The First Dayton Vegan Food and Drink Festival

Los Angeles has Eat Drink Vegan (known as the Vegan Coachella). Vegandale is all the rage in Chicago, Toronto, and New York City.

Thus, I didn't know what to expect at the first annual Dayton Vegan Food and Drink Festival that happened this past Sunday. However, many questions raced through my head whilst aiding with volunteer set up in the pleasantly warm morning, high and alert from the Whole Foods Market vegan donuts and Trader Joe's blended orange juices that the DVFADF creator, Da'Ves Malone of Sprouting Dreams, LLC had gifted us all. Would there be a supportive crowd to show up and show out for veganism? Was this new downtown Dayton sensation conflicting with Dayton Art Institute's 41st Annual Oktoberfest some mere miles away? Would the weather be terrible? As vendors began unloading their trucks and setting up along Courthouse Square, tantalizing us by the way of their delightful aromas and unique presentations, the contagious happiness spread around infecting everyone.

Even my great uncle came out. I hadn't seen him in ages and it was wonderful to have a mini family reunion-- at a vegan festival too!

Once the hour struck one o'clock-- the festival start time-- the entertainment was alive and pumping hard. First, yoga lovers stretched by the gentle instructions of Ranjani Powers. DJ Mike Cooley and MC Picket Fence celebrated the roots of funk created right in our own backyard, spinning Heatwave, Zapp & Roger, the Ohio Players, Lakeside, and Faze-O. Molly Blackshear spoke compassionately on how veganism influenced and changed her perception of eating. The brilliant spoken word poet A. Slate roused the crowd with an utterly hilarious poem about the desire for the vegan foods on the menu. There was also activities for the kids, Katie Clark, the author of "I'm a Supervegan," jewelry and beauty products for sale, and various organizations like Cincy VegFest, Paw Patrol, and the Dayton International Peace Museum.

Food and drink vendors were of local and locations outside of Dayton including Billie Gold Bubble Tea, Power Plant Kitchen, Leerah's Vegan Treats, Fruitta Bowls Miamisburg, Sweet P's Icepops, Mana Ice Cream Co., Village Taco, Cabin Sweet Confections, and Pure Sweet Bakery.

Although I left prior to the heavy rain shower, it was good to hear that most of the food vendors sold out. The demand for vegan cuisine is certainly wanted here in Dayton and this first festival answered the call. Hopefully this great community building leads to more amazing vegan events to transpire in the future (another festival is a definite must). It is very obvious that the people crave delicious vegan options when presented to them, when vegan food is readily accessible. The amount of those donning vegan t-shirts, buying official festival vegan merchandise, and proudly displaying their foods and desserts showcase that there is a supportive underground being brought to the surface.

I look forward to the next big vegan happening and will always vouch for helping out in any way possible. I believe that it is possible for Dayton's new festival to be even bigger and better, that our small city has what it takes to make for an epic experience of veganism through eating and activism.

Grenada Chocolate Festival's Fifth Annual Chocolate Extravaganza

Last Saturday bliss.

On Saturday afternoon through the early night, near Grand Anse Beach, Camerhogne Park was popping.
The DJ was playing great tunes like Sia's reggae influenced "Cheap Thrills" and Black Panther soundtrack gem Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar's "Pray For Me” blaring loud and free. Colorful cacao pods on giant leaves were settled on cut grasses forming a tempting path to festivities. The smell of chocolate perfumed the subtle breezy air with its sweet, decadent scent no manufacturer could authentically match. Adults and children alike were entertained by the various delights each tent offered under the pleasant trees shading us all from the mild warmth of sun and its radiant light. 

While the royal wedding happened somewhere in Europe, a mom/photographer was sporting a beautiful headwrap and a Coming to America t-shirt featuring Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy, right) and Lisa McDowell (Shari Headley, left).

I relished the euphoric spirit in great abundance.
I spoke with other artists like the poet Word, who later performed her chocolate poem onstage. I cracked open cacao shells, poured fine cacao particles into the red handled grinder (similar to the one at House of Chocolate), and ground them into chocolate paste. I then scraped it onto hands and balled it continuously, forming a rounded shape like the ones used for tea. At last, I sampled pure chocolate, raw and unadulterated bitterness, grainy and perfect straight from the tree.

Hands that rolled actual cacao.

Between events, the gorgeous hostess donned chocolate fabric stage in a splendid necklace made out of cacao beans that enhanced the bright red of her chic knee length dress and nude heel sandals.

I was fortunate to meet Aaron Sylvester. He inherited a cacao farm from his grandparents and uses the land to create a new line of chocolate bars in Crochu. The vegan chocolate, which is 80% dark chocolate sweetened with cane sugar, is created in St. Mark's, a town in Victoria, Grenada that has the highest mountain and waterfall on the island. Sylvester believes that the Dark Chocolate will bring business to the region.

The cacao pod makes cacao nibs, cocoa, and dried cocoa beans.

Cocoa tea has become a new favorite.

At Dodgy Dock's tent, they served one vegan dish-- a hearty, delicious three bean chocolate chili with crispy tortilla chips on the side. Before granting me my plate, the server had said, "you're going to love this." And he was right.

