Food and Restaurant News

Discount Profile: Parka Food Co.

After a brief closure during COVID-19, Parka is back open again, and even has two cute tables set up on the sidewalk so you have somewhere to sit and enjoy their delicious take-out! At first, I found the menu overwhelming. I wanted all the different items they have that involve potatoes and vegan tartar sauce, but I figured I might as well choose just one potato dish so that I could try a variety of other foods too. I decided to go with the potato burger, which, in addition to the crispy potatoes and tartar sauce I’ve mentioned, also comes with pickles and guacamole on a light and airy bun. No burger would be complete without a side, but since I was already having some potatoes, instead of fries or poutine (which, believe me, were very tempting) I ordered the cauliflower fritters. I loved the crispy, crunchy batter contrasting with the soft cauliflower centre. The portion size was just perfect to go along with the burger, and the creamy dipping sauce was cooling and refreshing. Of course, Parka is famous for its variety of unique mac and cheeses, so how could I leave without trying at least one? I decided… Read More

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Discount Profile: Veggie Planet

The GTA is fortunate to have an abundance of vegan-friendly authentic Indian restaurants. But Veggie Planet stands apart for its unique fusion dishes. Now with two locations (Mississauga and Vaughan), this place has landed a spot on my top favourite restaurant list, surprising me even more every time with how delicious and flavourful everything is. It’s not every day you find pizza on the menu at an Indian restaurant, but imagine having a whole section of the menu full of pizzas! It was almost too much to bear to try and narrow it down to just one to order, but eventually my partner and I settled on the chaat Pizza, which had a sauce flavoured with Indian spices, vegan cheese, and plenty of crunchy pieces of sev. It was a close competition with the Indian masala pizza, we’ll have to try that next time! But first, we started with “appetizers”. I say that in quotations because the portions were very generous, even for someone like me, who has a huge appetite! This was our third time eating at Veggie Planet, and at first I resisted my partner’s suggestion we get the poutine for the third time, arguing that we… Read More

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Veg Guide Updates, COVID-19 Edition!

  Hello everyone! We’re here to bring you a special Veg Guide Update; this special COVID-19 post brings you updates on which businesses are open, what they’re offering, how you can get things delivered, where and when you can pick up, and more! Read on to hear about all the great offerings, and what you can to support these awesome local businesses. 852 Curbside Collective https://852cc.square.site 852 Curbside Collective is group of independent female-owned food companies that have collaborated to reinvent their businesses during the COVID-19 crisis, which has had a profound effect on each of their companies.  The collective is fronted by Jane Tran of Chau, Meagan Bowden of Phancy Food & Catering,  and Emily De Beus of Sausage Party Toronto, who have created a physical and virtual store offering grocery products, their signature dishes for customers to re-heat at home, and  “Stay at Home Meal Boxes” that include a curated selection of meals and snacks. The purpose of the collective is to keep small businesses thriving while offering the community a safe alternative to large grocery stores. The store features over 10 products from local… Read More

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Veg Guide Easter Specials

Happy Easter everyone! This Easter might not look the same to us as most Easters, as there won’t be any gatherings with families, or going out to events. But there’s no reason why that means that you can’t treat yourself to something nice! Now more than ever, it’s important to support veg businesses, and there’s some great opportunities to do so within this post!    Better Cookies Order gourmet Easter gifts online at BetterCookies.ca. We have many different delicious chocolate cookies available. Each gift basket, box, and bouquet we make is beautifully packaged and delivered safely. To see the cookie gifts we have available, please visit: https://www.bettercookies.ca/special-gifts/11-easter   Big Carrot We might be celebrating from a distance but we are celebrating together! The Big Carrot has Organic, family friendly meals ready to Grab & Go. Local, fair trade and organic chocolates and of course Carrot Kitchen desserts! Why not get creative this year and deliver a special treat to someone you love? Reminder, Beach and Danforth stores will be closed April 10 and April 12th. Be… Read More

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Discount Profile: Vegan Danish Bakery

Being from Thornhill, I’ve been a patron of the Vegan Danish Bakery’s Yonge Street location since they opened, and have many fond memories of swinging by to pick up the most delicious pastries, birthday cakes, and of going for a gigantic plate of waffles for brunch. Last weekend I went for my first visit to their Parkdale location on Queen Street West, and was delighted to walk in and find the same beautiful, elegant atmosphere, with plenty of seating under crystal chandeliers. The case was stocked full of a wide variety of vegan pastries I have never seen anywhere else in Toronto, ones that I have never even heard of! The name is now escaping me, but I was mesmerized as the server described to me some kind of treat that was filled with layers of marzipan and marshmallow and coated in chocolate. I tried something labelled Weinerbread, but no, it wasn’t a veggie piggie in a blanket. It was a pastry stuffed with an almond flavoured custard and topped with a bit of melted chocolate. Continuing with the pastry and chocolate theme, I also opted for a chocolate croissant. The layers of flaky pastry were perfectly buttery and slightly… Read More

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Discount Profile: Saigon Lotus

