Today John is joined by Colleen to discuss the merits of cashew milk.  It was a serious conversation until John brought up the term "nut bag".  Colleen is really happy with the cashew milk she makes, and even happier that it doesn't require another space-eating gadget in order to make the recipe.

Other topics of conversation on this week's podcast:
- Colleen gives her opinions on Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar and her latest trip to Fressen
- The defensive omnivore bingo card
- Colleen's favourite sandwich recipe

This week's episode is a vegan rocked 30 minutes.

Listen Now!

Indulge and Inspire

Unlike other holidays, there are currently no traditions that exist for celebrating Family Day - so we're starting a new one - Vegetarian Potluck Day!

CLICK HERE to download our registration form and start planning your vegetarian potluck today.

You have the opportunity to demonstrate that choosing a vegetarian diet is healthy, easy and delicious. Celebrate Family Day with your loved ones, and raise money to support the Toronto Vegetarian Association by hosting a vegetarian potluck fundraiser. Our hope is that there will be numerous vegetarian potlucks happening all over the city.

50 Reasons to Host a Potluck

The average vegetarian saves the lives of 50 animals every year. Hosting a vegetarian potluck means you can:

•    Help TVA raise funds for our new programs such as Compassion Week and a Meatless Monday campaign 
•    Win TVA t-shirts and books from our resource centre by helping TVA gain new members and donors!
•    Share the benefits of a healthier, greener and more peaceful lifestyle with friends and family
•    Show your non-vegetarian friends how easy it is to cook vegetarian food, and how delicious and diverse vegetarian food is
•    Give your friends free materials to promote vegetarianism in the GTA, including copies of the Vegetarian Directory

It's as Easy as Vegan Sweet Potato Pie!

Just click the link below to register your potluck using our downloadable form and send it in to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it today! We'll send you a package with materials and suggestions to bring your potluck to life!

CLICK HERE to download our registration form and register your vegetarian potluck today! 

	Tweet if you love TVA! Come follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/torontoveg We’re on Facebook Check out the event pages for Vegan Rock and Vegetarian Potluck Day. Join the Toronto Vegetarian Association Facebook Group to receive invitations to events and more! Want even more news? Want even more news? TVA members are entitled to a free customized version of VegE-News. Find out more.

Bring on the events!

With our calendars reminding us of two holidays this month - Valentine's Day and Family Day, many people are brainstorming ideas for getting together with their loved ones and celebrating. And we've got more than a few suggestions for combining your desire to spend quality time with friends and family with your passion for a vegetarian lifestyle.

The 2nd Annual Vegan Rock concert is happening February 4th, Rancho Relaxo is holding a special buffet dinner, and we're inviting everyone to join us in starting a new tradition for Family Day by hosting a vegetarian potluck.   

If that's not enough to keep you busy, Nimisha Raja's hosting another round of her Cancer Project Cooking Series, this time with four new classes!

But February is cause for celebration not only because of the designated holidays, but also because of fantastic news for farm animals, as Toronto's Walk for Farm Animals announces record breaking fundraising, and the stats start to show fewer animals are actually being killed for food.

This month, learn about chickens in Bonnie Shulman's Animal Profile of the Month, and kale in Karen Soper's Nutritious Food of the Month.

Don't Miss These Upcoming Events!

Vegan Rock will happen on Thursday, February 4th and we're starting a new holiday tradition by designating Family Day, February 15th, as Vegetarian Potluck Day. Find out more in the TVA in Action section.

Today Liam is singing up a storm, but when he's not he and John spend some time talking about the fur industry.  John vents about how the Fur Council of Canada suggests that purchasing fur is an eco-conscious decision.  He also thinks that maybe those wearing fur deserve a pie in the face.  Liam responds with his list of pies that can be thrown in people's faces in response to a news item from earlier this week.  

The two also spend some time discussing:
- vegan cheese options
- different events coming up in Toronto
- vegetarian potlucks for Family Day

This episode is a pie in the sky 29 minutes.

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The second annual Vegan Rock is happening soon! Come out to support the Toronto Vegetarian Association and to enjoy some good music and yummy treats.

There will be plenty of delicious vegan treats like cupcakes, pies and cookies. There is also a solid lineup of musical acts.

