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Tuesday, 07 February 2012 |
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Another Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-Off is behind us. As always, scores of people were lined up down the block well before the event started and tickets for sample plates sold out quickly! Approximately 350 people made it inside to devour 4700 samples of decadent delights. This year's event featured eight categories that diners could choose from to sample and vote on. A huge list of generous sponsors donated fabulous prizes for the winners, as well as coffee and soy milk for guests to wash down all that sugar. And among those guests was George Strombolopolous! Congratulations to all the winners (listed below) and a very special thanks to chef Doug McNish for being our head judge and to Lawrence Fajardo for taking some amazing photos. We'll see you next year!  Most Terrific Vegan Cookie
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Delights by Diana Lumba Most Terrific Vegan Bar or BiteGet In My Belly Bars by Lisa Ohlenkamp Most Terrific Vegan Cupcake or PastrySuper Banana Split Cupcake by Christina Cruz Top Vegan and Raw DessertDY-NA-MO Bars by Rueben Jong Best Vegan and Gluten Free Sweet - ChocolateMega Minty Chocolate Cookie by Amelia Earl Best Vegan and Gluten Free Sweet Half Moon Spectaculars! by Willie Costello  Best Professionally Crafted Vegan Classic I
Mile High Brownie by Kindfood/GFV Bakery Best Professionally Crafted Vegan Classic IIDulce De Leche Cupcake by Kindfood/GFV Bakery Best Presentation The Lumberjack by Bunner's Bakeshop 
2012 BAKE-OFF CHAMPION - Best in Show
Dulce De Leche Cupcake by Kindfood/GFV Bakery Click here to see more photos from the 4th Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-Off and to add your own to our flickr pool! Keep checking back as more photos are being added as we speak. Extra special thanks from The Toronto Vegetarian Association to the amazing volunteers who pulled off this huge event! Thank you to Colleen Shea, Natalie Stephenson, Lisa Blonder-Ohlenkamp and the 30+ volunteers who helped out on site at the event!
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Thursday, 02 February 2012 |
Vegetarian & Vegan Cooking Classes 
Macrobiotic Deliciousness from She Cooks Macro. "Fun, playful and informative, Shauna Trupp leads approachable demonstration-style and hands-on macrobiotic cooking classes, teaches private macro cooking lessons, and provides personal macrobiotic chef services for individuals, busy executives and visiting celebrities."
Vegandie's vegan and vegetarian cooking classes focus on wheat-free, gluten-free, soy free and dairy-free meals that are not only healthy but practical. This day in age who has time to be a gourmet chef or make the right health conscious decisions? With the right information and guidance Vegandie makes this learning experience fun and exciting. In addition to being a life coach and nutrition and wellness specialist, Vegandie also offers personal, group and corporate cooking classes. Learn the nutritional value and benefits while the foods are being prepared.
Join the journey of food made fun, tasty and convenient.
New Vegan Catering  | | Kiss Me! Caterers - Magic Bars |
Kiss Me! Caterers was "borne out of a passion for gourmet compassionate cooking, we take only the best, freshest vegan ingredients and create delectable delights that will keep you coming back. We aim for fairtrade, local and organic ingredients whenever possible. That's why our slogan is: Mindful Vegan Catering in the Heart of Toronto!"
New Vegetarian Places to Eat  | | Tenon - Party Tray |
Tenon Vegetarian Cusine in Markham. Lu writes “I have been [to] my friend's store many times because the food is so good. It's completely vegetarian (vegan friendly), however the food doesn’t look it. I have been vegetarian since 2002, and I have tried a lot of vegetarian restaurants in Toronto, but this one is so different, it's Japanese style, I like their sushi pizza and Montreal Roll the best, they are really delicious.”
