Today John and Hyein had a great time catching up as John has been away from the Resource Centre for sometime.  Both John and Hyein discuss their summer travel plans.  Hyein is concerned about traveling to a cottage where she is going to be surrounded by omnivores.  Both John and Hyein offer suggestions on how to deal with these kinds of issues and food ideas that may help too.  Hyein is also interested in helping her brother, who is vegetarian, find good dining options while he is going to be in Los Angeles.

On the other hand, John has done a summer tour which included stops in Montreal, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington.  In New York City he was pleased with Hangawi, One Lucky Duck, and so-so about Zen Palate.  Montreal has a couple of gems in Aux Vivres and Crudessence.  Boston does not have a great amount of vegetarian restaurant choices, but does have a decent one.  He is sad to report that he wasn't able to eat a vegan philly chessesteak in Philadelphia, and Science Club in D.C. was not open when he went. 

In other news:
- Vegan Vitamins
- Asian-Mexican Fusion!!!
- TVA is participating as a registered charity at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon.  Email Barbi for more details at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

This episode is an old family reunion 26 minutes.

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Here are 7 stories from teens and 20's who did the Veggie Challenge in Mar/Apr 2010. To read the full stories, click on the title above, or the "Read more" link below.

"I accept the continued challenge of a meat-free diet in exchange for a clear and sound conscious, great health and good food."
– Kiya, late 20's, Toronto

Best of all I don't feel guilty
"I am overweight and dread exercising, so learning that I can lose weight by just eating is awesome!"
– Eliya, early 20's, Toronto

Learning how to eat nutritiously without meat
"I am signing up for the three week phase two, and look forward to keeping up this healthy diet!"
– Elizabeth, early 20's, Toronto

I loved trying new foods and recipes
"It was great, I couldn't wait for my daily e-mail!"
– Ashley, early 20's, Toronto

I feel like I'm much healthier already
"I have been enjoying the adventure of cooking new recipes and hunting for unknown ingredients."
– Natalie, early 20's, Mississauga, ON

I still am afraid to try the dreaded vegan cheezes
– Ariel, teen

Trying to go vegan was much more difficult
"I wanted to avoid all animal products as much as possible."
– May

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

I decided to partake in this Challenge to see how I would feel after adopting a vegetarian diet. At first I thought, 'what am I going to eat?' and 'where am I going to get these vegetarian items?'. Living in rural Newfoundland, some ingredients where difficult to find on a weekly basis, especially tofu. However, I discovered the wonderful taste of different foods that I had not eaten before or on a regular basis.

	TLT – Tempeh, lettuce and tomato. Photo: Mike Crooker www.flickr.com/photos/tofu/

I especially enjoyed one of the emails called "What's for Lunch? Delicious vegan options for the office, school or a picnic ." There were many wonderful ideas and suggestions that really kept me on track. I have never before had such variety in my diet before adapting to this Challenge. I feel better, am not hungry all the time and have lost some weight (which is good as I am overweight at the moment).

As for reactions from friends, I didn't have any. I work in a professional environment in healthcare and this was never an issue. My family was very accepting, especially my boyfriend as he saw that I was feeling more healthy and better about myself as the Challenge continued. I will continue with this dietary change and see what other benefits I may reap in the future.

Thank you for offering such a challenge, it has truly changed my life.

– Priscilla, age 30-39, Baie Verte, NL, Feb/Mar 2010

August 22nd

Introduction to Raw and Living Foods

Demi is doing it; Woody is doing it, now how about you?

Learn to prepare healthy, satisfying meals without touching the stove or oven! Nimisha has trained at the Optimum Health Institute in San Diego and the Ann Wigmore Health Institute in Puerto Rico, and lived raw for a year. Tonight’s rawsome health menu starts with a savoury smoothie, followed by a citrus kale salad. The main attraction is a Mexican fresh corn salad. We’ll finish with a sweet sesame/banana/date shake. So delicious you won’t even miss the heat! You’ll receive easy-to-follow sprouting instructions and the basics of following a raw/living foods lifestyle (pros & cons).

