Today Lisa O. and Emily try to figure out ways to out-segue John and Liam's 'dudecast' while handling all of the vegan scavenger hunt excitement ongoing at the resource centre.  The 'ladycast' opens with a special shout out from one vegan scavenger hunt team, and includes three other 'hellos' mid-way through the podcast - so look out!  Things on the scavenger hunt list this year included pictures with TVA RC members, photos of vegans reading animal rights books, and photos of vegans flexing. 

Speaking of flexing, Lisa mentions a vegan body builder who is currently in Toronto.  People who think vegans don't get enough protein or can't build muscle mass should take a look at this guy.  If you are a body builder, and use bronze tanner to highlight your physique, or if you are just a regular person who cleans now and again, you might enjoy some eco-friendly DIY cleaning products that make use of things you have right in your cupboard. Things that might not be in your cupboard?  Breast milk from a cow.  Yes, you heard right.  Scientists in China have found a way to genetically-manipulate cows to produce human breast milk.  Lisa and Emily think that this is not a good use of scientific dollars, and that cows should be left to live peaceful un-exploited lives in the country.  You might find Carrie Underwood in the country too, since she grew on a farm, and sings country music.  A vegetarian since 13, Underwood recently announced she has become vegan, for health reasons.  Whatever your reason for being veggie or vegan, you probably like to go out now and again for dinner at a restaurant.  Lisa O. mentions a site from which you can order free cards to give to different restaurant managers, to let them know you'd like to see more (or any) delicious vegetarian and vegan options available on the menu.  For vegetarians or vegans who like vegetables and fruits, or people who like things clean, Lisa and Emily discuss the EWG's Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists, highlighting the best produce to buy organic, and the ones that it won't hurt to buy conventional.  Lisa closes the podcast with a shout-out to some special listeners that visited the resource centre all the way from Cleveland, Ohio and recommended the restaurant The Flaming Ice Cube.  She and Emily hope they enjoyed their stay in Toronto!

This podcast was a segue-spectacular 22 minutes.

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The hunt is on!  On Saturday, June 25th, the Toronto Vegan Scavenger Hunt will challenge local vegans and friends to prove their meat-free chops in a battle of epic proportions.  The hunt begins at Panacea, Toronto's own vegan health food store, and ends at Hot Beans, the locus of delicious Latin-inspired vegan take out in Kensington Market.  In between, teams will scour the downtown area with food-related clues in restaurants, stores, and maybe even a dumpster or two.  Winners will receive prize packages with goodies included that are sure to make even omnivores drool.

 This noble challenge is in support of an even nobler cause: all proceeds of the hunt will be donated to the production of the film Maximum Tolerated Dose.  A film by Toronto native Karol Orzechowski, Maximum Tolerated Dose provides a glimpse into the internal struggle within the people who have seen the world of animal-testing first hand, without forgetting the stories of the animals who have seen inside the cage.

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This week, John and Emily talk about compassion, cooking, kittens, and scavengers hunts, among others.  First and foremost, Compassion Week comes to a close today with a talk by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau at 4pm and the Compassion Marketplace which runs until 6pm.  Tickets are still available at the door for the talk and admission to the marketplace is free.  If you can't make it to Christie St for Colleen and the marketplace, come out to the Raw/Vegan Food Festival on Bathurst to check out other food, clothing, and information options.  If you find that neither of these plans work for you, maybe you can find some time in your schedule to join the Toronto Vegan Scavenger Hunt and spend the day finding things (count how many times 'find' appeared in that sentence.  See?  You're a natural!) on June 25th.  Or, if you are looking to volunteer, check out some of the great volunteer opportunities now available at the TVA.

