Arthur and wife, Natalie at Fressen.

Recently, Arthur won the Veggie Challenge Sep/Oct 2009 random draw. For his prize he chose Fressen, Toronto's most gourmet vegetarian restaurant located at 478 Queen St W (w. of Spadina), 416-504-5127 www.fressenrestaurant.com

Fressen generously provided a free dinner. Arthur wrote us: "The food was prepared really well and we had a great time.  We will make this one of our go to places."

Not only did Arthur complete the one week Veggie Challenge, he went on and did the three week Phase 2. More recently he wrote us: "I've signed up to a cooking class I found in your directory...and also became a member of Toronto Vegetarian Association." His story about the experience follows:

The healthiest way to live

I recently started Yoga classes which inspired me to become a vegetarian. It was not a chore but rather an understanding that this is the healthiest way to live. I received the most amazing reactions from just about everyone, mostly "wow" and "really!?! – to which I answered, it's actually pretty easy and extremely satisfying. I did not follow the meal suggestions from the Challenge during my week, but I will be using the recipes in weeks and months to come. The emails were a fun way to plan for future meals. 

The one thing that stands out in my mind about my "conversion" is the amazing resources and support system available to anyone who wants to make healthy choices. You just have to open your eyes and mind to a new and exciting world... thank you for that.

Three weeks later after completing Phase 2

Well, it‘s been an exciting time. When I originally thought of the idea of becoming a vegetarian, I really never thought that it would be fun and exciting. Boring, bland and healthy is what came to mind. Boy was I wrong. The switch to eating vegetarian has given me an opportunity to experience foods like never before. The flavours are new and exciting and food has never tasted this good. I‘ve taken on cooking as a full time job for myself and my family, who by the way are semi vegetarians, just because I don‘t cook anything else. If they want some meat they have to do it themselves. The Veggie Challenge has really helped me, especially with the simplicity of many of the recipes (green smoothies are the best!). I look forward to many years of healthy living.

– Arthur, age 30-44, Maple, ON

Two of the dishes Arthur enjoyed at Fressen