Where? Whole Foods teaching kitchen, located at 87 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 3R9

How Much? $30, includes samples of all dishes prepared and copies of the recipes

Registration? Please call 416.944.0500 for more information or to register. Unless otherwise stated, please register in person at the customer service desk or by phone. Space is limited to 14 students so don't delay.

New Finds

Chinolocos (http://chinolocos.com for locations)
Dave writes: "This Asian-Mexican Burrito joint has a "Juicy Vegan" menu item that is amazing.  Everything is customizable and made fresh in front of you.  My palette was pleasantly surprised when I tasted this fusion of flavors."

Magic Oven (5 locations )
Melanie writes: "Amazing: most of the Magic Ovens in Toronto now use Daiya Vegan Cheese on their vegan pizzas. Must visit one soon."

Starving Artist (584 Lansdowne Ave n. of Bloor, 647-342-5058)
Brandy writes: "Wanted to let you know about a vegan brunch spot - Starving Artist at Lansdowne and Bloor has vegan (and gluten-free) waffles, baked beans (or fresh fruit) and salad option for $9. It was delicious and very filling. They also have chocolate soy milk."

Closures 

Organics on Bloor
Delphine writes: "Organics on Bloor is kaput. There was a 'notice to tenant' sign on the door and window for about a week and it has been closed for at least two. There is still some food in there from what I can see... but yesterday I noticed a FOR LEASE sign so I think it is definitely not re-opening. Too bad. I enjoyed my TVA discount there! I'll send out some magical vibes for them to open a veggie resto in its place!

Rainbow Tree
Rainbow Tree has closed, as of the end of June. However, some of their fare will now be available at Tao Tea Leaf, across the street at 934 Yonge.

It's July again and that means that the Toronto Vegetarian Association is heading over to Centre Island for the Festival of India.

"On July 17 and 18, come join us and experience the 38th Annual Festival of India (also known as Ratha-Yatra) in the heart of downtown Toronto. This unique festival launches off with a dynamic, high-energy parade down world-famous Yonge Street (beginning at Bloor and continuing south to Queens Quay). The celebrations then shift over to Centre Island for two more days of festivities, expected to draw close to 40,000 people."

The festival features a free vegetarian feast, cooking demonstrations, music, dance, performances and much more. Learn more about the festival, here.

In today's podcast, Lisa O. and Luke (a regular on the Wednesday evening RC crew and full-time TVA summer student) discussed the upcoming Scotiabank Marathon. Join up as a runner, walker, or a pledger! Check out this page on our website for more details. They also discussed the upcoming Festival of India, which includes free admission to a vegetarian festival and feast on Toronto Island next weekend. More info on that can be found here: http://www.feedyoursoul.to/.

At the Pride festival last weekend, Poutini's had a booth with standard and vegetaran poutine, but no vegan options. Boo! As a consolation prize, Luke saw the guy from this now-famous YouTube video of an Eaton Centre G20 shopping freakout). Lisa recently enjoyed some good eats at Calico Cafe on Bloor and Brock, and at M&B Yummy on Queen West (try the lentil samosas!)

Everyone's excited for the upcoming Veg Food Fair, which will be in September. Let Barbi know if you're available to volunteer ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ). Luke suggests that a good way to get to sit next to Colleen Patrick-Goudreau is to volunteer and try to help out at her table.

Are you a veg musician who wants to contribute some theme music? Send in some entries in mp3 format and you just might become the new musical voice of the podcast! Email them to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Today's podcast was a summery 22 minutes.

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	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.

What images does summer bring to your mind? Is it a weekend away for some rest and relaxation? Or do you fill your warm nights with outdoor activities and excercise? Either way - we've got some ideas to make your summer complete and compassionate.

We've started recruiting members of our team for the upcoming Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, so if you like to run and support a good cause at the same time, be sure to check out our TVA In Action section to find out how you can join!

