The (first ever, NYC) Vegan Bake-Off

I was on the fence about attending the first ever NYC Vegan Bake-Off; vegan food events tend to be a little too full-body-contact-sport for my taste.  But, a friend convinced me go and I'm thrilled that I did.

The event was held at The Bell House.

It was a much larger space than I had originally anticipated.  There was a large room in the front with a full bar:

Another larger event space in the back with its own bar...and chandeliers; this is where the Bake-Off took place.

I was initially concerned when I realized that there was no seating set up for the event.  It's not that I have to eat while reclined, but I was concerned that without the decorum forced by the Veggie Conquest model of "tasters" remaining seated while being served the participants' entries, it could easily turn into an NYC Vegetarian Food Fest-scale madhouse.  Little did I know that the organizers were well on top of it.  And, speaking of Veggie Conquest, I managed to snap a shot of the masterful creator/coordinator herself with those at the helm of The Vegan Bake-Off.

Jessica, Rob, Chris

Now let's get to the grub!  The wide space was set up so that the 20 baking participants were lined up facing the room.  I was stunned at how beautifully everything was presented and the excitement in the room was simmering to a boil.

In the center of the sweets' tables there was a table set up with plenty of plates, napkins, and forks.  Rob did an excellent job of conveying to the crowd that both time and samples were aplenty, and offered direction as to how the flow of obtaining said samples was to commence. Although seemingly impossible, it worked without incident!  Nary an elbow was thrown.

The crowd moved at such a pleasant, leisurely pace, in fact, that there was even time to snap a few (often blurry) photos as I collected my tastes and tried to impart my appreciation to the participants for all of their efforts.

 My plate after visiting the first ten contestants:

Ok, I admit I may have started nibbling while on line to collect the second half of the entries.

Thanks, Dayna!

great job, Janet!!!

Minus a couple of already ingested sweets (for those of you counting!), my haul:

While the lack of cumbersome tables and chairs in the event space initially lent itself to more mingling, it ultimately prohibited too much discussion outside your own group.  Since it wasn't very comfortable to stand, balance, and discuss the entries, friends and I wound up sitting at a table in the front room in order to best facilitate a serious (and fun) conversation about the entries.  Much like at supper clubs and Veggie Conquest, the communal tables are a big part of the event because it fosters gathering; they'd be great at this event as well.

Prior to the event I was surprised that so many people could be heard and overheard lamenting the supposedly daunting task of ingesting so many sweets at once.  I scoffed openly at the absurdity, dubbing them lightweights.  And then something unheard of happened: I hit my wall.  I have no explanation for this, other than to say that many of the desserts were different in flavor and combination than I usually gravitate towards, so perhaps the mixture of tastes did me in.

and then I gave up

When I say that the desserts were not necessarily the type included in my regular repertoire, I should note that my choices for award were mostly out of my comfort zone!

Shhh! (in no particular order)

Yes, you are reading that right.  This fruit eschewing, chocolate and ice cream lover chose the following:

The sticky orange Lady marmalade tea cake was one of the first things I tasted while online for the second half of my collection of samples.

Compared to some of the other more fancifully decorated entries, the tea cakes looked relatively unassuming.  But the taste, texture, and pure fluffiness of the cake was phenomenal.  I'm a chocolate girl all the way, but I could have eaten an entire sheet cake of this.

Trio of fruit sorbet: grapefruit, honeydew, and cantaloupe.  I admit it; what I initially found most appealing about the sorbets was the blue cup.  When I passed the Rescue Chocolate table, the woman running it exclaimed excitedly at the inclusion of a cold dessert and I almost gave it to her.  But something told me to give it a try, and it was terrific: the cantaloupe was spot on, the honeydew superbly refreshing.  Surprisingly, it was the tart grapefruit that really got my attention.  All together, it was win-win-win.

Maybe I was channeling VM's tastebuds for this one, but the raspberry hazelnut brownies were impeccably decorated and understatedly yummy.

