Contents

1. Walkers for Farm Animals Touch the Heart of Portland
2. 2nd Annual Vegan Holiday Festival Set for Nov. 3
3. Vegan Businesses Consolidate in New Southeast Location
4. Journey to Beirut for the October Dine-out, Without Leaving Downtown
5. Compassionate Thanksgiving Celebration Planned for Nov. 18
6. Vegan Singer-Songwriter to Give Presentation on Climate Change
7. Physician to Address Diet and Disease at October Potluck
8. In Search of a Few Good Geeks to Boost the NWVEG Website
9. Blossoming Lotus and Paradox Café Win Big in Favorites Survey
10. Local Vegan Publishes Cookbook; Sales Support Farm Sanctuary
11. Veggielicious Vegan Food Cart Reopens to Rave Review

E-Bits is edited by Charley Korns. If you are interested in writing for future E-Bits editions, please email charley@nwveg.org. The next deadline is Nov. 20, 2007.

Walkers for Farm Animals Touch the Heart of Portland
By Cathy Monroy, Portland Walk for Farm Animals Coordinator

“Hey-hey, ho-ho, factory farming’s go to go!” Did you hear the cry on Saturday morning, Sept. 29? If not, then you missed 65 conscientious PDX animal folks walking and chanting to raise awareness of animals housed in jails of jeopardy, otherwise known as factory farming. We raised our signs, handed out leaflets, and sent our voices high in the air to let the community know who we are. But we also strutted our stuff celebrating those animals that made it to freedom and live comfortably in one of Farm Sanctuary’s farms in New York or California. (See Walk photos, courtesy of Erika Flint, Jack Nose Photography)

Bo Rinaldi’s fantastic restaurant Blossoming Lotus at 925 NW Davis Street provided the meeting place for the walk to begin and end, donating super scrumptious treats, chai tea, and coffee. Peace to you, brother Bo!

The total number of money raised from the walk is yet to be tallied, as we had several walk-ins, as well as a raffle with gifts provided by Vita Café, Northwest VEG, and Herbivore Clothing and Magazine. We’ll let you know how we did in the next newsletter.

If you think that a walk does little to help a cause, please reconsider your stance. It gets like-minded people together to meet, smile at one another, and make our world a peaceful place. The walk supported the lifestyles of vegans, vegetarians, and those moving towards a change. It was a forum for non-judgment, as we are all in different places in our work to free ourselves from animal consumption. Moreover, the money we raised goes directly to the animals. Learn more about the annual Walk for Farm Animals.

So next year, ask yourself—will I be part of that spirit, shouting out for animals, or will you just read another article, wishing you could have been a part of the EXPERIENCE?

You must be the change you want to see in the world.
— Mahatma Ghandi

2nd Annual Vegan Holiday Festival Set for Nov. 3

Northwest VEG is pleased to join with Robert Cheeke of Vegan Bodybuilding and Fitness to sponsor the 2nd Annual Vegan Holiday Festival on Saturday, Nov. 3, at Benson High School. Everyone from the merely curious to vegan is welcome to attend, and will find easy and simple steps to eat and live in a more sustainable and compassionate manner.

The Vegan Holiday Festival will feature presenters, plus a wide variety of exhibitors and participating nonprofit groups will offer information on nutrition and health, exercise, cooking and baking, the environment, and proactive steps for a promising future. Holiday-themed and animal-friendly products and services including crafts, gifts, and food will be available. Presenters include Culinary Expert Chef Al Chase and the Chefs from Blossoming Lotus Café here in Portland, along with many others.

Robert Cheeke, President of Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness, decided to present the Vegan Holiday Festival because of a need to counter the unthinking cruelty that goes on in food and clothing production for the holiday season. He wanted a festival to uplift, inspire, educate and motivate people to make healthier and more compassionate food and lifestyle choices. Robert's goal for the festival is to strengthen our vegan community and support the vegan companies, businesses, individuals and groups here in the Northwest.

