In the latest issue of Vegan Journal, Amy Burger reviews the book California Vegan, by Sharon Palmer, RD. Amy says, “California Vegan, like the recipes it features, is bright, fresh, and inspired by the state itself. While California’s myriad cultural influences and distinct regions are the themes of its chapters, the unifying thread is an emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce. Palmer’s health conscious recipes are easy to follow and are accompanied by beautiful photographs.

Read the entire review here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2022issue3/2022_issue3_book_reviews.php

Subscribe to Vegan Journal: https://www.vrg.org/party/

What can you pack for a vegan lunch? Whether you’re going to school, work, a picnic, or on a road trip, you need options for lunch. Check out 50 ideas to fill your lunch bag!

See this Vegetarian Resource Group Video at https://youtu.be/kqoFDjQO2fs

More videos at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvSyCToa_i9fA4D5CLCAFWw
https://www.vrg.org/veg_videos.php

Hiking, walking, and camping are great ways to get outside, enjoy nature, and unwind from your day-to-day life. We’ve got all the info you need to put together your own sweet or savory trails mixes, make vegan homemade oatmeal bars, and more. These ideas are great for the outdoors or car trips or even just to keep handy for snacking.

See this short video at https://youtu.be/IpYVzxt7OKQ

Recipe for Cherry Ginger Oat Bars: https://www.vrg.org/blog/2022/02/18/cherry-lime-ginger-oat-bars/

Vegan Hiking Boot Guide: https://www.vrg.org/blog/2022/03/10/vegan-hiking-boots-sold-online-in-the-usa-canada-and-europe/

Recipe for Homemade Trail Mixes: https://www.vrg.org/blog/2022/02/16/trail-mixes/

Vegan Hiking On the Appalachian Trail: https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/01/29/hiking-while-vegan/

The contents of this website and our other publications, including Vegetarian Journal and Vegan Journal, are not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. We often depend on product and ingredient information from company statements. It is impossible to be 100% sure about a statement, info can change, people have different views, and mistakes can be made. Please use your best judgment about whether a product is suitable for you. To be sure, do further research or confirmation on your own.

The Vegetarian Resource Group has been home to numerous interns each year. They range from Middle and High School students to College and Graduate Students. The interns have varied interests and we strive to assign them projects that will help them in their careers. Here’s an article describing what some former VRG interns are doing today: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2022issue3/2022_issue3_past_interns.php

To support VRG’s internship programs, donate at www.vrg.org/donate

By Cierra Peterlin, RD, VRG volunteer

Recently I decided to relocate from the Philadelphia, PA area to San Diego, CA. I’d like to highlight some of the awesome eats I came across on my journey from eastern to western USA.

• Three Carrots in Indianapolis, IN was the first stop I made for some grub. This from-scratch, vegan restaurant is open from Wednesday-Sunday. The food was amazing, as was the atmosphere and logo. Between my parents and me, we tried their Chickpea Salad Sandwich, Southwest Salad with pulled seitan, Mac and Cheese, and High Fives. The Three Carrot’s Mac and Cheese was nut free; it’s creaminess impressed my non-vegan travel companions. The High Fives (basically seitan wings) came with a side of agave mustard which I though was a clever vegan take on traditional honey mustard. You may want to plan a trip to Indiana just for Three Carrots!

Southwest Salad with pulled seitan. Sauces: salsa and chipotle aioli

Chickpea Salad Sandwich

High Fives with agave mustard and mac and cheese

• The next place I’d like to mention is Carbondale Beer Works. This local brewery in Carbondale, CO had a really wholesome vegan menu as well as vegetarian options. I tried the Buddha Bowl with Tofu and the Greens and Grains Bowl. Both of these bowls were loaded with enough kale for at least 2 meals and the toppings didn’t fall short either. The Buddha Bowl had miso dressing that added a salty and umami kick which perfectly complimented the crisp bitterness of kale. If you’re really hungry in Carbondale, CO and looking for a whole foods plant-based meal this is definitely the place to go!

Greens and Grains Bowl

Buddha Bowl with tofu

• In Moab, UT, after a full morning of hiking, Sultan Mediterranean Grill was the perfect lunch spot. The beautiful, eclectic decorations and the authentic food are complimented by the friendly, quick service. I ordered the lunch bowl which had grape leaves, quinoa, roasted beets, hummus, pita, falafel, and a side salad with balsamic dressing. This entrée featured a little bit of everything. The fresh vegetables and whole grains cooked and seasoned with various Mediterranean spices were tasty and filling. Moab, UT hosts plenty of vegan food trucks as well but sadly their hours did not match up with my time there. Sultan, however, is open daily so you definitely won’t miss it!

Lunch Bowl

• Lastly I’ll highlight two places in my final destination and new home, San Diego, CA. As one of the country’s most vegan friendly cities, I have had major option paralysis when deciding where to eat here! The two restaurants I’m going to spotlight are Union Kitchen and Tap and Tacoterian. To keep all guests happy, Union Kitchen and Tap offers all types of foods from salads and flatbreads to hearty entrées. Their vegan offerings include 3 unique entrées, one of which was the Chili Rellenos that I ordered. I had never had Chili Rellenos before, so I was really eager to give it a try. It did not disappoint.

• Tacoterian is an all vegan restaurant with a variety of Mexican food. They have a vegan birria taco platter which I had to try. It was huge and very good as leftovers. The rest of the menu also looked amazing and I look forward to going back.

Birria Taco Platter

To find a list of veggie restaurants in the USA and Canada visit: https://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php

The latest issue of Vegan Journal includes a review of Zellee Fruit and Sports Jels. These jels have all the texture of gelatin but with none of the animal products, and they come in easy-to-use pouches that won’t make a mess of your desk drawer or gym bag.

