Toronto Vegetarian Association

What's On (three) - Keeping It Local

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:10:11 +0100

What's On gives you the latest information every weekday leading up highlighting who and what will be at the 26th Annual Vegetarian Food Fair . For up-to-the-minute news, follow our Facebook and Twitter feeds. Make sure to check the official schedule before the Food Fair begins for any timing changes.

Today, let's take a look at just some of our amazing local talent from in and around the city of Toronto.

Tip: With so much going on, make sure you make your own personalized schedule. Go over the online one and decide what you would like to see most. Make sure to leave time to walk around and explore!

What's On (two) - Compassion in Action

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:56:22 +0100

Every year at the Food Fair we have some of the most compassionate people in the world grace us with their presence (including you). In this edition of What's On we'll take a look at some of the wonderful presenters and businesses that share your values of compassion.

Tip: Make sure to come to the Food Fair early each day. It tends to be less busy in the morning and some of our best speakers and demos start the morning off.

Ps - Don't forget to vote for us in the VeggieAwards this year!

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eLifelines September 2010 - Sweet Food for the Summer

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:00:00 +0100

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Tweet if you love TVA!

Come follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/torontoveg

We’re on Facebook

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 think that the end of summer means the end of celebrations. In fact, we're just getting started!

There's less than two weeks to go until the 26th Annual Vegetarian Food Fair! This year's event promises to be a spectacular array of cooking demonstrations, talks on compassion for animals, and as always, a diverse collection of delicious vegetarian food.

If dessert is your favourite part of a meal, you can look forward to the 3rd Annual Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-Off in October. This year there's going to be many new twists and lots of sweet prizes!

Perhaps you'd like to practice your baking skills in advance by trying out our recipe for Raw Mango Pie with Coconut Crust, a great way to make good use of the food of the month, coconut.

If all of that excitment in Toronto isn't enough to make you want to stick around as we move from summer to fall, check out our Discount Profile this month of Active Veggie Tours, which gives TVA discount holders $100 off their trip!

Don't Miss These Upcoming Events!

The Annual Vegetarian Food Fair is happening September 10th to 12th, followed by the 3rd Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-Off on Saturday, October 2nd. Find out more in the TVA in Action section or on Facebook.

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What's On (one) - Raw Intrigue?

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:25:12 +0100

What's On gives you the latest information every weekday leading up highlighting who and what will be at the 26th Annual Vegetarian Food Fair . For up-to-the-minute news, follow our Facebook and Twitter feeds. Make sure to check the official schedule before the Food Fair begins for any timing changes.

This year, the Toronto Vegetarian Food Fair is packed with a fantastic line-up of speakers, cooking demonstrations, exhibitors and musical entertainment. Stay tuned for daily editions of What's On for the next two weeks to help you plan your own Food Fair schedule. There is so much to see, and sadly not enough time to see absolutely everything, but you can try! Whether you're a veteran Food Fair goer or it's your first time, these updates will help keep you informed.

Today we're featuring a few people that will be able to teach you a thing or two about the wonder that is raw food (and much, much more).�

Tip: Make sure you bring your own water bottle, there are fountains on-site for refills. Also, check out our special pre-Food Fair podcast episode where we discuss more here.

Podcast 197: Special Food Fair Excitement Report!

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 13:08:55 +0100

�This week, Luke and Lisa O. discussed the salmonella-tainted eggs. After reading a review of Saide's on the It Ain't Meat, Baby blog, Luke went to Sadie's Diner for the first time, and tried the huevos rancheros. Lisa recommends the french toast, and both of the burritos on the menu.

Luke and Lisa are both super excited about the upcoming Food Fair! (Bonus points for counting how many times they use the word "excited" during the course of the podcast.) The list of vendors and exhibitors is up, and more details will be posted on the Food Fair section of our website over the next few days.� Shakira Abubakar, a friend of Luke's, will be speaking on Saturday. The "Passion for Compassion" panel, hosted by Lisa P., should be a great intro to many of the other speakers, and will be held on Friday at 7:30pm.

Steph made a brief appearance on the podcast today, discussing what kind of toothpaste she uses. Luke's trying a Kiss My Face aloe flavour, Lisa's still using Trader Joe's, and Steph is using Colgate (which, it turns out, actually owns Tom's of Maine).

Today's podcast is an excitement-filled 37 minutes.

