One Love Vegetarian

One Love Vegetarian (854 Bathurst, n. of Bloor, 416-535-5683) is a new vegan Caribbean restaurant in the Annex. They serve One Love Caribbean Corn Soup, roti, plantain, salad, vegan desserts, daily specials and fresh juice.

When I was there the specials were Curried Lima Bean Stew and carrot apple ginger juice. I had the whole wheat roti and it was amazing. Ask for hot sauce or slices of hot pepper if you like it spicy. Over half of the ingredients are organic. Still to come is their front signage. Owners, Ikeila and Ras have five vegetarian children. Their oldest daughter works with them. Their youngest is ten. - Steve

Steven Davy at NOW writes: "For the past 10 summers, anyone who’s ever had a single mouth-singing spoonful of Ras Iville and Ikeila Wright’s righteous island-style One Love corn soup at Harbourfront’s World Café food court has almost instantly said, 'You should open a restaurant!'" And now they finally have.

They also do catering and are at Harbourfront Centre during the summer months. Their hours are Tue-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Closed Sun, Mon.

New patios

Urban Herbivore (64 Oxford St, at Augusta, www.herbivore.to, 416-927-1231) has added an informal patio to the north side with wood tables and chairs. They are a popular vegan cafe with creative sandwiches, green salads, fresh squeezed juices and baked goodies. Counter seating. Green roof.

Rawlicious (3092 Dundas St W, w. of Keele, www.rawlicious.ca, 416-519-7150) has added a backyard patio and changed their hours. They are a living foods (raw) cafe, featuring delicious smoothies, salads, wraps, pastas, breakfasts and desserts. Beautiful airy ambiance. Alternative health practices.

See our patio page for many more places.

Open and closed

Govinda’s Dining Room (243 Avenue Rd, n. of Davenport, 416-922-5415) has opened again. They serve Indian buffet at the Hare Krishna Centre for a $8-$10 donation.

Komala's Restaurants (5651 Steeles Ave E Unit 1, at Middlefield) has closed as of 6/20/2009. They were a guick-serve Indian vegetarian eatery.

Food Fair volunteer positions have been posted!

Do you want to take an active role in celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Annual Vegetarian Food Fair? Volunteer positions are available in a number of capacities, from assisting chefs in cooking demonstrations, to distributing programs, to checking in other volunteers in the Volunteer Trailer. A full list of position descriptions, as well as the online application form, are now posted here. 

John and Colleen are in a time warp this week and are joined by podcast originals Jason and AngelA for a fun filled half hour of banter.

The four of them were very happy with the community feeling that today's vegan bake sale created.  There were lots of great treats sold (lemon bars, caramel pecan bars, truffles, raw cheese cake, spiced truffles, and much more).  Thanks to everyone who came out in spite of the rain.  Extra special thanks to everyone who donated baked goods to assist with this wonderful event.  Pictures of the bake sale will be posted here.

The podcast team is very excited about the upcoming spicy dosa eating contest taking place at Dundas Square on July 13th at 5:30 p.m. - please contact Udupi Palace for more information. 

Other topics from this episode: a variety of coffee experiences, more news on Vitamin D, Ethiopian food, the Joy of Vegan Baking, "healthy" vs. "healthy looking".

This podcast is a ripe avocado 34 minutes.

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Lisa and John have the chance to interview Ani Phyo. Ani's raw food books are wonderful for anyone who is interested in experimenting with living foods.

Ani's raw food dessert book has just been released.

This podcast is a three ingredient recipe 24 minutes.

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Today John has company in the form of a very excited Colleen.  She is very happy due to some fancy vegan ice cream at Hibiscus Cafe in the Kensington Market.  Colleen particularly likes their homemade coconut raspberry.

Colleen also talks about two different types of veggie bacon available at Sadie's Diner - one is vegetarian and the other is vegan.  If you're vegan make sure you request the vegan version.

Vegan baking news abounds.  There is still time to participate in next Saturday's vegan bake sale (June 20th).  You can contribute your baked goods to the sale (ideally submit your recipe here by Sunday, June 14th) or you can simply come to the patio of Vegetarian Haven (17 Baldwin Street) between 12 and 2 p.m.  Things are also in the works for the 2nd Annual Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake Off.  There will also be a vegan bake sale in Guelph on Saturday, June the 27th (for more information please contact Kelly).

