Today John, Colleen, and Hyein discuss the upcoming Book Sell Off and Vegan Cookie Launch.  The books will be selling at a serious discounted price of one book for five dollars or three books for 10.  Lots of good cookies will be eaten! 

Wanna know how cool Toronto (and the GTA) is?  There's a Vegan Danish Bakery in Thornhill!  For those of you keeping score at home:  Toronto 1 - Your City 0.  

Apparently three of the top ten soups in Toronto (according to BlogTO ) are vegan.  The podcast co-hosts also discuss their favourite soups.  

There's a vegan food truck in New Jersey.  For those of you keeping score at home:  Toronto 1 - Hoboken, New Jersey 1.

Rawlicious is looking to become a franchise.  Call 647 829 6461 and ask for Angus. 

Meatless Mondays are here.  

Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D are also discussed (once again).  

This episode is Ricky Martin inspired 32 minutes.

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	Arthur and wife, Natalie at Fressen.

Recently, Arthur won the Veggie Challenge Sep/Oct 2009 random draw. For his prize he chose Fressen, Toronto's most gourmet vegetarian restaurant located at 478 Queen St W (w. of Spadina), 416-504-5127 www.fressenrestaurant.com

Fressen generously provided a free dinner. Arthur wrote us: "The food was prepared really well and we had a great time.  We will make this one of our go to places."

Not only did Arthur complete the one week Veggie Challenge, he went on and did the three week Phase 2. More recently he wrote us: "I've signed up to a cooking class I found in your directory...and also became a member of Toronto Vegetarian Association." His story about the experience follows:

The healthiest way to live

My recently started Yoga classes inspired me to become a vegetarian. It was not a chore but rather an understanding that this is the healthiest way to live. I received the most amazing reactions from just about everyone, mostly "wow" and "really!?! – to which I answered, it's actually pretty easy and extremely satisfying. I did not follow the meal suggestions from the Challenge during my week, but I will be using the recipes in weeks and months to come. The emails were a fun way to plan for future meals. 

The one thing that stands out in my mind about my "conversion" is the amazing resources and support system available to anyone who wants to make healthy choices. You just have to open your eyes and mind to a new and exciting world... thank you for that.

Three weeks later after completing Phase 2

Well, it‘s been an exciting time. When I originally thought of the idea of becoming a vegetarian, I really never thought that it would be fun and exciting. Boring, bland and healthy is what came to mind. Boy was I wrong. The switch to eating vegetarian has given me an opportunity to experience foods like never before. The flavours are new and exciting and food has never tasted this good. I‘ve taken on cooking as a full time job for myself and my family, who by the way are semi vegetarians, just because I don‘t cook anything else. If they want some meat they have to do it themselves. The Veggie Challenge has really helped me, especially with the simplicity of many of the recipes (green smoothies are the best!). I look forward to many years of healthy living.

– Arthur, age 30-44, Maple, ON

Two of the dishes Arthur enjoyed at Fressen

Diane Garvin of Travel Professionals International (TPI) is pleased to announce a very unique travel product to be launched in 2010. Active Veggie Tours are fully escorted first class tours leaving from all major gateways worldwide to exciting destinations around the world. These veggie vacations are run by experienced tour operators. All tours feature an active component such as walking, hiking, yoga or swimming as part of the day’s itinerary along with vegetarian meals. “These tours are not just for vegetarians.  Anyone who is reasonably fit and enjoys or wishes to try vegetarian cuisine while on tour is welcome to join us. The tours will be so much fun,” says Ms. Garvin. “At the end of these tours, you won’t feel unwell from sitting for prolonged periods of time and you won’t feel as if you’ve gained 10 pounds. Instead, you will feel terrific!”

The first active veggie tour is a Trafalgar Tours excursion in September 2010 to southern Spain & Portugal which will include walking, hiking and sightseeing via a luxury air-conditioned coach. Upcoming 2011 and 2012 active veggie tours include Australia & New Zealand, Egypt and Peru. Should you have your own group of people to travel with and wish to choose the destination, trip length and itinerary, Diane will work with her suppliers to put together a custom veggie vacation package for your group. For more details and to sign up for an active veggie tour, please phone 613-779-5794 or visit www.activeveggietours.ca.

