Into the Green Zone

With car culture and wasteful packaging all over the United States it is hard to think of our country in its entirety as a “Green” nation. Although we are making active steps to catch up with Global environmental leaders, we are far behind. Huffington Post recently released a list of the “Top 10 Greenest Countries in the World.” And to no one’s surprise the United States did not make the cut. Instead, energy and conservation leaders such as Germany, Norway, and Costa Rica comprise the list.  The United States uses a ton of energy in comparison to our population and of course we consume massive amounts of oil to feed our industry and car addiction. But is there a future in the Green Economy for the United States?

A new report has been published showing that the US is currently leading in installed wind power production. In 2009, the United States added 9.9 gigawatts of wind power bringing the US total to 35.2 gigawatts. This pulled the US ahead of Germany, at least for now. As Obama mentioned in his State of the Union, China is really pushing ahead with renewable energy and in 2009 they doubled their wind power capacity and added 13 gigawatts. China is now in the 3rd place position  for installed wind power, following Germany and the United States.

All this talk of racing with China, feels a tad reminiscent of the Space Race of the Cold War. I get it, the USA wants to be number 1 at everything and if that is the motivation behind greening the US of A, I’ll stand behind it. But really, even if our nation may have invented some of these technologies we should be learning from our friends all over the world. I mean just one quick glance at the 10 Most Green Countries, you can see why we didn’t make the list. Other countries have invested mass amounts of money into solar panels and pollution control methods.

So what is the US doing wrong here? For the past few decades we have ignored the energy crisis and figured out ways or wars of getting more oil in our hands. Even if we have fallen behind in a new green economy, now is the time to reconsider our energy use. Articles about the US increasing wind production are incredibly encouraging, but there needs to be more change or we really will far even farther behind much of the world. And at this point, beyond competition for being a world leader, we can not afford it. So what can you do about it? Contact your local officials (State officials are easier and perhaps more efficient than Federal) and use your money ethically. Support companies that make an extra effort to produce by environmentally friendly means! Things aren’t going to change on their own, it is time we started pushing our government and country into the Green Zone.

 

The Name I Call Myself

Your average dinner conversation in a vegan household contains exactly what you might think: veganism. And tonight around our house was no different. We were finishing up our burritos when our discussion turned to the origins of veganism. As we sat there, talking, my mind began to wonder, “where did this word, vegan come from?” It is a word I use everyday, a word myself and many others like me use to label ourselves, however I had no idea where and when it entered the English language.

After the dishes had been done, I still couldn’t kill the curiosity in my head. So I headed to the trusty interwebs to see what I could find. A simple Google entry of “vegan” brought me to a definition and explanation of the lifestyle in Wikipedia. The article stated the typical stuff,  “veganism is a diet and lifestyle that seeks to exclude the use of animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose.” But as I read on I discovered the exact origins of the word vegan.

It turns out that a man named Donald Watson, coined the term “vegan” in 1944. The word vegan is a combination of the first three letters and the last two letters of the word “vegetarian.” Watson has been quoted as saying the word was created as “the beginning and end of vegetarian.” So now I know the word was introduced in 1944, although not the first emergence of the lifestyle, as it has been in Eastern philosophy for thousands of years, it is the first time the word vegan appeared in English.

The Vegan Society Logo via www.rickdisco.com

Ok got it. Created in 1944 by Donald Watson. But who is this Donald Watson? Who is this man who created a word that now defines an entire movement? To my surprise, he wasn’t some great philosopher or political activist, he was just a normal guy , a woodcrafter in fact, who cared about the welfare of animals and created an organization. According to Wikipedia, Watson grew up on a family farm in England, where he grew a love for animals. Once realizing, that some animals were slaughtered for food, he made a stand to become a vegetarian at 14. Upon further research into the industry, he decided to cut out eggs and dairy due to the abuses the animals endured. And in 1944, himself and several friends joined together to create a society for their new lifestyle. Thus the still active Vegan Society was created! Watson remained very active in veganism until 2005, when he died peacefully at the age of 95.