The co-op force that brings you weekly vegan meals at Hot Yam! have now opened up Havest Noon also on the UofT campus. It’s open Monday-Friday from 10-2pm. They feature “locally-sourced, organically-grown, vegetarian meals with vegan and gluten free options." A full lunch will only set you back $5. See their website for weekly menu and to volunteer. Vegetarian and Vegan Personal Chef
The Healing Spoon offers “Personal Chef Services that focuses on delicious vegetarian cuisine. We specialize in working with clients requiring particular diets, especially those built around food sensitivities. Let us plan and cook for you right in your own kitchen. We leave the fridge stocked with scrumptious, healthy foods and the kitchen spotless! Situated in Toronto and Georgian Triangle.“
Raw Online Shopping  | | Truly Organic Foods |
Truly Organic Foods is a company located in St. Catharines “dedicated to promoting health and wellbeing through education and inspiration. Our focus is to sell foods in their natural form without added chemicals and pesticides. Shop online for medicinal herbs and mushrooms, greens and vegan protein powders, raw snacks, berries, nuts and seeds, top quality raw cacao, superfood powders, sea vegetables and medicinal teas. Free shipping on orders over $100.” Their site even has a raw vegan recipe page!
Skin Care  | Body Care Deli
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The Body Care Deli “believes that Mother Nature has given us everything we need in order to care for our skin. The response to our products from you, our customers, has been overwhelming. It is obvious to me that today many people are looking for skin care products that are made without preservatives and synthetic ingredients. Ours are always fresh and made by hand. We hope that you will enjoy the quality, purity and freshness of our products. All products are vegetarian except for our Skin Serum. Vegan products are available too. Our creams, oils and balms nourish your skin with pure, plant-based ingredients. We even use several precious essential oils such as Neroli and Rose Bulgarian in our moisturizers. Handmade in and shipped from Oakville, Ontario.”
Niagara Region  | Brooklyn's -Vegan cherry turnover
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Brooklyn’s (Thorold, Ontario) Jason writes “Our vegan family were visiting Niagara Falls and were looking for a place to eat on Sunday. Friends suggested checking out a sports bar/family restaurant called Brooklyn’s just outside St. Catharines. We were so pleasantly surprised to find a separate menu that’s entirely vegan! We devoured the Potato Skins, the Smokin’ “Chicken” sandwich with onion rings, chimichangsas and a divine cherry turnover with a big dollop of whip creem. We would go back there in a heart-beat, falls or no falls!" UPDATE: Broolyn's now accpets the Vegetarian Discount Card for 10% off food (but not alcohol)
New Raw Vegan Brunch Head down to the St. Lawrence market on Saturday mornings and enjoy the new Breakfast menu at Cruda Cafe! They offer:
- Scrambled curried tofu in an enchilada wrap
- Vegan pancakes with wild blueberries
- Vegan crepes with coconut cream and seasonal fruit
- Raw hot chocolate
- Smoothies and freshly squeezed juices
With great regrets - Sunny Cafe (kale) in Noah’s at Bloor & Spadina is closed. Visit kale at Yonge & Eglington!
- Liks Vegetarian Kitchen in Scarborough is no longer.
- Boardwalk Chocolates has closed their doors, writing “I'm hoping it's not the end of my chocolate career, so I'll keep you posted if I move onto different pastures. It's also possible that Boardwalk might turn the florescent lights on again in the future, you never know. Thanks for taking a stroll on the Boardwalk :)”
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Friday, 03 February 2012 |
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The Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-off is tomorrow! Help us countdown this last day!  Cookies and Bars
From old-fashioned favourites to new and innovative ideas, cookies and bars are beloved among all. The two winners last year who stole the show were Melissa Marentette with her Spacegirls Magical Lemon Cheesecakes and Sean Ohlenkamp with his Pudgy Pumpkin Cookies. Try a classic, like vegan sugar cookies and don’t forget to come out tomorrow to the Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-off for some celebrity judges, prizes and pie! Thanks to our sponsors!
   The 4th Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-Off takes place on Saturday, February 4th from 2 to 4:30 pm at 918 Bathurst (on Bathurst, a couple of blocks north of Bloor). |
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Thursday, 02 February 2012 |
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To count down the five days remaining until our Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-off, we are posting a recap of each of the categories appearing at the event to help the bakers and get the samplers’ mouths watering.  Cupcakes, Tarts and Pastries
There are many baking options for this category. Last year’s winning entry was Marilyn Lazarus’ Chocolate Triple Nut Tart and our winning cupcake was Sherry Vanstone’s Double Vanilla, Salted Caramel Cupcake. Try Post Punk Kitchen’s Pear Frangipane Tart. Thanks to our sponsors!   
