Eco-Vegan Dog

Check out my new blog, all about raising an eco-vegan dog!

Vegan bakeries in L.A.

Today my office and I wanted to buy a cake for someone's birthday, and naturally I started thinking about where I could get a vegan cake. And my mind went blank. So I reached out to my Twitter friends to compile a list of vegan bakeries or places with vegan options in Los Angeles.

• A Votre Sante - Brentwood
• BabyCakes - Downtown LA
• Golden Mean Cafe - Santa Monica
• Hansen's - Beverly Hills & Tarzana
• Jamaica's Cakes - West L.A.
• Kiss My Bundt - West Hollywood
• Lark Cake Shop - Silverlake
• Little Spoon Desserts - Downtown, food trucks, Groundwork Coffee
• Madeleine Bistro - Tarzana
• Mani's Bakery - West Hollywood
• M Cafe - multiple locations
• My Sweet Cupcake - Pasadena
• Real Food Daily - Santa Monica & West Hollywood
• Seed Kitchen - Venice
• The Sensitive Baker - Culver City
• Shojin (special orders) - Downtown
• SunPower Natural (raw desserts) - Studio City
• Sprinkles
• Urth Caffe - multiple locations
• Whole Foods
• Yummy Cupcakes - Santa Monica & Burbank

Here are some bakers without store-fronts:

• Bunny Muffin Bakery
• C'est La V
• Earth Cafe (raw cake)
• Fabe's Bakery (you can find them in Whole Foods)
• The Fakery Bakery
• Fork in the Road Foods (cookies; you can find them in Whole Foods)
• Ghalia Organic Desserts
• Luscious Organic Desserts
• No Whey - they have Twinkies!!!
• Pattiseraw (raw desserts)
• Vegan Bake Sale

If I forgot anyone please comment below and I'll add them to the list. = )

Fuel screening at Santa Monica Pier

Fuel website

Veggie Van Organization

Here are some photos I took with my iPhone

Bikerowave

I took my bike to get tuned up at Bikerowave and had a great time. It was fun, informative, and cheap ($7 an hour to use their tools and ask questions)

Women of the Green Generation - Celebration of Living Foods

Check out my coverage of the Women of the Green Generation event Celebration of Living Foods

Patisseraw

SunPower Natural

Pure

Juicy Ladies

Sugar Beet's Bakery

Zenergy

Tia's Bakery

Event took place at Vernare Eco Showroom

Acupuncture mentioned: Breathe Balance

Yummy raw snack

Garlic Dill Cashew Cheese (from Madame Bon Vivant) with Leaf Organics Corn Chips.

Glee Guys

A few years ago I bought some products from Glee Gum, who make "All-Natural, Eco-Friendly Chewing Gum Made With Sustainably Harvested Rainforest Chicle", which is "Vegetarian, Additive Free, Lactose Free, Dairy Free, Wheat Free, Gluten Free, Casein Free, Egg Free, Yeast Free, Nut Free, and Peanut Free."

They sent me a newsletter today full of great information:

• Halloween Goes Green
• Coffee Exchange - "a small batch coffee roaster in Providence, RI", who provides their "expanding global neighborhood with fresh roasted sustainable coffee".
• Cloud Forest School - "Known locally as the Centro de Educación Creativa, this bilingual school is located in the tropical cloud forest of Monteverde, Costa Rica. The school emphasizes the integration of environmental education in all aspects of its creative, experiential instruction."
• And check out all the following events happening around the country (click to enlarge)

Au Lac: video review

Valentino Chocolatier Cafe

Had an amazing time at Valentino Chocolatier Cafe in The OC (Tustin). Not only were the vegan Belgium chocolates, hot chocolate, and crepes divine, but the atmosphere was very European and the owner is almost sweeter than the desserts!

They carry Rose City chocolates and cupcakes by Luscious Organic Desserts - yum!

I went down there to show my support as a vegan - while the cafe has a ton of vegan options they don't promote it because they don't have a huge vegan cliental (yet). Please go there, whether you're nearby or it becomes a weekend trip like mine, to show her how much you appreciate the delicious vegan selection. She'd be happy to provide more options (like rice and almond milk) if there's a demand for it.