There you have it! My curiosity, and I hope yours was satisfied by this internet search. Watson lived a very interesting, average life, however, he should be seen as an inspiration. And an inspiration not only for us vegans, but for everyone. His life is an example that anyone can bring change and organize around something they truly believe in. So if you vegans out there are looking for a hero, start with Donald Watson.

-Gina Williams

 

It’s Not Me, It’s You: Tips For Ditching Environmentally Harmful Valentine’s Day Traditions

Roses are red
Violets are blue
Grass is green 
Valentine’s Day can be too

Ok, perhaps I am not a poet, but my pathetic attempt at rhyming has a point (of sorts) within its clichéd words. Valentine’s day is almost upon us, a glorious day in which people feel bullied into being unnaturally romantic for a twenty four hour period of time in the middle of February. Singles feel more acutely aware of their singleness and couples-even those who recognize the foolishness of this Hallmark holiday- feel the need to not disappoint their mate by ignoring this day altogether. Both singles and couples alike can agree that this holiday is decidedly unfriendly to the environment. 

 As with most of occurrences in life, I can not help but to relate it back to an episode of The Simpsons. Homer, Marge and their spiky hair offspring are shown celebrating “Love Day”, a holiday invented by a fictional store named Costigans to boost sales. When this “holiday” comes to a close, a huge pile of trash is compiled, its contents include an adorable teddy bear named Sir-Loves-A lot- the bear that loves to love. 

To avoid your own mountain of love debris, try to take an environmentally friendly approach to Valentine’s Day this year. You can try to convince your mate that forgoing all presents is the most eco-friendly way to spend the holiday, but let’s face it- sleeping on the couch is not a fun prospect. 

Greeting Cards: Greeting cards filled with sentimental jargon are without a doubt the least eco-friendly part of Valentine’s day. Instead of picking out a card this year with Snoopy on its cover with a poem resembling the masterpiece above inside, consider taking a greener approach to telling the one you love exactly how you feel. You can start by speaking  it to them. Telling someone how much they mean to you is not only romantic, but pretty darn eco-friendly. If you still need to see your feelings in print, send an e-mail greeting card. If you are feeling particularly crafty, consider assembling your own card from recycled goods from around your abode. If you are feeling cryptic- consider writing a message to your beloved on your steamed up bathroom mirror with your finger. You can tell her a ghost did it – nothing is as romantic as an good ol’-fashioned Valentine’s prank.

Chocolate: One of the most prevailing images associated with this holiday-besides the semi-naked baby wielding a bow and arrow- is the box of chocolates shaped like a heart. As romantic as heart-shaped cardboard is, the truth of the matter is that it is what’s inside the box that counts. Do not fret, you can still get your sweetie her delicious chocolates, just make sure they are Fair Trade and/or Organic. Check out companies such as Equal Exchange, Divine Chocolate, or Dagoba Chocolates for tasty and ethical treats. For more ideas on organic and Fair Trade chocolates, some more V-day inspired than others, check out this list by The Daily Green. Nothing says, “I love you, schnookums” like a tasty candy that is produced in the most conscientious manner possible.

Lingerie: A successful Valentine’s, more often than not, ends in the bedroom. Things can get a little PG-13 in there, so you may want to consider getting gussied up, eco-friendly style. Purchase adorable undergarments that are made from sustainable materials from companies such as Enamore. For more ideas of ethical unmentionables, take a look at this list! Then, crank up the Barry White and enjoy yourselves. (Warning: Barry White has been known to make the most pure among us slip our slacks off. Use with caution.)

Organic Wines: Sipping on a glass of wine is a key step in a successful romantic evening. If commercials for R & B  song collections have taught me anything, this wine should be drank by a roaring fire while gazing into your lover’s eyes. Being eco-friendly does not mean skipping out on this sensual tradition, simply get yourself a bottle of delicious organic wine.  Companies such as Frog’s Leap and Frey make their wine from organic grapes. Go the extra green mile and open this bottle of vino with this awesome bottle opener, which is made from recycled bike chains and pretty cool looking, to boot.

Jewelry:  If you can not resist giving your honey the gift of jewelry this Valentine’s Day, look for jewelry made from recycled goods. Pieces from companies like Upcycled Jewelry are  both lovely and unique- qualities perhaps shared with your sweetheart? You can use that line, free of charge, because compliments are the gift that keep on giving.

