Food is politically neutral—everyone loves to eat! I even think that food is a more universal language than love.
If you haven’t been to Philadelphia this week, there is a huge electricity all around Center City, with lots of black SUVs circling the streets, most headed to the convention center for the 2016 Democratic National Convention.
A Gathering of Plant-Based Chefs
Amidst all the hubbub, a very small group of delegates and politicians gathered at the Philadelphia City Institute Library in Rittenhouse Square earlier this week for a plant-based “lunch and learn” sponsored by the Humane League.
Headed by chef Lenka Zivkovic, a group of nine plant-based chefs created a mouth-watering menu that pleased all palates. One delegate was overheard saying, “I’m glad that this luncheon is plant-based—it isn’t easy finding vegan food in common places.”
On the Menu
Wearing my own toque and chef’s coat, I created a mayo-free potato salad (made with applesauce and Dijon mustard), tamale muffins and a mango-white bean salsa.
Other menu items included a Philly cheesesteak with mushroom au jus, mojito cucumber & tomato salsa with house-made corn chips, cold gazpacho shooters, sesame shiitake chutney on rice points, crostini with BBQ tofu and blueberry jalapeño chutney, summer Tuscan salad boats, classic PB with bourbon jam, Pom Queen (dark chocolate on toasted vegan cornbread) and Badu Tacos (spicy chickpea on tortilla chip). Each and every bite was plant-based and meat-free.
We were graced with the presence of New York–based vegan pastry chef Fran Costigan, author and now director of pastry arts at the Rouxbe Cooking School. Fran’s delicious chocolate truffles, cakes and treats were well received by all.
The crazy delicious dessert bar—all vegan and all delicious—consisted of mouth-watering morsels: chocolate orange tahini truffles, gluten-free brownie bites, black bean brownies and Irish chocolate pecan/cashew mini-cups. According to Chef Costigan, “Vegan desserts can be made with great ease, but using the best of chocolate and sugar is key to a successful dessert.” Fran adds that expert measuring of ingredients is also key.
Attendees were able to quench their thirst with an assortment from Nate’s Nice Tea. These delicious teas are hand-harvested and locally blended by Nate himself. Talk to Nate for five minutes and you’ll find that he definitely thinks “outside the tea bag.”
The other thirst quencher of the day was the chilled gazpacho made by Bryn Mawr’s Vgë Café. This smooth-tasting cold soup was the perfect nutrient-dense delight for a hot summer’s day.
Standout Bites and Sips
Saucy Sue’s Sauces
The shitake mushroom spread on crostini made the perfect appetizer. Mushrooms are sourced from Ambler Mushrooms (yes, mushrooms from a small farm in Ambler). Sue makes a wide variety of spreads and sauces, from savory to sweet.
Nate’s Nice Tea
Nate’s interest in and knowledge of tea is amazing. I’d even say that he is a tea scholar. Find Nate and his smooth, delicious teas at the Rittenhouse Farmers Market every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
PB and Jams
Megan Gibson, whom we wrote about last month, arrived with a noteworthy spread. Everyone was talking about her vegan cornbread with chocolate almond butter topping. The versatility of nut butters was invented by Megan. Look for Megan and her tasty products at local farmers’ markets and stores.
Special thanks and recognition go to the full roster of chefs:
- Pastry Chef Fran Costigan
- Plant-Based Chef Char Nolan
- Vgë Café’s Chef Fernando Peralta
- Chef Susan McCashew
- Chef Megan Gibson
- Nutrition and Health Educator Brigitte Blanco
- Chef Tanesha Trippett
- Chef Lenka Zivkovic from Plough and the Stars
- Chef Nadia Bartova
Tasty Takeaways
I spent a good deal of time talking with Christopher Sample, chief of staff for City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson. Johnson’s habits as a vegan have influenced Sample, who has recently lost more than 60 pounds by eating vegan. For those who may want to choose a vegan lifestyle, plant-based eating is making more strides into the mainstream.
The City of Brotherly Love (and sisterly affection) always delivers with delicious food that’s exactly on point. All in all, it was a terrific day.
Interested in eating vegan in Philly? See my picks for places to dine in “Vegan and Visiting Philadelphia? Check Out These 5 Vegan Eateries.”
- Top photo: Kaboompics
- Remaining photos: Char Nolan
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