All told, there were 6 prizes awarded: 3 peoples' choice and  3 judges' choice.  The judges?  Sarah Gross of Rescue Chocolate and the NYC Vegetarian Food Festival, Comedian Myq Kaplan, and Adam Sobel of The Cinnamon Snail.

 As it turned out, none of my choices won!

The winners were all visibly thrilled, none more so than Girlfriend in a Sugar Coma, the creator of the speculoos cookie sandwiches.  These looked to me like macarons, but tasted like snickerdoodle cookie sandwiches.  She definitely deserved extra credit for affixing her name to each paper!

Did I also mention that I was a winner?  Yep; and I didn't even have to bake anything.  There was a raffle and yours truly was the recipient of the prize package: the cookbook Chloe's Kitchen by Chloe Choscarelli:

and an assortment of FIVE Rescue Chocolate bars!

For any of you that were there, you might have noticed that I was supremely excited.  Who wouldn't be when each number called out corresponded to those on your ticket?  Almost makes up for the giant Snoopy I never won at the Long Island square dances of my youth...

It was really great to see so many people I don't get to see nearly often enough, as well as to meet plenty of new.  The bottom line is: if you missed this event, keep your eye out for the next one.  If the inaugural Bake-Off could be this fun, well-attended, and impressively organized, I can't wait to see what's next.

Support Vegan Owned Businesses

More proof that many things are simply habit...I'm still posting every day even though Vegan MoFo is over!

This will just be a quick one.  The friendly folks over at Herbivore recently posted these three digital placards for you to post, share, and heed.

Sure, it's great to spread the word of veganism by making requests of non-vegan companies/corporations/establishments.  And who can resist the draw of something unexpectedly and accidentally vegan?  But let's not forget the vegan-owned-and-operated businesses that fight the good fight, solely for veganism, every single day. 

Just a few vegan businesses to consider when holiday shopping this season:
Crazy Rumors - best chapstick ever
Food Fight - all kinds of goodies
Gone Pie - baked goods, chocolates, and gluten-free yums
Herbivore - best ever messagewear and accessories
MooShoes - shoes & bags from everyday to couture, messagewear, and generous vegan event space
Rescue Chocolate - chocolate bars and treats (peanut butter pit bulls for everyone!)
Sweet and Sara - marshmallowy gifts and more
Vegan Treats - cookies, donuts, cakes, etc.

A gift certificate to your favorite vegan restaurant or a donation to a compassionate sanctuary is also a great idea.

SUPPORT!!!

First Ever NYC Vegetarian Food Festival

If you're like me, you've heard tell of incredible vegan and vegetarian food festivals and expos across the country and wondered, "Why not NY?"  Well, Sarah Gross thought the same thing, but did something about it: spearheading the first NYC Vegetarian Food Festival this past Sunday.

From the beginning it was advertised as a free event, but the week prior there was some confusion when buzz about VIP tickets started making the rounds.  The bottom line was that general admission was, in fact, free, but VIP tickets would get you expedited entry and more.  I chose not to purchase tickets to the free event.

We arrived at 10:15, fifteen minutes after the event was to have opened.  We approached from 6th Avenue, and the line looked average.  There were no signs posted, but luckily someone already waiting in the line quickly informed us that it was actually the VIP entry line we'd encountered, the general admission line being opposite.  When I tried to confirm with one of the security guards he grunted and motioned likewise with his head.  Oh how I love when people are rude and unhelpful for no reason!

In direct contrast, I was happy to turn around to find the venerable Cinnamon Snail parked right at the entrance to the fest, in all of its vegan splendor. 

Smiles and happiness there are a constant, and the pastry case was more incredibly stocked than ever. 

We immediately tried the new version of our favorite apple cider donut to confirm its continued yumminess- check!  So immediately, in fact, that they missed their photo opportunity.  I could spend the day eating my way through at The Cinnamon Snail, but at this point I glanced in the direction of the ominous general admission line and suggested that VM hop on while I acquired a few additional snacks from the adorable crew. 

Chef Adam didn't heed the warnings and his face did, indeed, "freeze like that"

When I proceeded to join VM on line I was surprised to find her all the way at 7th Avenue; that was some long line!  But everyone was excited, the sun was shining, and we had some Snail goodies to fortify us; we dug in for what we assumed would be a nominal wait.  In the meantime, the maple glazed with toasted coconut donut was as delicious as I remembered.

