Compassionate Action for Animals

There's still time to join us on Monday, August 19 for another Cooking With Tamuno class! This time, we'll be making delicious vegan gyros with mushroom-artichoke filling, fresh veggie toppings, and tzatziki sauce. You can cook along with Tamuno in real time, or just watch as he prepares this delectable plant-based recipe. We can't wait to try them!

All the details:
exploreveg.org/tamunocooks



Photo and recipe from LOVING IT VEGAN
https://lovingitvegan.com/vegan-gyros/

Join us on August 25 at VITALIST for a Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge dine-out event! Have a chance to try VITALIST's challenge dish, Raw Pad Thai (pictured here) or order one of the many other vegan menu options available. Dine together in the company of other like-minded people and enjoy a delicious plant-based lunch at this fun restaurant!

Find out more:
exploreveg.org/VITALIST


Vitalist Superfoods

Available only in August!

Check out the Ratatouille Flatbread from Gigi's Cafe!
A flatbread pizza topped with roasted red pepper, zucchini, and eggplant, drizzled with tomato vinaigrette. Check out their vegan dessert options while you're there, too!

Diners are saying: "Tasty crust with wonderfully flavorful toppings!", "10/10", and "Great garlic flavor"!

When you dine out, vote online or post about your meal (and tag us) for a chance to win gift cards.
Go to exploreveg.org/tcveganchef to see all available dishes.

Did you know? Vegan diets have more sustainable carbon footprints than omnivorous ones. Choose eco-friendly -- choose vegan!

Available only in August!

Check out the Tofu Fried Rice from Pat's Tap!
Korean BBQ tofu is paired with mushrooms, coconut, and sriracha cream. Delish! Check out the skee ball while you're out, and grab a drink at the bar.

Diners are saying: "Smashing smoky flavor!", "really tasty", and "a good sized portion".

When you dine out, vote online and post about your dish (and tag us) for a chance to win gift cards.
Go to exploreveg.org/tcveganchef to see all available dishes.

Did you know? Protein is no issue on a vegan diet. Per calorie, seitan, tofu, tempeh, and even veggies like broccoli and kale, have more protein than beef. Vegan protein comes directly from the source instead of being "processed" by an animal first.

We are looking for outreach volunteers to help out at Open Streets Lyndale on Saturday August 24! Help us engage passersby and promote the plant-based lifestyle and Twin Cities Veg Fest. Have fun, connect with other volunteers, and make a difference for animals!

Find out more:
exploreveg.org/Lyndale

Available only in August!

Check out the Crispy Cauli Wings from Namaste Cafe!
Spicy cauliflower with housemade buffalo glaze, served with fresh celery and creamy cashew ranch.

Diners are saying: "incredible texture and taste!", "delicious", "just the right amount of spice", and that the flavor "got into every crevice of the cauliflower"!

When you dine out, vote online and post about your dish for a chance to win gift cards.
Go to exploreveg.org/tcveganchef

Did you know? Over 2/3 of pig breeders in the US use gestation crates. In gestation crates, mother pigs are confined in a space so small they cannot turn around. They are confined there 24/7 for their entire four-month pregnancy. Choose humane -- choose vegan!

The best way to use up all that summer produce? Get cooking and join us on August 15 for the next West Suburbs Vegan Potluck at Unmapped Brewing Co. in Minnetonka! Every month, we gather for a fun potluck and this month's theme is summer vegetables. Bring a friend and a plant-based dish to share — it's sure to be a fun evening of camaraderie and delicious food! What's your favorite summer veggie recipe?

All the details:
exploreveg.org/westsuburbs

Your can still join our Duluth Vegan Cooking Group on August 15 for our monthly potluck! Each month, we gather to sample delicious plant-based foods based on a theme or ingredient. This month, we explore all of the amazing ways to prepare zucchini! Please bring a favorite dish featuring zucchini to share, as well as your friends. See you there!

All the details:
exploreveg.org/Duluthgroup

Want a chance to enjoy this delicious dish among other like-minded folks? Join us for a dine-out at The Himalayan on August 16, where you can experience the flavors of India, Tibet, and Nepal. You can also have a chance to try The Himalayan's entry in the Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge, Jackfruit Tikka Masala and then rate it for a chance at fun prizes!