Negative energy at Interim Cafe

I went to Interim Cafe (Santa Monica) for the first time in a while and had an unpleasant experience with the owner, which made me not want to return. He overheard me inquiring about a meal free-of or low-in soy and he really got on the defensive, literally laughing as he said (in a mocking tone) "you're a vegan who doesn't eat soy?" When I asked him about carrying Daiya and explained its popularity he said it wasn't worth it, that his soy cheese was better, and then he walked away. Since I wasn't interested in having a salad, I ended up choosing a tempeh sandwich and the Chocolate Salvation, and he was sure to come back to pipe in that both had soy, as if to prove a point. In hind sight I should have walked out without ordering anything, but I was hungry and low on time.

I was very turned off by his poor attitude towards me, so much so that I don't plan on returning. While they have a great vegan selection (including delicious "soft serve") and cool decor, I prefer to support restaurants with positive energy and sensitivity to customer's dietary preferences. According to an employee, the owner's attitude is a common complaint, and it occurred to me that he's hasn't been very pleasant in the past. Their saving grace is Ryan (the cashier), who has always greeted me with a warm welcome - I was sure to thank him for that before I left.

There are a lot of restaurants with vegan options in Santa Monica, the majority of which treat their customers with respect; I'll choose to go to one of them next time. However, I'm always willing to give someone another chance if they make the effort to be kind.

Featured in Pizza Fusion Grand Opening article

I was interviewed during the Pizza Fusion, Santa Monica Grand Opening for the Pacific Palisadian Post. Check out the entire article here, but this is the excerpt:

"Also on hand were bloggers John Berardi (losangeles-pizza.blogspot.com) and Whitney Lauritsen (EcoVeganGal.com), who were covering the event for their respective blog angles: L.A.'s best slice pizza and L.A.'s best vegan spots...Lauritsen, with pal Aimee LeMaire, told the Post that the grand opening was her fifth visit: 'I come here a lot. This is the best vegan pizza.' She appreciated that David Whitworth recently upgraded to a new vegan cheese that hit the market."

I'm sure you already know how much I love Pizza Fusion, based on all my reviews! = )

Pizza Fusion, Santa Monica: delicious beer!

Last night I went to Pizza Fusion because I was really craving it - I love their pizza (so much so that I ate it cold for breakfast)! I was going to get the New Belgium Fat Tire that I enjoyed at their grand opening, until they introduced me to something else.

Let me start out by saying that I really don't drink beer often because I just don't love it. In fact, I barely drink at all, aside from the occasional glass of wine, margarita, or mojito. However, after having the Fat Tire I realized that I do enjoy some beers enough to ask for them again. And then I tried Lindeman's Lambic Pomme.

Lindeman's Lambic Pomme is the perfect beer for me, mainly because it barely tastes like beer. It tastes more like a berry tonic - fizzy and fruity, with a slight beer taste. It's wonderful for someone like me who has a major sweet tooth. It is very filling and isn't too strong, so one glass was perfect with dinner. And as they say on their website, it's "perfect with rich cream sauces, hearty soups, aromatic cheeses and spicy cuisine - supremely refreshing" (all vegan of course).

Age of Stupid documentary - screenings across the world

This is incredibly impressive and I'm really looking forward to seeing this movie.

The Age of Stupid USA Trailer from Age of Stupid on Vimeo.

The AGE OF STUPID is a LIVE event taking place this MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21st - playing simultaneously in over 425 cinema’s across the USA and screenings in over 50 countriesaround the world!

The event consists of:

• ‘Green carpet' interviews with key activists and enviro VIP's
• Live performance by Moby
• VIP Screening of the feature film THE AGE OF STUPID
• Live discussions from the field with scientists working in the Himalayas and an Indonesian rain forest
• Live climate discussion with Kofi Annan, Former Secretary General of the United Nations; Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, UK; Phil Radford, Executive Director, Greenpeace USA; Presidents and Ministers from Indonesia, Quebec and the Maldives; actors Gillian Anderson, Heather Graham, Pete Postlethwaite; AGE’s director and producer Franny Armstrong.
• Culminating with a live performance by Radio Heads’ Thom Yorke

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW at your local cinema!
http://www.ageofstupid.net

Please find details on the global screening below or on our website THE AGE OF STUPID http://www.ageofstupid.net.

" An unprecedented global film event, the eco-premiere of the critically hailed documentary THE AGE OF STUPID will be broadcast live from New York City on Monday, September 21 to more than 700 locations in over 50 countries simulatenously, uniting nearly one million people for climate change reform during Climate Week NYC, setting a new Guiness World Record for the largest single screen shared audience experience ever.