The cannoli was an unexpected treat: super crunchy shell filled with a cheesy cream jam-packed with chocolate chips...as it should be. 

Once an hour passed, a vibe of animosity surfaced- with people wondering aloud about the fairness of the two drastically disparate entry options: the elite, $50 option, vs. the free one, which had thus far created a line that extended around the avenue and down the next street.  The consensus seemed to be that a fair, nominal fee for everyone, about $5-$10, would have been the most equitable way to handle admittance, as well as to organize the crowd.  Eventually a little girl in front of us began decorating the sidewalk with her chalk and the tension was eased. 

A couple in front of her joined in, and began teaching those nearby some of the signs for animals in sign language. 

The wait continued pleasantly until someone- presumably from the Altman building- began walking down the line barking at people not to block shop entrances and accusing us of preventing customers from entering businesses.  First of all, there was no one beating down the doors to these places.  Secondly, the mob scene of vegans was the most action these shops have seen since the Bust Craftacular.  Thirdly, no need for rudeness, fella! 

The view at that point in front of us:

and behind:

This same unpleasant man reappeared after we had waited an hour and a half and were mere yards from the door: discouraging us from remaining in the line!  He tried to convince us that the wait would be another hour and a half, which was an absurd statement given the fact of how close we were.  Further, what kind of person attempts to turn away people so anxious to enter an event that they have already waited almost two hours to attend?  Not a nice one, that's who. 

As we finally entered the comically disproportionate 20 foot area of velvet rope at the head of the line, I believe we all felt a sense of accomplishment.  But then we witnessed a discouraging sight: people arriving, grimacing at the now monstrous line, making contact with someone inside, and being escorted right in.  You know, "people whose time is worth more than yours".  That certainly explained why the line took so long.  A friend has since dubbed the rest of us- the hoards who actually waited in the line- the "insignificant vegans".

When we (finally) excitedly entered we were handed a Whole Foods shopping bag, presumably to collect all of our samples and purchases, and began to make our way around.  First impression: mob scene.  Second, fire hazard?  The exterior tables were crowded but navigable- seemingly because they were informational tables (Mercy For Animals) and tables selling snacks (V-Spot).  But once you got anywhere near a table offering food samples, the crowding was oppressive.  Note to event coordinators: vegans + love of free food = mass chaos.

believe it or not: the calmest spot in the room

So, we did our best. 

We immediately spied the energetic Ayinde Howell of Petit Dejeuner (animal-shaped waffles and mac & yease fame) serving up samples of mock tuna.

Then I quickly bought a Peanut Butter Pit Bull because really, who can resist?

The fine folks of Foodswings were in the spirit, selling incredible looking meatball heroes, mini-cakes, etc.

We were hoping to catch Terry Hope Romero's demonstration, but the measly six (!?) "audience" chairs in front of the stage were positively crushed by a mass of standing people with the same interest, so we listened for a bit and moved on before we could be any more claustrophobically enveloped by the crowd.  It was still cool to see her in action, though.

At this point a rumor started going through the crowd that the sampling at many tables had ceased, with companies such as Organic Nectars deciding instead to charge $1 for a sample, I Eat Grass $5 for a small cup of mac.  While I fully support a minimal sampling policy and don't necessarily have a problem with a no sampling policy, changing course mid-stream seemed an inequitable, disjointed decision.

Unfortunately, there were way too many tables that we couldn't get anywhere near- such as Chicago Soy Dairy: blame the tight quarters combined with samples of nachos, mozzarella sticks, pizza, and hungry vegans.  Peanut Butter & Co. had an unfortunate location in an end corner, choked with people who were trying to get out of the aisle while masses were continuously streaming in.  I'm sure many people who wanted to take advantage of the incredible deal of 6 jars for $20 couldn't manage to get near enough to do so; I know I couldn't.  And was Sacred Chow there?  I thought they were expected to be but didn't see them.  It was so crowded that I wouldn't be surprised if they simply remained hidden from my view.  Actually, I'm sure there were plenty of exhibitors missed because the considerable crowd was so prohibitive.  And I didn't have the energy to make repetitive loops of the venue because, despite the doors being open, the temperature inside was stifling; we were quickly ready to go.