Flowers:  The presentation of a beautiful bouquet  is  not  only a way  for thoughtless sitcom husbands apologize to their nagging wives, it is also a way for real life couple’s to say, “Hey, you are pretty alright.” to their baby or muffin pie. Buying flowers locally that are in season, and whenever possible organic, is a way to double your romancing power-it is like amending your previous, “Hey, you are pretty alright” with a ,“and I think Mother Earth is pretty swell too.” Keeping mother earth happy is of utmost importance, for even if your relationship goes down in flames she will be there to catch your tears with  her soil. She is pretty considerate that way. But if you can’t purchase them locally or live in a wintery climate that doesn’t support blooms in February, consider sites like Organic Style to send flowers to your love. 

Be Thoughtful: Romance is not about money spent, this Valentine’s day do something thoughtful for your better half. Even if it is something as simple as making them  a simple (hopefully organic) dinner or bringing them Fair Trade coffee in bed, it will show them that you appreciate and love them more than a dollar amount can express. 

Have a happy Love Day….err, I mean, Valentine’s day, everyone.  We can all take a lesson from Sir-Loves-A lot and be sure that you love to love-meaning, whatever you do to celebrate, make sure it is not from a sense of duty but from a need to let your doodle bug how much they mean to you.

Try to do it the other 364 days a year too and you may just have yourself a lasting and happy relationship.

-Meghan Hurley & the AP Team

 

A Pretty Sweet Deal? The Fate of Fair Trade Cadbury

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, one can almost taste delicious mouth-watering chocolate. In modern times chocolate has become more than just a delicacy, but a staple of the American diet and some would even say it is healthy for you. And who would argue with that? However, as some of you may know the Chocolate industry is less than ethical in many ways. Over the past several years many independent companies have popped up with great solutions to this problem such as Organic and Fair Trade certified chocolate. On top of the smaller companies more and more large companies have also pledged to produce chocolate with these criteria, including the very recent announcement by Green & Black (owned by Cadbury)in which all their worldwide chocolate, including the US will be Fair Trade certified.

And even the big cats are starting to make serious changes. Last year, the Fair Trade world was pleased to hear that Cadbury Dairy Milk (0wner of Green & Black), the leading UK Chocolate company would begin producing all their cocoa through Fair Trade certified means. Everyone rejoiced and hoped such a move would influence major US chocolate players to make the same changes. And then came January 2010.

It was announced that US giant, Kraft bought out Cadbury in a high profile business exchange.  The Fair Trade camp gasped with concern about the pledge Cadbury had just made. Would such a huge US Corporation source ethically? Would they hold true to Cadbury’s commitments? Or would all the progress be lost? Fortunately, Kraft has stated they will hold up the ethical sourcing of cocoa, as Cadbury had pledged to do.

One collective sigh for us fair-traders! However, as history has proved before, word is not always action. Will Kraft keep this decision up even if it means higher sourcing costs? One way to be sure, let them know exactly how you feel. Change.org has set up a quick and easy way to write Kraft to let them know, as consumers, you want to see them stick to their ethics. We don’t want to watch another great step forward fall flat on its face! So take a moment to take some action and demand Fair Trade standards. And don’t just stop there, make a choice yourself to purchase only Fair Trade chocolate.

Even though purchasing a dollar-or-two chocolate bar may not seem like its making a difference, think of the message you, as a consumer, are sending, as well as the impact your contribution will have on the workers. Next time you are choosing your sweetie their heart-shaped chocolates, think of those who produced them and make the ethical choice.

-Gina Williams

UPDATE: Our contacts at Transfair have asked us to share the following information with you.  A representative from Cadbury has assured Transfair that the Kraft buyout of Cadbury and Green & Black will not affect the Fair Trade certification of the cocoa used. In fact, a spokesperson for Kraft stated, “…we will of course respect Cadbury and Green & Black’s Fairtrade commitments. Cadbury and Green & Black’s have proud histories in ethical sourcing and if our offer is successful we look forward to maintaining this heritage.”  Looks like all is well in the Fair Trade world! Thank you to Transfair providing us with this information. 

