There's always vegan events and advocacy on behalf of animals happening every month with Bay Area Vegetarians, from letter writing to protesting cruelty to chickens at KFC to promoting a plant-based diet to sharing the secrets of vegan baking, BAVeg volunteers are planting the seeds of compassion and good health.

Check out the October Report - World Farm Animals Day, Grass-n-Lake Vegan Food Party, Secrets of Vegan Baking, Veg Outreach at Sharp Park Beach

And the September Report featuring our Vegan Redwoods Retreat and animal advocacy at the SF Opera, and veg outreach/education at 3 outdoor festivals, Power to the Peaceful, Solano Stroll, & Treasure Island Fair

Just for fun, here's a personal snapshot of vegan living with Bay Area Vegetarians.

 

Have you ever wondered, "Is it possible to bake a great Vegan Cake without dairy or eggs"? Have you ever tried to bake without dairy or eggs and found that your cake was flat and dry, and just did not taste right?

Since going vegan 3 years ago, self-taught vegan baker, Christine Dickson has dedicated herself to creating impressive desserts without dairy or eggs that taste “just like” or “even better” than the original.

Please join her on Sat Nov 18th and she will teach you the secrets of vegan baking. This month's special 90 minute class will feature instruction, recipes, and samples for three delicious vegan desserts: Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie, & Pecan Pie.

Space is limited so sign-up today! $15 pre-registered or $20 at the door.

Her classes are getting rave reviews, and with good reason.

 

Thanksgiving is a very yummy holiday for veggies when you celebrate it veggie style with family and friends. For that reason, Bay Area Vegetarians traditionally celebrates it throughout the Bay Area with gracious volunteer hosts organizing Thanksgiving dinners (vegan food party style) throughout the Bay Area. While the food is important, the veggie fellowship is even better.

A big thank you to Jordan, Kim and Jamie, Paula, and George who have graciously volunteered to host an event on Thanksgiving Day for our community in Oakland, San Francisco, and San Jose.

Please see event calendar for details. And, of course, Chef Alex has prepared a menu of delcious vegan recipes for Thanksgiving.

In support of a vegan Thanksgiving, we will be leafleting on Saturday 11/4 at the SF Ferry Building Farmer's Market. If you'd like to join us and put your compassion in action for animals, at this event or a future opportunity, please let us know.

 

The Pacifica KFC has closed! Bay Area Veg volunteers protested monthly at the KFC in Pacifica; every month from August 2004 until Highway 1 closed in April 2006, activists stood up for chickens and raised awareness to thousands of the cruelty at KFC.

Since we've supported PETA's national campaign, this is the 3rd KFC that has closed under our watch. We know our protests help educate the public. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers who continue to organize & attend protests. Join them -- stand up for those who can't!

KFC Cruelty protests are happening every month in San Francisco (11/12), Palo Alto (11/18), and San Jose (11/4); see event calendar for details. Learn more about the international campaign against cruelty at KFC at www.kfccruelty.com

 

For news updates, regretfully report longtime community favorite BayLeaf Cafe has closed. BayLeaf Cafe served the veg community well for four years. And, in true style, they hosted a farewell party for their customers on their last day, offering free food and drink. As an organization, as individuals, we'll miss BayLeaf Cafe. Melissa has been hosting a monthly dinner at BayLeaf Cafe, and she will continue the dinner series at Happy Bamboo, a vegetarian/mostly vegan restaurant in San Jose.

Lots of movement in the Top Ten this month, but Vegetarian House maintains its top spot while the next 6 play musical chairs. Millennium re-appears in the Top Ten, displacing Cafe Gratitude from it's first appearance in the Top Ten. Agree or Disagree about the Top Ten? Then say something about it, with an Ultimate Guide review.

For regular updates, check out our Guide News blog

With more than 1,000 reviews in the Ultimate Guide, these vegetarian restaurants are ranked the best.

Top Ten Vegetarian Restaurants - based on 1000+ reviews

1. Vegetarian House, San Jose - 4.5
2. New World Vegetarian, Oakland - 4.36
3. The Manzanita Restaurant, Oakland - 4.38
4. Good Karma, San Jose - 4.37
5. Cha-Ya, Berkeley - 4.37
6. Garden Fresh, Mtn View - 4.33
7. Tofoo Com Chay, San Jose - 4.29
8. Saturn Cafe, Santa Cruz - 4.25
9. Shangri-La, SF - 4.29
10. Millennium, SF - 4.18 (Re-appearance)

How to review a restaurant in the Ultimate Guide

 

Thankgiving can be murder on turkeys. So whether you're celebrating with family or with friends, just remember, vegan holiday food is actually some of the easiest and tastiest food you can make (or buy).

Mashed Potatoes
Cashew Gravy
Cornbread and Pecan Stuffing
Pumpkin Patch "Cheesecake"

Whole Foods has hired Chef Alex to teach a vegan Thanksgiving class on 11/16 in San Mateo (6:30-8:30 pm). $30 per person, this includes everything, no extra materials fees, etc. To register or for more information, click here.

 

 

11/04 Outreach & Education - Vegan Thanksgiving leafleting - SF
11/04 KFC Cruelty Protest - San Jose
11/08 Marin Vegan Food & Fellowship Dinner - Sausalito
11/11 South Bay Dinner - San Jose
11/12 KFC Cruelty Protest - SF
11/12 Book Discussion: Living Among Meat Eaters : The Vegetarian's Survival Handbook by Carol Adams - SF
11/12 Book Club Discussion: The Secret Life of Bees - SF (Herbivore)
11/14 South Bay dinner - San Jose
11/14 Letter Writing Party - Berkeley
11/18 Veg Outreach at Junior State of America fair - Santa Clara
11/18 KFC Cruelty Protest - Palo Alto
11/18 The Secrets of Vegan Baking Class - San Francisco
11/23 Thanksgiving VFP - Celebrate Turkey Liberation Day - Oakland
11/23 Vegan Thanksgiving Celebration - SF - Castro
11/23 Turkey Liberation Celebration - San Jose
11/23 Community Thanksgiving Dinner (restaurant) - Oakland
11/25 Veganauts: Mission to the Sun - SF

12/02 KFC Cruelty Protest - San Jose
12/07 Marin Vegan Food & Fellowship Dinner - San Rafael

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For latest news and events for Bay Area Vegetarians, check out the News Blog and Event Calendar. We don't always announce it, but event photos are added periodically to the gallery, too.