Here are 8 stories from people who did the Veggie Challenge in Nov/Dec 2009. To read the full stories, click on the title above, or the "Read more" link below.

When we treat animals with such disrespect, we transfer that disrespect to all people
"I feel great knowing that I don't have to rely on the meat production industry let alone contribute to it."
– Eddie, early 20's, Toronto

Introducing more vegetarian meals to my family
– Susan, age 50-64, Burlington, ON

Meat-free since mid November
"We were inspired by the documentaries, Food Inc. and Earthlings."
– Eryk, age 65+, Hudson, QC

I have wanted to try eating vegetarian but lacked meal ideas
– Wanda, age 45-64, Mississauga, ON

My parents weren't thrilled, but they got over it and I got over meat!
– Julie, teen, Calgary, AL

I found so many great vegetarian options
– Kristen, early 20's, Waterloo, ON

Just what I needed to kick-start my desire to go veg!
"My husband barely noticed that I was cooking only vegetarian meals this week :)"
– Laurie, age 30-44, Toronto

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

	Tweet if you love TVA! Come follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/torontoveg We’re on Facebook Click here to RSVP to the March Madness Book Sale and Cookie Launch. 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.

Don't Miss These Upcoming Events!

The TVA Resource Centre March Madness Book Sell Off and Cookies Launch will happen on March 27th. Nimisha Raja takes you around the world with her Health Starts Here Cooking Series. Find out more in the TVA in Action section or on Facebook.

Health Starts Here Cooking Series

Join health coach Nimisha Raja of Evolving Appetites, in cooperation with Whole Foods and TVA, as she takes your taste buds on an exotic journey of flavours from around the world. Nimisha is a Heart Health Speaker for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and an Education Alliance Member of The Cancer Project.

All menus are 100% plant based, low fat and full of fibre. You’ll receive copies of the recipes to take home, and sample everything we make in class. Nimisha’s teaching style is fun and relaxed, and she always provides additional resources for you to explore after class. She’ll explain the nutrient value of the ingredients in each recipe and answer your nutrition related questions.

1. Thursday, April 22nd
7 - 9 pm
Eating for the Earth – healthy planet, healthy bodies
Celebrate Earth Day with us by lowering your food print. Learn how to choose planet-friendly fare that’s good for your health too! Today’s gentle-on-the-earth-and-arteries menu starts with a Citrus Kale Salad and a Creamy Carrot-Dill soup, both packed with antioxidants and fibre. The centerpiece features whole wheat spaghetti Florentine, followed by a sweet treat of vegan chocolate mousse. A brochure produced by the Toronto Vegetarian Association highlighting the impact of our food choices on the environment will be provided.

2. Thursday, May 6th
7 - 9 pm
Eat right for your heart under the Sultan’s tent
95% of heart disease is preventable and even reversible through good nutrition. Learn how to keep the cardiologist away in this fun and tasty class. Tonight’s heart healthy menu starts with a Middle Eastern Fatoush Salad with a minty lemon dressing, followed by a tantalizing roasted red pepper and lentil soup. The main event is Moroccan Chickpeas served over quinoa. We’ll finish off with sweet treat of dried fruit salad that will wow your taste buds and keep your arteries squeaky clean.

3. Thursday, May 20th
7 - 9 pm
Mamma Mia! - Vegan Italian
Join us for an indulgent Italian feast impressive enough to impress even the staunchest meat aficionados - all made with healthy ingredients and loaded with flavour.  We start with Cleopatra salad (healthier than Caesar), with dairy-free “parmesan” type sprinkles, followed by a hearty Minestrone soup. And what Italian meal would be complete without garlic bread? Except this one will be a “good-for-you” version. For our main course, we’ll make mouth-watering mock ricotta/spinach/roasted pepper lasagna that any Italian mamma would be proud to serve.

4. Thursday, May 27th
7 - 9 pm
A Healthy Taste of Thai
Nimisha spent two months in Thailand tasting her way around the country from islands in the south to the mountains in the north. Join us tonight to learn how to enjoy the exotic flavours of Thai without excessive fat. We’ll start with refreshing rice paper salad rolls and a spicy peanut dipping sauce, followed by a rich red coconut veggie curry over jasmine brown rice. We’ll finish up with a tropical fruit salad for dessert.

