Five years ago, Michelle May started Seva Foods, a line of healthy, plant-based snacks that sold well. But they could have sold even better if she had the opportunity to directly market her freeze-dried ice cream and coconut to her fellow vegans.
Unable to find a regularly occurring local vegan market or fair, she decided to create her own, Vegan Food Popup. Since she launched it in Encinitas in 2019 as a seasonal monthly event, it has grown to now a weekly event that alternates between the cities of Encinitas and Vista. The pop-up has grown from the initial 20 local vendors to nearly 50 food, product and service vendors from across Southern California. The events regularly draw crowds in the hundreds.
The wait for fresh vegan donuts at the Donuttery food truck takes about 40 minutes at the Vegan Food Popup.
(Pam Kragen/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
“If you told me four years ago that I would be doing something like this and it would be really successful, I wouldn’t have believed you,” May said.
From her vantage point as an event producer, May said she hasn’t observed a major growth in the number of people going vegan these days. But she has noticed that many of the people who visit the popup are non-vegans who are interested in learning more about ways to eat healthier and contribute to a more sustainable planet.
“The No. 1 factor in getting people to try vegan food is the taste factor,” May said. “If you can meet that expectation, people will be more open to it.”
So, as an omnivore and sustainability advocate, I decided to put May’s challenge to the test by visiting the Vegan Food Popup in both Encinitas and Vista and tasting my way through many of the booths. One thing I discovered on my visits was that vegan food is not cheap. Some items are twice as expensive as their non-vegan counterparts. But I have also discovered many delicious things that I am eager to buy again. Here are some of my favorites.
SeaCo Catch fÿsh tacos
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SeaCo Catch vegan “fÿsh” taco in Vegan Food Popup.
(Pam Kragen/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
I’ve never found a batter-fried fish taco that I love as much as Rubio’s original fish taco, but San Diego’s year-old SeaCo Catch “fÿsh” taco comes surprisingly close. How close? SeaCo Catch’s fÿsh taco won first place judges’ choice at the Taco TKO Festival at last year’s San Diego Wine & Food Festival, for the first time in nine years, a vegan option has won the top prize. What are they made of? Whole food coconut. The filet has the same mild flavor and firm, flaky texture as pollock or cod, but SeaCo Catch’s taco is a bit spicier and more expensive than Rubio’s original taco. A single fish taco is $7 and the 2-taco plate is $13.
Stone Monkey
Stone Monkey’s vegan bao buns at Vegan Food Popup.
This family-run vegan Chinese food stand launched at the Hillcrest Farmers Market in 2018. It usually has a line because everything is ready-to-order, but it’s worth the wait. I tried two dishes that May recommended. The gua bao buns were fresh, richly sauced, and had the fatty pork belly texture and flavor you expect (two buns for $6). The scallion noodles, a portion big enough for two, were smoky, juicy and herby ($10).
Mom’s Everything Cookies from Tracy’s Real Foods at Vegan Food Popup.
(Pam Kragen/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Tracy Childs adopted a vegan diet in 1990 and has been a local plant-based nutrition consultant, cooking teacher and author ever since. When the pandemic changed her business, she and her husband, Steve Sarnoff, began making their own vegan packaged foods, including cheeses, crackers and cookies. Her cheeseboard cheddar and queso cheeses are tasty, but I loved her mom’s shortbread. These delicious and hearty cookies are made with oats, bananas, gluten-free oatmeal, almond flour, nuts, organic chocolate chips, peanut butter, date sugar and more. It’s hard to believe they’re healthy because they’re so good. And they are so filling that a half-cake can satisfy your food cravings for a few hours. $12 for a 9-ounce bag or $20 for two.
Nomad Eats Classic Crunchwrap
The classic crunch wrap from Nomad Eats at the Vegan Food Popup.
(Pam Kragen/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
In 2012, Leucadia friends Jasmine Singh and Rebecca Newell started Nomad Eats, selling their vegan nacho “cheeze” sauce and spreads. Today, they are sold at Frazier Farms, Seaside Market and other specialty grocers. At farmers markets and the Vegan Food Popup, they also sell their popular Crunchwraps, which are like grilled, flying saucer-shaped burritos. The classic crunchwrap is filled with pulled pork-style shredded jackfruit carnitas, spicy black beans, guacamole, pico de gallo and lettuce and the nacho “cheeze” sauce, which is made with potatoes, carrots, onions, cashews, coconut milk, jalapeños and other ingredients. $14.
Local Roots Kombucha Buddha Bowls
Buddha Bowl vegan curry at Vegan Food Popup’s new Vista location.
(Pam Kragen/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
On June 24, Encinitas Vegan Food Popup expanded to Vista with its first bimonthly event in the parking lot of Local Roots Kombucha. In addition to offering free parking and easy access to its kombucha tasting and outdoor dining area, Local Roots hosts a vegan food stand serving bowls, salads, dumplings and noodle dishes. I tried the vegan yellow curry which was tasty and slightly spicy. It was made with potatoes, onions, kale, sunflower seeds and other ingredients not described in the printed menu or known to the chefs. 15 USD.
