Vegan Food Fest is back in Toronto this Saturday, August 13, on the grounds at historical Fort York. Now in its sophomore year, the Toronto festival will spotlight vegan vendors from near and far. In an attempt to avoid the long line-ups and similar food shortages to last year (damn those were some hungry vegans), this year’s vendors line-up look especially stacked.
Here’s a preview of just some of the meat-free delicacies that will be available at the Toronto Vegan Fest ’16.
Polenta Poutine – Doug McNish
Local favourite Doug McNish is bringing back crispy polenta fries smothered in cashew cheese curds and miso mushroom gravy. This dish was so popular at last year’s festival, they were sold out before many attendees ever got a taste.
Funnel Cake – Vegan Funnel Cakes
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Funnel cake is a summer festival staple that are usually a no-go for dairy-free eaters. Not so at Toronto Vegan Fest! The summery dessert is sure to make a big splash with its fried doughy goodness and fresh fruit toppings.
Bacon Mac – Upton’s Breakroom
Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, this vegan vendor will be dishing out signature offerings like this bacon mac ‘n cheeze along with jackfruit nachos. Yum!
Chicken Parm – Doomies
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Originating in Hollywood, but boasting its very own Toronto home base (in Parkdale), the makers of the vegan Big Mac are about to introduce these big, cheesy Italian-style sandos. Of course the meatless McD’s burger (see lead photo) will be there too.
Tacos – Vegan Nom
Tacos from south of the boarder are the best! All the way from Austin, Texas, this vegan taco truck is promising tortillas topped with options like maple miso sweet potato, refried beans and vegan chorizo.
Zucchini Carpaccio – Planta
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The plant-based restaurant from the same folks behind The Chase is set to debut this fall in Yorkville. Get an exclusive sneak peak of what’s to come at the festival on Saturday.
Pizza – Sizzle Pie
This pizzeria born on the west coast is soon to open an outpost in Brooklyn, New York. With the exchange rate being what it is these days, you might want to fill-up on these vegan pies in Toronto while you can.
Brownie Sundaes – Charlie’s Brownies
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Warm brownies and blondies are the specialty from this bake shop out of Los Angelos. At Vegan Fest this weekend, expect to see them topped with scoops of Toronto’s own Pleasantville Ice Cream.
Cinnamon Buns – Cinnister Vegan
Sticky, sweet cinnamon buns from this Bolton, Ontario bake shop are about to make their Toronto debut. Expect to see this nostalgic treat dressed with a variety of toppings.
Bac’n Cheeze Burgers – Arlo’s
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All the way from Texas, this curbside kitchen is set to spend the day slinging vegan banquet burgers stacked with seitan bac’n and melted cheeze.