Fundraiser for CAT at Su Restaurant in Edgewater, NJ

Meetup.com is a great way to network with other animal activists. Simply search by keywords such as "vegan" or "animal rights," enter your zip code, and you'll find groups with a common cause.

One of the meetup.com groups I belong to, HEARTS for Animals, sent out an invitation for a dinner to raise funds for Companion Animal Trust (CAT), a rescue group for strays. With all the gluttony that occurs in December, it certainly might as well be for a good cause.

Here are the details:
Where: Su Restaurant, an Italian and Asian-influenced vegetarian restaurant in Edgewater, NJ
When: Saturday, December 20 at 7 PM
Cost: $15-$20 (pay via individual checks)
Bring: a cash or check donation for CAT or one of the following most-needed gift items: cans of wet cat food, dry bag of cat food, toys for cats
BYOB: Bring your own beer, wine or other drink.

FLOW: An In-depth Look at the World Water Crisis

Yet more evidence that humans, nudged along in part by powerful corporations, are destroying the planet. FLOW (For Love of Water), Irena Salina's documentary, investigates the matter of the world's dwindling fresh water supply. Move this straight to the top of your Netflix queue.

A bit of Paris at Metro Marche

I am a true Frenchie at heart. I adore learning the language, enjoying the music and films, and the savoring of simple, rustic cuisine at little bistros and brasseries. Fortunately, NYC is filled with dining opportunities for those who can't make it to Paris. While I no longer work near Le Grainne Cafe, where I often lingered over a satisfying lunch of ratatouille, soup and salad, I recently got my French food fix at Metro Marche. Who knew a cute little brasserie was tucked away inside Port Authority of all places?

My favorite cocktail, a kir royale. Champagne with creme de cassis, a blackcurrant-flavored liqueur.

Tahini hummus with grilled pita. Who needs cheese? I could live on hummus alone.

Organic mesclun greens with oven roasted tomatoes and a balsamic vinaigrette. So simple, but so good.

Raspberry sorbet. A sweet ending to any meal.

Visit Metro March at Times Square, Port Authority, 625 Eigth Ave. at 41st St., New York, NY. Update: this charming establishment is now closed.
Visit Le Grainne Cafe at 183 Ninth Ave., New York, NY

After dinner, I went home and threw on some music from my favorite French chanteuse, Vanessa Paradis.

St Germain.

Winter Wonderland

Last Thursday, animals lovers around NYC dined on vegan goodies, bid on artwork, and rubbed elbows with the likes of Corey Feldman, Tatum O'Neal, and Ally Sheedy at the Winter Wonderland fundraiser held by Farm Sanctuary, the nation's leading farm animal protection organization.

I had the honor to work as a volunteer for the day. My reward, vegan pizza from Viva Herbal Pizzeria.


A silent auction featured everything from jewelry and cookbooks to original artwork.

A cool pig mosaic

Blackwell's Organic coffee gelato was a hit.

I finally got to sample some treats from Babycakes NYC. I taste-tested a chocolate chip cookie, a mini chocolate cupcake with mint frosting, and a mini-brownie. I was underwhelmed. Sweet Avenue Bake Shop in Rutherford, NJ is much better.

Dr. Cow Tree Nut Cheese. A disclaimer: as a person of Swiss heritage, I have pretty high standards. This is a descent substitute. I did find it to have an odd fudge-like consistency, but some people swear by this stuff.

Party goers were given a bag of vegan loot for the road. I can't wait to try the Road's End Organics gravy mix, and to hang up my 2009 Farm Sanctuary rescue and refuge calendar.

Of course the reason for it all, to raise money for Farm Sanctuary residents.

Society, you're a crazy breed

Environmental and animal exploitation, greed, materialism... all themes covered in this video that seems so appropriate for today's climate. Created by a user on Youtube, the video is set to the song "Society," performed by Eddie Vedder and written by Jerry Hannan for last year's haunting Into the Wild soundtrack. So many are just simply not heeding the warnings about what we are doing to our planet.


It's a mystery to me
we have a greed
with which we have agreed

You think you have to want
more than you need
until you have it all you won't be free

society, you're a crazy breed
I hope you're not lonely without me

When you want more than you have
you think you need
and when you think more than you want
your thoughts begin to bleed

I think I need to find a bigger place
'cos when you have more than you think
you need more space

society, you're a crazy breed
I hope you're not lonely without me
society, crazy and deep
I hope you're not lonely without me

there's those thinking more or less less is more
but if less is more how you're keeping score?
Means for every point you make
your level drops
kinda like its starting from the top
you can't do that...

society, you're a crazy breed
I hope you're not lonely without me
society, crazy and deep
I hope you're not lonely without me

society, have mercy on me
I hope you're not angry if I disagree
society, crazy and deep
I hope you're not lonely without me

Vegan Gems at the Chelsea Market in NYC

Vegan delights are aplenty at the Chelsea Market in New York City. I worked right near the market for more than two years before we relocated to mid-town (sigh). Housed in the old Nabisco factory, the market is now a delightful collection of bakeries, restaurants, and other shops. Vegans will not go hungry!

