Festive Meals Out

African Palace (834 Bloor St W, at Shaw, 416-588-7819) will be offering a special 3 course vegetarian meal for $9.99 on Christmas Day, Friday, December 25th. The meal will begin with a samosa appetizer, followed by a vegetarian combination plate (which includes 8 different items plus salad and injera), and then ends with fruit salad and traditional Ethiopian coffee. For New Year's day, January 1, they will be offering an all you can eat vegetarian buffet from 11-4 for only $11.99. They will be closed on Christmas Eve but will be open for dinner on Christmas Day, Friday, the 25th.  *Note that their vegetarian dishes are also suitable for vegans and they offer a gluten-free option of rice instead of injera.

Annapurna (1085 Bathurst St, www.annapurna.ca, 416-537-8513) is serving a Xmas season vegetarian dinner on Tuesday December 22 consisting of savoury panfried tofu with maple roasted squash, savoury stuffing, cranberry sauce and steamed broccoli.  They have been serving South Indian and macrobiotic dishes since 1974.

Commensal Vegetarian Restaurant (655 Bay St (n. of Dundas, enter on Elm), www.commensal.ca, 416-596-9364)  is serving Tofu Pot Pie and Grilled Apple and Vegetables, served with Vegan Gravy and Cranberry Sauce. For side dishes, we have Butternut Squash Puree, Brussel Sprouts dressed with Red Pepper Garlic and Olive Oil, Refried Bean and Cheese Yellow Corn Tortilla, Cheese Yellow Corn Tortilla and the Cinnamon Spiced Sweet Potato. For the dessert buffet: Maple Syrup Pie, Nuts and Raisins Pie, Yule Log made with Belgian chocolate and hazelnut cake; and a fruit cake that is free of colours and preservatives. There are also party platters for people to celebrate at home or the office. The holiday menu is available from mid Dec to mid Jan. They are closed Dec 25-26 and Dec 31-Jan 1.

M & B Yummy - Classic Ethiopian food (1263 Queen St W, at Brock, 416-516-2798) is serving an Ethiopian vegetarian holiday feast. The menu includes: My Gramma's small pot recipe, pumpkin stew, red lentil and carrot soup, potatoes slow cooked with traditional Ethiopian gravy, and Ethiopian lasagna (dairy & animal free) with FREE My Gramma’s herbal tea. Dinner for two is $16.99, Dinner for four is $35.99 and Dinner for six is $52.99. Available only between December 11 to January 5th . They'll be closed on December 25th and closed on New Year’s Eve after 9 PM

Rainbow Tree Healthy Deli (925 Yonge St, n. of Davenport, 647-427-4758) have a special meal combo from December 18th until the 24th.  Specials include a festive season combo meal vegan tofurky with wild rice stuffing, yams, orange casserole, veggies and vegan mini-mincemeavt pie for $8.99 or yam shepherd's pie, MiniChik'n' pot pie, veggies and dessert. They also have a special for vegan butternut squash soup with sandwich for $5.75. They serve quick and healthy vegetarian meals to go. Egg-free. Breakfast items. Vegan pastries.

Saravanaa Bhavan (4559 Hurontario St, at Eglinton Miss., 905-290-0769) writes about their Winter Menu: "This season we wanted to try combining dosa with spinach, cheese and spicy lentil powder. We came up with Palak paneer dosa, lightly spiced spinach puree spread on the dosa and topped with grated cottage cheese. While introducing these and many varieties to the menu, this time we also wanted to create options for kids and therefore a platter for kids is there too."  They serve authentic South Indian cuisine from Tamil Nadu. 

Vegetarian Haven (17 Baldwin St, www.vegetarianhaven.com, 416-621-3636) will be selling tofu turkey, made in house, starting immediately and continuing throughout the holidays. It is $25, including 2 drumsticks and should serve around 4 people (1kg).They will be closed from the 24th to 28th, reopening the 29th. They serve “Asian Fusion” cuisine featuring over 100 flavourful vegan dishes served in a cozy dining room and with friendly service and lunch and dinner specials.

Green Earth Vegetarian  (385 Broadview Ave (n. of Gerrard), 416-778-9199) Didn't get back to us about their holiday plans but we got a note via veg.ca saying; "I really appreciate that you provide seasonal updates on where we can get seasonal veggie fare.  However, I have noticed that your list of December specials does not include Green Earth Cuisine who  have a dinner special on this week as well."

