VEGFEST

[Drunk Monk]

Last year, I went to VEGFEST on a lark. It was held at Cocoanut Grove, the old dancehall at the boardwalk, and I walked over. It was great - cool vendors, so much to eat and sample, lots of freebies, and I bumped into a few yoga friends. There was also a promotion for Kachava superfood - a powder to dissolve into drinks -  and I got two full bags (like a $70 value each). I just finished the first bag and broke into the second. Good stuff but I probably won't buy it on my own.

This year, it moved to the fairgrounds which is a half-hour drive away, plus an extra $10 for parking. But I still wanted to support it. It was fun. I was greeted by a DJ friend, Aye Que Linda, at the ticket booth and we chatted about Cali Roots recovery. I was handed several drink samples on the way in - can't remember the product now but it was satisfying because I was thirsty at that moment. Then I feasted on free samples. There was a tasting bar for Bitchin sauce, one of my favs, and I hit that a couple of times. It was next to a sampler of this balsamic vegan cream cheese stuff that I could've eaten all of easily. An Indian group made their chickpea fudge, and I got a few of those - loved them from last year. There was also a nice hot sauce company that did a scotch bonnet sauce that I almost bought. I ate & drank well over $20 worth.

Plus I found a vegan dim sum place (https://imperialgardensf.com/page/sassy-foods) and indulged char siu bao (bbq pork buns which I haven't had in years) and zongzhi (sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves - a traditional fare for Dragon Boat day, which was yesterday). I was so stuffed by the end that it was hard to drive home. 

The attendees are super friendly and I ended up hanging out with this young gal who was also gorging on bitchin sauces. The fairgrounds are in Watz, and there were a lot of Latina cowgirls - hawt veg cowgirls in daisy dukes, boots & cowboy hats - lots of them. Who knew that was even a thing?

I bought an almond cookie from the bakery that inspired EEAAO for Tara. I also came home with a fistful of coupons and new foods that I'll seek out. 

I'm still bummed that it moved so far away, but it did expand considerably, and it was a beautiful day. Until next year!

[Drunk Monk]

This year wasn’t as good. Not as many free samples and prices were high ($10 agua frescas, most plate were nearly $20). I got some nice jasmine oolong tea grown organically in a Taiwanese temple and a GF vegan German chocolate cake slice for Stacy. Also had a summer veggie tamale from organic masa that was ok. I hoped to get a corn dog from vegan circus but the lines were too long (had them before and they was tasty). Didn’t engage as many vendors, but did sample some nice Indian spice kits and nut butters. 

It has declined over my 3 year run but I still like to support them. Lots of good causes and like minded people. No watz cowgirls like last time. This year there were several tatted goth gals. Lots of Hari Krishna’s too.

[King Bob]

Hare Krishnas used to have a trailer kitchen. I don't remember if they were at Dead shows but they came to SJSU a couple of times when I first started working there, and the food was tasty and cheap. I wish they'd bring it back. I think they'd do better with that than giving away the books.