5. Thursday, June 17th
7 - 9 pm
Plant-Based Cooking 101
Don’t know what to do with tofu? What’s a legume? Never heard of quinoa? Then this is the veggie beginner’s class for you. Learn quick (under 30 minutes from prep to table!), easy and nutritious recipes. We’ll start with a creamy cucumber dip (no cream of course), followed by a healthy red lentil & roasted pepper soup. We’ll whip up a quick eggless egg salad to use in sandwiches or wraps, followed by a quinoa asparagus salad. You’ll get a “Vegetarian Starter Kit” published by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, and lots of recipe ideas to take home.

6. Wednesday, June 23rd
7 - 9 pm
Demystifying Tofu
Learn how to have fun with this versatile ingredient from appetizer to dessert. You’ll get the goods on the different types of tofu, how to store it and its nutritional profile. Sample the great recipes we’ll make in class, plus additional recipes to try at home. Tonight’s class features tofu fingers (forget about chicken fingers!), a quick & easy tofu scramble, tofu sour cream (to use as a base for a variety of dressings), and a lemon tofu “tease cake” (cheesecake without the cheese). You’ll get bonus recipes for eggless crust-less quiche, and other great tofu ideas to take home.

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

How Much? Classes are $30 each or any four in the series for $100.

Registration? Please call 416.944.0500 for more information or to register for any of these unique classes. 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.

Most classes require advanced registration of 48 hours. Payment in full is required upon registration and payable by cash, debit or credit. Whole Foods Market reserves the right to cancel or reschedule classes with insufficient enrollment. Students will be notified if the class is cancelled at least 24 hours in advance. Please notify us at least 24 hours in advance if you are unable to attend in order to receive store credit. Class value can be applied to another class or redeemed as store credit.

Please enquire about recipe specifics if you have food allergies.

Easter Chocolate Special!

Boardwalk Chocolates (Vegan, fairtrade & handmade, boardwalkchocolates.com ) has rescheduled their Chocolate Party and Lickin' the Beaters 2  Book Launch! Join them at Panacea Eco Shop , March 18, 2010 from 7 to 9pm. Free to attend and Free Samples!

Tired of all those chocolate bunnies and eggs this time of year? Vegans don't eat the real things, why should we be reminded of them when eating chocolate? Boardwalk Chocolates has created the Bunny Buttons. Hand painted hollow 4" spheres with organic jelly beans inside. All colours are vegan and organic. Each Bunny Button is different. They are being sold at: Panacea (588 Bloor St W), and online at www.EthicalOcean.com .

Now offering.....

Panacea (588 Bloor St W, w. of Bathurst, 647-350-3269) sent out a quick note to let everyone know that the much desired and long awaited.....Daiya Vegan Cheese is NOW AVAILABLE at PANACEA!! They have the Italian Blend Shred 400g ($11.49) and the Cheddar Style Shred 450g ($12.99). Not only does this shredded product melt, but it stretches! Your Vegetarian Discount Card will get you 5% off!

Camros Organic Eatery (at CCNM) (1255 Sheppard Ave E, at Leslie subway, 416-960-0723) has opened a brand new 100% organic juice and smoothie bar inside our North York branch at CCNM!  They write "we are excited about our in-house delicious juice and smoothie recipes that give you nutritional and energy boosts during your busy days. Blends such as "Soothing Tonic", "Brain Booster", and "Funky Pumpy" await you.100% organic... zero fillers... served in biodegradable cups (the straws are biodegradable too). No surprise ingredients.To make this the most trustworthy juicebar in town, we even make our ice with filtered water!"  They serve the same vegan aromatic Persian cuisine as their downtown plus breakfast. Their contract requires that they also serve some non-vegetarian options.

The Annex HodgePodge (258 Dupont St., e. of Spadina, 416-513-1333, theannexhodgepodge.com) has just contacted us about being listed in our catering section, see what they can offer you here . Your Vegetarian Discoutnt Card will get you 10% off. 

Meal Deals!