Find out more:
exploreveg.org/Himalayan

Help us grow compassion and keep Twin Cities Veg Fest free and open to all! It takes around $10,000 beyond the proceeds we take in from sponsors and exhibitors to keep the festival going and we rely on donations from people just like you! Donations are being matched by a generous anonymous donor, so your gift goes even farther.

We are happy to report that we've surpassed the halfway mark and have raised more than $5,000 already! Please consider a donation in any amount to help us reach our goal.

Donate now:
exploreveg.org/givetcvegfest

Available only in August!

Check out the Vegan Power Bowl from The Block SLP!
Quinoa, avocado, edamame, vegan steak, red pepper, black beans, and corn, all with a lime vinaigrette.

Diners are saying: "love the steak!", "beautiful avocado and flavorful lime vinaigrette", "full of flavor", "tender steak and not too spicy!"

When you dine out, vote online and post about your dish for a chance to win gift cards.
Go to exploreveg.org/tcveganchef, or link in bio, to see all available dishes.

Did you know? Wheat can become so many things... from bread to beer to chicken to pasta to empanadas to steak! Plant-based meats, whether it's The Block's steak or Impossible burgers, are made from natural ingredients -- wheat, soybeans, peas, or beans. You can't say the same for the 99% of animal products that come from antibiotic- and disease-ridden factory farms!

When you vote on the dish you tried, or post about it and tag us, you're entered in gift card drawings! Go to exploreveg.org/tcveganchef to find the voting form and links.

For our drawing for votes/posts made 8/1-8/7, congrats to:
-Jenell, who won a gift card to Pat's Tap;
-Dave, who won a gift card to Gigi's Cafe;
-Jane, who won a gift card to Thai Garden!

CAA volunteers will be providing another delicious plant-based meal to residents of Simpson Housing on Friday August 23. Each month, our group prepares and serves a tasty vegan meal to around 70 unhoused residents at Simpson Housing. These events have been popular among our volunteers and August's event is already full! Thank you to those who have given time, talent, and financial gifts to this wonderful community initiative! Watch our events page for the next Simpson event if you'd like to volunteer.

Find out more:
exploreveg.org/Simpson

Simpson Housing Services

🍕Who doesn't love free pizza?!🍕

You can enjoy a free dinner at Pizza Luce with us on Sunday, August 11 in downtown Minneapolis! Join us for some delicious vegan eats, and then help us put up posters around the neighborhood. The posters provide information on a campaign against Target's failure to to transition away from eggs laid by battery-caged hens. Have fun and make a difference for animals all at one tasty event!

For more info:
exploreveg.org/pizza

This month's Vegan Recipe Club explores the freezer-friendly recipes of the Make Ahead Vegan Cookbook by Ginny Kay McMeans. Prepare delicious plant-based recipes in advance, like Coconut Cream Cinnamon Coffee Cake, West African Peanut Soup, and Vegetables Enchiladas, as well as some optional extras. Then, come join us online on August 20 to discuss your experiences. The featured recipes are designed for the busy person — make and serve these comforting dishes now or freeze for later.

Find out more:
exploreveg.org/VRC

Available only in August!

Check out the Mango Spring Rolls from Duke'S On 7!
Juicy mango, fresh vegetables, and crisp sprouts are rolled together and paired with a sweet-and-spicy Thai chili dipping sauce. It's the perfect summer eat!

Diners are saying: "Very fresh and tasty! Good flavors, and the sauce has legit heat", "so refreshing", and "Nice spicy sauce!"

When you dine out, vote online and post about your dish for a chance to win gift cards.
Go to exploreveg.org/tcveganchef, or link in bio, to see all available dishes.

Did you know? Plant-based and plant-forward diets all had more sustainable GHG and water footprints than omnivorous diets, when modeled across 140 countries. Choose eco-friendly -- choose plant-based!

When you care about animals, you may be considering how to leave a legacy and care for them after you're gone. We've got digital tools that are FREE and easy to use, so you can explore your options for creating a will and learn how to care for your own companion animals and/or all farmed animals through the work of CAA. You can make a lasting impact for animals and our planet with these tools. Check out your options today!