Cacao pod and cacao bean decor. 

Artist Stacey Byer had a great activity-- acrylic painting on smooth, stone rocks. She had hand drawn a cacao pod with black marker. Content children and adults created masterpieces together.

Also in the kids activity tent, attendees were welcome to roll cacao grounds.

And work on a joint mural with cacao pods opened and closed.

Ta da! The completed mural. The original artist's work is lighter versus the group effort's intensive contrast.

There was the chocolate photo booth inviting guests to pose with a pal. One couldn't take a picture alone in the chocolate photo booth. However, as seen in the first picture of this post, a Grenada Chocolate Festival team member teamed up with me. I will be grateful for that.

One of the prizes up for chocolate auction-- a chocolate spa package (choosing three of several seductive body treats) at Blue River Spa sounded like a merry dream-- a chocolate facial, a chocolate body wrap, a mocha body scrub, a cocoa bath soak, a chocolate pedicure, a chocolate manicure for one person in one day. I will live vicariously through the winner of this exceptional luxury.

The fashion show was incredible! I wished to have the names of designers and models of this great showing of local talent, but alas have no details. Regardless, it was a brilliant success that showcased an homage to the endless branches of Diaspora narrative.
It started off with the Princess Collection-- cool blues and eloquent patterns (which has complimentary orange in this African paisley rendering) in a collection that weaves a beautiful tale about a woman's distinctive prowess in the fashion arena.

This is the sleek, sophisticated designer of the Princess Collection. Isn't she just a vision?

A stunning design was this showstopping elegant gown and crown made of dried cocoa leaves.

The entire cocoa leaf collection with designer.

This designer (second center in a gorgeous two fabric patterned dress and winning smile) was inspired by Grenada's nutmeg, featured on their state flag. This stunning collection stylizes the weight of symmetric lines and amping up beige with bold red and graphic black.

Inspired by a romantic fairy tale, this designer (on the far left with funky red hair. polka dot blue dress, and black ankle booties) her collection is heroic and dynamic with elements of Orientalism, power, and may I say Amazonian like Wonder Woman? I appreciated the dresses for women of all shapes and sizes.

With the image that inspired it all, I hope to return again next year and experience the whole breadth of this festival. I had such an amazing, informative, intriguing, insatiably gratifying time, learning and exploring the creative sides of cacao/chocolate. It goes beyond my own perception, my own thoughts prior to the long, anticipated journey. I have enjoyed meeting so many people influenced by chocolate. I have been taught its impact on their lives on other levels. There are countless narratives eager to be told. One must come to their spaces and listen as a person of understanding and not a foreigner desiring to take without gifting something in return. 

Fun Times, Animal Love, And Cooking Lessons At The First Philadelphia VegFest

After a week of nonstop rain, the weather turned out nice and bright for Philadelphia's first Vegfest.

A lot of amazing events took place at the Shambles today.
On 2nd and Pine, the very first vegan festival happened in Philadelphia, even bringing a load of curious carpooling New Yorkers like that of Demetrius of Vegucated fame.
It's so funny to be recognized. He asked me if I was a blogger and I looked at him, seeing his familiarity....
"Afro Vegan Chick?"
"Yes! That's me."
Oh how freaking awesome to be recognized and greeted by one of the producers of Vegucated. Unbelievable! The world between Philly and New York gets smaller and smaller.

Great meeting Demetrius! Apparently NYC has this wonderful ice cream called Lulu's Sweet Apothecary. Sounds like a must eat.

I woke up at 8AM, started walking from home a little after 9AM, and got there just before 11AM- Vegfest starting time. Yup. Nothing like a wonderful two hour "work out" to get the excited body even more enthusiastic! Felt pumped and eager to check out vegantastic festivities!

Goodies galore! SO spoiled. And it's not even a holiday.

Modestly crowded by the time of my arrival, I received two sweet gift bags from Vega and Mom's Organic Market. Treats like Brad's Raw Crunchy Kale, Lundberg's Rice Chips, Runa tea bags, and Raw Rev bars. Scored coupons from my favorite brands (Daiya, Tofurkey, and I've never tried Upton's Naturals!). Finally acquired Crazy Rumors balm. The flavor is limeade- perfect summer lip treat! I gotta say, however, those free organic fair trade bananas at Mom's Organic Market booth captivated me. Never ate a banana so good.
There were buttons, jewelry, radical t-shirts/tanks, books, brochures, 100% natural fruity popsicles, Soy Cafe sweets, and vibrant, spirited energy all around. Just an overall positive vibe. Music played by a band called Evan Cline covered my Goo Goo Dolls "Name" in an impressive way. Good indie acoustics and soothing mellow ballads. Made a new fan out of me today.
Spoke to a representative of Farm Sanctuary around the NYC area. They rescue farm animals like pigs, horses, ducks (OMG DUCKS=CHICKS!!!). I must schedule a time to go out there. It would be such a rewarding experience.  

This fashion truck had everything.

Chic transportation dress definitely up my alley!

