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New Finds!

Deena sent us a Facebook message about a cafe in the Junction: "I have been enjoying the restaurant: Cool Hand of a Girl. It's on Dundas St. West in Toronto, just east of Keele St. and it's open for lunch. Try their grilled tofu sandwich with organic coleslaw side with pumpkin seeds. Very satisfying." You can find them at 2084 Dundas St. W, you can phone them at 416-832-1076, and you can internet them up at http://www.coolhandofagirl.com/

Mylk Uncookies : source

Mylk Uncookies (253 Gerrard Street East, West of Parliament, 416-276-3075) has a weird name until you say it out loud. Then it's clever. They're an "espresso boutique" that makes their own almond "mylk" and raw vegan treats, but if you like when people use fire to make food they've got you hooked up with traditionally baked goods from local bakers. And, I'd assume, coffee. "About: An Espresso Boutique that serves house-made almond mylk and raw vegan treats...along with traditionally baked goods sourced from local bakers. We have something for everyone." TVA voluteer Lisa P wrote up a lovely review with even more lovely pictures of their even more lovely creations.

Chaska (125 Lower Jarvis St, S. of Front, 416-551-1177) was discovered by Angela, who reports that they feature "simple honest Indian food" along with desserts from Wanda's Pie in the Sky . You can eat in or take advantage of their takeout bar, which features 3 vegetarian options, 2 of which are vegan (the naan contains milk.) *****NOW CLOSED MARCH 2011****

Feel Good Guru’s LOVE Cafe Underground is a monthly vegan cooking class in downtown Toronto followed by an intimate 4-course dinner party for people to network, taste, teach, learn, love and laugh over delicious Local Organic Vegan Evolutionary cuisine.

Fame and Fortune!

Congratulations to these veg-friendly businesses for some great media coverage:

Hibiscus scored the #2 spot on BlogTO's "Best Crepes in Toronto" list, which is extra cool since they offer vegan, gluten free crepes, which I don't think any of the other finalists come close to. Thanks to Colleen for the heads up!

Meghan's cooking class: source

Meghan Telpner from Love in the Kitchen Academy won the Best Healthy Living Blog category of this year's Canadian Food Blog Awards for her great blog Making Love in the Kitchen. Congratulations!

Bunner's Bakeshop (3054 Dundas St. W., 416-528-2975) not only got a feature article in The Globe and Mail, but they were also nice enough to mention TVA's Vegetarian Directory - thanks to them for that, and also for you Directory readers for seeing their listing, getting in touch, and convincing them that there's demand for vegan gluten free baking (a fact further proven when they got the #1 spot in BlogTO's list of best new bakeries of 2010!)

Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate!

Boardwalk Chocolates : source

Do you like chocolate? Do you like February 10? Would you like to eat chocolate on February 10? Then you need to attend the 3rd Annual Chocolate Party at Panacea (588 Bloor St W,) where Boardwalk Chocolates will be providing free samples for you and your friends from 7 - 9pm. There'll be mysterious sugar free chocolate (that cleans teeth!?), regular truffles and Valentine's Day special boxes will available for sale.

Lesia Kohut, owner and executive chef of LPK's Culinary Groove (718 Queen St. E., at Broadview, 416-461-6440) is hosting a special Valentine's Day chocolate workshop on February 13 from 10AM to 4PM. In this hands on workshop, you'll learn how to temper chocolate, make chocolate bars and various chocolate confections, and a delicious little chocolate box for all your edible treats! Recipes and methods will be provided.

There's also an introduction to raw desserts taught by Stacey Burgess of Live On Chocolate, a former dessert chef of Live! Organic Juice Bar who you might know from the Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-off (she made those cool turtles! and took home two 2nd place prizes.) She'll teach you how to make mouth watering, delicious, low glycemic desserts using organic, raw ingredients, without sugar or any animal products or byproducts. You'll be guided with step by step instructions using equipment and tools that everyone has in the home, along with ingredients that are readily available. Recipes and methods will be provided, and students will take home an indulgence box at the end of class.

