April 14th 10 am to 2 pm, April 15th 2 pm to 6 pm

Join Andrea Hacquoil in exploring how a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes can enhance your health and support your wellness goals.

LEARN the latest nutritional information. ENJOY cooking demonstrations, TASTE healthy, delicious dishes, and SHARE your experiences in a supportive group setting.

The Food for Life Nutrition and Cooking Class Series was launched in 2001 by the Cancer Project to help cancer survivors take advantage of the healing power of foods. The Cancer Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cancer prevention and survival through nutritional education and research.

Designed by physicians, nutritional experts, and registered dietitians, each class includes information about how certain foods and nutrients work to promote or discourage cancer growth, along with cooking demonstrations of simple and healthy recipes that can easily be recreated at home. The goal of this program is to empower cancer survivors, their friends, and their family members with easy-to-implement cooking skills that turn every meal into a delicious dose of healthy nutrition.

The two day workshop is divided into four lessons. The topics are:

1. Introduction to How Foods Fight Cancer

2. Fueling Up on Low-Fat, High-Fibre Foods

3. Discovery of Dairy and Meat Alternatives

4. Cancer-Fighting Compounds and Weight Control

Where? 4 Bowood Avenue (Yonge and Lawrence)

How Much? $150 for the full two day workshop. Includes food samples.

Registration? Payment must be made in advance! Payment can be made by phoning the TVA office at 416-544-9800 (credit card payments), or by cash, cheque, credit, or debit in person during Resource Centre hours (Wednesdays 6 to 9 pm, Saturdays 1 to 4 pm). Our resource centre is located at 17 Baldwin Street on the 2nd floor in downtown Toronto.

Maximum capacity: 20! So reserve your spot today.

Please enquire about recipe specifics if you have food allergies. Email admin@veg.ca or phone 416-544-9800 if you have further questions.

Vegan Crepes by Hibiscus

It is always a treat to go out on the town for a relaxing breakfast or brunch. Fortunately, there are vegetarian and vegan restaurants that open early and serve delicious, healthy and often creative dishes. Such places are a welcome alternative to the mainstream brunch spots that rely heavily on eggs and bacon.

See our 2012 Toronto Vegetarian Brunch & Breakfast Guide for a complete list of Toronto places that serve brunch or breakfast. The guide includes locations, phone numbers, descriptions and hours.

Today John and Sue are lucky enough to have a whole slew of treats left for them. One of the benefits of volunteering in the Resource Centre is that there tends to be a lot of good food kicking around and today is no exception.  There are leftovers from a vegan bake sale and there are samples from Kupcakes Bakeshop.  Kupcakes Bakeshop is a new all vegan bakeshop that offers free shipping in the G.T.A. and have gluten-free options.  For the rest of the month of March you can also save the tax!

There's also some travel news on today's show.  John recently got back from Panama and Costa Rica and reports that good eating can be had even in countries/places where vegetarianism and veganism is a foreign concept.  John enjoyed eating at Loving Hut in Panama City and tortillas and beans became a staple, not out of desperation, but because in Costa Rica they are exceptionally tasty.  Also, with regards to travel, Lisa O. is presently in China and detailing her eating and non-eating experiences on her blog.  It sounds like she's having a great time.

Sue recently ate at a very vegan friendly restaurant, Cocoa Latte, and she reports that the vegan bean burrito deserves two thumbs up.  It seems that John isn't the only one who quite enjoys a hefty dose of beans.

Lastly, John is very excited to be going to a Marni Wasserman cooking class/dinner next Saturday.  A full report will be giving the next time he podcasts.  The invitation to this dinner is a present he received from a family member - a great gift for the vegetarian/vegan who has everything.

This episode is a sweet 'n sour 12 minutes.  

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From Tex Mex to Macrobiotic, this podcast has it all. Liam and Emily discuss cooking beans from scratch (Liam admits to this being a slight danger zone, gaseously-speaking), and the joys of wrapping said cooked beans in tortillas with other fixins and calling it dinner. In their epic dinner discussion, they also shed some light on what it means to eat macrobiotic , and how hard it is to chew your food 100 times.

