Grasslands

A Fond Farwell to Grasslands

This may seem like old news now to some, but to anyone who ever experienced the amazing food and fine dining experience at longtime Toronto staple Grasslands (formerly Fressen), you will understand why we are still mourning the loss! By Diane Burgin, President of Toronto Vegetarian Association It was 2001 when I discovered Fressen, one year after its opening. It was love at first bite. I took so much food home the first time. Then I decided the easiest way to enjoy the food was to keep going back! I remember the very first item I ate there. It was a Swiss chard salad with miso dressing, a border of long strips of cucumber, and topped with sesame seeds. I also remember the side dish of button mushrooms served in a mini cast iron skillet. By week two, my favourite item was locked in – the polenta appetizer on a bed of garlic-spinach, surrounded by tomato sauce. With all the menu changes to follow, the polenta dish managed to be represented on all menus. Even with my love of polenta, the veggies were the star attraction when the main dishes were served. Do you remember the zucchini shaped like a… Read More

Filed under: News News from the Toronto Vegetarian Association Toronto Veg Blog Uncategorised

Vegetarian Directory Updates – December 2015

New Vegan Brunch Options D-Beatstro (1292 Bloor St. W, Toronto, www.facebook.com/dbeatstro/) has recently begun offering vegan brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10am-3pm! Choose from classic breakfasts such as the Deluxe with housemade sausage, tofu scramble, home fries and fresh fruit, to the less than classic red velvet waffle sticks with frosting and maple syrup, and many more. Gluten-free options also available. See D-Beatstro’s Facebook page for a full menu, and visit their location at 1292 Bloor St. W. this weekend to try it out! Don’t forget to show your Toronto Veg Card to save 10% on baked goods. Live Organic Food Bar (264 Dupont St, 416-515-2002, www.livefoodbar.com) has launched a brand new brunch and dinner menu as of mid-November. Along with exciting new brunch options and menu items at the Food Bar, Live Market (134 Atlantic Ave. (at King), 647-748-5483, www.livefoodbar.com) in Liberty Village is launching a new “Playtime” menu as of December 1st. This menu features a Thai Noodle Salad with Crispy tofu, carrots, daikon, kale, spinach, mint, cilantro, basil, spicy almonds, cashew, pea shoots, green onions, beet,… Read More

Filed under: News Veg Directory Updates

Another Bittersweet Goodbye

By Barbi Lazarus, Donor and Volunteer Resources Coordinator At first glance, it’s been a rough year for lovers of vegan comfort food. In February, Toronto lost Hot Beans, a favourite of many for their Mexican take out joint that included jack fruit tacos and mac and cheese burritos. Earlier this year, we also said goodbye to Sadie’s Diner, a longtime staple in Toronto’s vegetarian scene that featured all day breakfast and always served up impressive prix fix meals for Valentine’s Day and Veggielicious. Along the way we bid them sorrowful goodbyes (click here for a past blog post recapping the sadness), and now it’s time to say farewell to another popular and delicious vegan restaurant, Grasslands. I found out about their closure with literally less than two weeks notice. I squealed and was border line teary eyed as I scanned my agenda and tried to search for a chance to go back for one last meal. I’m also just about to leave for vacation so my schedule is really tight and I didn’t think it would be possible. Later that night, I made the decision. I was going to make the time no matter what, and I can’t tell you how… Read More

Filed under: News News from the Toronto Vegetarian Association Toronto Veg Blog Uncategorised

Walking in a Veggie Wonderland

By Barbi Lazarus, Donor and Volunteer Resources Coordinator Reuben sandwiches at Thomas Lavers Yes, I’m going to say it again. It’s really clear and obvious that vegetarianism has hit some sort of tipping point and Toronto is one the best examples of the increasing visibility and popularity of vegetarian options in the dining world. Want proof? Savour Toronto, a local company that does walking food tours of Toronto’s best restaurants, approached us last year for assistance creating the first vegetarian walking tour in the city. Savour Toronto has now run three of their popular Vegecursion tours which takes attendees to five vegetarian hot-spots (including the TVA Resource Centre!), and I was giddy as can be when they invited me along for a complimentary tour at the end of April. It was, of course, delicious. What else would you expect from Toronto which we all know has no shortage of supply of incredible vegetarian restaurants? I was expecting a little bite size sample at each of the stops and was surprised by the wide and large variety of different items we got to try! The first stop was Thomas Lavers. There was a spread of fresh baguettes to… Read More

Filed under: News from the Toronto Vegetarian Association Toronto Veg Blog Uncategorised

Vegetarian Directory Updates – January 2014

New Look, Same Great Place Kindfood (399 John St., Burlington, 905-637- 2700) is now Lettuce Love Café! As of early December, the all vegan, gluten-free café we’ve come to know and love has a new name and look. You can still expect all of the same award-winning menu items, plus a few new ones to try, including Avocado fries, a Grilled Portobello Sandwich, and the Power Bowl which features organic steamed quinoa, braised kale, grilled sweet potato, black beans, grilled portobello mushroom, avocado, and brazil nut parmesan, drizzled with lemon tahini sauce. “Our philosophy is: If we make you feel better, you’ll inspire others, and that’s how the world changes. Good food makes a difference.” Find Lettuce Love Café on Twitter and Facebook for news, specials and more. And don’t forget to stop by Kelly’s Bake Shoppe just across the way for some delicious baked treats! New Storefront Location The Goods (416-843-2127, www.thegoodsisgood.com) is opening a storefront location! Back in September, we told you about The Goods, a brand new lunch delivery service offering “organic whenever possible, gluten, dairy and chemical free, vegetarian, mostly raw-vegan, and… Read More