Goodies to bring home

Boardwalk Chocolates (Vegan, fairtrade & handmade, boardwalkchocolates.com) has created  gift baskets, boxes of chocolate, 3D figures with prizes inside, and for a limited time - chocolate mint fudge! Soft, melt in your mouth chocolate mint with organic candy canes crushed on top. Chocolate and Mint is ALMOST as good as Chocolate and Peanut Butter. Wouldn't you agree?? They are a being sold at: Panacea ( 588 Bloor St W, West of Bathurst) Update!: "Candy, unlike cooking or baking, IS very precise and scientific. I was carefree and did not respect the fudge. It turned into caramel. Come to Panacea for limited amounts of big chunks of Maple Walnut Caramel that will feed the kid's table. I will try and put the chocolate mint caramel into a truffle before the holidays, but if not - you will have an new tasty chocolate to celebrate New Years! :)"

Khalsa Pizza (470 Chrysler Dr, Unit 7, Brampton, 905-799-1800) has 2 great holiday deals! First, get a large pizza for only $7.99 on December 19th and 20th, with a coupon wfrom their Facebook group under “I heart Khalsa Pizza ”. Second, mention you saw this write up on Veg.ca between December 25th and 31st to get a special discount or a free gift! They are an all-vegetarian pizza place and burger joint with rennet-free cheese and many vegan options. Delivery, take-out and eat-in counter.

Rainbow Tree Healthy Deli (925 Yonge St, n. of Davenport, 647-427-4758)  You can order your Christmas tofurky with wild rice stuffing (frozen) with gravy and cranberry sauce for $25.00. They serve quick and healthy vegetarian meals to go. Egg-free. Breakfast items. Vegan pastries.

Ying Ying Soy Foods has a ready-to-serve Stuffed Tofu Roast that is made of "layers of specially flavored organic tofu sheets and authentic turkey stuffing." It is available at their St. Lawrence Market location and many places around Toronto such as the Big Carrot, Noah's, Evergreen, Ambrosia and Pusateri's.

Wild Earth Cafe and Bakery (2142 Queen Street East, at Glen Manor, 647-348-0202) have a few special items for the holidays. They are doing a vegan pumpkin pie ($14.99) and vegan mince pies ($17.99) and special sweet trays for the holidays. Anyone interested in ordering should call the store ASAP at 647-348-0202. They will be open throughout the holidays except for Christmas Day and New Years Day.

Note: Many restaurants are closed for several days during the holidays. Best to call ahead.

 Whether it is Christmas, Solstice, or Kwanzaa – enjoy a vegetarian feast. See our complete holiday page for links to the best recipes, tips on what to serve, gift suggestions and E-card links. Plus, find out how to avoid stress when vegetarians and meat eaters will be at the same meal.

Where to eat

Commensal (655 Bay St, n. of Dundas, enter on Elm, 416-596-9364) has a great promotion this holiday season. Everyone enjoys 10% off (minimum party of 8) and the group organizer eats for free! They are a fancy pay-by-weight buffet with over 100 salads, hot dishes and desserts.

Hot Yam! (33 St George St, n. of College, www.hotyam.blogspot.com) has closed down for the rest of December until January 7th. Luckily, you can find many of their recipes here: http://hotyam.blogspot.com/ . They serve all vegan, mostly local and organic lunches at the UofT International Student Centre once a week.

Kale Eatery (2366 Yonge St, n. of Eglington, KaleEatery.com , 416-792-5253) is now open! This is Sunny Cafe's new location of pay-by-weight vegetarian eat-in or take-out food.
Shawn C writes: It is a self serve buffet and you can eat in (6 or 7 tables) or takeout (in compostable eco-container). ...They have about 20 items (split between 11 hot dishes and 9 salads or cold greens). They also have pre-made sandwiches for $6 or $7. They also have a juice bar and a cooler of locally produced take away soups and baked goods/deserts from other companies."

Magic Oven (360 Queen St E, at Parliament, www.MagicOven.com , 416-703-3555) has started to offer an "all-you-can-eat" pizza and salad night every Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m. for $12.95 Nicole writes "I went last week and they had both vegetarian and vegan options available. The service was exceptional: they have servers constantly walking around with trays of different pizza and salads and you get as much as you want. I highly recommend it!" They are a gourmet pizza restaurant that also serves plus pastas, salads and appetizers. Many veg and vegan options.