In terms of food, John mentions that there is a new Pizzaiolo open on the Danforth for pizza lovers (or pizza-likers).  There is also a Pizzaiolo on Queen that apparently is not new, except to Emily who has only recently discovered it. For those who prefer to cook at home, consider trying the vegan quiche recipe from Colleen Patrick-Goudrea's The Vegan Table or the peanut butter cups from Alicia Silverstone's The Kind Diet for a gourmet meal that is sure to please.  The recipes are Emily tested and approved. For that final bunch of you who prefer to eat at home but not necessarily cook at home, word on the street has it that Udupi Palace now delivers! If you are one of those lucky individuals who finds your address falls within their delivery zone, add the number to your speed dial now.

If you've been thinking about finding a special someone to snuggle with now that summer has come, consider checking out one of the numerous animal shelters and rescues in the city to secure your very own special animal friend.  There are lots of cats and dogs available, and now that spring has sprung and the summer is here, there are lots of kittens too.  Any one of these little folks would be happy to find a new friend in you.  So check it out!

Finally, Emily comments on some gossip delivered to her by her sister about a new feature in Elle magazine in which Emma Stone wears an ostrich feather dress and a pair of lambskin overalls.  The moral of this story?  Don't forget to ask questions about where things come from and what they're made of - and don't be afraid to say "no thanks" if something doesn't fill your ethical standards.  Emily and John only hope more celebs will do the same.

This podcast was a compassionate 29 minutes.

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This week, the Li-Li team (Liam and Lisa O.) have all kinds of news to discuss. Shawn C. emailed to report that there's another vegan-friendly soft serve yogurt shop with a topping bar at Yonge and Wellesley. It's called Yogurt Spoon, and is Liam-tested-and-approved.

A new study suggests that a vegetarian diet is good for the kidneys. Not good for the kidneys or the rest of the body are these unhealthy "healthy" food items from major fast food chains. The US government has issued MyPlate, a replacement for the food pyramid of dietary recommendations that is an improvement over the old version, but there is still a need for subsidy reform. PCRM (Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine) has a number of action items that allow you to help animals by sending messages to hospitals and other facilities using animals for training and testing purposes. By quickly filling out a form, you can help chimpanzees, pigs, and other animals in need.

A fancy new haute cuisine vegan restaurant called True Bistro has opened in Boston. In local eatery news, you can check out the directory update page for details about Fresh's new mid-day deal, Boardwalk Chocolates' new offerings, and more. Snakes and Lattes board game cafe offers vegan donuts, nanaimo bars, and cupcakes. The cafe also recently stopped charging an extra $.50 for soymilk. 

In the gossip corner this week, we have news about Steve O. and Mike Tyson, both of whom are vocal vegans.

Today's podcast was a solemn 38 minutes.

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Raw Catering

Image from Earth and City

Earth and City  is a new enterprise of two fun Toronto girls who want to bring you the best in raw, local and vegan food.  They: “use all vegan and mainly raw ingredients. Our food is inspired by local and seasonal offerings, and we choose organic whenever possible.  We offer a savoury menu created with fresh, plant-based produce from various Ontario farms, and delicious raw desserts made with raw nuts, seeds, fruit, and natural sweeteners. They are even growing their own food in three organic gardens this season, “everything from root vegetables to berry bushes to abundant herbs to wild greens will be growing.” Sounds great right?  Find them, and their food, at various farmers’ markets within the city of Toronto, they’ll even cater  your party, conference or a private dinner!  Stop by and chat with them at Sorauren Farmers’ Market on Mondays from 3pm-7pm, Wychwood Barns Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from 8am-1pm and Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington Market on the last Sunday of every month 12pm-7pm.

Mid-Day Pick-Me-up Deal!

Fresh (on Spadina , on Crawford , on Bloor ) has created an amazing mid-day deal!  A 16 oz drink and choice of muffin, cupcake, walnut brownie or cookie for only $5.75 + tax.  Deal applies weekdays only,  between 2:30-5:30. See their Facebook page for all conditions.

Tasty Product Updates!

