Author: admin

Vegan Activism /

Cesar Chavez: Human AND Animal Rights Activist!

cesar chavez photo

Cesar Chavez was a human rights activist with a primary focus on farm workers’ rights. However, he also was an animal rights activist and received the In Defense of Animals (IDA) Lifetime Achievement Award. Many do not know Cesar Chavez was a vegetarian and at times a vegan!

Here is a quote from Cesar Chavez’s acceptance speech for the In Defense of Animals (IDA) Lifetime Achievement Award:

“We need, in a special way, to work twice as hard to make all people understand that animals

are fellow creatures. That we must protect them and love them as we love ourselves and that

the basis for peace is respecting all creatures. That’s the basis for peace. We cannot hope to

have peace until we respect everyone, respect ourselves, and respect animals and all living

things – and that’s the basis we see the beginning of peace. We know we cannot defend and

be kind to animals until we stop exploiting them – exploiting them in the name of science,

exploiting animals in the name of sport, exploiting animals in the name of fashion, and yes,

exploiting animals in the name of food.”

Here is a video of Cesar Chavez’s acceptance speech for the Lifetime Achievement Award from In Defense of Animals (IDA) [starts at 43 seconds]:

Vegan Restaurants /

[CLOSED] The Gray Zebra (100% Plant-Based; 100% Woman-Owned)

Quote from the About page of The Gray Zebra website: “…come join our herd and let’s get grazy!”

Outside of the Gray Zebra we noticed its cool exterior and funky design. It is also quite literally on the (northwest) corner of Sunset Boulevard and Normandie Avenue.

As we entered we were greeted warmly by the chef – Chef Ali! She was very inviting and asked us to make ourselves at home. I made a guess that her accent is from Australia. When she arrived to take our orders (very quickly after we sat) I asked and she’s actually from South Africa! Too cool!

There is limited seating, so I would suggest calling in advance – we did and it worked out perfectly. They were able to tell us a family was just leaving so they would have tables ready when we got there. (Inside there are three tables, plus a long high table with stools and a couple tables outside.)

There is a lot of yummy stuff on the menu:


I wanted nachos, but I’m usually not a fan of chorizo – they were topped with vegan chorizo. The chef offered to prepare them without the chorizo, but said she thought I may like the way they do it. I took the gamble and she was right! Oh my goodness the chorizo was perfectly seasoned – not too firm and not too soft. I was a happy “grayzer”!


Our table shared the Crispy “Chicken” sandwich (actually listed on the menu under “Burgers”) and I think it may be the best vegan crispy chicken sandwich I’ve ever had. I knew immediately that next time I want one all for myself *grin* – and I think I would ask for a little extra vegan cheese on it.

One of us got a mix-berry smoothie without the banana and the “Grazy Cobb” salad and oh my stripes! I gladly accepted the offer to try some and once again, things I normally avoid (in this case tempeh and ranch dressing) were “grazy” good! The dressing was lightly tossed throughout the salad, perfectly covering each leaf and wasn’t a heavy ranch flavor. I started with a little nibble off a piece of tempeh and it was so tender and yummy I popped the whole thing in my mouth, followed by a couple more I had commandeered out of my neighbor’s container and had to keep myself from trying to sneak a few more. It was another one I plan to order in the future!

My cousin (who is not vegan) got a BBQ Beyond Burger with a Green Smoothie and said they were both really good!

Chef Ali was so welcoming we could have just sat and talked with her. I’m so happy we tried The Gray Zebra because now we have a new vegan restaurant to add to our favorites!

VEGANavigate TIPS:

  • If you’re dining-in, bring change for 2-hour metered parking
  • You can order food in advance for pick-up
  • The Gray Zebra also offers Catering!

ADDRESS:

The Gray Zebra, 5101 W Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027

PHONE: (424) 401-5101

WEBSITE: https://thegrayzebra.com/

INSTAGRAM: @thegrayzebra

Vegan Restaurants /

Happy National Lasagna Day!

vegan lasagna

Yeah, we didn’t know National Lasagna Day existed either, but it was a great excuse to eat vegan lasagna at the all vegan restaurant – SunCafe! Don’t let the name fool you, it is a full-service restaurant located in a business area of Studio City, California. However, its enclosed parking lot in front of the leafy vine-covered entrance makes it feel secluded.

It would be a great place for a romantic dinner. It is also a good location for brunch with a friend or a work lunch with a colleague. There is indoor and outdoor seating. If you choose to sit outdoors it has a bit of the feeling of a shared secret garden restaurant that only you and the other patrons there know about.