You'll need to bring an apron and a container for your treats. For more information, contact LPK at 416-461-6440.

New Products!

Dr.Cow's cheese : source

Panacea (588 Bloor St W, 647-350-3269) boasted on Facebook that they're now carrying Dr. Cow raw cashew cheeses, raw cashew ice creem, Orgran cereal, and Lickin' the Beaters 2: Vegan Chocolate and Candy. Panacea is also stocking the long-awaited Tofurky Pizzas with Daiya Cheese at an introductory price of $8.99 each! 3 varieties are available:vegan cheese, vegan pepperoni, and vegan italian sausage with fire roated veggies.

Ying Ying Organic Soy Food (St. Lawrence Market, 92 Front St. E, 905-847-5592) is now stocking a frozen tofu stew (Thursday to Saturday) and spiced tofu jerky made from organic tofu.

The Specialest Specials!

Front Door Organics (www.frontdoororganics.com) is celebrating Family Day by giving away Grainstorm Pancake Mixes to customers who order selected locally-produced products this month. For more details, visit their website.

Get a job!

Kindfood (399 John St., Burlington, 905-637-2700) is hiring! If you are (or if you know) an experienced gluten free baker and cook, you should get in touch with them.

Winter isn't forever! Seriously!

Marni's retreat: source

Marni Wasserman is hosting a Delicious Rejuvenation Retreat in Collingwood on June 26-30, and I know that seems like it's really far away and it'll be winter forever, but you need to get on this one because early bird rates are ending on March 1.

Podcast 210: There's no anti dusting agent in Hibiscus crepes

Saturday, 29 January 2011

Today Lisa O. is joined by the first time by Patricia, a new Saturday crew volunteer. We learned a little bit about Patricia, who's currently living up by York University but will be moving downtown soon.

Today Lisa and Patricia have been combing the internet to find out whether some celebrities are still vegetarian. If you have the scoop, let us know!

LAB's Valentine's Day prix fixe meal is coming up soon, and space is still available for the 9pm seating.

Also in the news, Hibiscus ranked #2 for Best Crepes in Toronto, according to BlogTO! And Taco Bell has found an unlikely ally in PETA after the public discovered that the fast food chain's "ground beef" is primarily non-meat.

Veggielicious is coming up soon! If you want to get involved, email veggielicious@veg.ca.

Today's podcast is a gluten-free 15 minutes.

Listen Now!

Celebrate a very Veggie Valentine's in one of Toronto's hottest hangouts

Tuesday, 18 January 2011

L.A.B. restaurant will join Meatless Mondays on February 14th!

In support of Canada’s Meatless Mondays campaign, award-winning vegetarian chef Howard Dubrovsky has announced that L.A.B (Live and Breathe) restaurant, which is normally closed Mondays, will open as a vegetarian restaurant this Valentine’s Day only.

With a special all-vegetarian menu created by chef Dubrovsky, couples can put their money where their heart is this Valentine’s and show a little love for their health and the environment.

Reservations

Dinner is $35, plus tax and tip, and includes your choice each of appetizer, main course and dessert. Please note that seating is limited, and reservations for seatings at either 7 pm or 9 pm on February 14 can be made by calling the Toronto Vegetarian Association at 416-544-9800. Reservations must be made by February 10th.

What's On The Menu?

Appetizers

Vegan Tomato Tom Kha Soup (Bok Choy Slaw/ Red Cabbage/ Ginger/ Lime Leaves/ Coconut/ Chili)

Vegan Long Bean Salad (Radicchio Paint/ Caramelized Onions/ Edible Flowers/ Shaved Radish)

Main Course

Vegan Bimbimbap a la French (Spinach Couscous/ Mushrooms/ Maple Carrots/ Roasted Onions/ Harrisa)

Lacto Vegetarian Kyoto Risotto (Sake Rice/ Edamame/ Oshinko/ Pickled Ginger/ Wasabi)

Dessert

Vegan Slow Baked Apple (Mulled Cider Sorbet/ Apple Chips/ Granola/ Sherry Gastrique)

Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian LAB Smores (Chocolate Poached Pears/ Red Wine Marshmallow/ Graham Crackers)

Want to Dine for Free?