Filed under: News Uncategorised Veg Directory Updates

Vegetarian Holiday Specials 2013

Whether you’re looking for that perfect gift, or some delicious Vegetarian holiday fare, we’ve got all the holiday specials offered by your favourite Vegetarian Directory businesses. Happy Holidays! Holiday Meal Specials Bello Bio (511 Mt. Pleasant Rd., 416-587-4432, www.bellobio.ca) has a 5 course Italian Holiday sampler menu until December 30 from Wed-Sun, 5:30-8pm for $35 plus tax. “Hey folks – check out one of our entrees for our Holiday Sampler menu! This dish includes a potato and cauliflower bechamel sformato, seitan roast, and almond, chestnut, and thyme stuffing, topped with a roasted onion and garlic sauce. Delicious!” Brar’s – Food Culture of India (199 Advance Blvd., Brampton, 905-799-1625, www.brars.ca) offers an extended holiday menu and extended hours from Dec. 13-Jan. 1 just for you! “Happy Holidays from Brampton BRAR’S.” Fresh Restaurants (4 locations, 416-599-4442, www.freshrestaurants.ca) has an amazing New Year’s Eve deal. Get customer appreciation discounts from 6-9pm on December 31: from 6-7pm- 30% off, from 7-8pm- 40% off, from 8-9pm- 50% off! Visit any of the four locations: – FRESH ON CRAWFORD 894 Queen Street West – FRESH ON… Read More

Filed under: Homepage Slider News Uncategorised Veg Directory Updates

Vegetarian Directory Updates – October 2013

New Vegan Online Store The Vegan Aisle (www.veganaisle.ca) is a new online source for vegan, ethically-made (fair-trade), and environmentally-sustainable goods based right here in Toronto. “We’re committed to selling products that are not only good for non-human animals and you, but also good for the human animals who make them and the environment. That’s why, not only is all our stuff vegan, we try to carry merch that puts an effort into being fairly-traded and environmentally-sustainable as well!” No time for pouring over labels and ingredients wondering if they’re natural, cruelty-free, and ethically sourced? No worries! Everything from food, cleaners, and body care- it’s all here! “We read the labels for you so you don’t have to!” Check out The Vegan Aisle on Facebook and Twitter for feature items, specials, and new products! New Vegan Cooking Classes The Real Meal (www.therealmealclasses.com) “emphasizes vegan cooking in a way that’s accessible and balanced – with an understanding that balance sometimes involves comfort food.” Based in Toronto, Chef Allysia cooks, teaches and blogs with her partner, Mike Van Betuw and offers fully plant-based cooking classes and personal chef services. Both public and private classes… Read More

Filed under: News Uncategorised Veg Directory Updates

Vegetarian Directory Updates – April 2013

New Vegan Restaurants and Eatery As we reported back in December, Fressen, a long time vegan restaurant was closing, but we kept hearing about a new concept restaurant that was in the works. Welcome Grasslands (478 Queen St. W., 416-504-5127) same location, new decor, brand new menu! Meshell blogs her experience here: “We went on Day Two (03/28/2013) with a troupe of hungry vegans, and ready to try new and exciting things. On first glance it looked a lot like the old menu, but then there were several delightful differences. As promised there was a much more substantial cocktail menu, and a different dessert (though our server assured us more options were coming – as this was just the beginning.)” This is an edit. Rawlicious writes: “We are happy to announce the opening of the newest Rawlicious in Guelph! It will be located in a delightful spot in downtown Guelph at 60 Carden Street (across from City Hall) and construction is under way. We will be open May/early June.” superfood eateries (268 Adelaide St. W., 647-827-9656) “is the world’s first gourmet, handcrafted, chef-inspired takeout to serve completely organic, plant-strong,… Read More

Filed under: News Veg Directory Updates

Vegetarian Directory Updates – December 2012

New Fresh Produce and Appliances Organic Food Delivery’s mission is to “provide our customers with affordable, nutrient rich organic foods that support living a life of optimal health. Our aim is to support farming practices and community activities that contribute to a healthier planet. We are an online service with the largest distribution area in the GTA. Use your Veg.ca promo code “VEG” and receive 10% off your 1st order, and $10 in free groceries on your 2nd. No membership/ customization fees, just great customer service.” NutriGreen Sproutz is a “start-up grower and distributor of hydroponically grown sprouts for restaurants, retail establishments, and individual customers. We are located in Seguin, Ontario (near Muskoka) and distribute our products to local consumers, neighboring towns, and the Greater Toronto Area. Contact us today for best prices on the freshest sprouts in town! All naturally grown, by passionate people, for conscious foodies, with integrity! Gluten-free. Vegan. Available ALL year round.” Juicerville is where “Canadians shop for high quality juicers at guaranteed rock bottom prices. Bonus gift & free shipping throughout Canada included with most juicers. Juicerville supports a cruelty-free lifestyle by promoting a vegetarian diet… Read More

Filed under: News Veg Directory Updates