Other noteworthy news on this week's podcast:  John gives his rendition of being attacked by redwing blackbirds , there will be a podcast with Ani Phyo this week, podcast listener Mindy has a great vegan pizza recipe, TVA is an official charity in this year's Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, and the Durham Vegetarian Festival is taking place on August the 9th (mark your calendars).   

The resource centre will be closed on Saturday, June 27th and Wednesday, July 1st for Canada Day. 

This podcast is a rounded tablespoon of Jermaine Jackson 27 minutes.

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Lisa and Colleen have the chance to interview Isa Moskowitz.  Isa has brought us the following cookbooks: Vegan Brunch, Veganomicon, Vegan with a Vengeance, and Vegan Cupcakes take over the World.

Isa will have Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar released later this year.

This podcast is a seitanic 28 minutes.

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June 2009 - Run, Eat, Learn and Speak with TVA

Welcome to the June edition of eLifelines. This is a month to welcome in the summer season with a number of great events, as our volunteers lead the way by hosting everything from a bake sale, to a greek-themed banquet, and even a raw BBQ! But the images of summer don't stop there - we've got some directory updates that will make you want to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.

Don't Miss These Upcoming Events!

TVA is a partner in the EcoSavvy Festival the weekend of June 19-20th, and we're taking part in the Worldwide Vegan Bake Sale on June 20th as well! Plus, it's time to start training for the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Register now and you'll be reimbursed for your registration fee! Find out more in the TVA in Action section or on facebook.

We invite you to join the first-ever Toronto Vegetarian Team at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, and run or walk for the Toronto Vegetarian Association on Sunday, September 27th, 2009!

Why join the Toronto Vegetarian Team?

How can you 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 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!

Today’s podcast is a celebration of vegan ice cream and there were a lot of visitors who came into the Resource Centre to try out some of the samples.  There were five flavours in total (ginger beer sorbet, chocolate, vanilla chocolate chip, cookies and cream, and pumpkin oat).  A delicious time was had by all.

There are also other sweet things on the plate.  Namely vegan cheesecake from a company called Living Sweets.  You can find these at Noah’s (Spadina/Bloor).  You will also be able to find pictures and a description of the cheesecake on the Resource Centre blog.

Mindy writes in that she would like to know John’s whole wheat bread recipe as he was bragging about it on podcast 140.  Here it is:
1 1/8 cup water
1 ½ tbsp oil
3 tbsp some liquid sweetener (John uses agave)
3 tbsp maple syrup
1/3 tsp salt
3 cups hard whole wheat flour
1 ½ to 3 tbsp gluten
1 ½ tsp yeast
Place the ingredients in your bread maker in the above order and set to the whole wheat cycle.

Saturday, June 20th is the Vegan Bake Sale taking place on the patio of Vegetarian Haven (17 Baldwin Street) between the hours of 12 and 2 p.m.  If you are interested in donating some vegan baked goods to this sale or getting more information please write to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   TVA is proud to be a part of the Worldwide Vegan Bake Sale.

The Toronto Vegetarian Association is now a registered charity with the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon.  There will be more information forthcoming about how you can help to support TVA through this wonderful race.  

Lisa spills the beans on who is coming to the Vegetarian Food Fair in September.  The list includes: Brenda Davis, Gene Baur, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, and Terry Hope Romero.

This week's podcast is a ice creamy 21 minutes

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Today Liam and John are sweating vitamin D and very excited over visitors, vitamin D, and vivacious vegan ice cream/baking.

Liam and John talk about podcast listeners and Resource Centre visitors Claude and Rochelle on today's episode (Hi Claude!).  Claude speaks with John and Liam about how being a podcast listener has resulted in him getting bigger servings of food at Karine's Vegan, Vegetarian & All-Day Breakfast .  Apparently being a listener has its perks.

The podcasters also discuss a new vegan restaurant opening at Bathurst just north of Bloor (854 Bathurst - 416-535-5683).  One Love Vegetarian was formerly at the long-running World Cafe food court at Harbourfront Centre, the owners of One Love Vegetarian now have their own restaurant.