Cena Vegan nachos and burritos
Vegan nachos from Cena Vegan at Vegan Food Popup.
Founded in Los Angeles in 2015 by a trio of vegans who missed the authentic taste of Mexican street food, Cena now does pop-up markets and street fairs all over Southern California. It specializes in creating vegetable proteins that mimic the flavors and textures of carne asada, carnitas, birria, pollo asada, al pastor and barbacoa. The burritos are great, but so is the nacho boat with tortilla chips, choice of protein, beans, guacamole, salsa and sauce. $10-$14.
Bonjour Patisserie
Cookies and a croissant from Bonjour Patisserie at the Vegan Food Popup in Vista.
(Pam Kragen/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Founded two years ago in Mission Valley by French-bred pastry chefs Romain Morés and Damian Boy, this French patisserie makes both vegan and non-vegan cakes, which the duo sells mainly to cafes in downtown San Diego. Morés’ vegan chocolate cookies are crisp and surprisingly buttery, and his croissants are as feather-light as if the dough had been laminated with hundreds of folded layers of Normandy butter. I will be back for more. Cookies cost $3 each. Croissants are $6.
Vegan Food Popup
When and where: noon to every other Saturday (next event Saturday) at the San Dieguito Heritage Museum, 450 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. 17.00 to 21.00. every other Friday (next event Aug. 5) at Local Roots Boochyard, 1430 Vantage Court, Vista
Entrance and parking: Free. The events are dog and child friendly
What can’t Vegans eat?
Vegans cannot eat food made from animals, including:
- Beef, pork, lamb and other red meat.
- Chicken, duck and other poultry.
- Fish or shellfish such as crabs, clams and mussels.
- Egg.
- Cheese, butter.
- Milk, cream, ice cream and other dairy products.
- Mayonnaise (because it contains egg yolks)
- Honey.
Can vegans drink alcohol? Vegan Alcohol Brands (Beer, Wine, and Hard Spirits) Fortunately, virtually all brands of hard liquor—bourbon, whiskey, vodka, gin, and rum—are vegan. Almost all distilled spirits are vegan except for cream-based liqueurs and products that mention honey on the label.
Can vegans drink Coke?
Coca-Cola contains no ingredients derived from animal sources and can be included in a vegetarian or vegan diet.
What Coke is not vegan?
Some of Coca-Cola’s best-known beverage brands include Lilt and Schweppes. However, both are neither suitable for vegans nor vegetarians because they contain fish gelatin. The brand’s full list of products containing animal products is: Lilt/Lilt Zero.
Is Coke with coffee vegan?
Coca-Cola with coffee is considered vegan. The ingredient list is free of known animal ingredients.
Does Coca-Cola have gelatin?
According to Coca-Cola’s FAQ and Product Facts pages, the vast majority of Coca-Cola beverages, including all of its soft drinks, are considered vegan. Coca-Cola also notes that some of its drinks contain small traces of fish gelatin (stabilizer for the beta-carotene color).
Is Taste of Chicago cash only?
There will be no Taste tickets this year as all food vendors will accept cash or credit cards. Chicagoans can enjoy iconic food, drinks, live music, DJs and dance lessons throughout the weekend.
Do you have to pay to get a taste of Chicago? Free admission • Grant Park and the citywide Taste of Chicago has been a summer staple for more than 40 years.
How many days is the Taste of Chicago?
Taste of Chicago Grant Park Taste of Chicago returns to Grant Park with three days of food, music and dancing around the iconic Buckingham Fountain. Enjoy more than 30 food vendors; a beer hall, wine tent and cocktail lounge; dance class; and free performances from top artists like Nelly and the Drive-By Truckers.
Will there be a Taste of Chicago in 2022?
Taste of Chicago | 8 – 10 July 2022 | Chicago’s largest outdoor food festival.
How long does the Taste of Chicago last?
| Taste of Chicago | |
|---|---|
| Website | tasteofchicago.com |
Is the Taste of Chicago free?
The Taste of Chicago is back, giving Chicago foodies a food-filled weekend in the city’s popular Grant Park. The food festival returns from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 8.-10. July with more than 30 vendors and three stages with free performances, dance workshops, family activities and more.
Will Taste of Chicago happen in 2022?
CHICAGO (WLS) – The city has announced the 2022 Taste of Chicago lineup. The event, presented by John Deere, will take place June 11, June 18 and June 25 in the neighborhoods. A bite-sized Taste of Chicago will take place in Grant Park on the 8th-10th. July.
How much does it cost to get into the Taste of Chicago?
Access to ‘Smagen’ is completely free for everyone. But to buy food and drink, you need to get tickets, which are sold in strips. There will be 14 tickets in a strip and you can get one of these strips for $10; the price may change in 2022.
Is the Taste of Chicago coming back?
One of the nation’s most popular food festivals, Taste of Chicago, returned Friday after a two-year hiatus.