They also discuss the difficulties of discussing veganism with non-vegans and how to negotiate the tricky terrain of relationships where one party is vegan/vegetarian and the other isn't. The organization FARM has come up with its own technique for bridging the gap: paying folks a dollar in exchange for 4 minutes of their time (spent watching a video outlining how animals make it from the farm to the plate). If you think this will work on people you know, by all means, give it a try.

Ending on a more positive (some might say, savoury) note, Liam outlines a recipe for jalapeno cheddar biscuits , and shares that Daiya has a new cheese in wedge form. You can think of it like a ramp of goodness. Apparently, you can also slice it, so dig deep into the closet where you tossed the cheese slicer you thought you'd never need again. Once you've found it, take some time to peruse the other delicious foods VegNews has on parade, including new Veganaise flavours and vegan cookie dough .

This podcast was an amazingly-podcastercized 36 minutes.

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Today Liam and Sarah begin the podcast with a discussion on the veganess of yellow snow. They agree that regardless of whether or not it is vegan, they have no plans to eat it.

Liam discusses his recent trip to Texas where he loved the fresh produce, especially the herbs. In Dallas, he fell in love with Spiral Diner which is a cute, hip, friendly vegan diner. His love of Veggie Heaven in Austin has waned over the years but after perusing the online menu , he is reconsidering.

The hosts also discussed Liam's favourite Toronto Vegetarian diner: Sadie's. Liam enjoyed the all you can eat chili fundraiser for the TVA and Sarah expressed her desire to visit soon.

A discussion of eating raw foods revealed that both hosts have eaten some questionable things in the past. Liam recently had raw purple yam and white yam but is now questioning that decision. If you have experience with eating raw yam or taro, please let us know.

The directory contains some exciting updates including a vegetarian place in the Beaches and a hyper-local farm. Check out the update page for the glorious details.

This week's podcast is a pure as the fresh driven snow 30 minutes

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New Vegetarian Dining (and drinking!)

New Larger Location

Guru Lukshmi "would like  to thank all our faithful cutomers who supported us on our journey from a small food court, to a small sit down restaurant, to a full fledged all vegetarian restaurant. We are growing once more to a larger location with lots of comfortable seating, no waiting and even taking reservations. Even though we have expanded, rest assured the owners are still the ones cooking the food (not like commercial cooks in other places!) so the taste is still authentic home made South Indian food. Join us starting March 7th at our new home at  7070 Saint Barbara Blvd in Mississauga."

Veg.ca Special!

Fresh City Farms is an urban farm based right in Toronto at Downsview Park and they have a special for you! Use code "TVA5" on your first hyper-local box of organic produce and product delivery and save 5% off all your orders. First order must be placed by April 30th to get the deal.

New to Discount Card Program

Gourmet Vegetarian Restaurant in Richmond Hill is the newest addition to the Vegetarian Discount Card  program. Their menu starts with Dim Sum and they also offer a very large selection of Chinese cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients in a healthy and creative vegetarian and vegan style.  Our diverse menu which includes appetizers, soups, and deluxe dishes at a very affordable price and Vegetarian Discount Card holders can now save 10%! 

New Raw Workshops

"Marni Wasserman features Executive Vegan Chef, Doug McNish, in her kitchen in a series of four, exclusive raw vegan workshops. The workshops will focus on raw food ingredients, recipes, and cooking techniques featuring a variety of raw food options such as vegan, gluten-free, organic, whole- and plant-based foods. As Doug specializes in vegan, macrobiotic and raw food cuisine, class attendees will be taught the in-and-out’s of operating in a healthy kitchen – using a dehydrator, spiralizing your own zucchini noodles, and creating mouth-watering desserts like cashew coconut ice cream. Guests will absorb cooking techniques and knowledge, and interact with other healthy lifestylers. Doug and I invite you to join us for a holistic cooking experience and make the great food that brings us foodies together." Use your Vegetarian Discount Card  and save 20%. More information about the event here.

Head up to Wanigan Fresh Market in Brampton for "Raw Food workshop - with Michelle Waithe Holistic Nutritionist" on March 26th. It runs from 6:30-8:30 for the cost of $25. "Foods that will be demonstrated and/or discussed include: raw nut and seed milks, green juices, juicing, smoothies, nuts and seeds, pates, marinated salads, soups, sprouts, sea veggies, fermented foods, wraps, superfoods, dehydrated foods such as crackers and cookies, raw desserts and more....Raw food resources will also be provided." Read more info here.

