While we’ve got quite a few meat eaters here at Gram, we also recognise how important it is to reduce our meat intake for the good of the earth. Apparently you can still do this and consume delicious things… who knew?
Here are a couple of things happening around the traps for the vegetable-y inclined that we thought you should know about.
VEGETARIAN FEAST AT RED SPICE ROAD QV
Red Spice QV are honouring the humble vegetable with the return of their popular Vegetarian Feast. This event was a great success at QV last year, and this year it’s bigger and bolder than ever, boasting eight vegetarian dishes with Red Spice flair. The event showcases how delicious the meat-free way can be and is suitable for both herbivores and carnivores alike – think braised fennel and egg tofu, spicy palak paneer, brussels sprouts kung pao and potato dumplings. Check out the website for more menu info and booking details.
redspiceqv.com/special-events/vegetarian-dinner
VEGAN DESSERT BAR GIRLS AND BOYS OPENS IN FITZROY
Girls and Boys is the newest plant-based venture for Melbourne veg food icons Laki Papadopoulos and Mark Price (Vegie Bar, Transformer). After establishing both casual and high-end dining options for Melbourne vegans and vegetarians alike, the pair are now covering the vegan dessert corner of the market and doing a damn good job of it, too.
Girls and Boys is serving a vast array of delicious vegan-friendly cakes, tarts, fudge bars and other treats; and just in time for a hot Melbourne summer, delicious soft serve and gelato in an array of innovative flavours. The standard health-nut friendly cold-pressed juices, smoothies and shakes are also available too.
VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN-FOCUSED MENU AT NEW SCHOOL CANTEEN
Sure, New School Canteen is a brunch/burger joint that caters to meat eaters – but it is and super fun option for vegetarians and vegans as well. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, the Fitzroy establishment has been created by the crew behind Rude Boy Burger and Lolo and Wren so you know you’re in good hands. The healthy breakfasts are very vegetarian and vegan-focused and options including the freekeh salad, panko crumbed eggs with braised tofu, and the vegan raspberry chia pudding will have vegetarians and vegans feeling like they’re a priority, not an afterthought.
If you’re craving your veggie burger fix, New School has two vegetarian and two vegan options that look incredible: The Blue Chip built around a deep fried gooey blue cheese croquette; the Cauli Cheeseburger with a cheesy cauliflower mac and cheese patty, the Pacha Mama with spring onion pancake, and the spiced beans and tofu-based Tofu Tantrum. YURGHM.