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Join the Toronto Vegetarian Team and Get Training Tips from Brendan Brazier

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 21:00:00 +0100

This just in!

All members of the Toronto Vegetarian Team who fundraise for TVA will be invited to a private meet 'n greet with Brendan Brazier at the 26th Annual Vegetarian Food Fair! If you like to run or walk, and you want to support the Toronto Vegetarian Association, then you don't want to miss the chance to join the Toronto Vegetarian Team at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on September 26th!

Now is the perfect time, as we just confirmed that Brendan Brazier will hold a private meet 'n greet for all fundraisers on the team, where you can ask him for tips and advice before the race. Plus, our new sponsor, Raw Aura, has invited all team members to a discounted dinner in September, so that you can fuel up on healthy, delicious raw food.��

There's no need to fear joining the team, as this race, which can be completed as a 5k, 1/2 marathon or full marathon, is commonly described as flat, fast and festive. You also have the option of either running, or walking, in the 5k and 1/2 marathon distance.

Joining the team also presents a great opportunity to demonstrate that vegetarians are indeed healthy, athletic and strong. Plus, it's a great way to support TVA and help us raise funds to support programs like the Veggie Challenge and community outreach. Sponsors Whole Foods and Sequel Naturals will be giving away fantastic plant-based prize packages to the top three fundraisers on the team!

�Joining the team is simple. Contact Barbi Lazarus at 416-544-9800 or blazarus@veg.ca to receive your special pincode for a discounted registration rate and full information on signing up.��

Are you already registered with another charity at the race? Really not interested in running or walking?�

You can still support the Toronto Vegetarian Team in one of two simple and easy ways! All donations of $20 or more are tax deductible.

1. You can sponsor a runner on the Toronto Vegetarian Team: To sponsor someone already registered on the Toronto Vegetarian Team, visit our official charity page and click the link below that says "Sponsor a Participant" and search for Toronto Vegetarian Association for a list of team members.

2. You can sponsor the entire Toronto Vegetarian Team: To sponsor the Toronto Vegetarian Team rather than a specific runner, visit our official charity page and click the link below that says "Sponsor a Team" and search for Toronto Vegetarian Team.

We hope you'll consider supporting the Toronto Vegetarian Team!

Podcast 196: Vote for us and win cheese and marshmallows

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 12:08:16 +0100

Lisa has returned to Toronto after visiting New York and the SF Bay Area. She highly recommends Lula's Sweet Apothecary, which serves amazing soft serve, ice cream, and malts and shakes. She less highly recommends Foodswings, which possibly gave some friends a bout of food poisoning. Peacefood Cafe, Candle 79, and Vegetarian Dim Sum House are also recommended.

John and Lisa are both looking forward to the Food Fair, which is coming up very soon! Brendan Brazier will be in attendance, and he'll be hosting a special meet-and-greet with race tips for all of the members of the TVA Marathon team. It's not too late to sign up! Email Barbi at blazarus@veg.ca if you're interested.

Check out the vegan "premium feminine care" products that John recently discovered in a spa shop: I love my muff. If you're in the market for other products, you can check their vegan status using a great free app called iVegan which will help you out. There's another great new app called the VegWeb Vegan Recipe Finder, which is a fantastic resource and only $3. Search for them in the itunes app store.

We received a link from listener Shawn with a little more information about Vitamin D requirements.�

TVA has been nominated for the 2010 veg news awards. You can vote for us here. until August 31st.
This podcast is a�delicious holiday coloured giant green smoothie 29 minutes.

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Join us for the Trot-a-thon

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 09:37:19 +0100

Support Local Farmed Animal Sanctuaries and the Toronto Vegetarian Association at the First-Ever TVA Trot-a-Thon a family-friendly fundraising walk and potluck picnic.

This is a new fundraiser supporting the TVA's work promoting compassion for animals and the work of Animal Outreach supporting animals at local farmed animal sanctuaries. This event also aims to raise awareness about five wonderful Ontario farmed animal sanctuaries.

Where? Registration and the walk will begin at Christie Pits Park
When? August 21st from 11 am to 3 pm
How much? $20 to register. You can make a greater impact by raising through an online giving page! (Read on for instructions.)