World leaders, environmental luminaries, climate change campaigners and other newsmakers will gather for the green carpet eco premiere at New York’s World Financial Center for a screening of the documentary, followed by a live panel discussion on climate change where audiences will hear live from field scientists working in the Himalayas and an Indonesian rain forest as well as Kofi Annan, Former Secretary General of the United Nations; Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, UK; Phil Radford, Executive Director, Greenpeace USA; Presidents and Ministers from Indonesia, Quebec and the Maldives; actors Gillian Anderson, Heather Graham, Pete Postlethwaite; AGE’s director and producer Franny Armstrong and Lizzie Gillett, among others. The event will kick off with a green carpet bicyle-powered performance by Moby and will culimate with an aucostic act from Radiohead’s Thom Yorke.

The eco premiere, which be will simulcast to all participating theaters, will feature a live procession on a green carpet (made of recycled soda bottles) as guests arrive by bicycle, solar car, rickshaw, sailboats and other low carbon methods. Electricity used to power the event will be provided from renewable energy and all food and drink will be organic and locally sourced. Guests will be given reusable, metal water bottles with tap water upon arrival and handmade fans from Whole Food paper bags. An installation of 1,500 plastic water bottles will hang from the solar tent cinema, representing the amount of bottles consumed every second."

Vegan makeover at Sephora

I got a vegan makeover at Sephora (Santa Monica) using products by Josie Maran and Urban Decay. I don't usually wear that much makeup, but it was fun learning some new techniques. And my makeup artist is transitioning to veganism!

**Note: not all makeup by Josie Maran and Urban Decay is vegan - make sure the read the labels before trying or buying. Sephora is very knowledgeable, so you can ask them too**

Top Lists

A few months ago my Twitter account took off thanks to being listed on Mashable's "Green Tweets: 75+ Environmentalists to Follow on Twitter" list. Today I awoke to find that Greenopolis included me on their "Top 50 Green Folks On Twitter" list! Gives me a little pressure to make sure I write interesting tweets!

Be sure to check out both lists to find other amazing Tweeters!

Pizza Fusion, Santa Monica Grand Opening Party

If you're reading this because you love pizza and you're not vegan, be sure to check out the LA Pizza blog. John may not be vegan, but he's awesome.

Eco Events at the Santa Monica Pier

Couple great FREE events happening this month at the Santa Monica Pier.

• Day of Peace event on September 20th
• Screening of Fuel documentary on September 25th (but you must get a ticket)

More details (click to enlarge the photos)

Fuel & Veggie Van Organization tour

I have been working at The Veggie Van Organization for the past month and I'm very proud to show off this excellent video from the Huffington Post, which summarizes everything we've been doing. Josh Tickell & Rebecca Harrell are currently on tour with these vehicles - visit www.veggievan.org for more info.

FUEL Filmmakers Unveil the Algaeus from Jennifer Grayson on Vimeo.

QuarryGirl has done it again!

QuarryGirl has once again done something ground breaking - she made her own vegan iphone app! And it's hilarious! I downloaded it right away and can't wait to show it off.

Check this out, and then visit her blog to learn more.

Vegan Mission: Main Street, Santa Monica

A few weeks ago I started a new job on Main Street in Santa Monica, and there is a major lack of vegan options around here. Of course there's Euphoria Loves Rawvolution, which I love, but it's on the other end of the street from me and a little expensive to visit too often; and same goes for Urth Caffe. The office is right across the street from One Life market, which is great, but it's become boring after so many recent visits. Rose Cafe has few vegan options. Chaya is too expensive.

Why don't I just bring lunch? I do sometimes, but (obviously) I like to eat out. So I have a new mission - contact all the restaurants on the street and ask if they have vegan options and if not, whether they're willing to add them. If you have any experience with restaurants I haven't mentioned please comment below.

Lula, Finn McCools, & Library Alehouse - VEGAN FRIENDLY!

I spoke to the owner of Lula (mexican) and Finn McCool's Irish Pub and she said the following: "Here are the vegetarian option menus for both restaurants – Most are available Vegan style (no separate cooking facilities) order without dairy and eggs. Our pastas are eggless." (click to enlarge the photos below)

Here's my video review of Lula:

Had an AMAZING meal at Finn McCool's! Geraldine, the owner, brought me out 6 dishes to try, 3 of which are currently not on the menu. However, Geraldine would be happy to include all the dishes, plus vegan cheese (Daiya?) if there is a demand - so demand it!

