuff to donate, contact tracy@FARescue.org or call 312-720-0727. Or just drop stuff off at 12820 Green Ave / Los Angeles, CA 90066. Do it!

And, of course, if you love rummage sales, make sure you stop at the sale itself! See below.



Read up on the organization HERE and check out their success stories!

Your Pet May Soon Be Racking Up Frequent Flyer Miles Too

Well this is interesting news... apparently travel is not just for humans anymore. Now a pair of options exist to make sure your beloved pet travels in style (and safety).

Southwest Airlines recently announced that they will begin selling airline tickets for small pets. Pet fare tickets can be purchased for travel that begins on June 17. The cost is $75 each way. All in-cabin pets must be carried in an appropriate carrier, which counts as a carry-on bag for the guardian.

Another reason to love Southwest! This should also be a nice boost for animal organizations taking adopted pets to their new owners...

For more information, call (800) I-FLY-SWA or visit Southwest.com

Also in the works is a FULL AIRLINE for pets called PetAirways! Your pets travel in comfort and even stop for potty breaks! Instead of riding in a cargo hold, pets get a crate in coach and there's an on-board veterinarian and other attendants on duty at all times.

Check out the article HERE

Yelp Restaurant Week - One More Day!

Ooops... only one more day to participate in Yelp's 1st Annual Restaurant Week May 31st - June 5th in conjunction with LACMA.

Check out the list of restaurants participating in a 3-course prix fixe menus specially priced from $15-30 HERE

Here are a few of the restaurants offering vegan options:

LUNA PARK $28
* Vegan White Bean Cassoulet with Broccoli Rabe, Tomatoes, Chard and a Basil Pistou

SANTÉ LA BREA $30
* Vegan Soup Du Jour
* Chicken Asparagus (Vegan option available)
* Spinach Enchiladas (Vegan option available)

MESSOB ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT $15
* Vegetarian's Delight Includes: Yatakilt Alicha, Yemiser Wot, Yater Alicha, Collard Greens, Pumpkin, Salad, Tomato Fit-Fit, Baklava and coffee (I'm sure can be altered to accommodate vegans)

Vaute Couture

Ah, the word's vegan couture give me such a warm fuzzy feeling. And the stuff of Vaute Couture, a line out of Chicago by designer Leanne Mai is all puppies and unicorns. Granted, at a price range of $300-600 it's probably not in my price range at the moment, but a girl can dream (and drool).

If you *heart* Vaute Couture like I do, go on over and check out the blog at On Our Sleeve which will keep you up on what's happening with the company, and more importantly, when and wear these coats will be available!!

Vegan Shoe of the Day

So, I've felt guilty lately about my lack of men's Vegan Shoe of the Day, so today I'd like to spotlight one of my favorite brands :



And YES, I know it is not a completely vegan brand, but they do have mostly vegan varieties of shoes made of canvas and rubber.

There is something just so...sexy about a man in these shoes. Like he just rolled out of bed or came in from walking on the beach.

Plus, despite their use of suede and leather on occasion, Tom's is a brand you can feel good about wearing. For every pair of shoes purchased, the company donates a pair of shoes to someone in need during their annual "shoe drops."

Currently Endless.com has a nice variety-- and free overnight shipping! Just click HERE to see all the styles!

Wanna Get Involved?

Do you want to get involved with animal welfare causes here in LA but don't know how? Or perhaps the idea of standing on a corner with picket signs wearing bloody fur coats just doesn't seem appealing to you?

Well you are not alone. If you are looking for a more...civilized...form of protest, check out Best Friend's efforts to wipe LA free of puppy-mill selling pet stores. The closure of the notorious Pet Love of Beverly Center is largely attributed to their hard work, especially in the area of tabling. This is a peaceful, pre-arranged, form of protest that is as much an educational opportunity as attention getting, perhaps more so, where you hand out Best Friends literature and talk to people who might be tempted to buy a puppy at Best Friend's current target, Barkworks. You'll also be able to meet other like-minded animal lovers and feel good about contributing to the cause!



If you've got a few hours of time, email jkrause@bestfriends.org or tiffanih@bestfriends.org to sign up for shifts. They can give you more information and are currently looking for volunteers for a wide number of Southland locations!

To find out more about the campaign go to www.puppiesarentproducts.com

Vegan Pizza in Los Feliz and IT'S GOOD!

So, I'm a bit behind the 8 ball on this, but tonight I made a special trip over to Cruzer Pizza in Los Feliz (a matter of blocks from my apartment) to try out the much-heralded VEGAN PIZZA. Repeat VEGAN PIZZA. And no, not marinara-sauce-and-grilled-veggies "vegan" pizza-- VEGAN PIZZA WITH CHEESE. Specifically daiya cheese.



Although it set me back $15 for a simple cheese and mushroom, I didn't care at all. The five minute ride home was torturous with that amazing smelling box on the seat next to me.... I scarfed down almost three pieces before I even took my shoes off.



While at first glance this isn't the gooey cheese of my youth, once you got it in your mouth it was hard to tell. It tasted damn good to me, even though there was a tad of a nutritional yeast aftertaste. Although, the price for a single pizza definitely will have to be a treat, not a weekly occurance. Plus, I don't think my easy weekday pizza is that far off...



But, come on, it's sure fun ordering a pizza like a "normal" person, and I can't wait to try the Calzon, which is a more affordable $6. Plus, there is free delivery -- which like free shipping, is one of my great joys in life.

Cruzer Pizza & Pasta
4449 Prospect Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 666-0600

Hours:

Mon-Thu. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Fri-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m

Real Food Daily Summer Specials

Speaking of food, head over to realfooddaily.com to check out their summer specials!

And let me just say, hate as I do on Real Food sometimes, I am very intrigued by the promised Dessert specials:

• Peach Ginger Shortcake
• Pecan Sour Cream Coffeecake
• Oreo Cake
• Peach Blueberry Cobbler
• Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake
• Banana Cream Tart
• Hostess Cupcake
• Chocolate Raspberry Cake
• Chocolate Coconut Squares
• Oatmeal Currant Cookie
• Chocolate Chip Cookie
• Almond Jam Cookies
• Mango Kanten
• Cocoa Truffle
• Chocolate Pudding

Hostess Cupcake? I might just have to go grab one of those...And I don't know what an "Oreo Cake" is either, but I want one too.

In addition, my favorite dish the Penne for your Thoughts appears to be back from June 8 to 14th, so I think a trip is in order.

Um, OMG!

How did I miss this?? A pizza place AROUND THE CORNER from me in Los Feliz is offering vegan pizza with the much heralded daiya cheese that I have yet to try??

OMFG! Check out this menu!! I'm dying! Me. Vegan pizza. After work. Today! I can't believe I just found out about this!! (thanks to Quarry Girl!)



Cruzer Pizza & Pasta
4449 Prospect Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 666-0600

Hours:

Mon-Thu. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Fri-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m

Thank you!

Wow... just wanted to let you guys know that my blog hit record numbers last month! Thanks so much for all your support, comments and suggestions!

So awesome to know there's so many residents of veggywood!

Hugs xoxo

Vegan's Need Gossip Too...

Don't think you'll make it to mid-Monday-morning without your gossip fix but are sick of Perez calling Laday Gaga the next Madonna?

Head over to Ecorazzi for the latest in green gossip. Yep, even gossip sites are getting on the eco-band wagon. While less "gossip" per se than just "news" on your favorite eco-celebs like Natalie Portman, Ed Begley, et all, it still provides a nice change of pace when you are sick of hearing about John and Kate Plus Eight or Lindsay Lohen.