Who's Playing? Dream Awake - http://www.myspace.com/dreamawakemusic

Robert Hedge - http://www.myspace.com/roberthedge

More Than Breathing - http://www.myspace.com/morethanbreathing

Dyniss - http://www.dyniss.com

In celebration of the one year anniversary of their vegan options

Today John and Liam talk a lot about the vegetarian related events which are coming up.  Vegan Rock is coming up and it promises to be an awesome concert/bake sale just like last year.  There's also a V.A.S.T. Valentine's Day Potluck.  Rancho Relaxo is also having a celebration of its vegan menu, and it promises to be a fun event.

Liam is planning on having some chili with his football watching this weekend.  He doesn't have a set chilli recipe, but he's pretty sure there will be corn and different kinds of beans.  John knows for sure that he's not a fan of tofu in chilli, and Liam tends to agree.

The two also discuss their experiences eating at Queen of Sheba and Pulp Kitchen .

This week's episode is a cold blooded 26 minutes.

Listen Now!

Where to eat - ALL NEW!

This must be a record: FIVE new all-vegetarian places opened in the past month! Try some new culinary delights and welcome these new additions to Toronto's vibrant veg community.

Wild Seed Food bar (4031 Fairview St., Burlington, theseedfoodbar.blogspot.com ) has opened! They are an all vegan cafe located in a yoga studio. Their description: "Raw/cooked vegan food bar in Burlington. Located at 4031 Fairview St. Unit 103, situated in Kula yoga studio. Wild Seed serves organic juices, smoothies, salads, raw/cooked sandwiches, wraps, desserts, tonics, teas, coffees and way much more."

Loving Hut (953 Eglinton Ave W, West of Bathurst, www.lovinghut.ca/toronto.html , 416-916-0880) has just opened in December 2009.  They are a vegan restaurant that's part of an international chain founded by spiritual group Supreme Master Ching Hai. Their description:  "Loving Hut chain restaurants are newly opening around the world. It is an invitation to gourmet cuisine made with wholesome vegan ingredients, offering an accessible starting point for those making the noble transition to a plant-based diet."

Swagruhas (2970 Drew Road, Airport & Derry, Mississauga, 905-673-2244) has just opened.  They are a South Indian vegetarian restaurant in Malton. A visitor writes: "Veg restaurant offering South Indian specialities with Hyderabadi taste. Their Paneer (Cottage Cheese) Masala Dosas are just out of the world. Neat clean family run place - a must try for those looking for spicy vegan food." Closed Tuesday.

Teatree Cafe and Eatery (867 Danforth Ave, e. of Jones, www.teatreecafe.com , 416-901-9089) has just opened. They are a vegetarian casual dining cafe on the Danforth. Their description: "Vegetarian and vegan sandwiches on homemade vegan breads, gluten free quiche, vegan chili with vegan cornbread, soup, salad, and desserts. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, organic options. Loose leaf tea and espresso coffee." Open mornings and for lunch (8am-6pm)

Cruda Cafe (St Lawrence Market, 92 Front St E, www.crudacafe.com ) will be open the last week in January.  They are a food court style establishment.  Find them in the lower level, of the South market, by the elevators. Their description: "Cruda Cafe (meaning RAW in Spanish) is the most vibrant, vegan cafe in the heart of downtown Toronto, located inside the beautiful St. Lawrence Market landmark. We serve vegan organic living foods available for eat in, take out and catering."

Where to eat - updates

Bo De Duyen (186 Spadina Ave, n. of Queen St W, 416-703-1247) now has three  freezers full of mock meats.  Fresh lunches are made each morning for take out or eat in at bar seating. They are  a small cafe serving hot tea, bubble tea, cold soy milk served from a fountain machine, and frozen mock meats to take home.

Graceful Vegetarian Restaurant (7131 Kennedy Rd, www.agveg.ca,  Markham, 905-479-8381) is now offering ALL DAY dim sum. They are an elegant 150 seat Hong Kong Chinese vegetarian restaurant. A visitor reports: “Graceful does all day dim sum now. You have to ask for the dim sum menu and the server will warn you that not all of it is available. However, everything I ordered was!"