Library Alehouse responded: "Our vegan options are Arugula salad, beet and arugula salad, grilled veggie salad, all without the cheeses we put on them. The mushroom and spinach enchilada sans cheese, or our Boca burger. In addition, our kitchen is happy to accomodate your requests." Their menu features a lot of local and organic ingredients, and they serve some delicious vegan beer (like New Belgium) Note: the cook their french fries in the same oil as fish, so they're not vegan.

The Galley, 212 Pier, Victorian - SOME VEGAN OPTIONS

I was surprised when The Galley, a steak and seafood restaurant, responded with the following: "we do have a great pasta prima vera and a homemade spinach/mushroom ravioli- the sauce does have a touch of cream". Nice to know they have some options.

A new cafe is opening right across from my office called 212Pier and apparently they will have vegan options - I feel like my wish is coming true! Here's what the owner said: "Yes we will have soy milk, almond milk, rice milk etc for you tea/ coffee. We will also have a few vegan options on our menu"

The Victorian is happy to cater to vegans if you have an event in their building (they are no longer a restaurant).

Holy Guacamole, Red Mango - NOT VEGAN:

I recently went to Holy Guacamole, a small mexican joint. I was excited to see that they not only had a vegan-friendly burrito, but they clearly state on their menu that their rice and beans do not contain any animal products. However, while I was waiting for my burrito I saw them make it, and realized that it was hardly vegetarian friendly. While the ingredients are vegetarian (rice, beans, tomatoes, lettuce, guacamole), they heat the tortilla on the same area as the meat. When I asked them if they could give me a cold tortilla instead, they had no problem doing so, but then put the tortilla on the same cutting board as the meat. And then I realized that the beans and rice containers were close to the meat, and imagined that must cross-contaminate too. I am going to write the company and see if they'll consider having a separate vegetarian area, but I'm not too hopeful (and I can't seem to find an email address for them)... Another downside is that I don't think their ingredients are organic and their prices are really high ($7.40 for a regular size burrito) : (

Unfortunately yogurt stop Red Mango doesn't have any vegan options (didn't expect them to), and this is what they replied: "While we don't currently have plans in the near future to offer a vegan version of our yogurt, we greatly appreciate your feedback. Please be assured that I will forward your suggestion on to the appropriate person for review." Maybe if enough people email them asking for vegan yogurt they'll change their minds!

Short movie screening - TONIGHT

Though this is not eco or vegan related, I would like to invite all my L.A. friends and eco-vegan followers to the screening of my latest narrative short movie, "Juncture". It is playing at the Apple Store on the Santa Monica Third Street Promenade - Tuesday, September 8th at 7pm.

More information can be found on:

• ENGAGE Productions website (click on Juncture)
• Juncture's IMDB Page
• Apple Third Street website

Interview with Colin Beavan, aka No Impact Man

I had the pleasure of interviewing Colin Beavan, best known for his revolutionary No Impact Man blog, book, and documentary. He has incredible insight into how Americans are dealing with the environmental crisis. This is one of my favorite interviews that I've done because I'm truly in awe of his knowledge and perspective.

Fuel screening in San Francisco

The Veggie Van Organization cordially invites you to FUEL in the Park to view the 35 minute cut of the Sundance Audience Award winning 2008 Documentary Film FUEL, which will premiere in SF on September 18, 2009.

When: Monday, Labor Day evening- September 7, 2009 7-9 PM

Where: The Justin Herman Plaza Park,1 Market Street, Embarcadero Plaza, San Francisco

Come be the first to see our TOUR roll out all of eco- vehicles before we take off across the USA. The Veggie Van Organization is about to embark on a tour to spread the message about green education and green jobs for all.

The screening will be shown on COMM CINEMA'S 'BIG GREEN MOVIE MACHINE' powered up by our BIG GREEN ENERGY BUS the first interactive rolling sustainable energy laboratory that runs on solar power & biodiesel.

Also on hand will be The Veggie Van, the first Winnebago to cross the country over 12 years ago using used fryer oil & our electric motorcycle by ZERO motorcycle.

Meet Filmmaker Josh Tickell and Producer Rebecca Harrell

PLEASE RSVP: fuelsf@thefuelfilm.com

Media contact: Nathan Marcy Sunshine Sachs & Associates ph: 310.275.3222 marcy@sunshinesachs.com

please bring your blankets & picnic with us

Suggested Donation $15

The proceeds will go to The Veggie Van Organization, a 501 c3 Non-profit organization, and the San Francisco Parks and Recreation Department.