New Cooking Classes

Head to Happy healthy – Vegan Cooking via Bhakti Lounge on Thursday, Mar 8th, 15th and 29th at the Centre for International Experience, 33 St George Street. "Learn with delicious tried and tasted Thai menus will help with taste and with health. Through these classes we will take you on a Journey to focus deeply on the ‘Yoga of cooking’. Yes, you will be surprised to know how you can transform your home kitchen into a meditation room and your food into Ayurvedic treats.  $7 ($5 for students) includes vegan dinner."

New Menu Additions

"Vegan Torontonians rejoice! Longstanding Toronto institution Sneaky Dee's Restaurant and Concert Venue (431 College Street, at Bathurst. 416-603-3090) has announced the addition of Daiya cheese to their kitchen, which means more vegan-friendly options on the already beloved Tex-Mex menu. Simply swap out traditional cheese from Sneaky Dee's favourites such as the King's Crown or Quesidillas with this new dairy and soy-free alternative. With more options and diversity than ever before Sneaky Dee's menu has a little something for everyone. Some of the vegan items are highlighted here but remember any item on the menu can be altered to include Daiya cheese for no additional cost. Guacamole Con Fritas, Vegan Nachos, Vegan Tofu Scramble (Saturday & Sunday Brunch - served to 4pm) and much more.  Details here!

New Storefront

Stay Tuned London! 
“So it’s official. Sweet Lemon Bakery will be opening up our first store front location in London ON. Thanks to all of our loyal supporters at the London Farmer’s Market on Saturdays! London has done a great job of welcoming us and giving us feedback on the desserts that we have created. After searching high and low for a space to rent, we have found one! I have always dreamt of having my own store, this dream came up quick. We have permits, renovations, painting and setting up still to do, however we foresee being open to the public by June 2012.  Keep your fingers crossed."

New Wellness Centre

Panacea wrote: "not only does The Wellness Oasis have Reiki, Massage, Yoga and Reflexology, but they also have a holistic nutritionist who specializes in Vegan Nutritional Counselling!"

New Hours and Expansion!

Starting in February, kindfood increased their hours to include dinner! Enjoy vegan, gluten-free entrees like Tempeh Chili, Reuben Sandwiches and Mac and Cheese before you enjoy your amazing dessert! Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. Thursdays & Fridays open to 8pm.

kindfood also writes: "We decided to expand! Does anyone know someone who wants to be our first Kindfood licensee and take over our awesome and busy Burlington location? We also would like to know if anyone would like to open their own Kindfood in THEIR neighbourhood. Please, serious inquiries only, you can email us. info(at)kindfood(dot)com"

Closed

Panacea has closed and Toronto's vegetarian community is greatly saddened by the loss of the city's first all-vegan grocery store.  They were constantly bringing in unique vegan products  that were hard to find and built up a great sense of community among vegans who frequented. We would like to thank them for their dedication and passion on this amazing project.

Nzyme in Oakville seemed to be closed for a few days unexpectedly in December... and now TVA member Angeline wrote to say that all their signage is down, so they are closed. We wish the owners best of luck in the future.

Help us celebrate Meatout 2012, when thousands of caring people in more than two dozen countries get active to host educational events, distribute free food, and ask their friends, families, and neighbors to "kick the meat habit” and explore a wholesome and compassionate diet.

People have been talking for months about the powerful documentary Forks Over Knives, and now you can finally get your own copy! Whether you want to watch it for the first time, or have it on hand to share with friends and family, this is your chance to save big time on your very own copy!

Forks Over Knives will be on sale for only $15 (while supplies last). Come early, as quantities are limited!

There will also be a vegan bake sale featuring healthier treats like Zucchini Spelt Muffins and Banana Oatmeal Cookies.

When? 

Wednesday, March 21st from 6 to 9 pm

Where?

TVA Resource Centre (we regret that our resource centre is not wheelchair accessible)

Click here for more info and to RSVP on Facebook.