Rashmi's Veg Cakes in Brampton is now Rashmi’s Bakery as now they offer more than just vegetarian cakes. They write:  “We are now offering vegan cakes with the same mouth-watering taste as our egg-free cake but now 100% vegan. We also have nut free cakes, baked goods (muffins, pound cakes, vegetable patties) and lots of yummy desserts such as apple turnovers, cheese cakes, chocolate blasts, chocolate cups, cinnamon buns, coconut balls, and cream horns. All of our cakes are free from eggs & nuts, vegan cakes available on special order.”

Image from Boardwalk Chocolates

Siue has new and exciting things at Boardwalk Chocolates this season. “Coconut Gingersnap, Chocolate Chai and Peanut Butter Marshmallow are now available in Chocolate Star form.  These luscious ice creem concoctions are encased in high quality crispy chocolate. Imagine big frozen truffles! Chocolate Stars are available in bags of two or boxes of twelve that contain all three flavours. Perfect for those backyard get togethers or picnics.”  You can also pre-order Ontario strawberries chocolate dipped, white dipped, mixed and with or without toasted coconut. Email her for prices and availability.  Available at Panacea . 

More poutine everywhere!

Did you know that Smoke's Poutinerie has 3 vegetarian poutines? Traditional Veggie Poutine, Nacho Veggie with salsa, sour cream and guac, and Veggie Deluxe with sauteed mushrooms, caramelized onions and green peas! Visit one of their 6 Toronto locations and dig in!  When we asked about vegan options they wrote : “Our brown (vegetarian) gravy contains the following main allergens and sensitizers: milk, soy, sulphites wheat, celery, corn, and gluten. This product is peanut-free. Our cheese curds do NOT contain rennet.”

Vegans, be sure to visit Poutini’s for your poutine fix! They are having a 2-for-1 poutine special  Sunday, June 12 to celebrate Poutini's 2nd anniversary!  

We dare you to make your own vegan poutine! Daiya  tweeted: "Hey Ontario, all Sobey's will be offering Daiya at an in-store feature price from June 3rd to June 30th!."

More vegan cupcakes

Blue Swirl Mini Vegan Chocolate Cupcake from OMG Baked Goodness.

Look for the striking pink and brown sign on Dundas West and you’ll find OMG Baked Goodness (1561 Dundas Street West, 647-348-5664).  They make herb and garlic focaccia breads, cookies, pies, scones and beautiful vegan cupcakes.  See their website for restaurants, caterers and cafés that stock OMG wholesale.

Veggie Options in Omni Places!

Misty wrote to us: “Thanks for your lovely hard work on this site! It is very much appreciated! Just wanted to mentioned a few of my favs for veggie options while eating out:

• South Street Burger Co (various locations ) - AMAZING veggie burger with gourmet topping options!!!
• Feta and Olives (found in some Mall cafeterias ) - great falafel pitas! 
• Mucho Burrito - (various locations ) Great tacos and burritos! 
• Montana's - (various locations ) Also a great yummy veggie burger! 
• Cora’s - Breakfast/lunch. (various locations ) AMAZING veggie eggs bennie (swiss cheese and asparagus), and lots of veggie options! Tons of fruit! Really healthy options!

In Kensington Market 

New Sadie's (photo by TVA)

Hot Beans writes: “Donut news! You can now order donuts by the dozen. Give us 24 hrs notice, and you can have as many donuts as you want! Pick up at Hot Beans. Call 647-352-7581 to place your order!”
Hot Beans have also changed their hours to 11am-9pm, 7 days a week.

Sadie's Diner And Juice Bar   writes: “The rumours are true, there is a new Sadie's Juice Bar opening in Kensington Market. It will not be a full restaurant, just juices and smoothies and snacks.“  The location will be right next door to Hot Beans on at 146 Baldwin,  just West of Spadina.

Today Liam and Lisa O. discuss the recent revelation that there are two soft-serve shops with vegan options on Bloor St. (YoYo's Yogurt Cafe and Menchie's ), which they are looking forward to trying now that the weather's finally warming up. Read more about this in "Tikka Tastes Toronto" in the Summer edition of TVA's  LIfelines members' newsletter. 