Here are some of my favorite finds:
Amy's Bread
I loved their Parisian Breakfast with Cafe au Lait, which transported me right back to my trip to Paris. A half of a crusty baguette (hold the butter, bien sûr), served with a choice of Bonne Maman jam and a steaming bowl of Cafe au Lait (make that soy). They also have a great selection of vegan breads, as well a white bean sandwich and chickpea, roasted beet and quinoa salad, among others.

Ninth Street Espresso
No bitter tasting beans like you'll find at Starbucks. This is how espresso drinks are supposed to taste. Visit them for your soy cappuccino or soy mocha fix. The chocolate syrup is vegan (I had them check).

T Salon
A purveyor of teas and related accessories, there's a pleasant seating area in the back to enjoy a cup of tea and vegan baked good. Their selection varied greatly in my experience, and I was told they have a very small baker supplying them. I sampled the mixed berry scones and the divine red velvet cake.

The Green Table Restaurant
Menu varies daily, and always had a vegetarian (often vegan) entree and usually had a vegan soup. Expect to pay $5 for a cup of soup ($7 for a bowl) and about $16 for an entree. This was a wild mushroom hot pot with tofu.


L'Arte Del Gelato
Who needs gelato, when you've got refreshing, cruelty-free sorbet? Tucked away in the back of the market by Bowery Kitchen Supply, you'll find a few rotating flavors each day. Favorites include pear, peach, grapefruit and mixed berry. Ask for a small with two flavors, and you'll get a sample of a third flavor on top.

The Market also houses Hale & Hearty, a popular soup and sandwich chain which offers many non-dairy, vegetarian soups; the Manhattan Fruit Exchange; and is home to the Food Network headquarters. Maybe one day we'll get a vegetarian cooking show. Hey, one can dream.

Chelsea Market, 75 9th Avenue (Between 15th and 16th Streets), New York, NY. Open Monday-Saturday, 7am-10pm, Sunday, 8am-8pm.

An Action for Change at the U.S. Department of Agriculture

"What do you plan to do with all your freedom?"
the new sheriff said, quite proud of his badge
"You must admit the land is now in good hands"
yes, time will tell
Scarlet's Walk, by Tori Amos


One month ago, the future was still uncertain, and people were abuzz with personal and political activism. Now that major change has come to Washington, we cannot sit on the sidelines idly and miss this opportunity to lobby for a drastic shift of how farm animals are treated, or more appropriately, mistreated. Farm Sanctuary has a simple form letter you can fill out, urging the Obama administration, in the letter's wording "to appoint a Secretary of Agriculture who supports humane agricultural policies and will guide the Agency in a new direction, one that includes sustainable, organic farming and healthy, plant-based diets available to all Americans."

Armchair activism has benefited widely from the World Wide Web. Simply fill out your name, address, and e-mail, and your voice will be heard. What are you waiting for? Visit today.

The Post-Thanksgiving Play-By-Play

The national day of gluttony has passed, and another holiday of gluttony is drawing closer. In a time of food and financial shortages, I am resisting the peer-pressure to gorge myself and empty my wallet.

Sadly, not only did a turkey have to die for the dinner I attended, but so did a pig and several fish. This is a common trend with people I've compared notes with and I'm very saddened by it. Why holidays and other celebrations equal an excessive amount of food (particularly meat) I cannot grasp. Our wallets, waistlines, consciences and the animals would all benefit from a little more modesty.

Luckily, my hosts were very accommodating with my vegan palate, and I feasted on spinach salad with pears and dried blueberries, grilled vegetables, butternut squash, rice pilaf, and cranberry sauce. I didn't even need my Whole Foods Market vegan dinner for one, which I ate the next day (although this could actually be a vegan dinner for two!) The curried apple pumpkin soup and the holiday roast were descent (I could have done without the curry in the soup and the roast needed gravy), while the green beans with almonds were totally undercooked. The mini pecan tart was the saving grace. Tasted just like the non-vegan alternative. That said, I much preferred the cooking demonstration I attended with the holiday portabella mushroom, gravy, cauliflower mash, and vegan pumpkin pie.

Here's a delightful video of "Celebration for the Turkeys," held annually at the California and New York Shelters of Farm Sanctuary. This footage is from 2006 and 2007.