Find out more:
exploreveg.org/legacy

Available only in August!

Check out the Teriyaki Mushroom Sandwich from Stanley's Northeast Bar Room!
Herb focaccia bun, seared teriyaki portobello cap, pickled onion, tomato jam, arugula, and kimchi create an out-of-this-world sandwich.

Diners said the Teriyaki Mushroom Sandwich is "Flavorful!", "very delicious" and "so good I forgot it was vegan!" People also love Stanley's dog-friendly pawtio!

When you dine out, vote online and post about your dish for a chance to win gift cards.
Go to exploreveg.org/tcveganchef, or link in bio, to see all available dishes.

Did you know? Cattle ranching causes the majority of the destruction of the Amazon, our earth's lungs. Soy agriculture is also causes a portion of deforestation -- and the majority of soy grown goes to animal feed. Choose eco-friendly -- choose vegan!

Craving vegan gyros? Have we got the class for you! Join Tamuno Imbu on Zoom August 19 as he prepares this delicious gyro recipe from LOVING IT VEGAN, with mushroom-artichoke filling, fresh veggie toppings, and tzatziki sauce. Cook along in real time or just watch as Tamuno prepares the recipe. Our mouths are watering already just thinking of this amazing dish!

Find our more about the class:
exploreveg.org/tamunocooks



Photo and recipe from LOVING IT VEGAN
https://lovingitvegan.com/vegan-gyros/

Available only in August!

Check out the Sweet Chili Tofu from Thai Garden!
Expertly crisped tofu and mixed Vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, bell pepper, onion, correct and green beans), all with Thai sweet chili sauce and sesame seeds. Delicious!

One diner this year said ""No faults wow. Loved the spice level and how it was a slow burn. [T]his is a new favorite!" Other feedback included ""Fresh, super tasty" and "Looks awesome, with spiralized veggies".

When you dine out, vote online and post about your dish for a chance to win gift cards.
Go to exploreveg.org/tcveganchef to see all available dishes.

Did you know? Nearly 100 million birds in the US have been "culled" and thrown away -- all because they're confined in miserable, tightly-packed warehouses that facilitate viral outbreaks. For instance, this year a Minnesotan egg farm “culled” over 1.4 million birds. Choose humane -- choose vegan.

Come and dine out with us at Tori Ramen on August 12! It's a great chance to connect with others AND try their entry in the 2024 Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge.

Tori Ramen's challenge dish, pictured here, is the Kimchi Mac. This comfort food dish is a play on mac’n’cheez, with caramelized kimchi, kimchi base, and panko bread crumbs paired with macaroni noodles. Or choose from several other vegan options on the menu, including last year's grand prize winner, Birria Ramen!

Find out more and sign up:
exploreveg.org/Toridineout


Tori Ramen

The Sunshapes performing "Hey, Soul Sister" by Train -- Live at Reverie Café + Bar in Minneapolis We played a 2 hour set of originals and cover songs at Reverie Café + Bar in Minneapolis on July 28th, 2024 for the CAA Bike Crawl After-Party. Had a great t...

Join us at the next West Suburbs Vegan Potluck on August 15 at Unmapped Brewing Co. in Minnetonka! This month, our theme is summer vegetables. Bring your friends and a vegan dish to share, and get ready to sample all the deliciousness of summer.

All the details:
exploreveg.org/westsuburbs

Available only in August!

Check out the Vegan Salmon Bowl from The Howe Daily Kitchen & Bar!
Marinated & deep-fried feel-good salmon on top of coconut rice, roasted zucchini, cauliflower, red peppers, and roasted corn. Topped with luscious ranch, sesame seeds, and parsley.

One diner this year said "The vegan salmon at the Howe was probably the best meal I have ever had. The salmon was moist and flaky with a delicious flavor. The accompanying vegetables and rice were perfect." Other feedback included "Crazy good!" and "flavorful".

Go to exploreveg.org/tcveganchef to see all available dishes.
When you dine out, vote online and post about your dish for a chance to win gift cards.

Did you know? Ninety percent of global marine fish stocks are now fully exploited or overfished. Fishing is causing massive harm to ocean life worldwide. Eating lower on the food chain means a lower environmental footprint! Choose ocean-friendly -- choose vegan.