Help needed at Directory restaurants

Camros Organic Eatery is  hiring for their North York branch (inside the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine), at Sheppard and Leslie. Looking for a warm, friendly, hard working, experienced and honest customer service representative. Click here for application instructions . Immediate timeline (position needs to be filled in the next two weeks).

Hot Yam! (http://hotyam.blogspot.com ) is in need of an accountant to prepare a Review Engagement Report. They write: "We are currently unfunded. Each week we attempt to make enough money through our meal sales to pay for the week after, as well as cover rent and equipment costs. We are in the process of applying for funding from the university. We have been conditionally accepted pending production of a Review Engagement Report completed by a chartered accountant. This volunteer job posting is for a chartered accountant to work with us to prepare this document. We need it completed by January 18, 2010." More information here.

Online Shopping

Simply British Foods (www.simplybritishfoods.com , 905-666-2650) is an online store carrying British foods based out of Whitby, Ontario. Use search box for "vegan" or "vegetarian" to see just those items. Their description: "All our 'suitable for vegetarians and vegan' products are labeled accordingly. Only those products that are labeled as such are highlighted on our website – including: biscuits, sweets, crisps, groceries and cakes! Most major food manufacturers in the UK recognize the need to make their products suitable for vegetarian and vegan consumers. We also offer a '2 or more pricing policy to save you 15%."

And the award goes to...

One Love Vegetarian for being named #3 on Blog TO's Best New Cheap Eats in Toronto, 2009! 

Today John and Liam discuss their holidays.  Liam talks about his experiences with his recently purchased Vegan With A Vegeance.  John speaks about his experiences with vegetarian eating while traveling in Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru.  John and Liam also talk about John's experiences with the treatment of dogs in South America.

The two also discuss:
- PETA's affiliation with Gilbert Arenas
- The Globe and Mail publishing an article questioning whether milk is good for children
- A proposal to put in an aquarium by the CN Tower
- New vegetarian restaurants in the Greater Toronto Area

This episode is a prosperous 25 minutes long.

Listen Now!

	Tweet if you love TVA! Come follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/torontoveg We’re on Facebook Join the Toronto Vegetarian Association Facebook Group to receive invitations to events and more! Want even more news? Want even more news? TVA members are entitled to a free customized version of VegE-News. Find out more.

Happy New Year!

With the new year come many new announcements at the Toronto Vegetarian Association.

The 2nd Annual Vegan Rock concert is happening February 4th, and as always, there are more new vegetarian restaurants opening across the city.

And, eLifelines itself has a new column to honour our 2010 focus on compassion for animals - the Animal Profile of the Month. This new column written by Food Fair co-blogger Bonnie Shulman will tell you about the valuable lives of different animals, and let you know how you can make a difference to them.

Don't Miss These Upcoming Events!

Vegan Rock! will happen on Thursday, February 4th. Find out more in the TVA in Action section.

Start the year off right by making some key changes to your routine. Many of the following resolutions benefit animals and the planet, and can lead to greater personal health. If your plan involves going vegetarian or vegan, be sure to check out our Veggie Challenge. Participants receive a week's worth of supportive emails.

Go vegetarian
Start by reading our Top 10 reasons to go vegetarian, then check out What to Eat. This page has meal suggestions and tips for new vegetarians about eating out, ordering in, and adjusting the meals you currently make. Also see our Cuisine page for meal plans, shortcuts to vegetarian cooking, basic veggie meals, and the best recipe links.

Go vegan
Eggs are an optional part of a vegetarian diet. Eliminating eggs will spare hens from the horrors of factory farms. Eggs are also high in cholesterol. See our Eggs page for more information and egg substitutes. See our Cow's Milk page for an in depth overview of some of the potential problems associated with dairy, and a look at the alternatives. See our Nutrition page if you have any health concerns.

Become veggie and fit
Incorporate fitness into your lifestyle and become a shining example of a strong healthy vegetarian. Bike, run or walk instead taking the car. Or skate, cross country ski, dance, swim, do yoga or anything else that will inspire you to move your body. OranicAthlete.org has an excellent guide to vegan sports nutrition.

Cut back on sweets
The average North American consumes about 150 pounds of sweeteners per year. For a review of the different types of sweeteners and the controversy surrounding most of them, see From Sugar to Agave – How Sweet It Is?