 

It’s Cool, Just Don’t Buy These

One of the raddest things about eating organic fruits and vegetables is that there is no necessary cleaning involved.  Aside from a bit of soil and the occasional creepy-crawly, you can pick an apple or piece of celery right out of your shopping bag as you exit the market and get to chompin’.  However, for those of us with a very strict budget for food, or living in a colder climate where local organics are harder to procure, exceptions need to be made.  We have to make due with what we can, and so the questions surrounding pesticides on conventional produce arise. Is there actually a lot of pesticide residue on these grapes?  How much?  Are some foods safer than others, or is it just a big, mega-agricultural crap shoot?

Well, not so much.  The Environmental Work Group has compiled data from extensive tests performed by the FDA and the Department of Agriculture on which fruits and veggies retain the highest amount of pesticide and herbicide residue after being harvested, and published the results in their Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides .  To quote: “The Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides ranks pesticide contamination for 47 popular fruits and vegetables based on an analysis of 87,000 tests for pesticides on these foods, conducted from 2000 to 2007 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. Nearly all the studies used to create the list test produce after it has been rinsed or peeled. Contamination was measured in six different ways and crops were ranked based on a composite score from all categories.”

The items with the highest contamination, referred to as The Dirty Dozen, are as follows:

• Apples
• Cherries
• Grapes
• Peaches
• Nectarines
• Pears
• Lettuce
• Strawberries
• Bell peppers
• Celery
• Potatoes
• Spinach

The rating scale ranges from 1 to 100, the highest number being the most contaminated.  We’re sorry, but the top three fruits are your favorites: peaches ranked in at an unfortunate 100 (as their porous skin absorbs quite a bit more), apples at a close 89, and strawberries at 82.  The top three veggies look a tad better, with bell peppers at 86, celery at 85 and spinach at 60 (due to the delicacy of their leaves).  You can find the full list of 47 here.

Yeah, pretty gross, but there are other options aside from shopping organic exclusively.  The Organic Consumer’s Association provides a handy list of fruits and veggies that offer the same nutrients as The Dozen that would work as suitable replacements, as well as some very useful tips, like choosing conventional apple juice over apples themselves as it has a comparatively low residue level, and easily growing nutritious sprouts in your home.

The bottom line for The Dirty Dozen: buy these items organic, or forget about it. Why mess around with even more cancer-causing agents than already surround us on a daily basis?

-Jeremy Pearson

 

State of the Green Union: Policy, Promises and Concessions! Oh my!

Regardless of whether or not you are an ardent fan of President Obama or among his harshest critics, you would be hard pressed to deny this man’s undeniable gifts as an orator. Last night’s State of the Union Address saw Obama doing what he does best, making an eloquent speech that not only outlined numerous policies but included a  firm scolding of both  the Democrats and Republicans seated before him. The President even squeezed in a few well-placed zingers to punctuate certain points and to take the wind out of the sails of certain naysayers,  stating, “I know that there are those who disagree with the overwhelming scientific evidence on climate change.” as he addressed Environmental issues during his State of the Union Address.

Even with a peppering of comic relief, Obama’s discussing of his future approach towards clean energy left many environmentalist without a smile on their face. The State of the Environmental Union was a mixed bag at best. Here are the highlights, lowlights and “What?“ lights of the President’s speech, from an environmental perspective.

The Good:

“We should put more Americans to work building clean energy facilities–and give rebates to Americans who make their homes more energy-efficient–which supports clean energy jobs.” 

“…it means passing a comprehensive energy and climate bill with incentives that will finally make clean energy the profitable kind of energy in America. I am grateful to the House for passing such a bill last year,. And this year I am eager to help advance the bipartisan effort in the Senate.” 

President Obama smartly outlined  the importance of green energy through the lens of economic recovery. Touting Green Energy as an industry that could create jobs, and therefore an industry that should be encouraged,  Obama touches on how these changes could be implemented through tactics such as rebates to encourage energy efficiency among American Citizens. Obama’s praise of congress for passing the Clean Energy and Security Act in 2009 and gentle encouragement of both parties in the Senate to follow suit, highlights actual action that is being taken towards this environmentally responsible behavior. While the bill, which focuses on a cap and trade system wherein limits are set for greenhouse emissions, is supported by many environmentalists, it also has its fair share of critics, ranging from those who claim that the bill is not radical enough to those who believe that it is too radical. 