Image source

The Edmonton edition of the Metro observes that veganism is coming into vogue, and that while vegans are still considered annoying as dinner guests, at least they're now regarded as healthy, slim, and sexy. Also coming into vogue is a new trend away from using commercial hair care products. Lisa O. has been trying to go "no 'poo" and is eschewing shampoo in favour of baking soda, vinegar, and a new homemade flax seed "hair gel" courtesy of this article on The Hairpin. Let us know if you're trying this too, and what your results have been!

There are a lot of veg-related things to see, do, and participate in over the next few weeks. Forks Over Knives, a pro-vegan film, is currently playing at the Cumberland 4 Alliance cinemas in Yorkville. The Veggie Pride Parade is taking place next Saturday (June 4) from 11:30-3:30pm. If you want to participate, perform, or be a sponsor or donor, contact the organizing team by clicking the Contact Us link on the event's website. You can also print out and distribute posters for the event.

We also have posters and postcards for the upcoming Compassion Week event. If you'd like to distribute some in your neighbourhood, you might win a free ticket to see Colleen Patrick-Goudreau's talk on June 11th. Not able to distribute posters? You can receive a free ticket to the talk if you  bring your friends and family (buy three tickets get the fourth free). Contact blazarus@veg.ca for details. There have been lots of new updates in the speaker lineup, marketplace vendors list, and Compassion Cafe, so check out the Compassion Week website to find out all the new information.

The Scotiabank Marathon Team is now recruiting runners, walkers, and sponsors. Sign up to run or walk the 5k, 1/2 marathon, or full marathon as part of the TVA team and help raise money to support the TVA. There are some great incentives to join, including a discounted race registration fee, and prizes.

Back in the Gossip Corner, we have more details about Ginnifer Goodwin's return to omnivorism, and Mark Zuckerberg's adoption of a diet in which he'll only eat animals he's killed himself. 

Today's podcast is a flaxen-haired 30 minutes.

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Three Great Opportunities to Celebrate and Inspire Compassionate Living

It's time to discuss our relationship with animals and encourage people to explore alternatives to cruelty. Starting June 6th, Compassion Week will include:

• The Compassion Cafe: An art sale to raise funds for animal sanctuaries in Ontario, plus live jazz music from Larra Skye and storytelling from Caitlin Black
• The Compassion Marketplace: A festival at Wychwood Barns featuring fabulous food, cruelty-free businesses and animal-focused non-profit organizations, special presentations from Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, Erika Ritter and Vivek Gupta, a workshop from Food Forward, plus the Wychwood Barns Farmers' Market
• Compassion Award: Your chance to nominate an activist doing amazing work for animals in the GTA

How Can You Get Involved?

• RSVP to Compassion Week events on Facebook – Compassion Café, Compassion Marketplace  
  
• Purchase tickets for Colleen Patrick-Goudreau’s talk – available by phone at 416-544-9800. 
  
• Bring along your friends and family so they can be inspired to care about animals!
• Nominate someone for a Compassion Award!

Visit www.compassionweek.ca for more details.

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This podcast started with a bang, or should I say, a ‘bean’ as we discovered that Hot Beans’ TVP filling recipe is available on the Canadian Parents website. If you feel so inclined, you can cook the filling up for yourself, or, if you are feeling lazy, you can just head to Hot Beans and have them make it for you.  Speaking of lazy, The Laziest Vegans in the World blog posts regularly about vegan convenience foods and easy-to-make vegan recipes. Isa Chandra Moskowitz’s boyfriend is the blog’s author, and it looks like it has some delicious and interesting ideas.

There are also many updates to the Vegetarian Directory,, including mention of a new vegan protein imported from Italy, soy and rice whipped cream in a can from Panacea, and chocolate bars modeled after childhood favourites, like peanut butter cups.  Bring on the nostalgia!  Also, now available in assorted grocery shops is a new flavour of Daiya cheese: Captain “Pepper” Jack Sparrow, also known as pepperjack.  If I were a pirate, I would definitely say “yarrr.”  If you have the appetite of a pirate, feel free to check out an all you can eat salad and pizza deal at the Magic Oven at Queen and Parliament on Wednesdays after 5pm (for $14.95).