Eat local foods
Buying locally grown food supports nearby farmers, and greatly reduces the energy and resources necessary to transport and store foods. Even in the winter, you can find locally grown potatoes, cabbage, carrots, turnips, squash, apples, and more. Check out our Local & Organic page for more information.

Go organic
By voting with your food dollars, you can support organic methods while at the same time saying no to chemical agriculture. Modern conventional farming relies on soil fumigants, herbicides, systemic insecticides, pesticides, fertilizers, and fungicides. Check out our Local & Organic page for more information.

Try a raw foods diet
Raw and living foods include fruits, vegetables, sprouts, nuts, seeds, grains and sea vegetables. Eating such foods uncooked preserves enzymes and nutrient values. Many people say they feel healthier eating more raw foods. Some take on a raw diet as a temporary cleanse. See our Raw page for more information.

Lose weight
Vegetarians and vegans are more likely to keep to a healthy weight. However, some feel they need a little extra help. The Veg Family website has a review of popular weight loss programs. See GoVeg.com for Maintaining a Healthy Weight and Success stories (includes photos).

Gain weight
See our High energy vegetarian foods article. If you really want to bulk up, check out www.veganbodybuilding.com.
 

Festive Meals Out

African Palace (834 Bloor St W, at Shaw, 416-588-7819) will be offering a special 3 course vegetarian meal for $9.99 on Christmas Day, Friday, December 25th. The meal will begin with a samosa appetizer, followed by a vegetarian combination plate (which includes 8 different items plus salad and injera), and then ends with fruit salad and traditional Ethiopian coffee. For New Year's day, January 1, they will be offering an all you can eat vegetarian buffet from 11-4 for only $11.99. They will be closed on Christmas Eve but will be open for dinner on Christmas Day, Friday, the 25th.  *Note that their vegetarian dishes are also suitable for vegans and they offer a gluten-free option of rice instead of injera.

Annapurna (1085 Bathurst St, www.annapurna.ca, 416-537-8513) is serving a Xmas season vegetarian dinner on Tuesday December 22 consisting of savoury panfried tofu with maple roasted squash, savoury stuffing, cranberry sauce and steamed broccoli.  They have been serving South Indian and macrobiotic dishes since 1974.

Commensal Vegetarian Restaurant (655 Bay St (n. of Dundas, enter on Elm), www.commensal.ca, 416-596-9364)  is serving Tofu Pot Pie and Grilled Apple and Vegetables, served with Vegan Gravy and Cranberry Sauce. For side dishes, we have Butternut Squash Puree, Brussel Sprouts dressed with Red Pepper Garlic and Olive Oil, Refried Bean and Cheese Yellow Corn Tortilla, Cheese Yellow Corn Tortilla and the Cinnamon Spiced Sweet Potato. For the dessert buffet: Maple Syrup Pie, Nuts and Raisins Pie, Yule Log made with Belgian chocolate and hazelnut cake; and a fruit cake that is free of colours and preservatives. There are also party platters for people to celebrate at home or the office. The holiday menu is available from mid Dec to mid Jan. They are closed Dec 25-26 and Dec 31-Jan 1.

M & B Yummy - Classic Ethiopian food (1263 Queen St W, at Brock, 416-516-2798) is serving an Ethiopian vegetarian holiday feast. The menu includes: My Gramma's small pot recipe, pumpkin stew, red lentil and carrot soup, potatoes slow cooked with traditional Ethiopian gravy, and Ethiopian lasagna (dairy & animal free) with FREE My Gramma’s herbal tea. Dinner for two is $16.99, Dinner for four is $35.99 and Dinner for six is $52.99. Available only between December 11 to January 5th . They'll be closed on December 25th and closed on New Year’s Eve after 9 PM

Rainbow Tree Healthy Deli (925 Yonge St, n. of Davenport, 647-427-4758) have a special meal combo from December 18th until the 24th.  Specials include a festive season combo meal vegan tofurky with wild rice stuffing, yams, orange casserole, veggies and vegan mini-mincemeavt pie for $8.99 or yam shepherd's pie, MiniChik'n' pot pie, veggies and dessert. They also have a special for vegan butternut squash soup with sandwich for $5.75. They serve quick and healthy vegetarian meals to go. Egg-free. Breakfast items. Vegan pastries.

