Meatless “McMuffins” from MFA at McDonald’s Protest Wednesday AM

Our friends at Mercy for Animals (MFA) will stage a “Tasty” protest at a new McDonald’s location opening downtown in the West End Wednesday morning, September 22 at 8:00 am. From the press release:

Donning aprons, and backed by a banner that declares, “Free Vegan Food Samples – Healthy, Cruelty-­‐Free & Delicious,” members of the animal advocacy organization, Mercy For Animals, will greet customers of Dallas’ newest McDonald’s restaurant grand opening – dishing up free vegan “McMuffins,” served with a side of truth about McDonald’s’ cruel treatment of animals.

We can’t think of a better way to start the morning than with a cruelty-free breakfast goodie and friendly conversation with the great folks at MFA. Be sure to stop by and say “hi,” if you’re in the area.

Click for full press release

McDonald’s Protest
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
8:00 am
440 N. Lamar St., Ste. 107A (corner of Pacific Ave. and Lamar St.)
Dallas, TX

Cafe Elite in Plano - First Look

 

 

Recently, we checked out Cafe Elite - a new vegan restaurant that opened last week in Plano.

The menu included a few Asian favorites such as spring rolls, Lo Mein, and Pho. However, they also offered a much welcomed variety of other items such as Raw Pizzas, Sloppy Joes, burgers, and vegan chili.

The Chic’n Salad was a delightful spread of fresh mixed-greens topped with Gardein “chic’n” and accompanied by a delicate, yet flavorful house-made vinaigrette. The homemade Sloppy Joe was a heaping helping of ground “beef” and tangy sauces served on a light and fluffy bun that held up well to the “Joe.”

Cafe Elite also carries vegan desserts such as chocolate cake – not sampled on this visit, but we’ve heard other diners use many superlative phrases to describe it.

Cafe Elite is operated by followers of Supreme Master Ching Hai, so you can entertain and inform yourself with Supreme Master TV, playing on TVs in the front and rear of the restaurant. Perhaps the best description of the channel’s programming, delivered in a subtle and positive manner, is taken from their website:

People must realize that putting down that piece of meat, which is poisonous, is all they have to do to obtain peace on Earth, and to eliminate hunger for good, and to save the planet...

Keep in mind that patience is a virtue as they continue to work out opening kinks in their ordering/serving system. However, based on this first visit we’re excited to have this versatile vegan option on the north side of town.

Check them out and let us know what you think!

 

 

Cafe Elite
1501 Preston Rd No. 800
Plano, TX 75093
(469) 828-0607

Fried Inspiration – Vegan Fried, Fried Rice

The Texas State Veggie Fair is right around the corner on October 16th, which means the Vegan Fried Foods Contest is, well, right around the corner.

Remember, your entry it doesn’t have to be *completely* original – maybe you have a special way of making a common fried dish that’s just really darn good. Or, you might try combining two things that should never be put together – it might just be perfect when you throw it in a vat of frying oil.

Want to enter, but still not sure what to do? If you’re in need of a little inspiration, check out our video on the new Dallas Vegan YouTube channel! I can say with personal experience that coming up with a recipe is not too difficult, and fun to boot! So get your fryers ready and submit your entry soon!

Dallas Vegan Drinks - September

Dallas Vegan Drinks September marks the 12 installment of Dallas Vegan Drinks - It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a year since we’ve had Vegan Drinks here in Dallas.

With plans for the Texas State Veggie Fair in full swing, we’d like to  invite those interested in volunteering with the fair to pizza LOUNGE at this Thursday night to discuss volunteer opportunities. Our volunteers are going to contribute greatly to the success of the inaugural Texas State Veggie Fair, so please consider coming out to speak with organizers and find out what you can do to be a part of the event.

Regardless of your interests in attending, the bottom line is that Vegan Drinks is a fun night for meeting fellow veg*n & veg-curious folks for good conversation and information swapping in a fun, non-formal environment.

As in the past several months, Vegan Drinks will be at pizza LOUNGE, the best pizza joint in town - accompanied by a wide selection of beverages. Don’t miss it!

 

September Dallas Vegan Drinks
pizza LOUNGE
Thursday, September 9th, 2010
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
841 Exposition
Dallas, TX

Texas State Veggie Fair Vegan Fried Foods Contest – Call for entries

If you haven’t yet heard about the Texas State Veggie Fair, then you may not have seen our announcement from several online media sources last week (including Hanna Raskin at the Dallas Observer). Point being – we have a huge event happening on October 16th, 2010, that we want YOU to be a part of.

Your first opportunity to join in the fun is to sign up for the Vegan Fried Foods competition. It’s almost impossible to not be aware of the crazy fried foods available at that other not so animal-friendly fair. The big problem with that competition is that hardly any of the items are vegetarian, let alone vegan. Here’s your chance to show the world how fun and creative vegan cooking can be (like Tofish & Chips, pictured right).

Put your vegan frying skills to the test and compete not only for cash prizes – but more importantly, bragging rights for being the winner of the inaugural competition.

Space is limited to 15 contestants, so sign up as soon as possible. Visit this page for more information and how to apply.

Not a cook?

Stay tuned for information about how YOU can be a guest judge at the competition!