We are heading into a whirlwind of great events, including a variety of “1st annuals”.  May 28 is the 1st annual TARVE (Toronto Animal Rights & Vegan Expo) and June 11 is the 1st annual Toronto Raw Vegan Festival .  If that weren’t enough, Compassion Week this year runs June 6-12.  Saturday June 11 features some great marketplace events at Wychward Barns, as well as a talk by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, who is an author of numerous cookbooks and an inspired and motivating speaker.  She’s also got great hair, so there you go.

In terms of worldwide adventures, Liam was in New York recently, and had some amazing food, including vegan milkshakes.  Determined to keep the trip alive, even on the way home, he discovered a great restaurant in Syracuse (not the one Shakespeare wrote about, but we won’t hold that against it) called Strong Hearts Cafe , where, would you believe it, they ALSO had amazing food and more vegan milkshakes.

Finally, some celebrity gossip to close the podcast. Alicia Silverstone, author of The Kind Diet, has had a baby boy.  She and her husband will be raising their new baby as a vegan, and given her knowledge of food and nutrition choices, I think they’ll set a great example.  Ginnifer Goodwin (a B-list celebrity according to Liam, primarily because he can’t think of who she is), who has been very active in the animal rights scene, has gone from vegan to vegetarian, for nutritional reasons.  While one can’t help but find it a bit disconcerting that someone of such financial means can’t make proper eating happen, as Liam said, “to each their own.”  Everyone has to find what works for them, while hopefully continuing to make as many humane choices as possible. 

That’s all for now, folks.  This week’s podcast was a creamy milkshake 29 minutes.

May & June Rejuvenation Retreats!

Photo from Grail Springs Spa

Canada's Vegan Iron Chef Doug McNish has joined the Grail Springs Team! Head up to Grail Springs Health Spa & Wellness Retreat for some amazing raw food at their lakeside santuary in Bancroft (1 hour from Toronto.) Enjoy 30% off all their packages in celebration of their 10th year Annivesary.  

At Shanti Retreat this May 13-15th for a weekend of yoga as well as the teachings of the renowned Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program. Later this month, join them for "Bhakti, Chant and Yoga"  May 20-22nd/23rd Wendy and Darin write that they are looking forward to welcoming you to Shanti and introducing you to one of Ontario's secret gems, Wolfe Island.

A Retreat with Purpose: Presented by Cruda Cafe who writes that the program features "yoga in the morning and afternoon, meditation, nature walks, uncooking classes. Available: Reiki treatments, Abhayanga massage, and one on one personalized juice fasting. Let Claudia Gaviria, owner of Cruda Café take you on a journey of peace, contentment and rejuvenation at a deeper level. This optimal process is the fruit of over 8 years expertise in Living foods, yoga, meditation, Ayurveda and Reiki."  Retreat & Program: $395 + HST. Coach bus service availble. June 17th -19th 2011. For additional information and resverations please contact  Veronica Fine - PR and Raw Chef at aveganaffair@gmail.com

New Products!

Di Martino Vegan Protein Product

Di Martino Imports just unveiled at the Green Living Show "a new complete Vegan protein from Italy. Made with only 100% Organic and NON GMO ingredients. Comes in a wide variety of cuts, from sandwich slices to roasts etc."  Watch their  website for a list of our retailers; it's currently available at Nature's Emporium in Newmarket, Fiesta Farms on Christie, Panacea and they will be at TVA's Compassion Marketplace on June 11, 2011 giving out samples.