Saigon Lotus is an all-vegetarian (non-vegan options are clearly marked) restaurant in Kensington Market, just west of Spadina. The restaurant is cozy with nice booths, tables, and even a little waterfall. When you are seated, you get a sheet of paper to write your order on, as well as the menu.  The day we visited was cold and windy; perfect soup weather! We received a (complimentary) hot pot of tea to drink while we contemplated our orders, which were written down and collected promptly.  I ordered spring rolls to start, which were crispy and delicious, served with plum sauce. Barbi–my dining companion for the evening–ordered the cold rolls, which were also delicious. There are four different types of cold rolls, and they all come with peanut sauce.  Then the soups arrived! They were giant. Saigon Lotus offers a regular size soup, and a large for $1 more. We both got the large Spicy Hue soup, and they were served with a plate of bean sprouts, cabbage, lime, and mint to garnish them with.  What can I say? They were hot, spicy (but not TOO spicy), and… Read More

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Valentine’s Day specials from the Veg Guide!

It’s nearly Valentine’s Day, and you know what that means: Lots and lots of treats for everyone! Share with someone special, or treat yourself; it’s the middle of winter, you deserve it!    Better Cookies Celebrate Love this Valentine’s Day with a gift delivery of gourmet cookies. BetterCookies.ca delivers beautifully packaged gifts to homes and offices across Toronto and Halton. Every gift we make is different and personalized with your message of love. It is truly a special way to show you care. To see the gifts we have available for Valentine’s Day, please visit: https://www.bettercookies.ca/special-gifts/10-celebrate-love     Big Carrot In addition to yummy chocolate cakes and other Valentine’s goodies, the Big Carrot is having a beauty event on the 14th at the Danforth location: “This Valentines Day we want to pamper you with some of our amazing natural beauty products! Whether you’re looking to spruce up before a hot date or exercising that self-care muscle this new year, we’ve got you covered. Sign up for a makeover with one of our awesome… Read More

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February Veg Guide Updates

Happy February! Every day it’s getting a little bit lighter, and if that’s not enough to bring you a little joy, hopefully, this lovely list full of new veg things to eat will help! Read on! New Vegan and Veg friendly spots Bloomers pops up in Momo coffee! 20 Bay Street, Waterpark Place If you work near Waterpark Place on Bay Street and are craving donuts, you’re in luck! Bloomers now offers their awesome donuts at a popup inside Mos Mos Coffee! Pickup a treat with your morning coffee, or buy a bunch and treat your office!   Bo Tree Plant-Based Cuisine 4568 Highway 7 East, Unit 3, Unionville While this new cafe in Unionville calls itself plant-based, be aware that they DO serve eggs and cheese! However, there are still plenty of vegan-friendly options of all kinds, from avocado toast to pizza, pasta, and casseroles, in addition to more Asian-inspired dishes.   Indian Spice Room 717 Queen Street East This cozy new Indian restaurant is now open at Queen and Broadview! There’s an extensive, all-vegetarian menu, with lots of vegan options! We can’t wait to try it.  … Read More

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Discount Profile: Virtuous Pie

Virtuous Pie has recently added some new items to their menu, along with special deals on certain nights of the week, so we couldn’t resist going back! My partner and I arrived on a cold winter night, so we were very happy when the garlic knots arrived super warm and soft. These were beyond any garlic knots I’ve had in the past! Not simply dusted in a garlic spread, they were so full of fresh herbs and chili flakes that they were actually colourful. We also enjoyed the skillet mac and cheese, which once again was generously topped with extras including veggie bacon, extra parm, and parsley. It was so difficult to decide which pizzas to order. Thank goodness there were two of us so we could pick two and share! We contemplated the Superfunghi, which comes not only with mushrooms but also a potato cream and truffle almond ricotta, and the Stranger Wings, which is topped with spicy buffalo cauliflower, scallions, crispy shallots, and more! But we ultimately settled on two different options. The Street Corn was such a unique twist on pizza. Rather than layered with tomato sauce, it’s crust was topped with a garlic butter sauce and cilantro lime… Read More

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January Veg Guide Updates

Happy New Year! We’re starting the year off right with a bunch of new restaurants, new places serving vegan food, and candy. Welcome! First, just a plug; have you signed up for Veganuary yet?  Even if you’re already vegan, you’ll get a month of helpful emails with recipes, health tips and more! Share the link with that friend who always says going vegan is “too hard.” They’ll thank you for it! Now, onto the news! AM Bagel 53 Roncesvalles Avenue If bagels are your thing (and let’s be honest, they’re delish), AM Bagel on Roncesvalles features great bagels with about half their menu being vegan offerings. Make it a sandwich with vegan lox, hummus and avocado, vegan egg, or even a vegan “macca”–featuring a burger patty, special sauce, lettuce, onion, and pickle. Finish up with a coffee, and you’re set!    Bistro Vie 105 King Street West, Dundas, ON Made from scratch comfort food is the focus here, at this new vegan restaurant and cafe. Bistro Vie also has meals to go, fresh coffee and vegan hot chocolate as well as vegan wines. Check… Read More

Filed under: Eat Veg Food and Restaurant News Front page post Uncategorised Veg Directory Updates