And if you need a little extra energy for your training, how about some sprouts? We've got some great suggestions for how to start using them in simple and easy ways.

If all you're hoping for this summer is to get away for a weekend, check out our featured Discount Profile, the Rooster's Inn, a fantastic B and B that offers TVA discount holders 10% off the cost of their stay.

There are still spots left in Nimisha Raja's Healthy Indian Vegan Cooking Class at Whole Foods, and soon after is the Festival of India. Find out more in the TVA in Action section or on Facebook.

Do you like to run? Or walk? And do you want a fun new way to inspire people to go vegetarian?

Then join the Toronto Vegetarian Team at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon!

There's plenty of options for people of all ages and abilities - you can walk or run the 5k, 1/2 marathon or full marathon, in order to raise funds to support programs like community outreach, the Veggie Challenge and our drop in Resource Centre.

This year, all runners who fundraise for TVA will be invited to a private event with raw chef extroidinaire Doug McNish. Plus, the top three fundraisers will receive fantastic gift baskets care of our sponsor Whole Foods!

Here's how you can get involved!

1. JOIN THE TORONTO VEGETARIAN TEAM: To join the Toronto Vegetarian Team or to find out more information, contact Barbi Lazarus at 416-544-9800 or \n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Once you decide whether it's the 5 km, Half-Marathon 21 km, or Full-Marathon 42km that you would like to run, you can start the 2-Step Sign Up Process.

The first 10 people to register and pledge to raise $150 or more will be able to register for the event for FREE, so sign up today!

If you choose not to run, you can still get involved!

On this special interview episode of the TVP Lisa P is joined by celebrated author, Ani Phyo. Ani shares her motivation for writing her newest book, Ani's Raw Food Essentials and a few of her quick tips for incorporating more whole, fresh ingredients into a busy lifestyle. Lisa and Ani discuss nutritional stress, eating with joy and finding balance. Ani's recent adventures in Thailand (as a guest of the Prince) has her craving Durian, and she questions the rumour she's heard of a Durian buffet in Toronto. Hopefully the dream of Durian will draw Ani to the city in the very near future. Until then, you can find videos, recipes and more on her website www.aniphyo.com and raw ingredients at www.gosuperlife.com

Ani is also the author of Ani's Raw Food Kitchen and Ani's Raw Food Desserts . She is currently editing another book due to hit shelves next Spring.

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Members of the Toronto Vegetarian Association are invited to a Special General Meeting on June 23 for the purpose of ratifying amendments to the bylaws of the organization.

Special General Meeting of the Toronto Vegetarian Association

Wednesday, June 23, 2010 – 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Lillian H Smith Library – 239 College Street

The amendments are of three types: i) administrative changes to align the TVA with current realities of the charity sector, ii) changes to reflect the evolving dynamics of a growing organization, iii) implementation of two-year staggered board terms for directors of the TVA.

This event is open to TVA members only. Snacks and desserts care of Vegan Delights will be served. RSVP to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Please visit veg.ca/bylaws for more details.

Today John and Lisa O. speak about eating locally at Hibiscus and Calico and eating at Perfection-Satisfaction-Promise in Ottawa.  Lisa reports that she also ate at Perfection-Satisfaction-Promise; John and Lisa both had the Avocatofu dish at the restaurant.  Lisa liked and John did not.  Let the debate ensue.

Shawn C. provided lots of good things to talk about.  He provided us with information on: Becel's vegan margarine, veggie burgers that contain hexane, Canadian standards for animal transport, and an article on how eating meat is not sustainable.  Thanks for writing in Shawn!

There is a new vegan cafe-bakery-juice bar opening up in Burlington called Kindfood. They open on June 23rd and are offering live music and tastings.

Lisa and John are very excited about the local fresh produce.  Specifically the strawberries and basil. 

The Resource Centre will be closed the next two Satudays, but will re-open on July the 10th.

This episode is a far-flung 26 minutes.

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