Mark your calenders. Farm Sanctuary is also hosting a Winter Wonderland ball, Thursday, December 4th from 6-10 p.m. at The Art Directors Club, 106 W. 29th St. New York, NY 10001. General admission tickets cost $100.

Gene Baur, the President and Co-Founder of Farm Sanctuary, will be at Borders Columbus Circle NYC, at 7 p.m., Monday, December 8th for a presentation and signing of his book, a must-read, and now in-paperback, a wonderful gift idea or donation to your local library.

A Thanksgiving Message

Two years ago for my birthday, I asked for a pair of leather boots. This year I asked for a turkey from the Farm Sanctuary. Times have sure changed. Gone are my leather boots from Lord & Taylor (donated to the C.A.T.S. resale shop), and I now have my adoption certificate of Serendipity, my stylish, non-leather boots from Payless, and a sense of relief that no animal has to suffer for some fleeting fashion whim.

This can be a depressing time of year for animal advocates. Millions of turkeys suffer so our nation can gorge themselves, and even for such tasteless, appalling events as bowling competitions with frozen turkey carcasses. Each day as I walk to my office in Manhattan, I pass streams of women wearing fur-trimmed coats, hats, bags, boots and beyond.

But I remain thankful. Thankful for the many advocates I have met, from those who organize protests to those who pass out pamphlets on their lunch hour. Thankful for the animals, who have shown such a capacity to forgive and love again, despite our abuse and exploitation. And thankful I have seen the light and am no longer contributing to their suffering.

Whatever you are doing today, whether it's eating a Tofurkey, a holiday portabella mushroom, or even a vegan pizza, we must be thankful for all that we have achieved, and optimistic for the future.

Whenever I get discouraged about all that lies ahead, I remind myself of one of my favorite quotes from "These Days" by R.E.M: "We are young despite the years. We are concern. We are hope despite the times."

Seasonal Fare at the Natural Gourmet Institute

The third visit to the Natural Gourmet Institute for their Friday night dinner was an absolute charm, as were my prior two experiences. I love eating fresh, seasonal foods. For $40 a person, tax and tip included, I think the quality, presentation and service you experience here is a tremendous value. I'd much rather eat out less often if it means being able to eat wholesome, gourmet vegan food like this. Being able to bring your own wine is a major savings. I like organic wine as much as anyone, but not at the $12 a glass price level I see at so many places.

Unlike my last visit, when a guest chef prepared and executed the menu, this time, the students of their professional program designed and prepared the offerings, with some guidance from faculty. The portions, thankfully, were much smaller. In a world of food shortages, these more modest plate sizes were welcomed.

Here's a snapshot into the evening.

An inviting table awaited.

Cream of Spinach Soup and Caramelized Onion, White Bean and Spinach Streduel with Roasted Red Pepper Coulis

Watercress, Radicchio, and Butter Lettuce Salad with Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Toasted Walnuts, Pomegranate Seeds, and Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Butternut Squash Risotto Cake, Spicy-Garlic Kale, and Wild Mushroom Ragu with Carrot-Ginger Sauce and Sage Pesto

Trio of Fall Tarts: Cranberry Chocolate, Pumpkin Spice, and Caramel Apple with a Cinnamon-Vanilla Steamer

Our talented chefs. With food like this, they have a bright future ahead.


I left full (but not over-full), content, and guilt-free. The steamer was to die for. In a Q&A session with the student chefs, they revealed it was made with a combination of rice and almond milk, vanilla beans, cinnamon and a touch of Agave nectar. Do try this at home!

Visit them at 48 W. 21st St., 2nd floor (between 5th & 6th ave), New York, NY

Public classes are also offered, including some vegan classes. I've personally never taken any.

Veggie Heaven, Teaneck, NJ

Not too long ago, I attended a fundraiser at Veggie Heaven, a vegetarian restaurant in Teaneck, NJ, specializing in mock-meat substitutes of Chinese favorites. Organized by the Meetup.com group, HEARTS for Animals, we dined on a heavenly vegan buffet while supporting Tom Rider, a former Ringling Bros. employee-turned-whistleblower, and the Animal Welfare Institute, in its lawsuit against the notorious animal abuser. The trial has again been delayed to February 3, 2009. Let justice, long-delayed, be sweet when it is finally served.

When my birthday rolled around, I thought it would be a fun place to go for my non-vegetarian loved ones to celebrate over a humane meal. Here's a sampling of some of our dishes...

Spring rolls and wonton soup

Mango chicken

Sesame chicken (the table crowd-pleaser)

Green tea cake (moist and delicious, but probably for serious green tea fans only)

Cheesecake (everyone loved this!)

