New Finds!

Deena sent us a Facebook message about a cafe in the Junction: "I have been enjoying the restaurant: Cool Hand of a Girl. It's on Dundas St. West in Toronto, just east of Keele St. and it's open for lunch. Try their grilled tofu sandwich with organic coleslaw side with pumpkin seeds. Very satisfying." You can find them at 2084 Dundas St. W, you can phone them at 416-832-1076, and you can internet them up at http://www.coolhandofagirl.com/

Mylk Uncookies : source

Mylk Uncookies (253 Gerrard Street East, West of Parliament, 416-276-3075) has a weird name until you say it out loud.  Then it's clever.  They're an "espresso boutique" that makes their own almond "mylk" and raw vegan treats, but if you like when people use fire to make food they've got you hooked up with traditionally baked goods from local bakers.  And, I'd assume, coffee.   "About: An Espresso Boutique that serves house-made almond mylk and raw vegan treats...along with traditionally baked goods sourced from local bakers. We have something for everyone."   TVA voluteer Lisa P   wrote up a lovely review with even more lovely pictures of their even more lovely creations. 

Chaska (125 Lower Jarvis St, S. of Front, 416-551-1177) was discovered by Angela, who reports that they feature "simple honest Indian food" along with desserts from Wanda's Pie in the Sky . You can eat in or take advantage of their takeout bar, which features 3 vegetarian options, 2 of which are vegan (the naan contains milk.) *****NOW CLOSED MARCH 2011****

Feel Good Guru’s LOVE Cafe Underground is a monthly vegan cooking class in downtown Toronto followed by an intimate 4-course dinner party for people to network, taste, teach, learn, love and laugh over delicious Local Organic Vegan Evolutionary cuisine. 

Fame and Fortune!

Congratulations to these veg-friendly businesses for some great media coverage:

Hibiscus scored the #2 spot on BlogTO's "Best Crepes in Toronto" list, which is extra cool since they offer vegan, gluten free crepes, which I don't think any of the other finalists come close to.  Thanks to Colleen for the heads up!  

Meghan's cooking class: source

Meghan Telpner from Love in the Kitchen Academy won the Best Healthy Living Blog category of this year's Canadian Food Blog Awards for her great blog Making Love in the Kitchen.  Congratulations!

Bunner's Bakeshop (3054 Dundas St. W., 416-528-2975) not only got a feature article in The Globe and Mail, but they were also nice enough to mention TVA's Vegetarian Directory - thanks to them for that, and also for you Directory readers for seeing their listing, getting in touch, and convincing them that there's demand for vegan gluten free baking (a fact further proven when they got the #1 spot in BlogTO's list of best new bakeries of 2010!)

Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate!

Boardwalk Chocolates : source

Do you like chocolate? Do you like February 10?  Would you like to eat chocolate on February 10?  Then you need to attend the 3rd Annual Chocolate Party at Panacea (588 Bloor St W,) where Boardwalk Chocolates will be providing free samples for you and your friends from 7 - 9pm.  There'll be mysterious sugar free chocolate (that cleans teeth!?), regular truffles and Valentine's Day special boxes will available for sale.

Lesia Kohut, owner and executive chef of LPK's Culinary Groove (718 Queen St. E., at Broadview, 416-461-6440) is hosting a special Valentine's Day chocolate workshop on February 13 from 10AM to 4PM.  In this hands on workshop, you'll learn how to temper chocolate, make chocolate bars and various chocolate confections, and a delicious little chocolate box for all your edible treats! Recipes and methods will be provided. 

There's also an introduction to raw desserts taught by Stacey Burgess of Live On Chocolate, a former dessert chef of Live! Organic Juice Bar who you might know from the Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-off (she made those cool turtles! and took home two 2nd place prizes.) She'll teach you how to make mouth watering, delicious, low glycemic desserts using organic, raw ingredients, without sugar or any animal products or byproducts. You'll be guided with step by step instructions using equipment and tools that everyone has in the home, along with ingredients that are readily available. Recipes and methods will be provided, and students will take home an indulgence box at the end of class.

You'll need to bring an apron and a container for your treats.  For more information, contact LPK at 416-461-6440.

New Products!

Dr.Cow's cheese : source

Panacea (588 Bloor St W, 647-350-3269) boasted on Facebook that they're now carrying Dr. Cow raw cashew cheeses, raw cashew ice creem, Orgran cereal, and Lickin' the Beaters 2: Vegan Chocolate and Candy. Panacea is also stocking the long-awaited Tofurky Pizzas with Daiya Cheese at an introductory price of $8.99 each!  3 varieties are available:vegan cheese, vegan pepperoni, and vegan italian sausage with fire roated veggies.

Ying Ying Organic Soy Food (St. Lawrence Market, 92 Front St. E, 905-847-5592) is now stocking a frozen tofu stew (Thursday to Saturday) and spiced tofu jerky made from organic tofu.

The Specialest Specials!

Front Door Organics (www.frontdoororganics.com) is celebrating Family Day by giving away Grainstorm Pancake Mixes to customers who order selected locally-produced products this month.  For more details, visit their website.

Get a job!

Kindfood (399 John St., Burlington, 905-637-2700) is hiring!  If you are (or if you know) an experienced gluten free baker and cook, you should get in touch with them.

Winter isn't forever! Seriously!

Marni's retreat: source

Marni Wasserman is hosting a Delicious Rejuvenation Retreat in Collingwood on June 26-30, and I know that seems like it's really far away and it'll be winter forever, but you need to get on this one because early bird rates are ending on March 1.