 I believe that at the very least, this shows that this administration is being proactive when it comes to addressing environmental issues, but what has myself and others worried is the amount of concessions that seem to be filtering into these policies under the guise of promoting bipartisan politics. Which brings us to…

The Not So Good:

“But to create more of these clean energy jobs, we need more production, more efficiency, more incentives” 

So far so good, I can get behind incentives and jobs and green energy, continue, Mr. President.

“And that means building a new generation of safe, clean nuclear power plants in this country. It means  making tough decisions about opening new offshore areas for oil and gas development.”

(Record screeching)… “Say what!?”, me.

(Enthusiastic applause)- Congress.

What happened to harnessing the awesome power of the wind? Nuclear power  has never been so directly addressed by President Obama as a viable option for renewable energy as it was last night.  There is much debate over the nuclear power’s qualifications as a renewable energy source, with critics pointing out that from the harnessing of uranium to the construction of nuclear power sites, that this form of energy is hardly carbon neutral. This mention coupled with the shout out to offshore drilling seem to paint a picture of a President willing to make concessions in order to encourage bipartisan participation on the creation of a economically beneficial green economy. 

Whether or not these concessions will result in an end that justifies the means remains to be seen. President Obama, in one short statement ,seems to have leaned even further towards the middle. These compromises may backfire-alienating eco-minded individuals wondering if the environment is really the best area to make compromises on and could also lead  republicans to believe that  they can make Obama bend to their insistences as fast as they can utter, “Tea Party!”

Despite the bitter sweetness of President Obama’s State of the Green Union, one can only hope that he knows what he is doing and that his gamble will pay off. Hopefully, the Green economy the President foresees will become a reality throughout the remainder of his term as Commander-in-Chief.. As he said, “The nation that leads the clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the global economy. American must be that nation.”  The economy and the environment are both suffering and perhaps the president is correct, their futures are intertwined and the only way either can flourish is with the help of the other. As sad as it may be, if Green energy is not profitable it will not be embraced by the majority of American citizens or its politicians. 

-Meghan Hurley

 

Vegan Recipe of the Week: Potato Leek Soup

The weather outside is well yeah, frightful!  Winter is in full effect with blizzards, ice storms, or just chilly nights. There is no better way to warm the body and soul than with a great cup of soup.  And even better if it’s all vegan! Our vegan recipe of the week is a great winter warmer and pretty simple to make. This week we have put together a winter favorite of ours, Potato Leek Soup. The soup works along side a sandwich, as the main course, or simply an appetizer and its perfect for those frigid days.

Vegan Potato Leek Soup

1 Cup of Organic Soy Milk or other vegan milk

2 Tbls Vegetable Oil

4 Cups Organic Vegetable Stock

1 Organic Leek, Chopped

2-3 Large Organic Yukon Gold Potatoes, Cubed

1 Organic Celery Stalk, Chopped

2 Tbls of Vegetable or Olive Oil

1 tsp Salt

1-2 tsp Pepper

1 bay Leaf

In a large saucepan sauté the oil, leeks, celery, and salt until the leeks and celery are soft. Next add in the potatoes and cook on low until all are soft (20 minutes). If you prefer you soup smooth, rather than chunky, you can blend or food process the veggies with half the vegetable broth before heating. In a large pot, add the soy milk, vegetable broth, bay leave, pepper and bring to a boil for a few minutes. Add in the vegetables and simmer on low to medium heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve hot and garnish with fresh scallions.

 

Is Your Home Fair Trade?

The terrific campaign of Fair Trade the White House is bringing a new challenge to North America: the Fair Trade My Home campaign! We are asking all of you to declare your house a Fair Trade Home by May 8th, 2010: World Fair Trade Day.  You may be wondering, what exactly is a Fair Trade Home? According to the campaign a Fair Trade Home is defined by: ” A home that is committed to the purchase and use of fair trade goods…” So if you purchase and use items such as Fair Trade coffee, tea, rice, sports balls, or clothing you could certainly qualify! Or if you are looking for ways to bring more Fair Trade items into your world, now is the time to make the commitment!