You can take part by walking to raise funds for this special campaign. Simply follow the instructions under the heading "Register to raise funds." Up to $1000 of funds raised will be matched by Toronto Vegetarian Association directors. That means for every dollar you raise, the impact is doubled!�

Podcast 195: Bulgogi, anyone?

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 12:08:59 +0100

Today John and Hyein join forces for a third week in a row to bring you another rabble-rousing podcast.� John is pleased to announce that he will be dining at the highly recommended, and economical (for a raw restaurant), Gorilla Food when he is in Vancouver and Lake Tai when visiting Kelowna.

Hyein speaks about her recent experience with Akram's fava bean sandwich, and John raves about their $4.99 vegan meal.� Hyein also mentions that they have good vegetarian and vegan dessert options.��

Other items in this week's show:
- Raw cooking demo review
- tasty blueberry muffins
- finding a good watermelon source
- quince tea
- emails from: Toronto (Barbi), Boston (Michelle), Bosnia (Angeline)

This week's episode is a massaged kale leaf 34 minutes.

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Podcast 194: Smoked Coconut

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 08:08:26 +0100

Today John and Hyein bring listeners up to date with some of their discussions from last week’s show.� Hyein let’s listeners know that she survived being away at a cottage for a few days with the help of canned vegan chili and noodles.� John speaks about his great success with smoked coconut.��

The two co-hosts have some interesting food stories from this past week too.� Hyein reports that King’s Caf� has a great dim sum option and she is happy that there is a vegan poutine option in Toronto, but reports that it is a little too greasy for her liking.� John is pleased that Akram’s is now once again serving their pizzas; three of them are vegetarian and three of them are vegan.� Hyein also lets listeners know of her experiences with making a homemade pizza using Daiya cheese that even impressed the omnivore she was dining with.

Other topics on this week’s show:
-�� John discusses his expensive dining plans when he visits Vancouver.�
-�� Hyein talks about the farmer’s markets she frequents.��
-�� Raw food demonstration on August 12th with Doug McNish.
-�� The 26^th Annual Vegetarian Food Fair and confirm on Facebook.
-�� TVA’s involvement at the Toronto Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon

This week's episode is a sits in your stomach like bad poutine 28 minutes.

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elifelines August 2010 - Celebrate Summer with Fresh and Healthy Eats

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 21:00:00 +0100

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�

Tweet if you love TVA!

Come follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/torontoveg

We’re on Facebook

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.��

August is a busy month for Toronto's vegetarian community - in fact there's something fresh and exciting happening almost every week from now until the food fair!

We'll start with a raw food cooking demonstration on August 12th, followed by the first Trot-a-Thon to support Ontario farm sanctuaries on August 21st. We'll top it off with another raw cooking class to tempt your tastebuds until the 26th Annual Vegetarian Food Fair the weekend of September 10th!�

If you can find any extra time in between all those events, try out our recipe for a cherry chocolate shake to make the most of the nutritional benefits of cherries. But if your pantry isn't stocked and you need some ingredients before getting started, head down to Baldwin Naturals across the street from the TVA office, featured as our Discount Profile.

Don't Miss These Upcoming Events!

The Raw Cooking Demo with Doug McNish is happening Thursday, August 12th, followed by Nimisha Raja's Raw Food Cooking Class on Sunday, August 22nd. In between, join us at the Support Local Farmed Animal Sanctuaries Trot-a-Thon. Find out more in the TVA in Action section or on Facebook.

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Raw Cooking Demo with Doug McNish

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 07:40:26 +0100

Can't take the heat? Stay cool and healthy this summer by making the most of fresh, raw ingredients.��

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At 6:30 on August 12th, in the historic St. Lawrence Market, you can spend the evening with Executive Chef Doug McNish who will share his favourite recipes for creating amazing meals without heating up your kitchen (that's right, no ovens or dehydrators required).�

He'll be rolling raw sushi, massaging and marinating a killer kale salad, tossing zucchini and kelp noodles in a simple marinara sauce and serving up two decadent desserts: chocolate avocado truffles and a berry cobbler.�� If you've been interested in learning more about raw, vegan cuisine then this workshop is the perfect introduction. If you simply enjoy watching a master at work and sampling all of the delicious results, then you'll leave happy and satiated.�� The amazing menu is free of animal products, gluten and soy. Recipes and samples will be provided.