Shawn also writes in with his report on vegan ice cream books.  There are a few on the market; the TVA Resource Centre also has the book Vice Cream for sale.  This comes just in time for next week's We All Scream For Vegan Ice Cream event next Saturday at the TVA Resource Centre between 1 and 4 p.m.  There will be an old fashioned chocolate ice cream along with some samples from Vegan Scoop (including a Ginger Beer ice cream). 

Liam gets the chance to respond to a letter written from a new MD (Reed) from Rochester, NY.  Reed addresses the issues surrounding B12 and Vitamin D.  Reed provides some helpful links that deal with these issues. 

The other big event coming up on June the 20th is the Vegan Bake Sale taking place on the patio of Vegetarian Haven between the hours of 12 and 2 p.m.  If you are interested in donating some vegan baked goods to this sale or getting more information please write to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Liam's question of the week can be found here.

To end this week's show Lisa enjoys interviewing Nate from the blog Vegan Dad. 

This week's podcast is a rung-out-sweaty-t-shirt 41 minutes.

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Most cities have restaurants and cafes where you can eat a nice vegetarian meal outside. Another option is to get take-out from your favourite veggie eatery and have a picnic.

Check out our updated 2009 Toronto Patio Guide: Where to find the best places to eat vegetarian food outside.

Vegetarian restaurants

Chat Hut - Indian Cuisine (7106 Airport Rd, n. of Derry, Mississauga, 905-672-2428) is a North Indian vegetarian restaurant located just north of the airport. It was brought to our attention by Kenneth who writes: "their sign says "100% Pure Vegetarian" by which they mean Northern Indian-style – no meat or eggs, but still using butter and yogurt in some dishes." Someone wrote online: "I love this restaurant, it is the best and the ugliest." They have been open for five years.

Hot Yam! (33 St George St, n. of College) serves all vegan, mostly local and organic lunches at the International Student Centre one day a week. During the summer it will be Thursdays. On May 28, for only $4, you too can enjoy: Lemony Lentil Salad, Roasted Asparagus, Gnocchi with Lemon Cashew Cream and Thyme Vinaigrette and Lemony Poppyseed Cupcakes. Volunteers welcome!

Pulp Kitchen Juicebar & Eatery (416-461-4612) is in transition to a new location at 1127 Queen St E, w. of Jones. Marie Crawford writes: "I am purchasing back Pulp Kitchen after a nearly 3 year hiatus... I'm excited to be back at the PK reins... We'll be moving as quickly as the building permit office will let us!!" Search for them on Facebook if you want to stay informed.

Vegetarian-friendly places to eat

Dukem Restaurant (950 Danforth Ave, w. of Donlands, 416-406-6342) serves authentic Ethiopian cuisine. They write: "There's no rush while you sample the Vegetarian Combo Platter accompanied by delicious injera bread."

Organic Oven Bakery and Cafe (3189 Yonge St, n. of Lawrence, 416-489-7777) has opened a second location. They are a organic bakery and cafe, specializing in gluten/wheat/yeast/sugar/dairy/egg-free breads, cakes, muffins, cookies, pies. Lots of vegan dairy and egg free items. Fair trade organic coffee and teas. Soon will be serving soups, sandwiches and salads. Also see Organic Oven (31 Melanie Drive, #7, Brampton, 905-459-2333) for their wholesale bakery location.

Vegan cat food

Darren emailed us: "I just wanted to let you know that Timmie Dog Outfitters at 1178 Queen East has the Ami Cat and Ami Dog products.  It is the only place inside Toronto that I have been able to find vegan cat food." See our Cats & Dogs page for more information.

More updates

Goody's Natural Market (formerly High Park Market) is an outdoor organic fruit and veggie market under new management. They are inside the park, beside Grenadier Restaurant. Barbi writes early May: "It is all organic as far as I could tell, their sign says Organic and Local Produce at Discount Prices. But, right now a lot of it is not local. She said that in the summer the focus will definitely be local." Note: they are not a market of farmers – more like a seasonal produce store.

Hellerwork Toronto (165 Avenue Rd, suite 302, at Davenport, 416-271-7188) is an advanced Rolfing Series directed to physically align the body by manipulating fascia (Connective Tissue). Hellerwork is about bringing ease to the body, improving posture and changing your life.

Lorraine F. wrote to let us know that Nature's Loft in Richmond Hill has gone out of business.