Veg Out

Richmond's eighth annual Vegan Food Week runs Jan. 21-26.

It’s a celebration of creativity, community and the often overlooked world of vegan cuisine.

Vegan Action’s Richmond Vegan Food Week (V72x2) is back for its eighth year, running from Tuesday, Jan. 21 through Sunday, Jan. 26.

“[It’s] a great opportunity for vegans and non-vegans to enjoy the specials that the businesses have taken the time to create,” says Vegan Action Executive Director Krissi Vandenberg. “It’s also a wonderful way to support our local businesses during one of the slowest times of year for food establishments.”

During V72x2, area businesses are challenged to produce a plant-based dish or sweet treat exclusively for the event. “It’s important that the specials are exciting and unique as well as something not offered on their regular menu,” says Vandenberg.

This year, 29 businesses will take part and for many, the past months have been spent eagerly brainstorming ideas and experimenting, like Minglewood Bake Shop.

As the city’s first strictly vegan bakery, it has already challenged the status quo, but this event pushes even more. Last year, Minglewood won the sweet treat category with its rainbow tie-dye cookies. They’re out to keep the coveted title.

“This year we will be offering a coconut tres leches cake soaked in a variety of deliciously sweet plant-based milks as well as a samosa tart that provides a little bit of flare to the new year,” says owner Zumruck Syed. “The filling will be made up of various spices, potatoes and peas wrapped in a dough parcel for all to enjoy.”

Vegan macaroons from Minglewood Bake Shop.

Gold Lion Community Cafe will tempt guests this year with their butter chick’n and dosa waffles. The waffles, crafted with rice and lentil flour, are topped with tomato and coconut-based curry and soy chicken.

“Dosas are one of our staples at Gold Lion,” says Matthew Narsinghani who established the vegetarian restaurant and coffee spot with husband Nafis in 2023. “They are a traditional South Indian breakfast crêpe served with a savory stew [and are] high in protein with a rich flavor. We have been playing around with different fusions and thought it would be interesting to see how it would taste as a waffle.”

Over in the Northside and Highland Park area, Nomad Deli & Catering Company has been prepping hard for the event.

They’ll offer four dishes this year: a cajun patty melt, corn chowder, a snack box and a vegan chitlins meal. The latter is something owner Anthony Tucker is particularly excited about, notes Sydney Davis, Nomad’s catering and events manager. This dish will feature oyster mushrooms cooked in a traditional chitlins style with greens and vegan potato salad.

Sydney Davis of Nomad Deli & Catering Company.

“We love how supportive the vegan community in Richmond is and it’s fun creating the different specials,” says Davis.

Longtime participant Garnett’s Cafe is also eager to show off its two sandwiches, The New Mayor and The Alleycat. “Any excuse to make a new sandwich, we’re in,” says co-owner John Murden.

The sandwiches showcase a variety of vegetables, herbs and sauces, but don’t expect to find any imitation ham or cheddar in them. “Our base challenge is to not use any simulated meat or cheese products,” says Murden.

Vegan Action held the city’s first vegan food week in 2018 after the group realized that many of Richmond’s plant-based options often went unnoticed.

John Murden at Garnett’s Cafe in the Fan.

“We loved the idea of creating an event that would interest non vegans to try vegan food and encourage more restaurants to create and offer delicious vegan options,” says Vandenberg.

Originally running for three days (or 72 hours), its initial popularity surprised many with numerous businesses quickly selling out of their specials. The event evolved three years later into six days (or 144 hours hence its updated name) to meet demand.

A V72x2 passport will be available to pick up at participating businesses. After ordering a special, guests will receive a distinct mark on their passport. Once you collect five or more marks, snag a complimentary sweet treat from Davvero Gelato (offer good through February).

While the food might be the main highlight, there’s the spirit of community Vegan Food Week sparks. Gold Lion Community Cafe will host a vegan trivia night on Jan. 23 and many partaking restaurants will donate a portion of the proceeds from their specials to Matchbox Mutual Aid, a local nonprofit that fights food insecurity in the city.

And don’t forget to vote! Head to Vegan Action’s social media and vote for the year’s best savory dish and sweet treat. First, second and third place winners receive a commemorative plaque.

The celebration might only be a few days, but Vegan Food Week makes a lasting impact.

“[V72x2] inspires chefs across town to go out of their comfort zones and create a dish that’s cruelty-free,” says Narsinghani. “I love the creativity it brings out and the awareness of plant-based cuisine.”

For more information, visit Vegan Action’s Richmond Vegan Food Week (V72x2) website. 

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