Read the entire review here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2022issue3/2022_issue3_veggie_bits.php

Subscribe to Vegan Journal: https://www.vrg.org/party/

In the 40^th anniversary issue of Vegan Journal, Reed Mangels, PhD, RD looks at what she thinks is some of the most intriguing research related to vegan nutrition that has been published over the past five years.

See: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2022issue3/2022_issue3_scientific_update.php

Subscribe to Vegan Journal: https://www.vrg.org/party/

The Vegetarian Resource Group ran two articles in their Journal on vegan grilling that you might find helpful: Gourmet Grilling by Chef Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD includes grilling tips as well as recipes for Grilled Eggplant, Mediterranean Grilled Portobellos with Pine Nuts, Curried Barbecue Tempeh, Roasted Pepper and Eggplant Dip, Pineapple Peach Salsa, Japanese-Style Grilled Asparagus, Grilled Sweet Peaches, and Roasted Corn. See: https://www.vrg.org/journal/2002issue3/2002_issue3_gourmet.php

Nancy also wrote another article titled Outdoor Feast and it includes vegan recipes for the grill including Tofu and Potatoes Kebobs, Vietnamese “Beef” Salad, Lime and Chili “Steaks,” and Grilled Pineapple. See: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2015issue2/2015_issue2_outdoor_feasts.php

To subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA, visit: https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

Photo from Strong Hearts Buffalo

The Vegetarian Resource Group maintains an online Guide to Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants in the USA and Canada. Here are some recent vegan restaurant additions. The entire guide can be found here: http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php

To support the updating of this online restaurant guide, please donate at: www.vrg.org/donate

Here are some new additions to VRG’s guide (Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic many are doing take-out and/or delivery now):

AV Restaurant, 1135 11th Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816

One of a kind, high-end/fine dining, whimsical all-vegan cuisine. Offering a selection of 14-16 course tasting menu served family-style. Example of items from tasting menu: Flower pot pie, Beet tartare tartlet, Japanese Curry Croquette, Banana confit with macadamia nut ice cream. Food is beautifully prepared with a modernist presentation while being focused on flavor.

Everyday Pizza, 2162 Larimer St., Denver, CO 80205

Everyday Pizza is a hip completely vegan Italian restaurant. The restaurant is located in the center of Denver and provides a wonderful experience in terms of food, service, and atmosphere. The restaurant provides remarkably tasting food that goes beyond Pizza. They offer a variety of innovations consisting of pizza, pasta, desserts, and cocktails. The Mushroom Pizza, Polpette di Melanzane, and Peach Sorbet are incredibly appetizing. Nany reviews state that the Pizza has the best vegan cheese they have ever tasted.

Foglia, 31 State St., Bristol, RI 02809

Foglia is a plant-based restaurant that offers house-made pasta dishes and other vegetable creations. Small dishes include summer corn gazpacho served with polenta and corn pudding as well as fried squash blossoms with an almond ricotta filling. Large plate pasta dishes on the menu include agnollotti packets of pasta filled with mushroom / tofu ricotta and a savory sherry sauce, and a “No-Crab” cake served with Napa slaw and fingerling potatoes. For dessert, cheesecake, sorbet, and gallette are offered.

Loco Coco, 1202 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291; 2905 Broadway, New York, NY 10025; 835 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10065; and 152 North 4th St., Brooklyn, NY 11211

Loco Coco is a smoothie and juice bar. Acai bowl, purple rain bowl, enter the dragon, fruits bowls, cacao Nibs, and a variety of other treats are available. The team goes above and beyond to please consumers in addition to providing adequate customer service. The smoothies/bowls have the ideal texture, and the contents are always gorgeous and delicious.

Strong Hearts Buffalo, 295 Niagara St., Buffalo, NY 14201

Launching from the original Strong Hearts in Syracuse, Strong Hearts Buffalo opened in Summer 2022, on the city’s west side. Take advantage of the free street parking and then be prepared to enjoy comfort food that reminds us that vegans can have our cake—and our burgers, fries, and milkshakes—and eat them, too. Whether you are seeking comfort in its truest sense—think Loaded Fries, Mac N’ Cheese, or a Wild West Beyond Burger—or you are grabbing some greens in a Thai Tofu or a Summer Spinach salad, Strong Hearts Buffalo has something for everyone. You may very well be distracted from the food, however, by the number of milkshake options. It is no wonder they need a “Master of Milkshakes” on staff, to serve up their tasty concoctions including Orange Julius, Maple Vanilla Oreo, and Cookie Dough Espresso.

The Humble Peach, 174 N. Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01002

This cute bakery and café in Amherst Center offers smoothies, baked goods, sandwiches, and even vegan dog treats (with flax, peanut butter, oats and carrot), all lovingly prepared from organic vegan ingredients and local produce. Stop in for a fancy lemonade with fresh squeezed lemons and local maple syrup or a tea, smoothie or matcha latte, paired with soup, focaccia, or a sandwich (such as the carrot lox with organic smoky carrots, capers, dill, lemon, and organic house tofu cream cheese), and then give in to the temptation of a cookie, muffin, tiramisu, or one of the daily baked specials available to view on Instagram @thehumblepeach

Vibe Gastropub 131 Hay St Suite 101, Fayetteville, NC 28301 

Modern with a comics newspaper atmosphere. Meals served on food-safe newspaper. Examples of menu: Lentil tacos with homemade juice of the day. Also waffles and avocado toast.

In The Vegetarian Resource Group’s 40^th Anniversary issue of Vegan Journal, Reed Mangels, PhD, RD predicts what’s upcoming in vegan nutrition in her latest Nutrition Hotline column.

See: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2022issue3/2022_issue3_nutrition_hotline.php

Subscribe to Vegan Journal: https://www.vrg.org/party/