In the news

Ying Ying Soy Food – Organic Gourmet Tofu (St Lawrence Market, 92 Front St E, www.yingyingsoyfood.ca, 905-847-5592)  had an interesting article written about their history and products in The Toronto Star on December 10th 2009 . They are an organic soy food manufacturer and retailer. Products include: Gourmet Tofu, Tofu Roast, Tofu Steak, Tofu Burgers & Tofu Bacon. Their hours are Tue-Sat 8am-5pm. Closed Sun-Mon.

Bakeries

Closures

Aliviar Spa (646 Queen St W, www.aliviarspa.com, 647-435-0903) has closed its doors. As seen on BlogTO. They were an organic and vegan spa.

Where to eat

Pulp Kitchen Juicebar & Eatery (1129 Queen St E, e. of Pape, www.pulpkitchen.ca ) announces "After a long and somewhat painful delay, I am ever so happy to announce that Pulp Kitchen is finally open! We'll be running a limited menu as we build up and will be announcing some exciting new items as we ramp up." – Marie Crawford, owner.

Joe Yee Vegetarian Cuisine (9688 Leslie St. Unit 17-18, s. of Major Mackenzie Dr. E, Richmond Hill, 905-884-6882) has just opened in September. They are a Chinese and Japanese restaurant in Richmond Hill. Min Min writes "There is even a refrigerated counter for the 'fake' sashimi.  The 'sashimi' are mock fish products produced in Taiwan, but unfortunately, are not vegan since they contain milk products."

Kale Eatery (2366 Yonge St, n. of Eglington, www.KaleEatery.com) will be opening early December 2009.  This is Sunny Cafe's new location of pay-by-weight vegetarian eat-in or take-out food. 

Get Real Cafe on Ossington has closed. Noted by BlogTO .

Vacation Destinations

Casa Amanecer Bed and Breakfast (Costa Rica, www.casa-amanecer-cr.com , 506-2445-2100)
Vegetarian-friendly B&B in Costa Rica.

Best All-Day Breakfasts Reviewed

Congratulations to the all vegetarian joint, Sadie's Diner which made it to number 4 on BlogTO's 12 Best All Day Breakfast in Toronto! Karine's came in at number 11 with many vegetarian & vegan options. 

Where to eat

Moe's Southwest Grill (35 Eglinton Ave East, e. of Yonge, www.moes.com, 416-489-6637) has just joined our discount program! Moe's Southwest Grill has won the Most Vegetarian-Friendly Mexican Food Chain category in PETA's sixth annual Proggy Awards(2009).

"With an ambiance that says "hip" and a menu that's teeming with fresh burritos, tacos, and fajitas, we have risen to the top of informal Tex-Mex eating. The perfectly spiced beans (black or pinto) and rice (Spanish or brown) are vegan (they don't contain any meat or animal byproducts), as are the guacamole, nachos, tortillas, and taco shells. Additionally, we will substitute grilled tofu for meat in any of our dishes. There are always three kinds of grilled vegetables on hand. As always you get free chips and salsa with any meal purchase."

Camros Organic Eatery (25 Hayden St, www.camroseatery.com, 416-960-0723) is launching a brand new organic juicebar on Monday October 5 2009! They serve vegetarian dishes and salads with aromatic Persian influence. Eat-in or take-out.

Glo Bakery (www.globakery.com, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) has opened in Milton. They are a all vegan bakery that creates organic granola bars. Glo Bakery, located in Milton, Ontario,

Pizza Village Cake & Pastry (107 Kennedy Rd. S., n. of Steeles, Brampton, 905-487-2626) 100% all vegetarian eatery has been discovered in Brampton. If you've tried their pizza, cake or pastrys let us know, because it sounds like an intriguing combination.

The Cupcake Tree (www.thecupcaketree.ca, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , ) was at the Annual Food Fair. If you fell in love with their lucious vegan cupicakes, you can place an order on their website.  Most flavours  of cupcakes are available in vegan and sugar free.

White Lotus – Vietnamese Vegetarian Cuisine (303 Lansdowne Ave, n. of Dundas W, 416-539-8488) is new to TVA's discount program. They will give 10% off to Vegetarian Discount Card holders. They serve all vegetarian Vietnamese restaurant . Shawn writes "Their lemon grass-chicken is very tasty (a little spice and lots of lemon) it came with rice with sauce, some pickled vegetables on the side and a little onion/coriander soup on the side. It's comes the closest in taste to one of the best Vietnamese veggie places "Lotus Garden" that was on Dundas but long gone. Most dishes are around 7.99 and appetizer in the 3-5 range." 