There's still time to enter our Veggie Valentine's poetry contest for your chance to win a seating for two at the L.A.B Veggie Valentine's Dinner.

Click here to enter the contest now! The deadline to enter is February 4th and the winners will be announced on February 11th.

P.S Make sure to secure your place for dinner just in case you don’t win. Call the TVA office at 416-544-9800 to make a reservation for L.A.B Restaurant's special Veggie Valentine's fixed price menu. Note: Seating is limited. Reservations may be made for 7 pm and 9 pm on February 14th and must be made by February 10th.

L.A.B is located at 651 College Street.

"Vegtastic! I love being vegetarian" and more stories from teens and 20's

Saturday, 18 December 2010

Here are stories from teens and those in their 20's who did the Veggie Challenge in Sept/Oct 2010. To read the full stories, click on the title above, or the "Read more" link below.

I have felt amazing turning vegetarian.

– Alanna, Burlington, ON

Making Breast of Tofu. Click "Read more" below for a link to the recipe and video

Vegtastic! I love being vegetarian
"I like being a vegetarian because I can help the animals and stay healthy at the same time."
– Danielle, early 20's, Pickering, ON

Vegetarianism is right for my whole family!
"I spoke to my five year old daughter about how she felt about eating meat, and she said it made her sad."
– Krystle, early 20's, Toronto

Breast of Tofu was a hit
"I was feeling happier and better than I have in a while."
– Stacie, early 20's, Dartmouth, NS

Gallstone attack prompted gradual switch to vegetarian diet
"For me, starting slow was definitely the way to go."
– Carolyn, late 20's, Oshawa, ON

Saving the world one week at a time
"I hated the fact that eating meat meant eating muscle and fat."
– Rebekah, teen, Kitchener

The Veggie Challenge helped me understand
"Because I care about myself and my health being vegan is the next step."
– Gladis, late 20's, Toronto

My farming community didn't understand
"Great recipes! I didn't tell my family there was no meat, no one noticed!"
– Jane, Saskatoon, SK

We were totally inspired
"The Veggie Challenge was the push we needed."
– Carole, late 20's, Toronto

I now gladly choose vegetarian meals over meat!
"Turning vegetarian made me open my eyes to the truths about the meat industry."
– Catherine, teen

A new found respect for vegetarians
– Kyle, teen, Windsor, ON

Click "Read more..." for the full stories.

Arbonne Information Session: A Benefit for the Toronto Vegetarian Association

If you’re into skin care and beauty products, you’ve likely heard of Arbonne. Arbonne is a health and wellness company that sells all herbal based products that are paraben free, but best of all, they are vegan certified and their formulas are never tested on animals.

Want to learn more and get your hands on some Arbonne products? Here’s your chance to do just that and support TVA at the same time!

Arbonne Consultant, Susy Bolieiro, will be hosting an Arbonne Information Session where 10% of all sales will go to TVA.

Come out on Saturday, February 26th to see the product lines set up, ask questions about the products, smell, touch and feel the products, and purchase products themselves if you like what you see! Everyone will get a handscrub with Arbonne’s natural aromatherapy line, topped off with fresh hand cream.

Plus, there will be a draw for those interested in trying their luck at winning a basket of Arbonne products worth $100. Raffle tickets will be 25 cents each and the prize will be given away at the end of the session.

Where? Central Eglinton Community Centre, 160 Eglinton Avenue East, in Toronto (enter through the East set of doors with the "Central Eglinton Community Centre" written above)

When? Saturday, February 26 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Remember! 10% of all sales will be donated to TVA.