Festival sponsors include Blossoming Lotus, Northwest VEG, and Food Fight Vegan Grocery. If you can volunteer, contact veganholidayfestival@yahoo.com. For more information, visit www.veganholidayfestival.com or contact Robert at (541) 231-6269 or veganholidayfestival@yahoo.com.
Don’t miss this incredible event!
When: Sat., Nov. 3, 2007; 10am to 6pm
Where: Benson High School: 546 NE 12th Ave., Portland
Cost: Free!

Vegan Businesses Consolidate in New Southeast Location

Several vegan businesses will be in new digs this fall, under the same roof. Food Fight Vegan Grocery (owners Chad & Emiko pictured), Herbivore Clothing, Sweetpea Baking Company, and Scapegoat Tattoo will be operating out of a new Portland location at 1217 SE Stark St. Food Fight, Herbivore, and Scapegoat are aiming to open at the new location by Nov. 1. Sweetpea, which has been a wholesaler of cakes and baked treats, will open in early January; it will be Oregon’s first exclusively vegan sit-down bakery.

Food Fight, a Northwest VEG business partner, will double in size, adding small produce and bulk sections, as well as a nacho cheese pump and a hot dog steamer. Herbivore also will become twice the size of its current store and add to its product line, carrying more bags, belts, and wallets. The store also will expand its activism-oriented titles and cookbooks, including a couple of its own that will be published in the near future.

Sweetpea’s Grand Opening will be the first week of January, since January 7 will be the bakery's 3rd anniversary. In addition to its signature line of cupcakes, cookies, and cakes, Sweetpea will be serving coffee and espresso, as well as quite a bit of savory food — sandwiches, grab-and-go breakfast tacos, bagels with flavored Tofutti cream cheese and an all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch buffet. The sweets will expand to include gluten-free items, doughnuts, and possibly croissants and Danishes.

Journey to Beirut for the October Dine-out, Without Leaving Downtown

If you like Lebanese food (hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel, dolmas, baklava, etc.), consider signing up for the next Northwest VEG dine-out to take place at 2 pm on Saturday, Oct. 13, at Habibi, located at 1012 SW Morrison St. in Portland. The monthly dine-outs provide a chance to hang out over lunch or dinner, partaking of only vegetarian/vegan items offered by area restaurants. To RSVP, contact Jacqueline at vegdineout@gmail.com or (503) 224-7380 (message phone) by Oct. 10. We will be limiting our number to 20, so secure your seat early! To learn more about the restaurant, visit www.habibirestaurantpdx.com.

Compassionate Thanksgiving Celebration Planned for Nov. 18

Northwest VEG is in the midst of planning for our 4th annual Compassionate Thanksgiving Potluck on the 3rd Sunday of November. Exact time and place are still to be determined as we look for a larger facility to accommodate everyone, but save the date! We'll supply beverages and desserts, plus anticipate having a local restaurant supply two vegan entrees to sample. Further details and registration information will be emailed out to everyone in the next couple of weeks.

Vegan Singer-Songwriter to Give Presentation on Climate Change

Northwest VEG and Proper Eats will sponsor a slide show on global warming presented by vegan singer-songwriter Kyle Vincent on Saturday, October 27, at 2 pm. Kyle, who trained in this presentation under Al Gore and his organization, "The Climate Project," has modified the Gore "Inconvenient Truth" presentation to include more of the effects of diet on global warming, and the large generation of greenhouse gases by the livestock industry.

The presentation is tentatively scheduled to be held at Proper Eats Market & Cafe, 8638 N. Lombard Ave., in the St. Johns area of Portland. Kyle Vincent is in town to hold a couple of house concerts, and he felt this would be a good opportunity to team with Northwest VEG and give his global warming presentation. Kyle's web site is www.kylevincent.com/start.htm. The event is free.