The atmosphere is calm and the staff is friendly. One of the bussers politely directed my attention to the QR code on the table that can be scanned to view the menu before the waiter arrives. After I ordered there was a small wait, but not too long to be discouraged and the time could definitely be filled with easy conversation. The presentation of the food was delightful.

I chose to get the lasagna of course. The vegan ricotta in the center was exceptional. A happy surprise was the green pesto on one of the layers in the lasagna. Yum!

I asked for dessert and it came out quickly. I already knew what I wanted – I had seen it online before I arrived. Blueberry cheesecake! It was fresh, it was blueberry-ee and had halves of real blueberries inside. Yes please!

I left satisfied and plan to go back to SunCafe for the nachos, mac n’cheese, and more of the cheesecake – I’ll try a different flavor next time like Strawberry, Mango, Raw Almond Butter, or Key Lime!


VEGANavigate Tips

  • The head chef/co-owner (Ron Russell) of SunCafe teaches cooking lessons! Yeah boy-ee. With his help, we can now all make these great dishes and desserts.

Here is the cooking class schedule: https://suncafe.com/?page_id=897

  • The co-owner, Rebecca, of SunCafe designed their new location.
  • You can also get your special event catered by SunCafe!
    Here’s the catering menu: https://suncafe.com/?page_id=875
  • Their website offers additional free and paid parking options outside of their own 12 space lot in front. Here is what it said when I went:

PARKING

* Parking lot with 12 spaces

* Valet on Hollywood Bowl Nights $5

* Pick Up orders – 2 Reserved Complimentary spots

* Street Parking – 2 hour metered parking

* FREE additional public parking lot across the street

ADDRESS: SunCafe,10820 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604

PHONE: (818) 927-4100

CONTACT PAGE: https://suncafe.com/?page_id=116

WEBSITE: https://suncafe.com/

Vegan Activism /

PRIDE!

pride

Did you have fun at your local Pride celebrations or are you feeling bummed because you missed out? Well, purchasing from brands owned by someone in the LGBTQ+ community is another great way to show your support, allyship and pride all throughout the year! Lets shop!

Beet x Beet

photo source: https://beetxbeet.com/

This company is woman owned and they do all manufacturing locally in Los Angeles. The yarn and ink used are 100% vegan. Also, the packaging is all made of recycled materials and is recyclable. I like the…”beet”…of this :D.

Get stuff at Beet x Beet here: https://beetxbeet.com/

Brave Gentleman

photo source: https://www.bravegentleman.com/

Need some gender neutral gear? Brave Gentleman is your store – especially for kicks – the footwear ranges from sporty to professional. If you’re trying to find something to replace your worn out leather shoes, there is a large assortment of options made of polyurethane (PU). Although PU is not the most eco-friendly material, their chart below shows it is vastly better for the environment than tanning dead animal skins. So, for you, if it’s between leather and polyurethane – go Brave Gentleman.

Get stuff at Brave Gentleman here: https://www.bravegentleman.com/

Get stuff at Brave Gentleman here: https://www.bravegentleman.com/

Arium Botanicals

photo source: https://ariumbotanicals.com/

Arium has a wonderful collection of traditional and exotic plants. They are of the variety that can be grown in pots from home. Arium has even partnered with local artists to sell their hand-made ceramic pots – pretty cool huh? So, lets help out – get to growing!

Get stuff at Arium here: https://ariumbotanicals.com/

Otherwild

photo source: https://otherwild.com/

Otherwild is an LGBTQ+ woman owned company with vegan and eco-friendly products to fill your home with. Our favorites include stainless steel containers as well as colorful coffee mugs, t-shirts and pins with fun graphics, and great phrases.

Get stuff at Otherwild here: https://otherwild.com/

Suay Sew Shop

photo source: https://suayla.com/

They use repurposed materials and eco-friendly dies. You can get clothing, blankets, pillows, towels and more. Everything is made right in L.A. They also offer a few really awesome services. If you have items like shirts or pants that you would like to keep, but they have a tear or hole, Suay Sew Shop does repairs! Check out their website to see all the other cool products and services.

Get stuff at Suay Sew: https://suayla.com/

Vegan Activism /

Juneteenth!

juneteenth

Freedom! Finally! Then decades of further struggles that continue to this day – giant hurdles African-American people keep having to overcome. Even so, for today, we all celebrate the news of freedom.

Here are a few African-American owned restaurants you can get some grub from every week and on Juneteenth. Lets Eat!