Fresh on Spadina (www.freshrestaurants.ca )  offers meal deals on  weekdays between 3 and 6 pm at all locations. Their meal deals are offered “while quantities last” so be sure to come in sooner rather than later in order to get one. Each day they will select one meal and one juice and offer it at half-price to our customers. Meal deals are NOT available for phone in orders.

Ingredients Update:

Joe Yee Vegetarian Cuisine (9688 Leslie St. Unit 17-18, s. of Major Mackenzie Dr. E, Richmond Hill, 905-884-6882) was reviewed on BlogTO recenlty. Contrary to the article, there is no vegan sashimi/sushi. All the mock fish contains dairy (and some of the mock meats as well). Karam writes: "If you're vegan and going for sushi you might as well eat at your local sushi spot. No brown rice either which is pretty common downtown...They do have vegan dishes, but you have to ask your waiter as they are not marked (that was a bit of an ordeal, he had to go back to the kitchen a few times to verify). It was still a good meal but I was very disappointed because I thought I was going to eat vegan sashimi etc.The omnivores i went with enjoyed the sushi pizza and the mock salmon sashimi. I would say it's suitable for ovo-lacto-vegetarians but not vegans." They are a Chinese and Japanese restaurant in Richmond Hill.

Today Liam and John give a review of their lunch from Bo de Duyen.  Both of the podcast hosts were pleased with their mock chicken curry and the noodle dish.  They were especially pleased with the price. 

Jason and Angela send word that they are doing cartwheels over the news that Daiya vegan cheese can be found at Panacea.  They suggest that it tastes great and is the pefect cheese replacement. 

The two podcasters discuss a story that was sent to them by Colleen about a young child with autism and the success that his family has encountered after incorporating a vegan diet into their home.  John notes that stories like this are fairly common. 

Lastly, it needs to be mentioned that there will be a TVA open house on Saturday, March 27th from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Resource Centre.  Why should you come to this event?  There will be some discounted books and some cookies made from Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar.  More news to come on this in upcoming podcast episodes.  

This episode is a milked turtle 24 minutes.  

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Today Liam and John discuss Liam's recent eating extravaganza.  He has been converted to Sadie's Diner and has found the vegan milkshake that he has been craving.  He also reports that eating at Raw Aura was a great experience and he really liked the raw nachos; Liam affectionately refers to the food here as "dense", signifying that he went home satiated. 

John reports back with regards to Colleen's assertion that the chickpea-hijiki sammiches from Vegan With A Vegeance are the best sandwiches ever.  While John feels they are quite good he doesn't believe they fall under the category of "best ever". 

Other information discussed on today's podcast:
- Nimisha Raja's cooking classes
- cannellini beans vs. white kidney beans; garbanzo beans vs. chickpeas; hazel nuts vs. filberts
- Teatree Cafe and Eatery

This episode is a fear-inducing 27 minutes.

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Want to get some tools and tips on how to improve your health without making any sacrifices? Registration is still open for Nimisha Raja's Cooking Series at Whole Foods. As these classes are part of PCRM's Cancer Project nutrition and cooking series, each class will feature a video nutrition lecture from The Cancer Project's Eating Right for Cancer Survival DVD, followed by a cooking demonstration of simple and healthy dishes, which attendees will be able to sample.

You can sign up for one class, eight classes, or anything in between! See below for full details on this weekend's class and more information on the rest. More information can also be found at veg.ca/healthyeating.

Week One: Favouring Fibre

Fibre helps your body rid itself of toxins, waste hormones, excess cholesterol, chemicals and other undesirables. Without fibre in the diet, these excess compounds can get reabsorbed into the bloodstream, leading to a possible increased risk of cancer growth.  Additionally, fibre is especially important in helping the immune system function properly as well as facilitating the removal of waste from the body. In this class, enjoy a fibre-rich meal as you work towards your goal of 40 grams of fibre per day.

Recipes for this class:
Guacamole Plus
Quick Bean Burritos
Tomato Corn Salsa

Where? Whole Foods Teaching Kitchen (87 Avenue Rd)

When? Sunday, February 28, 2:00 - 3:30 pm

How much?  $30 for each class, $100 for any four classes or all 8 classes for $180 - includes sample tastes of all recipes prepared

Registration?  Please call 416.944.0500 for more information or to register for any of these unique classes. Unless otherwise stated, please register in person at the customer service desk or by phone.