Available only in August!

Check out the Ackee Coconut Pappardelle from Umbra Minneapolis!
Pappardelle pasta, simmered in a fragrant coconut milk with ackee. Infused with Scotch Bonnet and piquillio peppers, along with all-spice. Delicately tossed with toasted pine nuts and edible baby flowers. Yum!

When you dine out, vote online and post about your dish.
When you vote or post between now and August 7, you're entered to win gift cards to try the new challenge dishes at Thai Garden and Pat's Tap. Be sure to tag us in your post.
Go to exploreveg.org/tcveganchef to see all available dishes.

Did you know? Heart disease and cancer are the two leading causes of death in the USA. Vegan and vegetarian diets significantly decrease your risk of heart disease and cancer. Choose healthy -- choose vegan! As this dish shows, it's no compromise on taste.

It's that time of year again... when the zucchini is plentiful! What's the best thing to do with all that zucchini? Make your favorite zucchini-based dish and join us for the Duluth Vegan Cooking Group on August 15! From the savory to the sweet, this versatile ingredient does it all. What's your favorite zucchini recipe?

Find more info:
exploreveg.org/Duluthgroup

Starting today! More than twenty new delicious vegan dishes are now available.

Check out this one: The Vegan Islands.
Scratch-made pineapple teriyaki bbq -- coconut turmeric rice -- a kale power veggie mix -- watermelon pineapple salsa -- and so much more -- make this beautiful dish a celebration of contrasting and complementary flavors. Yum!

When you vote or post about your meal between now and August 7, you're entered to win gift cards to Thai Garden and to Pat's Tap. Go to exploreveg.org/tcveganchef to see what challenge dishes they have! Be sure to tag us in your post to win.

There's still time to join us at the ARC-CAA Vegan Potluck & Grill-Out this Sunday August 4th! Hosted by Animal Rights Coalition (ARC) and Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA), this event is an epic gathering of like-minded people! Bring your friends and a vegan dish to share. It's going to be a great time!

Find out more:
exploreveg.org/grill-out

Animal Rights Coalition

Available starting TOMORROW! Enjoy a full month of new vegan dishes at Twin Cities restaurants. Be a judge of which dishes are best.

Winners are selected weekly from those who vote or post. Tag us in your post to be entered in gift card drawings!

Pictured here:
1. Poblano Tamale -- with lime crema, candied tomato, and spiced pepita -- from ALTBurger- All Love This Burger
2. Karee Curry -- with coconut milk, yellow curry, and fresh firm tofu -- from Sawatdee Thai Restaurant
3. Dinich Wot -- potatoes in a spicy, savory sauce -- from Lulu EthioVegan Cuisine
4. Green Gram Dosa -- a crepe-like dish made from mung beans, served with sambar lentil soup, chutneys, and more -- from Nala's Kitchen

See the full range of dishes, and find the voting form, at exploreveg.org/tcveganchef

Did you know? Athletes are thriving on plant-based diets. Plant-based athletes like Patrick Baboumian (weightlifter), Serena and Venus Williams (tennis), Novak Djokovic (tennis), and Scott Jurek (ultramarathon) are excelling in their respective sports!

Available starting TOMORROW! Enjoy a full month of new vegan dishes at Twin Cities restaurants. Be a judge of which dishes are best.

Winners are selected weekly from those who vote or post. Tag us in your post to be entered in gift card drawings!

Pictured here, three pasta dishes:
1. Fried Mondo Mac Sando -- two pieces of deep-fried Texas Toast filled with mac & cheese -- from Herbie Butcher's Fried Chicken
2. Kimchi Mac -- with caramelized kimchi, kimchi base, and panko breadcrumbs -- from last year's champion restaurant Tori Ramen
3. Roasted Garlic & Squash Linguini -- a delicious sauce paired with sautéed mushrooms and confit cherry tomatoes -- from Pinoli-Mpls

Previous challenge diners said things like "Hard to believe it was vegan!" and "Beautiful presentation and an explosion of flavor in every bite!"

See the full range of dishes at exploreveg.org/tcveganchef