Baba’s Vegan Cafe

photo source: https://www.babasvegancafe.com/menu.html

If you call, you may get to talk to Baba directly. The food description on their website is: African Diasporic Cuisine. On June 19, 2022 Baba’s Vegan Cafe is a featured eatery at the Juneteenth Festival (hosted by the L.A. Black History Month Festival). You can grab a bite at the festival between 10am and 6pm. Here is the address for the event: 7000 West Manchester Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90045

After Juneteenth, Baba’s Vegan Cafe offers deliveries via DoorDash & UberEats.

Location: 6619 S. Western Ave, South Los Angeles, CA
Call: 323 – VEGAN – 93 (323-834-2693)
Order online: https://www.babasvegancafe.com/
Hours: Tuesday – Friday; 2pm – 7pm

Baba’s Vegan Cafe also does catering!

Stuff I Eat

photo source: https://www.stuffieat.com/menu

Stuff I Eat is located on a quiet city street – making for an even more comfortable dining experience. The owner, Chef Babette, is well-known throughout many communities. This is of course due to her plant-based cuisine, but she has also been on television multiple times! You may have seen her on Inside Edition, The Chew, and the t.v. series Insecure, among many other television appearances. Dine-in, take-out or get a delivery! P.S. The Enchilada Pie is so so so good!

Stuff I Eat
114 N. Market St.
Inglewood, CA 90301
Phone: 323-671-0115
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday (12:00pm – 6:00pm)
Website: https://www.stuffieat.com/

Jackfruit Cafe

The owner of Jackfruit Cafe is Angela Means Kaaya. She did an excellent performance in the popular 1990’s film Friday as the character Felisha. Jackfruit Cafe’s deep fried breaded vegan fish and deep fried breaded vegan shrimp with a side of black beans and rice are the best! The shrimp come with really good vegan aioli sauce and peppers. Yum yum yum!

Support her culinary ventures by ordering delivery online at: https://jackfruitcafe.com/

You can also pick up your food, hot and fresh, at: 358 W. 38th St., Los Angeles, CA 90037

Happy Juneteenth!

Vegan Products /

11 Eco-Friendly Gifts for Father’s Day

hempsocks

Here are 11 great gift ideas for your dad or a father figure in your life! They are all vegan and eco-friendly options to help you make a socially responsible purchase for Daddy-o. Happy Father’s Day!

Cold Brewer with Stainless Steel Lid

photo source: www.county-line-kitchen.com

Get the Cold Brewer here: https://www.county-line-kitchen.com/products/cold-brewer-with-stainless-steel-lid

Vahdam Chai Tea Assortment

photo source: www.vahdamteas.com

Get the Vahdam Chai Tea Assortment here: https://www.vahdamteas.com/products/chai-tea-assortment-gift-set-12-tin-caddy?variant=32946751569963

Stoneware Mug

photo source: unitedbyblue.com

Get the Stoneware Mug here: https://unitedbyblue.com/products/16-oz-potters-mug?variant=36469138686024


BewBow Bamboo Cutlery

photo source: handykitchenwarestore.com

Get the BewBow Bamboo Travel Cutlery here: https://handykitchenwarestore.com/product/bamboo-utensils-cutlery-set-bewbow-reusable-cutlery-travel-set-eco-friendly-wooden-silverware-for-kids-adults-outdoor-portable-utensils-with-case-bamboo-spoon/

The Sistain Bamboo Straws

photo source: shop.thesistain.com

Get the Sistain Bamboo Straws here: https://shop.thesistain.com/products/bamboo-8-straw-4pck?variant=39328703479921


United by Blue SoftHemp™ Socks

photo source: unitedbyblue.com

Get the Soft Hemp Socks here: https://unitedbyblue.com/products/softhemp-printed-sock?variant=39363900506184


Corkor Messenger Bag

photo source: www.corkor.com

Get the Corkor Messenger Bag here: https://www.corkor.com/collections/cork-messenger-bags/products/cork-messenger-bag


Air Plant

Get the Air Plant here: https://www.air-plants.com/pages/air-plant-club

Triple Surfboard Wall Rack (made of Bamboo)

photo source: www.corsurf.com

Get the Bamboo Triple Surfboard Wall Rack here: https://www.corsurf.com/collections/surfboard-racks/products/the-core-multi-rack



Recycled Wine Bottle Platter

photo source: www.uncommongoods.com

Get the Recycled Wine Bottle Platter here: https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/recycled-wine-bottle-platter-with-spreader?clickid=UdFWEuXWmxyIT1C0SyQ3A0xGUkDx7YTuIyyv1U0&irgwc=1&trafficSource=Impact&sharedid=thespruce.com

Sqwishful Sqwish Set

photo source: Sqwishful.com

Get the Sqwishful Set here: https://sqwishful.com/products/sqwish-set

Vegan Restaurants /

SALAYA (100% plant-based restaurant in L.A.)

