Tag: The Vegan Taste

The return of Phoenix Vegan Restaurant Week in September

As plant-based diets get more popular diners are looking for more restaurants and food options when dining out. The return of Phoenix Vegan Restaurant Week, September 11th-18th, people can get a chance to dine on special plant based meals at full service restaurants, food trucks, bakeries, meal delivery services and more.

Founders Jozh Watson (PHX Vegan) and Chef Jason Wyrick (The Vegan Taste) want to continue to bring awareness to plant-based diets get more popular diners are looking for more restaurants and food options to dine out at. “According to Watson, “Last year, Phoenix Vegan Restaurant Week was so well received by the community. Every eatery that participated reported a significant increase in traffic during the event. This year promises to be even bigger and better.”

During the week-long event diners will be treated to plant based meals during breakfast, lunch and dinner at participating restaurants not normally found on their menu. Breakfast will be capped at $15, lunch will offer an appetizer, entree and drink for $20 and a three course dinner for no more than $30 with a 5 course meal no more than $44. Reservations are now being taken for the week at restaurants including Salvadoreno Restaurant (Phoenix and Mesa), Dilla Libre (Phoenix and Scottsdale), Early Bird Vegan, Freak Brothers Pizza and others.

A list of restaurants and menus can be found at their updated website as the list continues to grow. Non-vegan restaurants are encouraged to participate to showcase their plant based options. Menus are available for both dine-in and take-out. According to Wyrick, “Restaurants are realizing they need to appeal to a variety of food preferences. Veganism is a lifestyle choice that is here to stay, and we’re proud to show off the amazing culinary mark Phoenix is making.” Photo credit Debby Wolvos

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Phoenix Vegan Restaurant Week launches mid-September

Two of the valley’s vegan advocates have come together to launch the first Phoenix Vegan Restaurant Week September 12th- 18th. Chef & author Jason Wyrick and vegan taste maker and owner of Phoenix Vegan Jozh Watson launched the week long culinary event to bring more attention to plant- based restaurants, foods & cooking.

According to Wyrick, “Phoenix Vegan Restaurant Week is a celebration of plant-based cuisine in Phoenix. We want to raise awareness about everything vegan that’s now available in our city, get everyone excited, and out-and-about trying all of the great dining options.”

Phoenix Vegan Restaurant Week
Simon’s Hot Dogs. Feature photo Maya’s Cajun Cuisine’s Po’ Boy

How Phoenix Vegan Restaurant Week works?

The pair are encouraging restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, food trucks and others to showcase their plant-based cooking and more. During the week participants will be offering a specially created menu with breakfast & lunch offering at $20 and a 3-course dinner menu at $30.

“We want to position Greater Metro Phoenix as a premier, inclusive dining destination,” said Watson.

During the week diners can experience the growing Phoenix plant-based food scene visiting new establishments or returning to familiar ones. A a few of the participating eateries include: Beaut Burger, Brunch & Sip, Chilte, Dilla Libre, Early Bird Vegan, Earth Plant-Based, Giving Tree Café, Ground Control, Hot Sauce & Pepper, Maya’s Cajun Kitchen, Pachamama, Positively Frosted, Salvadoreno Restaurant, Shameless Burger, Simon’s Hot Dogs, The Nile Coffee Shop, Urban Beans Café, Tesoro Vegano, The Vegan Taste, Verdura, and Wok this Way.

According to Wyrick, “Restaurants are experimenting more with vegan cuisine and showcasing some really great offerings. Phoenix Vegan Restaurant Week allows them to cater to a growing clientele and test the waters for expanding their vegan selections.” For more information and to see additional participants head to their website.

The Vegan Taste hires “The Nutrition Doctor” PK Newby

In an effort to make its healthy food healthier, meal delivery service The Vegan Taste has hired nutritionist PK Newby. Owner Jason Wyrick started The Vegan Taste in 2006 to deliver artisan, healthy vegan meals to subscribers doorstep. Newby and Wyrick will work together to make sure meals use the right balance of ingredients for optimal nutrition. Wyrick is also owner the Glendale vegan restaurant, Casa Terra.

Wyrick says, “Creating flavorful, good-for-you meals has always been our focus at The Vegan Taste. However, with the increased emphasis on maintaining excellent health and immune support, we wanted to add another layer of reassurance for our subscribers. Now, with PK’s help, our meals feature the most immunity boosting ingredients possible.”

Newby has over 25 years of experience researching diet related diseases and studies how peoples food choices have an effect on the environment and teaches why what we eat matters. She is also an author with her latest book “Food and Nutrition: What Everyone Needs to Know.” and adjunct professor at Harvard.

Offerings at The Vegan Taste

The menu at The Vegan Taste changes weekly and can be made gluten free, oil free & soy free by request. Sample menus have included Enchiladas Suizas with creamy salsa verde, CT cheese, beans, and market veggies; Thai Peanut Noodles with carrots, cabbage, green onions, and tofu; Barbacoa Tacos with smoked mushrooms, black beans, queso fresco, and pineapple pico; Tikka Masala with carrots, cauliflower, red peppers, and tofu; Turkish Lentil Soup with potatoes, tahini sauce, sumac, and fresh herbs; and Meatball Grinders with zucchini and ground sausage in a fire roasted tomato sauce.

The meal delivery service is offering new customers 20% off meals for 8 weeks with a 6- meal package for $65. 46 and 12 meals for $109.10. Because the meals are being at the cost The Vegan Taste pays for ingredients no profit is being made. Prices include tax and free delivery valley wide. Subscribers can purchase addition meals to be donated to first responders and healthcare workers. For more information or to subscribe visit their website.