Whole Foods Market gifted Beyond Meat coupons and handed out generous samples of a rather refreshing salad that feature Beyond Meat's chickenless strips topped with a mango salad dressing. Did wonders to my tongue. Both cool and satisfying amongst the heat.

Beautiful free sample of Beyond Meat Chicken Salad from the Whole Foods booth.

Sip N Glo Juicery gave everyone mini shots of One Love (cucumber, spinach, apple, pineapple, and ginger juice)) and Sweet Freedom handed little squared dessert samples. I tried the chocolate coconut with a chewy maple tasting bottom. Mmmmhmmmm.

Yummy chocolate coconut and maple goodness.

I took a lot of important information out of the cooking demonstrations. More than the foods that were "magically" finished without aided ovens and fast cooking skillets. Heehee.
Our first lesson came from Certified Natural Chef Sara Glassman of Fine Dining. She made bean burger sliders with a simple carrot and cabbage slaw. Now I know how to chop cabbage. So happy about that! She suggested that cooking beans are better than canned- more nutrients. I have never made my own beans- time consuming for one thing, but I'll look into that in the near less lazy future.
Dijon mustard, tahini, water, and brown rice syrup make the dressing. No bread required.

Sara posing with an easy dinner that will please anyone.

Rachel Klein of Miss Rachel's Pantry takes the stage...

She sprays with grapeseed oil.

She sears seedless watermelon on each of its six sides.

Watermelon filets are topped with a simple horseradish sauce, pumpkin seeds, and an edible leaf.

Never considered using watermelon in a savory dish before. Rachel stands by its incredible flavor one hundred percent. Gotta try that!
A tip- eat right away. Taste starts to become unappealing if left sitting out too long.
Smelled inviting just like all the other prepared meals. Loved that gentle wind blew all the cooks' aromas into the crowd. Pleasant fragrances had my mouth watering all afternoon.

Super cool Rich Landau- a winner of Food Network's Chopped and co-owner of Vedge gives us valuable tidbits about summer grilling. Like cutting the skin off zucchini so the marinades don't make skin "boil and bruise." Also: Wet herbs in the last seconds of cook time- dry herbs before. Well, that explains a lot. Plus the hotter the skillet gets, the less one needs to depend on oils. Vegetables and tofu will not stick so badly if the skillet is heated up enough. Great advice.

Finished grilled zucchini. Man. I wanted a bite.

Rich's wife- Kate Jacoby introduces the couple's latest venture V Street opening this summer/fall in the Rittenhouse Square location. She creates an interesting ice cream parfait layered with black eyed peas (weird yes), fruit, cream, black eyed peas, and more cream. Too bad the grated shaved ice didn't work out.

Red sauce is added to the parfait. Voila!

My excitement tripled as energetic Christina of the popular PBS show- Christina Cooks took the stage. Turning vegan at age fourteen, daughter of a butcher, she mentioned that thirty years ago, there weren't that many vegan food options available. She's right. The world has now evolved with great product lines such as Beyond Meat, Gardein, Daiya, and So Delicious. Every few months, new items emerge with the latest innovative flavor profiles. One day I'll make it out to test the latest vegan foods at the expo and bring back all the juicy scoop. Have been dying to attend for ages.
She prepared Wardolf Salad. Inwardly I clapped, seeing another person break out red onion and talking about its sweetness compared to yellow and white. I adore red onion y'all. I really do. Granny Smith apples bring a sour component to the red onion sweetness and added raisins and chopped fresh parsley help body digest the proteins (pea protein that is) founded in diced Beyond Meat Chickenless Strips. Of course it isn't Wardolf Salad without walnuts- more protein for the vegan to consume. So don't ask that silly question my meat eating friends. We do get enough of the "P" word.
I enjoyed Christina's responses to questions about gluten and soy. A lot of people have been jumping on gluten-free who don't even have celiac disease and soy isn't this big baddie responsible for causing breast cancer in women. Still, it's best to consume organic and Non GMO based wheat and soy products.

Catching the speed of Christina's amazing energy!

Posing with the finished Wardolf Salad- Beyond Meat Chickenless Strips, Granny Smith apples, red onions, parsley, raisins, walnuts, and vegan mayo.

I relished Philadelphia's break into the Vegfest bandwagon, hoping that this becomes an annual tradition.It got a packed house hopping, revved up curious people's interest in vegetarian/vegan living, and gave them a sample of plant based life as well as what this symbolizes to animals and environment. I do hope the bill passes here that gives us the opportunity to have GMO "foods" labeled. What a huge, giant step that would take in slapping Monsanto's face. We have every right to know what food is real and what's genuine garbage! How programmed do they want us to be in America? Sheesh. I think it shouldn't be such a big deal, but they're so terrified that they want no such laws to pass. They don't want people to get smart. Instead it's "easier" to remain in ignorance about where food comes from. While other countries actually give a care.
Anyway, sorry to rant.
Philadelphia Vegfest made for a perfect Saturday morning.
And it should happen again next year and the year after.
Thanks to all the vendors, sponsors, guest speakers, and IG/Twitter pals who made this event great! Had a blast!