We would like to highlight the Asian/Pacific Islander community, by featuring the Thai restaurant in Los Angeles named Salaya. It definitely deserves recognition!

Salaya is a 100% plant-based Thai restaurant filled with yummy goodness. It is also a 100% women-owned restaurant! Noop and Annie are the co-owners of this warmly lit, clean and friendly dining experience. They have a large menu of appetizers, soups, salads, rice plates, noodle dishes, curries, unique entrees, house specialty meals, desserts, side orders and non-alcoholic drinks.

Front of Menu
Back of Menu
I wasn’t sure what to order, so I asked the server, Bell, what she would recommend. I told her I wanted to try a rice and noodle dish that were the most popular and authentic to the Thai heritage. She pointed out five or six dishes and also offered further information on the flavors of each – sweat, spicy, and savory. This was very helpful in helping me narrow down my selections. I ended up deciding to order the Pad Thai – the third item listed on the front of the menu in the far right column – and the Pineapple Fried Rice – the second item listed on the back of the menu in the far left column.

Pad Thai

Pineapple Fried Rice

Each noodle and rice plate includes the option to add tofu, plant-based peppered-“beef,” or plant-based “chicken.” I asked Bell what she preferred with the Pad Thai and Pineapple Fried Rice dishes. Her answer was tofu with the former and plant-based peppered “beef” with the latter. So I went with that. I also got a side of spring rolls – perhaps they are not part of the traditional Thai cuisine, but I can never resist good hot crispy spring rolls!

Spring Rolls

During a very short wait (as the food came out very quickly), I had the opportunity to meet one of the owners. Noop was there that night. She has a kind face and had on a pretty brightly colored blouse with a long flowing white skirt. Noop was clearly attentive to all aspects of the restaurant, including helping to provide great customer service.

If I had to pick a personal favorite between the Pad Thai and the Pineapple Fried Rice, I would say my preference leaned towards the Pineapple Fried Rice. Also, not all restaurants know how to prepare tofu well, so I am happy to say the tofu in the Pad Thai was baked or fried nicely on the outside and had a nice chewy texture. I found myself popping a few more of the golden-tan cubes into my mouth as I packed up my meals to go. While doing this, I was happy to see their to-go containers were NOT plastic, but neat eco-friendly paper boxes.

I definitely want to go back to Salaya – looking at the menu again, I want to try the curries! Especially the Pumpkin Curry, Panang Curry, and Avocado Curry. I also want to try the Spicy Cashew Nut entree. I am super curious to try the House Specialties Orange Chicken, Fish-n-Green Apple Salad, Dumpling In Green Curry, and Crispy Fish Panang Curry. I don’t know what I was thinking not getting a dessert this time. I guess I was too excited to eat the dishes in front of me. So on my next visits I need to try the Coconut Vegan Ice Cream, Vegan Creme Brulee, Mango and Sticky Rice, Banana Roll w/Coconut, and other Vegan Ice Cream flavors! …Did I just list everything on the dessert menu? Yeah…I think I did – Haha! Well, at least we all know where my heart lies!

Salaya also has a booming delivery service. Order via phone (323-741-0074) or online at https://salayala.com/


Salaya (100% plant-based restaurant)

5185 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90027
United States

Vegan Activism /

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals month

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals month. Below are a few organizations to follow and join for the cause:

  • Vegan Outreach

Handing out pamphlets along with positive productive conversations with interested individuals are key to the activism practices of this animal rights group.

https://veganoutreach.org/

  • Mercy for Animals

Mercy for Animals is known for going undercover to retrieve revealing video footage of the atrocities against beings held in slaughter houses.

https://mercyforanimals.org/

  • Farm Sanctuary

Animals that are rescued from slaughter houses and other abusive environments find peaceful living at the Farm Sanctuary.

https://www.farmsanctuary.org/

Vegan Lifestyle /

Happy International Women’s Day!

(photo by: One [vegan] Meal a Day for the planet – omdfortheplanet.com)

Suzy Amis Cameron (vegan) started an eco-friendly K-12 private school with her sister.  Mrs. Cameron is the wife of the director James Cameron (also vegan).  The sisters named their school Muse.  Eventually, after collaborating with doctors and other nutrition professionals, they created a school lunch menu that is 100% vegan.  This makes Muse the first fully plant-based K-12 school in Abya Yala (aka: America).  They now also have a program that enables people from around the world to start a Muse school in their own communities.  Here is a video clip of Suzy talking about her school on OWN with Oprah!:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znxe-rWlcWc

Link to the 100% plant-based Muse private school and their global program!:  https://museglobal.org/