Saravanaa Bhavan (4559 Hurontario St, at Eglinton Miss., 905-290-0769) writes about their Winter Menu: "This season we wanted to try combining dosa with spinach, cheese and spicy lentil powder. We came up with Palak paneer dosa, lightly spiced spinach puree spread on the dosa and topped with grated cottage cheese. While introducing these and many varieties to the menu, this time we also wanted to create options for kids and therefore a platter for kids is there too."  They serve authentic South Indian cuisine from Tamil Nadu. 

Vegetarian Haven (17 Baldwin St, www.vegetarianhaven.com, 416-621-3636) will be selling tofu turkey, made in house, starting immediately and continuing throughout the holidays. It is $25, including 2 drumsticks and should serve around 4 people (1kg).They will be closed from the 24th to 28th, reopening the 29th. They serve “Asian Fusion” cuisine featuring over 100 flavourful vegan dishes served in a cozy dining room and with friendly service and lunch and dinner specials.

Green Earth Vegetarian  (385 Broadview Ave (n. of Gerrard), 416-778-9199) Didn't get back to us about their holiday plans but we got a note via veg.ca saying; "I really appreciate that you provide seasonal updates on where we can get seasonal veggie fare.  However, I have noticed that your list of December specials does not include Green Earth Cuisine who  have a dinner special on this week as well."

Goodies to bring home

Boardwalk Chocolates (Vegan, fairtrade & handmade, boardwalkchocolates.com) has created  gift baskets, boxes of chocolate, 3D figures with prizes inside, and for a limited time - chocolate mint fudge! Soft, melt in your mouth chocolate mint with organic candy canes crushed on top. Chocolate and Mint is ALMOST as good as Chocolate and Peanut Butter. Wouldn't you agree?? They are a being sold at: Panacea ( 588 Bloor St W, West of Bathurst) Update!: "Candy, unlike cooking or baking, IS very precise and scientific. I was carefree and did not respect the fudge. It turned into caramel. Come to Panacea for limited amounts of big chunks of Maple Walnut Caramel that will feed the kid's table. I will try and put the chocolate mint caramel into a truffle before the holidays, but if not - you will have an new tasty chocolate to celebrate New Years! :)"

Khalsa Pizza (470 Chrysler Dr, Unit 7, Brampton, 905-799-1800) has 2 great holiday deals! First, get a large pizza for only $7.99 on December 19th and 20th, with a coupon wfrom their Facebook group under “I heart Khalsa Pizza ”. Second, mention you saw this write up on Veg.ca between December 25th and 31st to get a special discount or a free gift! They are an all-vegetarian pizza place and burger joint with rennet-free cheese and many vegan options. Delivery, take-out and eat-in counter.

Rainbow Tree Healthy Deli (925 Yonge St, n. of Davenport, 647-427-4758)  You can order your Christmas tofurky with wild rice stuffing (frozen) with gravy and cranberry sauce for $25.00. They serve quick and healthy vegetarian meals to go. Egg-free. Breakfast items. Vegan pastries.

Ying Ying Soy Foods has a ready-to-serve Stuffed Tofu Roast that is made of "layers of specially flavored organic tofu sheets and authentic turkey stuffing." It is available at their St. Lawrence Market location and many places around Toronto such as the Big Carrot, Noah's, Evergreen, Ambrosia and Pusateri's.

Wild Earth Cafe and Bakery (2142 Queen Street East, at Glen Manor, 647-348-0202) have a few special items for the holidays. They are doing a vegan pumpkin pie ($14.99) and vegan mince pies ($17.99) and special sweet trays for the holidays. Anyone interested in ordering should call the store ASAP at 647-348-0202. They will be open throughout the holidays except for Christmas Day and New Years Day.

Note: Many restaurants are closed for several days during the holidays. Best to call ahead.

 Whether it is Christmas, Solstice, or Kwanzaa – enjoy a vegetarian feast. See our complete holiday page for links to the best recipes, tips on what to serve, gift suggestions and E-card links. Plus, find out how to avoid stress when vegetarians and meat eaters will be at the same meal.