DC Vegfest: Bigger, Better, and More Delicious Than Ever

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

DCVF_Sharegraphic9 (1)Are you vegan, vegetarian, or just curious about eating a more plant-based diet? Then this year’s DC VegFest on September 20th is not to be missed. Held at beautiful Yards Park on the DC waterfront, DC VegFest is a free day-long celebration that includes speakers, cooking demos, more than 100 exhibitors and vendors, a “Barking Lot” where four-legged furry friends can romp, music, and much more.

This year’s keynote speaker is Robin Quivers–also known as Howard Stern’s sidekick–and author of The Vegucation of Robin. Washington Post writer and author Joe Yonan along with Doron Petersan of Sticky Fingers Eats and Treats are on tap to do cooking demos featuring easy-to-make vegan dishes the whole family will enjoy.

More than 25 restaurants will be showcasing their healthy eats at the festival, ranging from kombucha from Craft Kombucha and freshly pressed juice from South Block Juice Co. to vegan Chinese food from Vegetable Garden and vegan pizza from Pete’s New Haven Style Apizza. Those looking for refreshments a little harder than juice can even take advantage of the beer and wine garden, sponsored by Bread & Brew.

Other exhibitors not to be missed will include all-natural skin-care lines, yummy baked goods, organic dog treats, and even a local culinary arts school specializing in healthy, plant-based diets.

Nine authors and chefs, including event MC and The Cheesy Vegan author John Schlimm and 73-year-old ultra-marathon runner Dr. Betty Smith will speak throughout the daylong festival. Other speakers include:

  • Lesley Parker-Rollins — Vegan mom and host of Ask a Vegan Family
  • Bryant Terry – Eco-chef and author of The Inspired Vegan and Afro-Vegan
  • Dr. Neal Barnard – President of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
  • Alexis Fox and Micah Risk of Lighter Nutrition Coaching and Community

DC VegFest highlights the many benefits and flavors of vegetarian eating and shows how easy and delicious it is to choose healthier, more sustainable, and kinder foods. Attendees will enjoy free food samples from So Delicious, Tofurky, Larabar, Way Better Snacks, and more as well as tasty vegan cuisine from nearly two dozen food vendors.

Attendees will also have the chance to peruse exhibitor booths from such animal-friendly organizations and companies as Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap, the Humane Society of the United States, Conscious Corner, A Well-Fed World, Animal Rescue Bar, Washington Humane Society and many more.

In addition to this event being free and open to everyone, the first 1,000 attendees will also get a free 2014 commemorative DC VegFest tote bag loaded with veg-friendly products, coupons and more!

The DC VegFest was originally founded by the Vegetarian Society of DC and has been organized by Compassion Over Killing since 2009.

Five Organic/Eco Food Spots

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

In San Francisco or New York, there are organic restaurants and cafes everywhere. In DC, not so much. Like everything else worthwhile in this town, you have to work to find them. Well, not to worry. I’ve done the heavy lifting for you. In no particular order, here are some places (from casual to upscale) where you can chow down and know that you are eating food that’s good for you and for the planet:

1. Java Green Cafe. In bustling Farragut North, JGC is a vegetarian/vegan oasis among the steak houses and chain sandwich joints. Belly up to the counter to order vegetarian fare with a Korean twist such as Udon noodle soup, Boolgogi and Kimchi, plus assorted salad and sandwiches featuring “faux” turkey, chicken, and tuna. Be forewarned: If you go during the lunch-time rush, there’s usually a long line and limited seating.

2. Chix. Newly opened in Shaw, the poultry-centric cafe uses earth-friendly materials in all of its packaging, paper products, cleaning products, and even in its construction materials and interior decor. All of the chicken is 100% natural, free-range, hormone-free, antibiotic- free, and slow roasted over natural charcoal and wood. Many of the sides are organic too including basmati rice and hummus.

3. Hook. In the heart of Georgetown, local celeb-u-chef Barton Seaver cooks up responsibly sourced seafood and local products. Selections from the menu include Yellowfin Tuna with roasted sweet potato, chorizo vinaigrette, citrus, thyme and Wahoo
quinoa cake, pine nut puree, and marinated onions.

4. Vegetate. Located in the Historic Shaw neighborhood, Vegetate “believes in using the best possible ingredients from local and regional farms, purveyors and businesses.” On the menu you’ll find braised cabbage nori rolls, root vegetable noodles, and house made grilled seitan. Half priced wine by the glass every Sunday.

5. Restaurant Nora. You want fancy and organic? This is the place. Founded by internationally renowned chef Nora Pouillon, RN was the first certified organic restaurant in the country and one of the first vegetarian restaurants in DC. The seasonal menu features organic new-American cuisine such as pan-roasted Amish chicken breast stuffed with pistachio pilaf and grassfed beef tenderloin roast with truffled potato gratin. There’s a $66 tasting menu and a $56 vegetarian tasting menu.