Physician to Address Diet and Disease at October Potluck

Join Northwest VEG for its next vegetarian potluck at the West Hills Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 8470 SW Oleson Road in Portland. The event takes place on Sunday, Oct. 21, starting at 5 pm. Please bring a vegan or vegetarian main dish, salad or dessert, a card listing its ingredients, and plates and utensils for your use. If you come alone, figure the amount to serve 4-6; increase the amount 4 servings for each additional person in your party/family. Northwest VEG potlucks are alcohol-free events and we start eating about 5:15 pm.

After the meal, Ole Ersson, M.D., will discuss common diseases influenced by the typical American diet high in saturated fat, cholesterol, sugar, and refined foods. Many studies have shown that incidences of heart conditions, cancers, and diabetes can be dramatically lowered by adhering to a nutritionally rich, vegan diet. Dr. Ersson serves as a physician for the Correctional Institutions under Multnomah County. For more information call (503) 224-7380 or email info@nwveg.org. If you can volunteer, contact volunteer@ nwveg.org or call (503) 224-7380. A donation of $2-5 per person is suggested to help cover the cost of the room rental.

In Search of a Few Good Geeks to Boost the NWVEG Website

The Northwest VEG website has served as a vital took for the community since it launched in late 2003. While it has been very informative and easy to use, it is time to make it even better. This fall, our webmaster, Erika Flint, will be meeting with Paul Clerc, the founder of Watermelon Web Works, which has donated hosting of the site since its inception. They will begin the discussion and implementation of a content management system, which will allow various authorized volunteers to manage different parts of the site. It’s simply become too big a job for one volunteer! In addition, Northwest VEG is excited about a redesign of the site in the near future. We are looking for anyone with web skills, either on the design or development side, who would like to be part of the transition to a spectacular website.

If you can volunteer some time this fall and in the future, please contact Erika at erika.flint@gmail.com or call (503) 975-1141.

Blossoming Lotus and Paradox Café Win Big in Favorites Survey

Northwest VEG conducted a survey this summer asking newsletter readers to name their favorite food establishments in 20 categories. Like last year, Blossoming Lotus was selected "favorite restaurant." The Lotus also came out on top for a dinner destination and raw food offerings. [Through Dec. 31, Northwest VEG members will receive a free 2 oz. vegan soft serve with any purchase; members' catering orders for 30-300 people will be discounted 10%.]

The restaurant capturing the most category titles (four) was Paradox Café. All winners have locations (or are available) in Portland. A random drawing selected a winner of a $25 gift certificate to Blossoming Lotus. Congratulations to Maren Souders! Thanks to everyone who submitted their favorites.

1. Restaurant: Blossoming Lotus (925 NW Davis St.)
2. Food Cart: India Chaat House (804 SW 12th Ave.)
3. Asian Restaurant: Bay Leaf (4768 SE Division St.)
4. Mexican Restaurant: A three-way tie — La Bonita Taqueria (2839 NE Alberta St.), Laughing Planet (various), Chipotle (various)
5. African Restaurant: Queen of Sheba (2413 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.)
6. Middle Eastern Restaurant: Ya Hala Restaurant (8005 SE Stark St.)
7. Restaurant serving vegan sushi: A two-way tie — Mio Sushi (various), Sushiland (various)
8. Restaurant for breakfast: Paradox Café (3439 SE Belmont St.)
9. Restaurant or food cart for lunch: Veganopolis (412 SW 4th Ave.)
10. Restaurant for dinner: Blossoming Lotus (925 NW Davis St.)
11. Restaurant for raw food: Blossoming Lotus (925 NW Davis St.)
12. Happy hour with vegan options: A two-way tie — The Tube Bar (18 NW 3rd Ave.), Pirates Tavern (2839 NW St. Helens Rd.)
13. Tofu scramble: Paradox Café (3439 SE Belmont St.)
14. Vegan French Toast: Paradox Café (3439 SE Belmont St.)
15. Vegan pancakes: Paradox Café (3439 SE Belmont St.)
16. Non-dairy latte: Stumptown (various)
17. Locally made vegan dessert: Sweetpea Baking Company (various outlets; bakery to open in January at 1217 SE Stark St.)
18. Vegan burger in restaurant: Veggielicious (3315 SE Hawthorne Blvd.)
19. Vegan burger in grocery store: Dr. Praeger's (sold at Trader Joe’s, New Seasons, etc.)
20. Grocery store: New Seasons Market (various)