Where is the Taste of Chicago this year?
How much does it cost to get into the Taste of Chicago?
Access to ‘Smagen’ is completely free for everyone. But to buy food and drink, you need to get tickets, which are sold in strips. There will be 14 tickets in a strip and you can get one of these strips for $10; the price may change in 2022.
Do you have to pay for Taste of Chicago?
The organizers also did away with Taste’s long-standing ticketing system. Now, instead of buying tickets through event organizers to redeem food at food stalls, festival goers will pay food vendors directly.
Will Taste of Chicago happen in 2022?
And after two years, Taste of Chicago returns to Grant Park July 8-10 with 30 food vendors and top musical acts. See the full program for Taste of Chicago 2022.
How long does the Taste of Chicago last?
| Taste of Chicago | |
|---|---|
| Website | tasteofchicago.com |
How much is the Taste of Chicago tickets?
Free admission • Grant Park and the citywide Taste of Chicago has been a summer staple for more than 40 years. This year, the annual foodie extravaganza will bring both neighborhood pop-up events and the return of the iconic lakeside festival in Grant Park.
Will there be a Chicago Blues festival in 2022?
City of Chicago :: Chicago Blues Festival Program – Thursday, June 9, 2022.
Is Bluesfest 2022 still going on? We’ve worked so hard to bring back Bluesfest and we’re not giving up. We are concentrating on the future – and it is bright! Bluesfest returns over four jam-packed days next Easter from Friday 15 April – Monday 18 April 2022.
What time does the Chicago Blues Fest start?
noon to 8 p.m. Visit www.ChicagoBluesFestival.us for both lineups and let’s finish strong! Come on weather…
Is there a Chicago blues Festival 2021?
Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, home of the Chicago Jazz Festival. The City of Chicago has announced that its annual jazz and blues festivals will not be held in 2021, according to a press release from Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office.
Is the Chicago blues Festival free?
More than 500,000 blues fans converge on Chicago’s Millennium Park and venues across the city for several days of performances—all free and open to the public—featuring some of the genre’s most revered musicians alongside up-and-coming local talent.
Will there be a Chicago blues Festival in 2022?
City of Chicago :: Chicago Blues Festival Program – Thursday, June 9, 2022.
Is the Chicago Blues Festival free?
More than 500,000 blues fans converge on Chicago’s Millennium Park and venues across the city for several days of performances—all free and open to the public—featuring some of the genre’s most revered musicians alongside up-and-coming local talent.
Will there be a Chicago Blues Festival in 2022?
City of Chicago :: Chicago Blues Festival Program – Thursday, June 9, 2022.
Do vegans drink alcohol?
Vegan Alcohol Brands (Beer, Wine, and Hard Spirits) Fortunately, virtually all brands of hard liquor—bourbon, whiskey, vodka, gin, and rum—are vegan. Almost all distilled spirits are vegan except for cream-based liqueurs and products that mention honey on the label.
Should vegetarians drink alcohol? Unlike beer or wine, spirits are a product of distillation, which increases the alcohol content. Most spirits seem to be acceptable to vegetarians/vegans as they tend not to involve the use of animal substances.
Can you be vegan and still drink alcohol?
Luckily for all you G&T lovers, almost all spirits and liqueurs – vodka, gin, whisky, rum etc – are vegan! This comes down to the production process. Spirits are distilled by taking a grain or sugar and fermenting it into alcohol.
Does vegan take alcohol?
Fortunately, virtually all brands of hard liquor including bourbon, whiskey, vodka, gin and rum are considered vegan. Almost all distilled spirits are vegan except for cream-based liqueurs and products that mention honey on the label.
Can you drink beer as a vegan?
The four main ingredients in beer are water, a grain such as barley or wheat, yeast and hops – a flower that gives beer its characteristic, bitter taste. The yeast ferments and digests the sugar from the grain to produce alcohol (13, 14). All these ingredients are vegan.
Can a vegan drink beer?
Beer is most often made from barley malt, water, hops and yeast, which means it is usually vegan. Unfortunately, some beer brewers add non-vegan touches as part of their brewing process, and this means that some beers are not suitable for those trying to live a cruelty-free lifestyle.
Can vegans handle alcohol?
Yes, but for wine and beer many companies use animal products as fining agents, including fish bladders, egg whites, gelatin and skimmed milk. All hard spirits are vegan friendly as well as most distilled spirits except for cream based spirits – as they have dairy – or drinks with honey on the label.
Can you drink beer when your vegan?
Alcoholic beverages are not naturally vegan. As Dominika Piasecka, spokesperson for The Vegan Society explains, animal products can be introduced into a drink’s production process. “Some alcoholic beverages may not be suitable for vegans due to the filtration process before bottling.”
What beers are not vegan-friendly?
†Rule of thumb: Vegans should avoid British beer and choose German or Belgian beer. Generally, British beers use icing glass, gelatin, glycerin or casein. German and Belgian beers using traditional brewing methods are vegan.