The 4th Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-Off takes place on Saturday, February 4th from 2 to 4:30 pm at 918 Bathurst (on Bathurst, a couple of blocks north of Bloor). |
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Wednesday, 01 February 2012 |
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To count down the five days remaining until our Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-off, we are posting a recap of each of the categories appearing at the event to help the bakers and get the samplers’ mouths watering.  Decadent Raw Sweets
If you’re looking to steer clear of processed sugars, Decadent Raw Sweets may be the category for you. This brand new category is for our more ambitious “bakers”. Entries in this category cannot have been heated over 118 degrees. This delicious key lime pie recipe’s main ingredient is avocado. Thanks to our sponsors!   
The 4th Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-Off takes place on Saturday, February 4th from 2 to 4:30 pm at 918 Bathurst (on Bathurst, a couple of blocks north of Bloor). |
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Tuesday, 31 January 2012 |
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To count down the five days remaining until our Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-off, we are posting a recap of each of the categories appearing at the event to help the bakers and get the samplers’ mouths watering.  Gluten-Free Treats
This category has one simple rule and is your chance to get creative: all entries must be gluten-free ,so that samplers with an allergy can taste without worry. Last year’s winner was Dashing Dan’s Fabulous Fudge. Here is an easy example of gluten-free chocolate chip cookies. Thanks to our sponsors!     The 4th Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-Off takes place on Saturday, February 4th from 2 to 4:30 pm at 918 Bathurst (on Bathurst, a couple of blocks north of Bloor). |
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Monday, 30 January 2012 |
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To count down the five days remaining until our Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-off, we are posting a recap of each of the categories appearing at the event to help the bakers and get the samplers’ mouths watering.  Professionally Crafted Vegan Classics
These entries are from the professional trendsetters with vegan businesses who set the baking bar (although that doesn’t mean hobby bakers can’t show them who’s boss). Last year’s winner was Lesia Kohut of LPK’s Culinary Groove, for her wonderful Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars. Get an idea how to make them here. Thanks to our sponsors!    
The 4th Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-Off takes place on Saturday, February 4th from 2 to 4:30 pm at 918 Bathurst (on Bathurst, a couple of blocks north of Bloor). |
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Monday, 30 January 2012 |
The Toronto Vegetarian Association delivers plant-based care package to Mayor Ford and Councillor Doug Ford
 TORONTO: In response to Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s public resolution to lose weight in 2012, the Toronto Vegetarian Association has delivered a care package for achieving healthy weight-loss and invited the mayor to participate in Meatless Mondays.
“Eating less meat is a great way to achieve healthy weight-loss and reduce the risk of common health problems like heart disease and type-2 diabetes,” according to David Alexander, Executive Director of the Toronto Vegetarian Association. “Meatless Mondays offers a healthy, easy and delicious opportunity for better health outcomes and a smaller eco-footprint.”
The care package includes vegetarian recipes, cookbooks, a directory of local restaurants, as well as dinner for two at Vegetarian Haven restaurant, a healthy 15-minute walk from City Hall. Also included is the documentary Forks Over Knives, which inspired CBC television host George Stroumboulopoulos to rethink his diet and embrace plant-based eating in 2011. |
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Read more...
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Saturday, 28 January 2012 |
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Today Sarah, Lisa, and John are pretty excited to talk about next week’s Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake Off. It is taking place on February 4th from 2 – 4:30 p.m. at 918 Bathurst Street which is just north of the Bathurst subway station. This year promises to be extra special as there are more entrants than in any of the previous three years. There are lots of cool upcoming events in Toronto. Vegan Rock is a TVA fundraiser that will offer a vegan bake sale and concert at The Boat (158 Augusta Avenue) in Kensington Market. It’s $10 to get in and all proceeds go to TVA. On Tuesday, February 28th there is an all-you-can-eat-chili event with all proceeds going to TVA at Sadie’s Diner. There is also a sale on Forks Over Knives DVDs in the TVA Resource Centre on Wednesday, March 21st, from 6-9pm in honour of world meatout day (which is March 20th). Forks Over Knives will be only $15 and as usual there will be a vegan bake sale too. There are a couple of interesting vegan dining options coming up at the Rusholme Park Supper Club; on January 29th there’s “TV(egan) Dinner” and on February 14th there’s “Sweet and Spicy: a Jamaican Valentine”. Along the same line as these dinner clubs John received a great Christmas present in the form of a Marni Wasserman dinner party; he’ll report his findings after the shindig. While there are lots of good options in Toronto for good eats Sarah reports about her recent dining experiences in her small hometown where there was literally nothing on the menu which she could eat; lucky for her he restaurant was able to accommodate her. This week’s episode is a not-lacking-in-vegetarian-options 36 minutes.  Listen Now!