Local Vegan Publishes Cookbook; Sales Support Farm Sanctuary
By Cathy Monroy, Contributing Writer

Quick! Check your cookbook shelf. I bet you have a couple of vegetarian cookbooks, newspaper clippings of a wonderful soup or chanterelle mushroom bake you haven’t gotten to yet, and you might have a couple of cookbooks from days of yore that have a sirloin or ham floating around. But I bet you don’t have the latest vegan cookbook by a local PDX lass aptly titled, “Delicious Dishes for the Laid Back Vegan.” This self-published cookbook has a collection of 16 fun, scrumptious, easy vegan recipes, each with its own little story and “Laid-Backisms” to exercise your thoughts while cooking some great food, along with a music list to sing and sway to. There are such recipes such as “Swentilgarb Stew,” a mélange of delicious ingredients, great for the chilly days ahead. Oh, and of course “Goodness Gracious Great Gobs of Garbanzo Beans!” A favorite here at the homestead. Along with scrumptious recipes, you’ll learn the intricacies of “the laid back vegan,” and perhaps think about becoming one yourself!

Also, this entertaining little cookbook was published with 100% recycled paper, and 75% of the proceeds go directly to Farm Sanctuary, the leading farm animal advocacy organization, rescuing and rehabilitating animals all over the United States, providing them a safe haven for the rest of their sentient lives. With the holidays approaching, this highly affordable cookbook is an enjoyable read with healthy dishes even a non-vegan can enjoy, and it will make a great stocking stuffer!

If you’re interested, shoot me an email — Cathy Monroy, the Laid Back Vegan, at monroycathy@hotmail.com. I’ll send you a copy along with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Then your beautiful self can send me a check, money order, or cash in the amount of $6.00. This includes shipping charges. Not bad, eh? I promise you a great experience. Peace, baby!

Veggielicious Vegan Food Cart Reopens to Rave Review
By Stumptown Vegans

The Veggielicious food cart at SE 32nd & Hawthorne is back and as adorable as ever. Although it is under new ownership, the menu is currently similar to the old one, but they will be updating with new additions in the next few weeks. The menu still includes plenty of faux meat, soy cheese and tofu-filled sandwiches, and there is talk of vegan pancakes!

My partner and I each had an Egg Mock Muffin on sale at two for $8. This vegan take on the classic breakfast sandwich consists of a toasted English muffin, grilled vegan ham tube, lightly seasoned tofu, Tofutti American cheese and house-made Hollandaise sauce. The Hollandaise sauce was creamy and I only wish there was a bit more of it, and hope that it’s in constant rotation at the cart. The combination of flavors, textures and the sauce really did make my sandwich almost “eggy.” I really dig that every part of the sandwich was warm and cooked — grill lines on the ham and all.

Yes, you do have to wait for your food being cooked by one person, but even with three sandwiches, we walked away from the cart within 15 minutes and with a dose of friendly conversation. There are two stools available while you wait, but no tables as of yet for dining – although you can walk and eat the wrapped sandwiches, it can become annoying with an open drink. However, this may change, as Veggielicious is contemplating a move in front of People’s Food Co-op on SE 21st Avenue where there is some seating. Meanwhile, visit the cart on Hawthorne; hours are Tue-Fri, 11 am - 6 pm, Sat 11 am - 4 pm, and Sun, 11 am – 4 pm.

Read the entire review of Veggielicious at stumptownvegans.com. The site includes reviews of the vegan offerings at many Portland and Northwest restaurants. Site visitors may read and post comments.