Please RSVP if you plan to attend. Click here to RSVP on Facebook, or email Barbi Lazarus.

Click here to find more info about Arbonne.

Want to be someone's Veggie Valentine this February 14th?

Tuesday, 18 January 2011

Enter our poetry contest to win a free vegetarian feast for two at L.A.B Restaurant!

Meatless Mondays and the Toronto Vegetarian Association have teamed up with vegetarian chef Howard Dubrovsky, to create a pairing that is nothing short of poetic. L.A.B. restaurant, which is normally closed Mondays, will open up just in honour of Meatless Mondays and become a vegetarian restaurant for the day, with a special vegetarian Valentine's fixed price menu created by Howard. All you need to do is write your best veggie-friendly love poem and you could win a green feast at L.A.B. Restaurant on Valentine’s Day! Plus, a random draw will be done for the runner-up prize.

The rules are simple.

Draft your winning poem and visit meatlessmondays.ca/veggievalentine to enter. All you need to enter is your name, your email and your poem.

The deadline to enter is February 4th and the winners will be announced on February 11th.

Click here to enter the contest now!

P.S Want to secure your place for dinner just in case you don’t win? Call the TVA office at 416-544-9800 to make a reservation for L.A.B Restaurant's special Veggie Valentine's fixed price menu. Dishes and price to be announced shortly. Note: Seating is limited. Reservations may be made for 7 pm and 9 pm on February 14th and must be made by February 10th.

Vegetarian Directory Updates - January 2011

Monday, 10 January 2011

Exciting new brunch menus!

It's January, which means lots of people make resolutions like "have breakfast every day," and then they find out that breakfast happens in the morning, and it all breaks down. Never fear, that exactly why people invented brunch!

Brunch at Teatree Cafe

New Live interior

The fine folks at Teatree Café and Eatery (867 Danforth Avenue (e. of Jones), 416-901-9089) have new brunch offerings including a vegan cornmeal flapjack with homemade raspberry jam and pure maple syrup, along with a rum-raisin french toast with oatmeal bread and orange slices.

Live Organic Food Bar (264 Dupont St at Spadina, 416-515-2002) is also featuring brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11-3, with a menu including donuts, omelets, French toast, burritos and waffles on the cooked side and on the raw side French toast, crepes, quiche, tacos and more. They've also got some great new cocktails including something called the Scottish Kaiser. If you can't get out of bed in time for Brunch, or even Sunday, Live can still hook you up: TVA members get 10% off from 4pm onwards Monday to Wednesday, excluding liquor.

New Locations

Last month we asked our readers about the new Urban Herbivore location, and we got feedback from two of you! Brandy writes "the new Urban Herbivore is opening at College and Dovercourt, inside the new Octopus Yoga building, just west of the YMCA. i went by it yesterday and it looks ready to go. A server at Fressen last night said opening was happening this Sunday." Shawn writes "The secret new location is in the yoga studio Octopuses' Garden. They've moved from the Annex to a new spot on College St just West of Dovercourt. Urban Herbivore have been working on the new restaurant space in the yoga studio but still not open." ** Update! We called the Augusta location and they said the new location is OPEN at 967 College Street, inside Octopus Garden Yoga Centre

Save the date!

Here's a heads up that one special night in February there will be the annual Chocolate Party at Panacea. What is a chocolate party? Boardwalk Chocolates sets out samples - that you eat for free. Yep that's it. No strings! More details as we get closer to the howling winds of February. For now, just circle the entire month in your calendar.

EarthMade desserts

Waaaaaay up there

Since the new Toronto mayor's plan to extend subway service is bound to include Barrie, let's just go ahead and include that city in our updates, shall we? People, it's a vegan bakery, you'll make the trip, trust me, and they're willing to arrange delivery for a fee, so check out EarthMade, which, well, here's what they had to say: "at EarthMade, we specialize in vegan baked goods. All products are 100% natural, vegan (free from dairy, eggs or other animal by-products), preservative free, free from artificial colours and flavours and free from refined sugars and flours. Organic ingredients are used whenever possible. We also make gluten-free, nut-free and sugar free treats, to suit your dietary needs. HandMade, HomeMade, EarthMade." Orders can be placed by phone at 705-716-5733 or by emailing info@earth-made.ca .