We're thrilled and grateful to be the latest organization to be featured at Sadie's Diner bi-monthly Chili-For-Charity night, an all you can eat dinner of vegan chili and chips with a suggested donation of only $10!
We'll also have a raffle draw.

How much?

$10 gets you chili and chips, with all proceeds supporting the Toronto Vegetarian Association!

Raffle tickets will be $1 each or 5 for $3.

Click here to RSVP on Facebook.

Today John and Colleen express their undying love for salad.  The two co-hosts have come to the conclusion that on the days when they eat a big salad (i.e. the vast majority of days) they feel much better than those rare days when they don’t eat a big salad.  Colleen and John talk about some of their favourite ingredients on salad and this means that both are looking forward to the summertime when options increase with fresh fruit.

There is some travel news on today’s show too.  John is getting ready for a trip to Panama and Costa Rica.  Colleen reminisces about her time in Portugal.  Lisa O. is off to experience a handful of Asian countries and you can follow her on her travel blog where she promises to update with lots of useful information about being vegan in Asia.

For those of you who are interested in greening your thumb there is a class at George Brown College starting soon entitled “Edible Gardening in the City”.  This six week course syllabus suggests that it can help to teach you garden in a variety of settings.

This episode is a blueberry-topped 25 minutes.

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Yesterday was Valentine's Day, but don't let the love and joy stop today.

Join us next week at this benefit concert for TVA. Come out to listen to great music by vegetarian artists and snack on some sweet treats, all the while supporting TVA!

The concert will feature local veg artists and as always, will include a vegan bake sale to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Where? 

The Boat (158 Augusta Avenue, in Kensington Market) We regret the venue is not wheelchair accessible.

When?

Thursday, February 23rd at 9 pm

How much?

$10, with all proceeds going towards TVA. Costs of baked goods will vary.

This year's lineup is:

• Dream Awake (http://www.myspace.com/dreamawakemusic)
• More Than Breathing (http://www.morethanbreathing.bandcamp.com/)
• Stefi Beck (http://www.myspace.com/stefibeck)
• Matt "Zaddy" Zadkovich

Find out more on Facebook.

Today, Sarah and Liam bring you a sampling of results from the very aptly named Fabulous Vegan Bakeof. It was truly, truly fabulous and Liam is a little plumper because of it.

In other sweet news, the hosts talk up some of the myriad of veggie valentines day options in Toronto this year. If you're looking to meet a special someone to spend the day with, you might try meeting some other veggies in one of the Meetup Groups in the city through meetup.com .

If TVA is your valentine, show them some love by going to one of the February fundraisers. Vegan Rock is happening on February 23 at The Boat in Kensington and Sadie's is offering $10 all you can eat chili on Feb 28th.

Mary shattered Liam's ignorance with regards to accessible produce for the poor in Toronto with a couple of online articles.

This week's podcast is an Andre 3000 inspired 35 minutes.

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Jump to:

Love Lolli's from Live on Chocolate

• From Restaurants
• From Bakeries / Chocolatiers
• Events
• Online Shopping

Vegan & Vegetarian Special Seatings

Vegetarian Haven present a 4 or 5 course vegan meal, with a variety of choices including:

• Pink Rice Paper wrapped with Strawberry, Mango, Avocado, Apple, fresh Mint and shredded Coconut resting on Arugula & crispy Lotus Root.
• Crispy Tofu Skin Roulade stuffed with Mashed Taro & Sweet Potato in a Sweet & Sour Citrus Mint Sauce, served with Asparagus, Arugula, Green Beans & Swiss Chard  (wheat free option)
• Chocolate Avocado Mousse in Phylo Pastry Cups.
• Download the whole menu here!
  

• February 14th only.
• Reservations highly recommended!
  

  Loving Hut

  
  

Loving Hut (on Eglington, on Spadina) brings you a vegan special menu:

• Winter Vegetables Bisque: carrot, celery, beet, onion, leek
• Grilled Sweet Potato Salad: grilled sweet potatoes with celery, carrot, cabbage, onion salad served with soy sauce vinaigrett
• Grilled Soy Protein (or Grilled Tofu for Gluten Free) with mushroom onion sauce and Butternut Squash, mushroom stuffin
• Price: $19.95 + tax
• Use your Vegetarian Discount Card for 10% off. 
  