The campaign is asking followers to post photos and video of themselves partaking in Fair Trade items/activities on the Fair Trade My Home Facebook site! So begin today, by making the pledge, purchasing Fair Trade, and posting your commitments on the Fair Trade My Home site! At AP we are very excited about this new campaign and have already committed ourselves to the Fair Trade My Home campaign. For ideas on how to make your life and home more fairly traded take a look at our article from earlier this year: Begin the New Year with a Dash of Fair Trade or search Transfair’s Where to Buy Fair Trade Certified.

So please, in honor of 2010 Fair Trade Day, make your pledge Fair Trade My Home today!!

 

Mass, Gas, or Last…Nobody Rides for Free

Grab onto your 10 gallon hats, oil  enthusiasts, because the Earth’s oil supply may be a little nearer to being tapped than is being let on. A source at the International Energy Agency claims that the lack of supply  is being downplayed in order to bypass an inevitable buying frenzy that would occur if people and companies realized that their precious oil was a little more precious than they have been led to believe. This alleged high ranking official also claims that on top of being encouraged to downplay the speed of depletion of these oil supplies, they were also encouraged to play up the  likelihood of finding new reserves. Not shockingly, these claims are pinned on a pressure to not upset the good ol U.S. of  A.

The National Resources Defense Council, a national non-profit organization of environmental specialist, lawyers and scientist, recently compiled a  report that evaluates and ranks the States based on both  their vulnerability to gas price increases and by their efforts, or  lack thereof , to promote  clean energies.. The report is appropriately entitled, “ Fighting Oil Addiction: Ranking States Oil Vulnerability and Solutions for Change. This list serves to highlight the strengths and weaknesses in the United States when it comes to our oil dependence- it is not a cheat sheet on which states to mock in your upcoming Eco-friendly comedy routine. While Mississippi and Montana top the list as states most vulnerable to rising oil costs, and California and Massachusetts are ahead of the pack in the promotion of clean energy,  neither set of states should resign to hang their heads in shame or pump their fists in celebration just yet.  Simply put, this entire nation, every state,  needs to get jiggy with clean energy before it is too late (Watch out for Will Smith’s future summer smash hit single “Getting Jiggy With Clean Energy” in 2010!).

Whether or not you prescribe to the belief that oil is aplenty and that humans should drive distances more than five feet, or you are an ecological fiend who walks and bikes everywhere-even swimming to Europe last summer for the heck of it- you must be willing to consider a reality wherein there is no more oil for us to abuse or protest the use of. Instead of stockpiling cans of gas and waiting for the Apocalypse,  or looking down your nose at the heathens that still own automobiles and are disrespecting Mother Earth, we should work together to encourage legislation that promotes green energy. Vote for candidates who are not willing to hide behind an antiquated ideology that is based on a misguided belief that oil is abundant. Purchase cleaner energy sources when they are available. When- not if- oil becomes a scarce commodity we as a people should be prepared, not left chasing our tails trying to solve a problem in an instant that has been staring us in the face for decades.

The Boy Scouts perhaps said it best, Be Prepared, they also know how to start a fire with twigs, so they will come in handy come the end of days when our oil runs out. To avoid this bleak future wherein Boy Scouts are kings and we all live in our suddenly useless automobiles, focus on the solutions of these problems in the now. Until Time Travel is perfected, there is no time like the present. It should be every State and every persons obligation to push and fight for Clean Energy Solutions.

-Meghan Hurley

 

AP Restaurant Pick: Phoenix/Tempe AZ

Roadtripping across the United States, CA to MA.  The Southern route.  Highway 10.  The sun splashes the evening sky with an appetizing palette of color, and after a long day’s drive through the desert, my girlfriend, Gina, and I are getting hungry.   