Tickets are $30 for members of the Toronto Vegetarian Association and $40 for the general public. Space is limited so reserve your ticket by calling 416-544-9800.�

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Where? St. Lawrence Market Kitchen South Building (93 Front Street East)

When? August 12th, 6:30 pm

How much? $30 for TVA members, $40 for the general public.� Cost includes recipes and samples.

NOTE: You can join TVA by clicking here or phoning the TVA office, so that you can receive special discounted ticket prices for this event and others like it. Tickets MUST be purchased in advance.

To purchase your tickets, please phone the TVA office at 416-544-9800. Space is limited.�

Podcast 193: Sucker for macadamia nuts

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 07:07:34 +0100

Today John and Hyein had a great time catching up as John has been away from the Resource Centre for sometime.� Both John and Hyein discuss their summer travel plans.� Hyein is concerned about traveling to a cottage where she is going to be surrounded by omnivores.� Both John and Hyein offer suggestions on how to deal with these kinds of issues and food ideas that may help too.� Hyein is also interested in helping her brother, who is vegetarian, find good dining options while he is going to be in Los Angeles.

On the other hand, John has done a summer tour which included stops in Montreal, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington.� In New York City he was pleased with Hangawi, One Lucky Duck, and so-so about Zen Palate.� Montreal has a couple of gems in Aux Vivres and Crudessence.� Boston does not have a great amount of vegetarian restaurant choices, but does have a decent one.� He is sad to report that he wasn't able to eat a vegan philly chessesteak in Philadelphia, and Science Club in D.C. was not open when he went.�

In other news:
- Vegan Vitamins
- Asian-Mexican Fusion!!!
- TVA is participating as a registered charity at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon.� Email Barbi for more details at blazarus@veg.ca

This episode is an old family reunion 26 minutes.

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"Fear of the the dreaded vegan cheezes" and more stories from teens and 20's

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:04:08 +0100

Here are 7 stories from teens and 20's who did the Veggie Challenge in Mar/Apr 2010. To read the full stories, click on the title above, or the "Read more" link below.

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My love for animals and the Earth surpassed my love for the taste of meat.

�� – Kiya, Toronto

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"I accept the continued challenge of a meat-free diet in exchange for a clear and sound conscious, great health and good food."
– Kiya, late 20's, Toronto

Best of all I don't feel guilty
"I am overweight and dread exercising, so learning that I can lose weight by just eating is awesome!"
– Eliya, early 20's, Toronto

Learning how to eat nutritiously without meat
"I am signing up for the three week phase two, and look forward to keeping up this healthy diet!"
– Elizabeth, early 20's, Toronto

I loved trying new foods and recipes
"It was great, I couldn't wait for my daily e-mail!"
– Ashley, early 20's, Toronto

I feel like I'm much healthier already
"I have been enjoying the adventure of cooking new recipes and hunting for unknown ingredients."
– Natalie, early 20's, Mississauga, ON

I still am afraid to try the dreaded vegan cheezes
– Ariel, teen

Trying to go vegan was much more difficult
"I wanted to avoid all animal products as much as possible."
– May

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

Story: Going vegetarian in rural Newfoundland

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 21:00:00 +0100

� �	The Challenge has truly changed my life.

I decided to partake in this Challenge to see how I would feel after adopting a vegetarian diet. At first I thought, 'what am I going to eat?' and 'where am I going to get these vegetarian items?'. Living in rural Newfoundland, some ingredients where difficult to find on a weekly basis, especially tofu. However, I discovered the wonderful taste of different foods that I had not eaten before or on a regular basis.

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�	TLT – Tempeh, lettuce and tomato. Photo: Mike Crooker www.flickr.com/photos/tofu/

I especially enjoyed one of the emails called "What's for Lunch? Delicious vegan options for the office, school or a picnic ." There were many wonderful ideas and suggestions that really kept me on track. I have never before had such variety in my diet before adapting to this Challenge. I feel better, am not hungry all the time and have lost some weight (which is good as I am overweight at the moment).

As for reactions from friends, I didn't have any. I work in a professional environment in healthcare and this was never an issue. My family was very accepting, especially my boyfriend as he saw that I was feeling more healthy and better about myself as the Challenge continued. I will continue with this dietary change and see what other benefits I may reap in the future.

Thank you for offering such a challenge, it has truly changed my life.

– Priscilla, age 30-39, Baie Verte, NL, Feb/Mar 2010