And if Barrie's too local for you, how about North Bay? Veg Out Organic Beverage Bar uses only healthy, whole, organic ingredients to create beverages such as fresh fruit smoothies and freshly-made juices. They also prepare light lunch items, raw desserts and healthy snacks. You can find them at 207 Ferguson Street, 705-495-0020. Or just, you know, head North.

In the News

Vegetarian Haven's head chef Jack Li was featured in the Toronto Star's Chef's Showcase, which included a recipe for Shanghai Noodles.

The Globe and Mail ran a profile of vegan meal delivery service Tiffinday this month, including a huge photo gallery. Tiffinday specializes in vegan lunch deliveries right to your office.

T.O.F.U. magazine has a new issue out! To promote the issue, editor Ryan Patey has been profiling a number of Toronto-based advertisers and contributors, including Toronto's own Sweets From the Earth, Boardwalk Chocolates, and Zoe Rasputin from Veg*n Adventures and Socials in Toronto.

A new hotspot - with a veg menu!

Barbi pointed out some of the buzz around Woodlot, which features a separate vegetarian menu and is apparently so busy you need to make a reservation a week or so in advance! We can't find the link, but the Toronto Star compared the two menus last month and we're told the veg options won out on almost all of the dishes. Woodlot is at 293 Palmerson (at College) and Michelle posted some nice comments about the menu options over on Yelp .

Findings on Twitter

te aro storefront

Te Aro (983 Queen East) tweeted "Delicious vegan baked goods from @BunnersBakeShop have arrived.....yuuuuummmmmm!!!" As we noted last month, Bunner's has their own location at 3054 Dundas St W if you want togo straight to the source, but Te Aro has a lot of great vegan options for those of you on that side of the city!

W Burger Bar (10 College St) reached out to us with this tweet: "Come check out our homemade veggie burgers! They're vegan and delicious!!" so we checked in with them for more info. The burgers are made from carrot, green pepper, red pepper, canola oil, veggie grind, tofu, veggie base, garlic, flour and oatmeal. The buns are baked in house but are brushed with egg whites, so if you want a fully vegan option you can order the burger in a lettice wrap. They also have a portobello mushroom burger that is egg and dairy free (again, minus the bun) and feature a variety of vegetarian soups.

Finally, Facebook's the same thing as Twitter, right? Anyway, TVA got this message from Deena: "I have been enjoying the restaurant: Cool Hand of a Girl. It's on Dundas St. West in Toronto, just east of Keele St. and it's open for lunch. Try their grilled tofu sandwich with organic coleslaw side with pumpkin seeds. Very satisfying." You can find them at 2804 Dundas Street West, (416) 832-1076.

eLifelines January 2011 - How to Keep That Veggie Resolution

Sunday, 09 January 2011

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 from the Toronto Vegetarian Association!

We welcome you to this year with some NEW features in eLifelines for 2011. We heard your feedback, and we're excited to bring you more stories, more restaurant reviews, and inspiring tidbits of animal and vegetarian advocacy in the city.

We'd also like to give a warm welcome to new columnist Andrea Gourgy who will be joining veteran Amy Symington in bringing you monthly nutritional information and recipes. Both graduated from George Brown's Culinary Management and Nutrition Program, with a certificate in vegetarian cuisine, so they'll be sure to tempt your palates, starting with this month's molasses.

Don't Miss These Upcoming Events!

The Health Starts Here Cooking Series is back for 2011, starting on January 30th with Resolution Revolution: Revamping Ideas About Diet Foods. Find out more in the TVA in Action section.

June 2-9, 2012

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