Photo courtesy itsjustanalias on Flickr.
Full disclosure: I’m not, and probably never will be, a strict vegetarian. While I really do respect those who make an ethical decision not to consume animals or animal byproducts, I’m just not that strong. What can I say, the price of my soul is about equal to a pound of locally-butchered bacon.
However, as an enthusiast of all things culinary, I can’t say I’m not excited for this weekend’s Ottawa Veg Fest. Hosted by the National Capital Vegetarian Association (whose logo I love – it’s like a little carrot referee awarding a touchdown to Team Herbivore!), the second annual festival offers food-lovers of all stripes a chance to experience some of the best local veg cuisine around.
Among the highlights Sunday are food demonstrations by the folks at ZenKitchen, Three Cheers Cupcakes, and B. Goods bakery. As well, nearly two dozen vendors and exhibitors will be on-hand, offering a selection of their wares and espousing the benefits of the vegetarian lifestyle. And finally – because both the stomach and the mind need to be fed – there will be guest speakers tackling such topics as clinical nutrition, sustainable eating, and the welfare of farm animals.
Best of all, Veg Fest is all free, leaving you more of your hard-earned dollars to invest in fresh tomatoes, in-season asparagus, and so forth. The festivities run May 30th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Glebe Community Centre (175 Third Street).