Other Upcoming Classes

Don't miss your chance to register today before space fills up! Find more details at veg.ca/healthyeating.

Join Toronto Vegetarian Association's Executive Director, David Alexander, as he speaks about his piece "The Tofu Revolution: Toronto's Vegetarians from 1945 to 2009 and Beyond", featured in The Edible City.

The Edible City: Toronto's Food from Farm to Fork is a compilation of essays exploring Toronto's food scene. David Alexander and other contributors will be reading from and discussing their essays.

Where? Hart House Debates Room

When? Monday, March 1st at 7 pm

Refreshments will be provided and local food producers will be serving food as well. This event is being hosted by The Hart House Social Justice and Literary & Library Committee. Check out their Facebook event for more details.

Valentine's Day Specials:

Vegetarian Haven (17 Baldwin St, www.vegetarianhaven.com , 416-621-3636) has a special Valentine's Day only menu. Reservations are recommened.  Some choices include: "a curry buttercup squash soup with coconut milk topped with baked puff pastry stripes, smoked tofu and tempeh in BBQ sauce with sautéed fava beans, carrot, daikon radish, and jicama, topped with sweet potato crispy noodles & dill, cornered by seasoned quinoa on radicchio leaves". Leave room for a luscious dessert of "chocolate fudge cake with mint lavender cream icing and chocolate dipped fresh strawberries."

Boardwalk Chocolates (Vegan, fairtrade & handmade, www.boardwalkchocolates.com )  UPDATE:  They write "Sorry I have to cancel the chocolate party - a friend died. I'll reschedule in March during National Chocolate week" Facebook event page.

Rashmi's Veg Cakes (80 Pertosa Dr, Brampton, www.vegcakes.com , 905-970-0666) are offering Valentine's Day savings on their vegetarian, egg free, nut free and Halal cakes. Click here for the promotion details and Valentines Day cake designs.

New to the directory:

By the Park Realty Inc. Brokerage (www.livinginmytoronto.com, 647-339-9711)
They are a vegetarian family run brokerage based in Toronto.
Their description: "Are You Looking to Buy, Sell, or Lease a Condo or House in the GTA? Enlist the Help of the 100% Vegan/Vegetarian team at By the Park Realty Inc. Brokerage. Conrad Rygier Donates 10% of His Commission to Animal Rights Causes/Charities."

Cruda Cafe (St Lawrence Market, 92 Front St E, www.crudacafe.com ) is now open! 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."

 Sprouts for Life (Hwy 9 & Jane St., Kettleby, www.sproutsforlife.ca, 905-778-8574)
They are "growers of Certified Organic Sprouts! Sunflower Greens, Wheatgrass, Pea Shoots, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Big Crunch, Sandwich Booster, Salad Mix, Broccoli, Radish, Nutty Sprout Mix, and Crunchy Bean Mix."

Address changes and expansions:

Now in the Junction, no longer in the Beaches:
Optimum Natural Foods (2865 Dundas St. W, 416-693-5328)
They sell bulk food items, but no produce. 

Second loation in Newmarket:
Ambrosia Natural Foods (16925 Yonge St, near Mulock, www.ambrosianaturalfoods.com, 905-898-5262) 

Now offering delivery:

Pulp Kitchen Juicebar & Eatery (1129 Queen St E, e. of Pape, www.pulpkitchen.ca ) now offers food delivery. Go to www.orderit.ca - and look under the "Healthy Options" category. They are an open and airy full service vegetarian restaurant and juice bar. Wraps, veggie burgers, salads, all day breakfast and much more.

A new find:

Caroline writes "I stumbled across a coffee shop with a vegan sandwich on the board. It was labelled as vegan with Tofurky veganaise etc." Drop in to Cafe  260 and let them know how great it is to offer this vegan option. (www.cafe260.com, 260 Richmond St. E, East of Jarvis)

Closures:

Prerna - Inspired Indian Cuisine  (790 Broadview Ave, www.prerna.ca ) Closed as of January 11, 2010
Magic Oven (788 Broadview Ave (at Danforth), location.  Next closest location is 798 Danforth Ave (e. of Pape), 416-462-0333)