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Saturday, 21 January 2012 |
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Today, podcast (ir)regulars Emily and Liam are joined by everyone's favourite Oakvillian, Angeline and fresh to the TVA Sarah. They keep things short with two main topics. The 3rd Annual Fabulous Vegan Bakeoff is coming up on February 4th at 918 Bathurst. Registration is still open so put on your baking hats and get thee to the kitchen. Their second topic is a little more sensitive so you'll have to listen to find out what it is. A number of visitors stopped by the resource centre today (yay!) including Chris who shared his feelings on the very effective TTC ads from chooseveg.ca. Today's podcast is a foxy 7 minutes. Listen Now! |
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Wednesday, 18 January 2012 |
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 There is still time to register as a competitor in the 4th Annual Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-Off!
Why not don your favourite apron, show off your prowess in the kitchen and have a chance to win some amazing prizes from local vegan businesses? Visit veg.ca/bakeoff today for details on registering – registration closes January 27th! Win Great Prizes from Our Generous Sponsors!
For the cost of registration, bakers receive a free Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-Off t-shirt (while supplies last), a free sample plate and of course, the chance to win awesome prizes like vegan cookies, fabulous cookbooks and gift certificates to local restaurants. It's totally fun and your participation helps us to bring together people from the veg community and beyond to showcase the very yummiest treats Toronto has to offer. There are five categories you can pick from to enter, plus there's a winner of Best in Show and Best Presentation. That means we're giving away not one, but SEVEN fantastic prize packages at this year's event from: 
This could be you! Click here to read more about being a contestant. The event takes place on Saturday, February 4th from 2 to 4:30 pm at 918 Bathurst (on Bathurst, a couple of blocks north of Bloor). 
Not intersted in competing but still want to taste and vote?
If you’re not planning to enter the competition yourself, that’s no excuse to miss your chance to sample the entries and vote for your favourite dishes! $3 gets you a sample plate for one of five categories (cookies/bars, cupcakes/tarts/pastries, raw sweets, gluten-free desserts, and professionally crafted). You can opt for a single sample plate or try all the categories! Visit veg.ca/bakeoff for full details. |
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Saturday, 14 January 2012 |
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In this podcast, which may be the worst we've ever put out, Liam and Lisa O. discuss their low energy vibe, talk about their New Year's resolutions, and share the news about some exciting upcoming events. Seedy Saturdays and Sundays are coming up in March in locations around Toronto. Exchange and buy heirloom seeds! Also in March is Meatout, during which activists will distribute tasty vegan food to promote the benefits of a meat-free diet. Click on the link above to find out how you can get involved. The Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-Off is coming up on February 4th, with registration open until January 27th. Check out the sponsors on veg.ca/bakeoff to get a sneak peek at the prizes the winners will receive. If you're not a baker, plan on taking part in the tasting and judging. Sadie's is having a chili fundraiser on February 28th, which will benefit TVA! It's just $10, and you'll receive a hearty helping of delicious chili and chips. Last podcast, it was suggested that there weren't a whole lot of vegan dining options in the Markham area, but it turns out there are quite a few! Check out this list of restaurants. If you happen to live outside the GTA but want to promote vegan-friendly restaurants in your area, please consider helping out with Veggielicious 2012, which will be coming up in May! Email veggielicious@veg.ca for more details. TVA is also looking for a volunteer to fill the exciting new position of community animator. Hulu viewers in the US are now seeing ads by Compassion Over Killing, advocating a meat-free diet, and directing audiences to their website. If you want to maintain a healthy meat-free diet yourself, you can follow Liam's lead and eat more legumes. He describes some delicious roasted chickpeas he's made recently and tells you how to make them yourself. Some cruciferous vegetables can interfere with thryoid function (and the metabolizing of certain medications). If you're curious and want to find out more, you can read up on the issue here. This podcast has been a yawnstipating 27 minutes. Listen Now! |
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