NYC Vegetarian Food Festival 2013

The annual NYC Vegetarian Food Festival is a great opportunity for anyone to see 1) the plethora of incredible options available to enjoy a fulfilling and even decadent vegan lifestyle and 2) many interesting, fascinating, well educated and informed speakers on various topics related to being or becoming vegan.
I've been to all 3 annual events and it's very exciting to have seen it grow every year.  Held at the Metropolitan Pavillion in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, NYC, it's clear that a bigger venue is now needed.  The lines wrapped around the corner and I heard stories of some people, who didn't buy tickets in advance, giving up after waiting for hours, or never got in at all.  That is a shame, as there is so much to see and learn!  On the Festival's web site, there is a heartfelt apology with a promise to do better with admissions next time.  Luckily I bought a VIP ticket.  It's not that much more than GA, there are discount offers run in advance and you are admitted right away.  That in itself, was worth the price.

Here are just a few things that stood out for me, from the weekend long event:

Why aren't commercial marshmallows vegan?  They are made with gelatin - which is derived from animal bone marrow.

Of course there was lots of food.  The free samples alone would fill you up in no time.  But there were also various vendors selling sandwiches, pastries, chocolate, ice cream & even sushi rolls!

The Sweet & Sara table is always a big hit.  Many flavors of marshmallow treats!  These are never made with gelatin.

My favorite food vendor is The Regal Vegan.  Chef Ella is amazing.  She served the most delicious calzones, stuffed with her famous "Basilicotta" and broccoli rape. OMG.  Have you tried her products "Faux Gras" and "Basilicotta"?  Delicious spreads made from all natural ingredients like lentils, walnuts, cashews & fresh basil.  Check the web site for stores that carry them. Yum, yum!

Chef Ella and me.  I look like I was in a food coma already, lol!

Another favorite at the festival were rows & rows of yummy cupcakes by Pink Frosting Bakery.  They are made without eggs or dairy and happen to also be gluten free.  No animal products, but not lacking in flavor. 

These babies made it to a dinner party later that evening.  No one even knew they were vegan, they just devoured these light, fluffy and moist cupcakes!

My favorite part of the festival is seeing all of the products and crafts.  All cruelty free (no animal testing) and all natural, plant based ingredients.

The Herbivore Clothing Company selling quality, comfy t shirts & sweatshirts made from bamboo & hemp.

Herbivore Clothing Company (with the US Veg Corp logo shining in the background)

 But for me, the highlight was the hand crafted jewelry!  The winner for me:  Michelle Leon Vegan Jewelry.  All of her designs are themed with the word "vegan" or use animal images.

I love this necklace, so pretty & delicate.  Accented with semi precious stones.

This is my favorite piece.  It says Vegan Life scrolled through it, accented with turquoise. It's so me.

Beautiful chunky bracelets scrolled with "vegan life".  Pricey, high quality designs.

Faux leather belt, sourced from Japan and a fantastic buckle.  I would wear this.

My other favorite is Mary Smith's Wired Up Creations.  All hand crafted pieces made from dehydrated vegetables or plants encased in non-toxic plastic or glaze.  Awesome.

Really cool necklaces

Earrings that make a serious statement

Then, of course were the animal advocates.  Here I am with my friend Beth at the Catskill Animal Sanctuary booth.  We went on a tour of the grounds in Saugerties, NY, last summer.  It was one of the best experiences of my life.  There, we were able to personally connect with animals that were all rescued from factory farms and abusive situations.  Pigs, chickens, horses, goats, roosters, cows, calves & sheep all have the most amazing personalities.  It was quite emotional and beautiful to see them all living out their natural lives with not a worry in the world.  It's 100 acres of pure love!

Me & my bestie Beth.  We <3 CAS!

This is Michelle Alvarez, Outreach Director at CAS.  She works closely with Kathy Stevens, the founder & Director.  She actually remembered us from our visit last year.  Well, we were really into the whole thing...and we're kinda loud.  So maybe we left an...impression (sheepish grin)?  Beth & I look forward to our next visit and plan to volunteer for them when they open again this spring.  Stay tuned for more news on that!

Me & Michelle Alvarez of CAS

An excellent feature of the festival are all of the great speakers.  We listened to Adam Sobel, founder of The Cinnamon Snail, an all vegan food truck that travels the NYC area, peddling the most delicious pastries and sandwiches.  He spoke about our diet and sustainability.  A big them this year among speakers was, besides vegan awareness and animal advocacy; ecological awareness and the impact factory farming has on the earth.  Many changes need to be made in order to sustain our food supply and health. He advised that it's not about being perfect all the time.  Instead, constantly check in with yourself.  What might you be doing to cause harm to others?  Using plastics, gas, labor, etc? These realizations can be a tool towards finding solutions & creating a non violent world.  I encourage you to learn more about that.  (Or ask me!)

Adam Sobel, creator of The Cinnamon Snail

We had the pleasure of listening to the most amazing Gene Baur, founder of Farm Sanctuary, one of the best known and respected animal sanctuaries in the country.  I actually sponsor a pretty little goat named Lily at the location in Watkins Glen, NY.  Gene spoke about making choices that simply align with our own values, not to mention our own interests.  It only makes sense to eat food that won't kill us.  This is not just about animals, but also about GMO produce farming and the huge environmental impact of the massive amount of fossil fuel it takes to raise factory farmed animals.  It's just not sustainable.

Gene Baur.  He is dreamy. 

Me & Gene Baur.  I was a little star struck and have pudding face ;-)

Another of my favorite speakers is Victoria Moran.  She is a vegan lifestyle coach and has written several books, the latest being "Main Street Vegan".  She really knows how to make a vegan diet easy, delicious and completely sensible. I would love to work with her!

Victoria Moran

At the end of the day, sure it was crowded, sure all of the information can get overwhelming, sure my feet hurt.  Personally, I found everyone - the vendors and the guests - so friendly, patient and open minded.  Everyone really wanted to share and learn.  It was completely worth it and I highly recommend it.  I'm looking forward to next year!