Vegetarian Food Festival

I had an amazing time as usual this past weekend - the 29th - wow, I know!!! - annual Vegetarian Food Festival. I got to assist the wonderful Jenne Claiborne from New York via Atlanta on preparing her BBQ Tempeh wraps - with cabbage, sweet potato and carrot (roasted) in the fabulous Leon's at the Roundhouse demo kitchen. We also prepared peaches and topping for her raw crumble desssert.  Roberto Martin also came in while I was finishing my shift - I got to sample his Red Beans and Rice at his Sunday Cooking Demo. His book is "Vegan Cooking for Carnivores" - and it's a beautiful book. He was making an appearance on Global TV's morning show.  I am having the Red Beans and Rice for dinners this week..yumm..along with some of our numerous zucchini and fresh beans from the Trinity Bellwoods Farmer's Market

Jenne is a personal chef - check out her website www.thenourishingvegan.com. We had great chats about places we like to eat in New York. She is warm, sweet and radiant - her Avocado Chickpea Tartine and sweet raw treats with buckwheat, cacao, pecans and dates were simply - I mean that literally delicious. I also checked out cooking demos from Doug McNish, Jennifer Cornbleet and Alan Roettinger as well as a panel about sanctuaries and a talk from John Pierre - author of "The Pillars of Health". He spoke about what we need to be feeding ourselves especially to help with cognitive function - omega 3, blueberries and how important hydration is for our well being.

Sampled way too many scrumptious baked goods from Bloomer's, Tori's Bakeshop and Bunners - tarts and cookies and doughnuts, oh my! One of my fave desserts was from "Live On Chocolate" - her raw puddings are incredible - I bought Raspberry, Coconut Lime and Caramel Mocha. This was the first year of using the new space on the eastern side of the Harbourfront Centre - so hopefully it will catch on more next year. That being said it was a good place to go and escape the crowds. I got addicted to Tiffinday's "Timpa Wheels" - I can't do justice to describing them other than to say they are to die for! Ditto anything from Green Zebra.

Do yourself a favour and become a member of the TVA - you will get a newsletter filled with articles and recipes, suggestions on new places to eat, and get discounts from many restaurants in the GTA. Visit www.veg.ca