Say No to the Soy Milk Surcharge!

BlogTO  has put together a great article and googlemap with 50 places that don't charge extra from soymilk! Take a peek here : http://tinyurl.com/nosoycharge. Earlier this year Toronto vegetarian Sarah Veale made a post she called the Soy Latte Project to catalogue cafes that don't charge for soy or lactose-free milk.

Where to eat

Bo De Duyen (186 Spadina Ave, n. of Queen St W,) has re-opened as a cafe serving hot tea, bubble tea, cold soy milk served from a fountain machine, and frozen mock meats to take home. Now a cafe serving hot tea, bubble tea, cold soy milk served from a fountain machine, and frozen mock meats to take home.

Online Stores

Left Feet (www.leftfeet.ca, 416-360-5338) has closed their store front. They will still accept special orders for Vegetarian Shoes and mail order footwear anywhere in Canada. They are now an online boutique featuring sweatshop-free vegan footwear and accessories.

Where to eat

The Annex HodgePodge (258 Dupont St., e. of Spadina, 416-513-1333) has increased their discount to Vegetarian Discount Card holders to 10% on items made in house. They are a tiny cafe with four counter seats. Vegan options include: four different kinds of roti, all their soups, wraps, desserts and more. 

Calico Cafe and Catering (1226 Bloor St W, www.calicocafe.ca, 416-536-1883) is a vegetarian cafe. They make their own desserts (all vegan, some GF), breads, smoothies, and juices. "The spiced cappuccino is amazing! And if that wasn't enough, they grow their own herbs and some vegetables in the garden out back." from Sara via Veg.ca.

Raw AuraOrganic Cuisine (94 Lakeshore Rd E, w. of Hurontario St, Mississauga, 905-891-2872) has just opened in Mississauga, offering all vegan and all raw food delights. They are a raw  restaurant offering a wide menu of tasty looking appies, salads, main courses, desserts and juices

Hot Yam! (33 St George St, n. of College, www.hotyam.blogspot.com) has got a great review from NOW magazine. Take a read here. They serve  all vegan, mostly local and organic lunches at the International Student Centre one day a week. During the summer it will be Thursdays.

Rancho Relaxo (300 College St, w. of Spadina, 416-920-0366 ) has removed shark from their menu! "...We understand Shark to be a beautiful creature and agree that having it on our menu was wrong, uneducated and an irresponsible choice...." They are a Mexican vegan-friendly dinner restaurant.

Rashmi's Veg Cakes (80 Pertosa Dr, Brampton, vegcakes.com, 905-970-0666) has opened in Brampton! They create egg & nut free cakes for all occasions. Online ordering, delivery and pickup. 100’s of cake designs and characters to choose from. Custom cakes and last minute orders accepted. 

Royal Paan (1386A Gerrard St, w. of Coxwell, 416-405-8080) is a  new all vegetarian joint in Little India thats open until 2am!  They serve Chaats, snacks lassis, pav bhajis & new creations, such as a Samosa Burgers! Dine-in, take-out & catering available.

Wild Earth Cafe and Bakery (2142 Queen Street East, at Glen Manor, 647-348-0202) is a  new bakery and cafe in the beaches with vegan and gluten free treats. Wild Earth offers vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-Free baked goods. 

The Whole Grain (1171 Victoria Park Av, n. of St. Clair, 416-553-7276) has a new bakery uptown with all vegan goodies.  No Dairy or Eggs! Muffins, cookies & breads!

Earth Friendly Services

Do Bamboo (698 Coxwell Ave, www.dobamboo.com, 416-465-4800) has just opened offering environmentally friendly bamboo clothing & home products. Also give 10% off regularly priced items to Vegetarian Discount Card holders. They are a bamboo clothing and home products. TTC Coxwell subway station is steps from our location. Check website for hours.

Earth Wise Cleaning Services by Joanne (647-346-7477) has now offering environmentally friendly & vegan cleaning. Joanne is now taking new clients.

Nutrition & Wellness

Sitting at the Gate (www.sittingatthegate.ca) offer new healing workshops from Theodore Tsaousidis of Snow Lion.

Vacations & Retreats

Aziza Healing Adventures: Retreats & Getaways (Creative personal growth, aziza.ca, 416-696-0086) has has changed their discount to Vegetarian Discount Card holders to 5% or 10% with 90 day advance booking. They offer self-discovery journeys for women, couples, singles and private groups combine creativity, journaling, reflection, yoga, hiking & Spa.