  

Commensal is offering the Aphrodisiac Valentine's Day menu:

• Valentine's Day Roasted Asparagus Parmigiano
• 
Mixed Greens with Raspberries
• Almonds & Vinegrette

• Veggie  Soup with Nutmeg Crème Fraiche

• Choux Farcies & Crème Fraiche
• 
Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries
• Two glasses of wine.
• Call for reservations. No coupons or other offers, like the Vegetarian Discoutn Card could apply.
• Free underground parking after 6pm.

Rawlicious is hosting a Valentine's dinner at their Barrie, Bloor West & Yorkville locations. "It will be comprised of popular specials as well as new dishes! Two seatings: 6:30pm & 8pm. $45 per person. Reservations are a must!" Take a look at the menu here.

Events

Kiss Me! Caterers is hosting a Vegan V-Day Mixer! "Throughout this enchanted evening, we will be offering a selection of delicious savoury finger foods and decadent desserts (with gluten-free options) made with love.Whether you're looking for friendship, romance, or a tasty night out with your special someone, vamoose those winter blahs with some Valentine's magic!  Queer-friendly event.  Wheelchair-accessible. Cash bar on-site."

• Date: Sunday, February 12
• Time: 7pm - 11pm
• Location: The TRANZAC (292 Brunswick Avenue), Tiki Room
• Cost: $20
• Tickets available now at Pancea - Toronto's only vegan store, 588 Bloor Street West.
  
  

Black Oak Breweries’ V-Day Bash takes place at the brewery in Etobicoke on February 18th from 5-9 pm, and costs $20.00 for all you can eat and drink. "We'll be featuring vegan chilli and vegan, ethically-traded chocolate treats from Chocosol. Try a Chocolate-Beer float!" Email TracyP@blackoakbeer.com to RSVP. Black Oak's beers are also vegan friendly as “Black Oak beer does not contain or use animal products at any phase” according to our dear friends at Barnivore. Directions can be found here. 

Very Special Concert to celebrate "Valentines Day and World Sound Healing Day." Cost is $35/person. Includes a Raw Chocolate Desert (Provided by "Live on Chocolate ") and Organic Tea. Tickets on Line. 905-928-9706 for more information.

Or just go for the dessert

Live on Chocolate has put together three Valentine's Day specials of Organic, Fair Trade Handmade Chocolates, they are available at LPK 's currently, and will be delivered to the Big Carrot and Panacea and The Beet Cafe for the Saturday the 11th.  The Beet Cafe will also have a special dessert for Vday, heart shaped raw vegan chocolate lava cakes.

• Solid chocolate "Love Lolli's"
• Box of 4 Cherry Vanilla Cream Hearts (made with cashew cream)
• Chocolate Gift Box with 5 chocolates inside (blue-green supreme, cherry vanilla cream hearts, turtle) inside a solid box of chocolate!

Kindfood brings you Black Magic LOVE Cake! "This crazy cake recipe that is deep and dark and rich with Black Cocoa and a touch of balsamic vinegar and frosted with Pink Champagne Frosting....Our Black Magic Love Cake will absolutely blow your mind (and the person you are trying to impress on Valentine's. This cake serves 1 to 6!

Sweets from the Earth

Rashmi's Bakery has a large selection of Valentine's Day Cakes! All of the cakes are 100% vegetarian and nut-free, they can also be ordered as 100% vegan.  This Valentine's, enjoy our special delivery pricing! Details here.

Sweets from the Earth unveils their Valentine’s Day special is the Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake cupcake. Chocolate cupcake, swirled with cheesecake batter, topped with cherry filling and a dollop of cream cheese frosting then drizzled with fudge sauce. Seriously decadent. Available from retailers around the GTA or pre-ordered through the bakery, where you can use your Vegetarian Discount Card .

Ordering in - online!

Karmavore Vegan Shop has

• tonnes of vegan chocolates including raw, organic, and fair trade
• coconut caramels
• hot chocolate varieties
• english toffee
• coconut brittle
• vegan fudge bars
• go max go candy bars
• valentine's greeting cards
• raw valentine hearts
• rose gummies
• peanut butter pillows
• chocolate covered caramel boxes
• vegan themed stickers, shirts, & so much more!