We also had eggplant in garlic and the least-popular dish on our table, beef and broccoli. The only (universal) complaint...we all noticed a strong after-smell on our clothes and hair after we left. Perhaps some ventilation problem? Definitely wear something you can throw in the washing machine, or easier yet, get take-out and eat it at home in your PJ's.

Visit them at 473 Cedar Lane, Teaneck, NJ; 631 Valley Road, Montclair, NJ; or 57 Bloomfield Avenue, Denville, NJ.

Animal Welfare Institute Release on Ringling Bros.

Old Hook Farm in Emerson, NJ

The universe has smiled on me as I'm in my first year of veganism in the form of Old Hook Farm. While passing by it looks like nothing more than a nursery, inside is a hidden gem containing reasonably priced organic, home-grown produce and an array of vegan goodies.

Many of their pies are vegan, including apple, blueberry, cherry, peach, strawberry rhubarb, and the insanely good bumbleberry, which contains apple, rhubarb, blackberry and raspberry. The selection varies daily, but you can order ahead. Also look out for 50% price reductions on pies that have been baked more than a day ago.

Here was a tasty piece of cherry pie, which I enjoyed with a steaming pot of tea from my dishes from the C.A.T.S. resale shop.

The farm also carries Uncle Eddie's vegan cookies in oatmeal chocolate chip and peanut butter chocolate chip varieties. The former are good. The latter are heavenly. Both are wonderful with a nice glass of non-dairy milk. A bit pricey at $5.65 a bag, but these are worth it. Why couldn't I have an Uncle Eddie?

This Soyatoo Whipped Soy Topping goes great on my mint hot cocoa from Trader Joe's.

Other finds include vegan gnocchi, Soy Boy roasted red pepper ravioli,and Ah!laska organic chocolate syrup.

The best part...eating organically- and locally-grown produce and supporting the family farmer.

Visit them at 650 Old Hook Rd, Emerson, NJ. (closed Mondays).

Vegan Cupcakes at Sweet Avenue Bake Shop...Change I Can Believe In

I have to pinch myself. I'm beaming with pride like a new mother. I can barely believe it. New Jersey has a vegan cupcake bakery!

Yes, vegan foodies, Sweet Avenue Bake Shop in Rutherford, NJ, is here. I just had to go see this for myself. While the bakery also offers a small selection of cookies and muffins, I had tunnel-vision toward the cupcakes. You can see why!



The bakery has six cupcakes they feature always, and six additional flavors they feature that day. Cupcakes are $2.50 for plain, $3.00 for filled. As an occasional splurge, I consider these worth every penny. While overwhelmed with what to try, I finally decided on the Snowball (vanilla cake with coconut frosting and shredded coconut); Sexy Sadie (southern red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting), said to be their most popular flavor; the Chocolate Sundae (chocolate cake filled with chocolate Bavarian creme and topped with vanilla frosting); and the Old Skool (creme filled chocolate cake topped with chocolate ganache), that looks like the Hostess counterpart, minus the questionable animal fats. The Old Skool was my nostalgic favorite. I loved eating those as a kid (little did mini-me know what I was eating!) I was very greedy and ate the entire Old Skool myself, but shared the others for a taste test! They were a hit.

Several cupcakes later, we felt like some of my friends at the C.A.T.S. resale shop...


Visit them soon (and wear something with stretch) at 153 Park Avenue, Rutherford, NJ.

Cruelty-free Thanksgiving Recipes

As much as I enjoy perusing cookbooks for inspiration, I love browsing the web even more for recipes. Much like my thrift store hobby, it's creative, fun, and better yet, doesn't cost $20 and collect dust on the top of my refrigerator. The animals rights groups score an "A" for publishing mouth-watering, comfort holiday food recipes online. And you need not be Emeril to pull them off. Here are some easy-breezy recipe sites. You'll wonder why turkey was ever on the table at all.

*PETA's VegCooking Holiday Recipe Guide. Includes hot artichoke dip, broccoli and cauliflower bisque, sweet potato biscuits, and pumpkin patch cheesecake.

*The Humane Society's Favorite Recipes list. Includes cranberry hot punch, butternut squash soup, faux turkey casserole, and miniature apple pies.
*Farm Sanctuary's Compassionate Thanksgiving Recipes. Includes holiday portabella with vegan gravy, millet-cauliflower mash, green beans almondine, and pumpkin pie with glazed pecans and tofu whipped cream.

I attended a cooking demonstration of these Farm Sanctuary recipes at The Loft Salon in NYC that was led by Christine Waltermyer of the Natural Kitchen Cooking School located in Princeton, NJ. You and your guests will love any and all of these cruelty-free and heart-healthy recipes.