Sahayoga (Prince Edward County, www.sahayoga.com) has increased their discount to Vegetarian Discount Card holders up to 10%. They are a vegan retreat in Prince Edward County by Belleville Ontario.

Other Discount updates

See Vegetarian Discount Card List for all discount availalble. 

Sage Cafe & Catering (166 McCaul St, s. of Baldwin, 416-340-7345) has decided to stop honouring the Vegetarian Discount Card.

Sugar & Spice (265 Augusta Ave, s. of College, 416-593-1664) has has decided to no longer accept the Vegetarian Discount Card.

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.

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.

Vegetarian restaurants

King’s Cafe (192 Augusta Ave, s. of Baldwin, 416-591-1340) has finally re-opened after a major renovation. The beautiful interior incorporates stone and dark wood. The space is now one large dining room with a boutique off to the side selling a wide selection of exotic teas and some frozen mock meats. Everything including the menu is more upscale and fancy. Gone are the messy brochures and newspapers. The new menu includes dim sum, soups, sushi, mock meat dishes and combination specials. Many dishes are the same, but the serving presentation is more fancy. New is a whole page of different teas. They served me a delicious pot of Lychee Black Tea. I ordered the $13 combo special of tofu seaweed strips with steamed bok choy, purple rice (brown, wild and red rice), organic salad, tofu nuggets (ask for the vegan nuggets if you avoid dairy), a spring roll and soup of the day. Other dishes include: Sweet 'n' Sour Lappa (battered burdock balls), Curry with Mushrooms, Enoki Mushroom Balls, and Schezuan Style Spicy Tofu. There is also a kid's combo for $9.50. Vegetarian cardholders still receive a 10% discount. –Steve

Update (April 22): Bangali Sweet House has openned a second location in Etobicoke at 2651 Islington Ave (second plaza north of Albion Rd, 416-746-9393). Tom reports that the menu is "typical of the Bangali and Punjabi styles at neighbouring restaurants, Indian Gate (formerly Gagan Sweets), Brar Sweets and, directly across the street at Rajdhani. I had a vegan thali with plain salad, rice, eggplant with cashew nuts, cauliflower, chickpeas, spinach (happily absent of cheese!), and plain roti. It was all delicious with pleasant spicing (including a whole cardamom pod in one of the items), and quite filling." They offer sit-down and takeout service with a full Bangail vegetarian menu. Their other location is in North York.

Hot Yam! (33 St George St, n. of College) had their last regular vegan, local, organic lunch for the school year at the International Student Centre on April 8. They will be back in September, and maybe during the summer.

Indian Spice Kitchen Restaurant (748 Markham Rd, n. of Lawrence, 416-850-7781) is a new North Indian pure vegetarian (no meat or eggs) restaurant with lunch and dinner buffets, thali, a la carte, samosas and Indian sweets. Tracy writes, "I highly recommend them. The ambiance, food and owners are wonderful. You can either order from the menu per curry or have the buffet like we did ($7.99 lunch or $8.99 dinner). On the buffet, there were at least 10 curries, rice, soup, chat papparis, fresh garlic or regular naan (frankly the lightest and tastiest I have ever eaten) and two desserts – you can also order a separate dessert from their small bakery section. I am always on the look out for the best chai tea and frankly I believe I have found it!..."

Update (April 24): Pulp Kitchen Juicebar & Eatery (898 Queen St E, at Logan, 416-461-4612) has now closed, but are "in the process of finding new digs." Search for them on Facebook if you want to stay informed.

Komala's Restaurant at 5651 Steeles Ave E (at Middlefield) is closed. April 23: There was a breach of lease notice taped to the door.

Pure Vegetarian at 668 Dundas closed a few weeks ago.

Kosher restaurants

Thanks to Hagit, we now have a whole page of vegetarian-friendly kosher restaurants posted. Along Bathurst Ave (north of Eglinton) and in Thornhill, there are a number of kosher (dairy) restaurants. One is vegetarian and the rest are close to being vegetarian, but they serve some fish. Many include vegan options.

Vegetarian-friendly restaurants

Antoine, Eliana and Steve were invited by Alecia (who is vegan herself) to sample Rancho's new vegan offerings.

	Rancho's deep fried vegan ice cream is a first in the city and maybe even North America.