But we couldn't leave without visiting Sweet & Sara, despite how daunting the ginormous crowd surrounding her booth seemed.  Eventually, through a delicate balance of waiting our turn and squeezing into breaks between people, we reached the table.  A tremendous fan, VM positively shrieked.  Sara and her unparalleled generosity had struck again: her huge table was entirely covered with samples of whole marshmallows, hunks of rice crispy treats, wedges of s'mores, and chunks of rocky road bark. 

In addition to the massive free offerings, there was plenty for sale.  I hope that she had a monetarily successful event because, from what I witnessed, people were treating her table like their own personal buffet!  It's hard to resist, I know; but, come on.  Act like your mama raised you right!  I have since placed my order online because my desk is a much less hectic setting than the fest was, but I did manage to make an in-person purchase of the coveted Peep-like, sugar-coated Peepers & Skippers!

Come on, how cute are these?

And then, finally, we escaped back into the fresh air.  It turned out that we had spent less than half the time in the event than we had spent waiting on line for it.  As we caught our breath- we had taken only two steps outside the venue, an unnecessarily nasty security guard barked at us not to block the sidewalk and to move along immediately.  We were offended and disgusted, but there was some measure of satisfaction to be had in the consistency of their unpleasantness from before to after the event. 

As we walked away, we couldn't help but notice that the line stretched significantly farther than it had previously.  The same man who had attempted to discourage us earlier was still at it- telling the crowds that there was no way they'd make it in- impossible considering there was still 5+ hours to go, and he had since enlisted members of the security detail to do the same.  We noticed some folks leave the line as a result; others were undeterred.  I heard that a rumor circulated mid-afternoon that the event had been closed down; as far as I know it never did, but I can guess who started it.

We did notice that many people eschewed the tremendous, slow-moving fest line for the consistent and impressive (but fast-moving) one leading to The Cinnamon Snail.  There is no doubt in my mind that none of these folks left disappointed; it's Snail season once again!

I wish the NYC Vegetarian Food Festival much success, and want to congratulate them on creating an event that was so obviously overdue; the turnout was a testament to that.  I was happy to hear that they are open and appreciative to constructive feedback.  Keeping in mind that hindsight is 20/20, here's mine:

To the event organizers:

• A cover charge is a must.  What are vegans good at even more than snacking on freebies?  Charity!  I can't imagine a soul would scoff at a cover that went towards animal rights and/or welfare.
• Perhaps sell tickets to the demos and talks so that people get a chance to A) get in in time and B) get a seat to see/hear what they're interested in.  Even at just a couple of dollars a seat, the crowd would be much better organized.  Bonus: more money for charity!
• Speaking of, with crowds like were witnessed Sunday, samples should be to-go.  This will alleviate prolonged table-lingering (and over-stuffing); if people like it, they'll make their way back to purchase.
• A check-in for strollers, scooters, and skateboards would be ideal; space was almost too tight simply for bodies to pass, let alone these large and painful appendages.
• More stuff to buy!  I think the idea that this was going to be a total freebie fest lent itself to the immense crowding.  For those of us looking not just for samples, but for exposure to new products, not enough vendors had things for sale.  And, many who did were too busy dealing with samplers to cater to customers. 

To the venue:
Why discourage people who have come to attend an event at your space; what is there to gain by alienating a captive audience?  Instead, set an example for your security staff to be pleasant and helpful rather than discouraging and rude.  This is an issue the festival organizers could not possibly have anticipated and shouldn't have had to; check yourself.

And to attendees:

• Patience is a virtue: wait your turn; the line is for everyone.  
• Gluttony is not: sample only your fair share; it is a taste, not a meal replacement.

Ultimately, the consensus seemed to be that the event was a long time coming; people are already looking forward to a larger and improved event next year!