Panacea Vegan Shop writes "Whip it! Whip it soy good!..... after a 3 year absence from the Canadian market, we now have Soyatoo brand whipping cream in a can, in both soy and rice versions. Talk about good timing - vegan whipping cream and  the return of Glyde vegan condoms just in time for the weekend!"  Also, as we mentioned in our Easter update, Panacea has launched a new vegan bar product line from Sjaak's called Eli's Earth Bars, and 2 new varieties from Go Max Go that are modelled after Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Nestle's Crunch bar!

Photo from Cholan

New Vegetarian Restaurant!

Cholan Vegetarian Cuisine (808 Britannia Road West, MIssissauga, 905-812-2700) write to tell us they "have a wide variety of items in our menu from South Indian, North Indian and Oriental cuisine."  

New Finds:

Moreen and Fraser let us know that  Delight Organic Fair Trade Chocolate has  incredibly smooth and creamy vegan chocolate ice cream, as well as a few vegan truffle options.Visit them in the Junction at 3040 Dundas Street West and on Queen West at 805 Queen Street West. 

Photo by Amandaraeca

Amanda tweeted: "Vegan french toast & veg-bacon at  Cardinal Rule Restaurant in Roncesvalles. They also have a couple other vegan options, more veg options and they  had a daily special (phish & chips.) Also, their non-dairy milk is rice milk. The site has the full menus which show what is veggie, vegan and gluten free."

Lindsay writes: "My friends all wanted to meet at the Real Sports Bar before the Raptor's game the other night and I wasn't quite sure what to eat (I'm vegan).  I checked their menu before hand, and it said they had a veggie burger (that you could get on a bun, or wrapped in lettuce).

"I wasn't sure if it was vegan or not though, so I emailed them and the head chef wrote: 'The vegetable burger has the cheddar only on top and can be removed. We do put a slight amount of egg white in the mix to keep it together, but as I send this email, we are making a special batch for you with the egg white removed and it will be ready for you this evening. Only other part of note, is our bun has an egg wash on top. We can offer the burger on our foccacia or obtain an Egg free bun for you if you wish.' Upon arrival, our server, and the kitchen were aware that there were a few vegans there, and they accomodated us 100%! The service was INCREDIBLE. The server and chef also told us that whenever we want to come, just drop them an email or call them with our reservation number, and they'll be sure to make sure whatever we order is vegan. The food was DELICIOUS and I would definitely eat there again."

Vegan? Getting Married? Here's help!

Rose Pedals Vegan Weddings "features real stories from vegan couples who are engaged or recently married and is designed to share vegan and vegan-friendly resources for a healthy, environmentally-friendly, and cruelty-free weddings.  We're actively seeking vendors to list as well as vegan couples that would like to share their veg proposal and wedding stories."

ME WANT PIE NOW!

Photo from APieCalypse Now!

APieCalypse Now! is an all vegan bakery with its roots in Leslieville. Starting May 15 you can pick up apple pies, butter tarts and squares at the Distillery District Sunday markets (10-4pm). You can also pick up your treats at U of T farmer's market on Thursdays starting June 2nd.

Banking + sweets = LPK!

LPK's Culinary Groove tweets:  "Just got back from another morning delivery to the brand spankin' new and gorgeous ING Direct Cafe at 221 Yonge Street (at Shuter.) Who knew banking could be this delicious. ING is incredibly community oriented, and is actually giving all cafe related sales to charity, including The Stop at Wychwood Barns. We're really excited to be a part of it all."

Back again!

Pulp Kitchen is "starting a modest renewal in Riverdale with the original Marie Crawford (again!)...Go to 718 Queen Street East (LPK's Culinary Groove) to find new juice concoctions and be sure to "Like" Pulp Kitchen Fresh Juice on FB and spread the word!"

The Worldwide Vegan Bake Sale has begun, with two upcoming sales at the TVA resource centre this week! Come celebrate this international event at the TVA Resource Centre!

There will be plenty of baked goods to satisfy. Come on by and purchase some treats, then head up to the Resource Centre if you'd like to get your hands on some cookbooks so that you can get into the kitchen yourself!