Rancho Relaxo (300 College St, w. of Spadina, 416-920-0366 ) is a Mexican dinner restaurant with a new vegan-friendly menu that includes such dishes as Tofu Borrache, a delicious combination of tofu, tequila and cactus, stuffed chili rellano peppers with spinach and tofu, Burrito con Guacamole, quesadillas, fajitas and enchiladas available with vegetarian (no meat stock) rice and refried beans! Save room for dessert, their deep-fried soy ice cream – battered, deep fried and topped with cinnamon and raspberry syrup – is a first in the city. Vegan cheese and sour cream available as an option. And discount cardholders receive a 10% discount!

Adam Wilson writes April 14: "I can confirm: vegan heaven! ...our wonderful waitress says that something like 50% of their customers are vegetarian. Oh, and by "wonderful" I mean probably the best waitress that I've ever had. From the moment we arrived until the moment we left, she was not only warm and friendly, but expressed real passion about both Rancho Relaxo and its vegan options. She was sooo excited about their TVA discount. Her name is Ileana."

Mocha Mocha Cafe (489 Danforth Ave, e. of Chester, 416-778-7896) is a semi-counter service, multi-ethnic cafe restaurant. Maydianne writes: "It's one of our favourite places for lunch/brunch. It has many delicious vegetarian options (my favourite is their brown rice salad)."

Vegetarian cooking classes

Vegetarian & Raw Classes by Hearty Catering (www.HeartyCatering.com, 416-410-2928) now offers raw meal preparation, vegetarian cooking workshops and food demos. See their website for details about classes scheduled to take place over the next several months.

Shri's Indian Vegetarian Cooking Lessons (East end of Mississauga, at Dixie Rd and Rathburn Rd, 416-824-6023) offers $200 Indian cooking courses that run for 5 Saturdays or Sundays. Each 3 hour class includes a meal. "Learn how to cook healthy North and South Indian vegetarian foods like Naan Bread, Paneer, Chappati, Roti, Channa, Dosa, Poori, Upma... The classes are very hands-on and small in size (max of 5 people) so that you will get individual attention during the class."

Raw foods

Make It Raw Catering and Meal Delivery (www.makeitraw.com, 416-629-2529) provides raw/vegan/fusion high energy gourmet cuisine, specializing in raw vegan lasagna, pizza's, burgers, flax crackers, cakes and more; available for local pick up (around Bathurst north of Steeles) and full service catering for any occasion. They also do weekly or monthly meal delivery in the GTA, and sell from the Organic Village Market every Saturday morning at 9100 Bathurst St, in Thornhill.

Toronto Sprouts (formerly at 720 Bathurst St, 416-535-3111) is moving to Etobicoke by the end of April.

Discount updates

Organics on Bloor (468 Bloor St W, e. of Bathurst, 416-538-1333) has reinstated their discount to cardholders of 10% ($20 min).

Panacea (588 Bloor St W, w. of Bathurst, 647-350-3269) is Toronto's only all-vegan grocery and eco store. They are offering 5% off to cardholders.

Rancho Relaxo mentioned above is offering 10% off to cardholders. 

By Antoine

	Ken behind the cash at the first all-vegan store in Toronto.

Panacea is a new grocery store that has recently opened in Toronto. It is conveniently located just west of Bloor and Bathurst across from Honest Ed’s at 588 Bloor Street West. It is near Bathurst subway station (in fact the Markham exit is right beside the store). See listing and map on our Annex page.

Panacea is vegan owned and operated.

As an enlightened consumer I can choose to buy sustainable, compassionate and socially responsible products and I can also choose to buy these products in a store that embodies these ethics. If I buy in a large chain store, I may be driving up the demand for sustainable products, but giving my money to a big chain. If I buy from a health food store, these stores also sell lots of meat and other unsustainable products.

Panacea on the other hand, sells only vegan products in-line with social justice, like direct fair-trade (not just fairly traded but directly to the farm), Freeset bags (bags made sustainably in India to give a living wage to women who used to be in the sex trade), plush toys to raise money to protect ourang-outangs, and so much more.

Panacea is not a corporation it is a guy, Ken Bontius, and with his profits he will turn around and buy more of these vegan, social justice and sustainable products. In comparison, other stores may spend their profits on more meat, corporate goods, or even a condo or a yacht for the owner.

Panacea is the real deal. The entire cycle from farming to the final sale is sustainable and goes back to a small local business that in turn helps the local economy. In addition to an extensive line of vegan groceries, Panacea has a number of products from local veg artists and craftspeople, from jewellery, to bags, to books and paintings and chocolate truffles as well as donating food to the Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank.

Continue reading for the other two reasons I shop here: convenience and buying power.