Recently more and more people are turning over a new leaf and venturing into the world of Veganism. But what really is Veganism? I decided to look further into the stories of the owner’s and see the rage with all these restaurants popping up in Downtown Toronto. Let’s see if chef’s have our “new diet” all figured out and how they are contributing to changing the earth?

Ve-gan-ism – practice of abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in a diet and a philosophy in which they reject the commodity status of animals.

Restaurant #1 – FreshRestaurant

Fresh first began in 1990 as a travelling juice bar called Juice for Life by Ruth Tal. After learning about the importance and nutritional benefits of fruit and vegetables, Ruth wanted to share her journey with the world. After becoming vegan she found herself struggling to find places to eat in Toronto, which is wear the idea of creating something herself came about. After many years of struggling, her dream was no longer a dream but a reality. Her main goal for FreshRestaurant was to allow vegetarians to have a safe space and hopefully change the stereotype for non-vegetarians that vegan food is – bland, boring and unsatisfying. Now, many years later, Fresh has won several awards for it’s modern organic design and has opened up many more restaurants in the neighbourhood as well as expanding to Moscow, Russia.

Fan Favourite!!!

This restaurant is a must try if you want fresh and delicious food made entirely out of scratch. FreshRestaurant does not use any chemicals or preservatives and they don’t freeze anything or keep it longer than necessary. They also don’t cook with butter dairy, eggs, honey or any other hidden animal by-products. However, dairy is offered as a side option throughout the menu.

Restaurant #2 – Planta Yorkville

Chef David Lee created Planta with the purpose of making delicious food that empowers environmental sustainability in a beautiful environment without the use of animal products. To him it’s not just about taking animal products off of our plate but the commitment Planta has to using high quality products from ethical suppliers that chefs are proud and honoured to serve to customers.

Must Try!!!

Restaurant #3 – Rosalinda

The final restaurant I wanted to show everyone is Rosalinda. Max Rimaldi and Jaime Cook the two founders of Rosalinda both have vegan wives. In the past they found find their wives struggling to find a place to eat and when they did, options were limited. This inspired them to create something where their wives would always want to go and enjoy the food. The main thing that separates Rosalinda from the rest is their Mexican twist behind their Californian dishes. The chefs believe that with the power of technique you can really experience many depths, textures, and flavours that many people wouldn’t even think of.

Simple yet Intriguing!!!

Rosalinda is the place to go when you want simple yet filling meals. Everything from the ingredients to the menu is so simple it doesn’t complicate anything. Rosalinda just wants you coming right back!

Citations

Fresh Restaurants, freshrestaurants.ca/.

“Planta.” Planta, http://www.plantarestaurants.com/.

“Rosalinda Restaurant.” Rosalinda Restaurant, http://www.rosalindarestaurant.com/.