Entering the megalopolis of Phoenix, AZ, we scour the internet for local vegan options but our initial searches come up short; Phoenix seems not to be much of a vegan-friendly town.  Nearly giving up, I follow a seemingly disconnected path of links into a remote area of the interwebs and come upon a little place called Green Vegetarian, technically in the city of Tempe.  Perhaps a good sign.  Confused as to whether that was a description of the restaurant or its actual name, we decide to try it.  It’s right off the 202, in true megalopolis fashion.

Passing a few corner-strip-malls in a low-lit neighborhood we initially drive right past it; turning back around, we see how easy it is to miss, tucked away in the far corner of a little shopping plaza.  The sign, in green, says “green RESTAURANT.”  Kinda funky, but our rumbling stomachs cannot be questioned.

Walking in is a pleasant surprise.  Warm, low-hanging lamps lit the deserty color scheme.  Rows of dynamic black and white photos line the walls, an installment from a local artist.  Small racks and shelves sell independent, eco-friendly foods, wares and local art, a touch of the corner store vibe but healthier.  The space is open and lively, filled with people of all ages and social persuasions.  And an extensive, ALL-VEGAN menu.  Not just vegetarian.  We can choose anything.  Amazing.  And the menu shows a dude on a bike.  Points.

Crab Puffs

 

The place bills itself as “New American Vegetarian.”  Perfect description.  The list of starters has dishes like Artichoke Gratine, Samosas, Spicy Peanut Tofu and Buffalo “Wings.”  Salads like Jerk Tofu and Ranchero.  Flatbread pizzas, pan-genre noodle/ricebowls and po-boy sammies.  A little something for everyone, or any mood you might be in.  They thought of everything.  

We decide to start with the Crab Puffs, curious to see how they might approach a vegan crab imitation.  Delivered shortly by a friendly server, the flaky, crispy dough wraps artfully around the warm crabbiness inside.  I dip one in the sweetish red sauce provided and take a bite.  Very good; the mock crab meat and vegan cream cheese are perfectly melted together and deliver a mellow, satisfying taste without too much “fishiness.”  The dish only comes with four puffs; we could have eaten fourteen.

Meatball Po'boy

 

No sooner have we finished than our entrees are on hand.  We decide to stick with the sandwiches: Mum’s Meatball Po-boy with a side of fries and The Mexicali Burger (already missing home a bit) with a side of slaw.  Slightly lacking in fixings (lettuce, tomato, etc.), the Mexicali is decently sized and super tasty.  On paper, the combo of vegan mayo, spicy chipotle sauce, nacho cheese and hummus seemed like condiment overkill, but the result further confirms that Green Veg has a plan, and that plan is to destroy your tongue with flavor.  The slaw is made with tahini instead of mayo, which prevents it from being drippy and adds a complimentary tang.  Onto the Meatball: probably one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had.  The soy cheese melts perfectly over the tangy marinara, the ample, sandwich-size mock meatballs spiced perfectly with a proper consitency that stick together without being gummy, all on a soft sourdough roll.  It isn’t difficult to savor every single bite.  The fries are shoestring style, crispy and seasoned well; not my favorite kind of fry but great for those who prefer them that way.  

PB&J Tsoynami

 

Perhaps the most interesting and exciting course is our meal follow-up: the strange and beautiful Tsoynami dessert shake.  Essentially a large cup of vegan soft-serve ice cream with ingredients added, the Tsoynami menu is extensive and creative, combining a number of sweet toppings that blend together to make something between a milkshake and a sundae.  There are a number of scrumptious options, including a S’more and a wacky Captain Crunch concoction.  We decide on the PB&J, which is peanut butter, sugary whole strawberries and graham cracker chunks, all whipped together with the soft serve.  Yikes, it was satisfying.  We thought the price was a tad steep until we tried it and totally forgot the $4.50.

Our meal is so good from beginning to end that, even though full and finished, we linger at the table for awhile, not wanting to give up the welcoming atmosphere and secretly hoping we will impossibly get hungry again and try more of the offerings.  But alas, it is time to move on; we must make it to New Mexico before midnight.  The temperature is dropping and we’ll be pitching the tent by the light of the full moon.  Fortunately, Green Vegetarian is on our side, keeping our bellies comfy and our spirits high for the rest of the evening. 

-Jeremy Pearson