North Baltimore Mennonite Church
 4615 Roland Avenue
 Baltimore, MD 21210

 The Vegetarian Resource Group
 (410) 366-8343 or vrg@vrg.org
 www.vrg.org
 facebook.com/thevegetarianresourcegroup

 VRG’s Pre-Thanksgiving Vegan Potluck
 Baltimore, MD - 11/22
 [ https://www.facebook.com/events/1657549214465049/ ]

 The Vegetarian Resource Group
 P.O. Box 1463
 Baltimore, MD 21203

 Mimi Clark
 9302 Hallston Ct.
 Fairfax Station, VA 22039

 Hello. I've noticed urea can be in things like dish soap. Is this
 a vegan ingredient? I've read it was originally discovered in urine,
 but that it isalso made synthetically and the name just stayed.

 Sun Products; I heard Sun detergent was vegan. I think their
 dish soap might be good, but you can confirm too. I also heard
 Method is vegan.

 Urea is chemically synthesized; not derived from animals.
 It is used as a moisturizing agent.

 All Method products are suitable for vegans...Only our Nourishing
 Hand Wash contains urea, which is synthetic.

 Q: Does Method contain any animal byproducts?

 A: No, all method products are vegan and cruelty-free.

 All Method products...do not contain any animal byproducts,
 including the lipase ingredient in our Laundry 8x.

 When we initially launched the Laundry 8x, only a small batch
 of it had lipase in it. We have long ago reformulated the Laundry 8x
 and it no longer contains it. Only Laundry 8x detergent containers
 that list it on the label have it. I apologize for the confusion.

 A "V" laid in an orange circle denotes vegan and a "V" in a green
 square denotes vegetarian.

 After further research and collaboration with our Food & Beverage
 team, we unfortunately do not have the resources to answer the
 additional follow-up questions at this time. As we continue to grow,
 our resources will continue to expand – but right now we cannot
 provide you with the information you are looking for.

 Zoës Kitchen offers hummus on its menu which “is vegan by itself”
 according to Zoës. The Hummus Salad Plate includes a Greek salad
 and cucumber raita. Patrons may request that the feta be left off
 of the salad. The cucumber raita is made with yogurt.

 Local menus list other hummus options. The Basil Pesto Hummus
 is listed as vegetarian. The Red Pepper Hummus is listed as vegan.
 More description on the hummus offerings appear at this link from
 Zoës website:

 Bread products served at Zoës include a flatbread pita and a
 pocket pita.

 Our flatbread pita is vegetarian; however our pocket pita ...
 does contain L-cysteine...I want to state this is based on our
 current spec items and is subject to change at any given time.

 Can the flatbread be ordered with the hummus? Does the flatbread
 contain dairy, egg, honey, lard or L-cysteine? What would the
 flatbread be served with?

 Is there another bread product served with the hummus and
 is it vegan?

 Before prepping any new item we use procedures for the team to
 use clean and sanitized cutting boards, prep space, and utensils...
 The vegetables are sliced and skewered by hand.

 Unfortunately the spinach rollups cannot be ordered without cheese.
 Our current tortillas do not contain [dairy, honey or L-cysteine];
 however, keep in mind it is possible our distributor could provide
 us a substitute product in case of an out of stock situation and we
 cannot guarantee this statement would hold true for any sub product.
 Although all subs are to be approved, it is possible a product could
 be subbed without us knowing ahead of time.

 Yes it can be ordered without cheese, but they would also have
 to leave off the spinach mix because it contains cheese. Our
 flatbread pita is vegetarian; however our pocket pita which is
 what they use to make the pizza does contain L-cysteine. Again,
 I want to state this is based on our current spec items and are
 subject to change at any given time...

 Currently, our mozzarella and feta cheese uses microbial enzymes
 not animal-based; again, subject to change if we change suppliers
 or a sub is sent to the stores.

 Regarding soups, side dishes and sandwiches:
  “The tomato bisque is a cream-based soup...we do not have a
 vegan option.”  “We do not use mayonnaise in our potato salad.”
 There is a vegan icon next to it on the menu.
  Neither the marinated slaw nor the pasta salad can be ordered
 without feta cheese because it's “in the mixture.”  The Pimento
 Half-Classic sandwich is made with “cheddar cheese and mayonnaise.”

 One World Cafe
 100 W. University Parkway
 Baltimore, MD 21210

The VRG's Maryland Newsletter by Laura McGuiness October, 2015 To view the VRG Maryland Newsletter on the web, visit: [ http://www.vrg.org/local/201510local.php ] 1. SHOP AT THE VEGETARIANSITE.COM DURING OCTOBER TO SUPPORT VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP OUTREACH AND RESEARCH 2. VRG PRE-THANKSGIVING VEGAN POTLUCK IN BALTIMORE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2015 3. VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP 2015 VIDEO CONTEST WINNER 4. SWEET DUKES VEGAN BAKED GOODS 5. VISIT VRG AT THESE OUTREACH BOOTHS 6. MARYLAND AREA EVENTS 7. UREA IN SUN AND METHOD HOUSEHOLD AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS: VEGAN 8. ZOES KITCHEN VEGAN OPTIONS 9. HAVE ANY VEGANS TRAVELED TO ICELAND? 10. SUPPORT STAFF AND SERVERS NEEDED FOR VEGAN RESTAURANT (CLARKSVILLE, MD) 11. LOOKING FOR A VENDOR TO SELL OR CATER VEGAN HOTDOGS FOR FESTIVALS AND OTHER EVENTS? 12. PRIVATE VEGETARIAN CHEF AND CATERER 13. SECOND ANNUAL ART FOR ANIMALS SHOW 2015 14. JOIN IGIVE AND SUPPORT VRG 15. MATCHING DONATIONS 16. VRG'S YAHOO PARENT'S GROUP 17. AMAZON SMILE: PURCHASE THROUGH AMAZON AND MAKE A DONATION TO VRG 18. DONATE YOUR CAR TO A GOOD CAUSE 19. BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR FOR VRG 20. VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS VEGAN IN NEPAL, JAMBA JUICE, PUMPKIN FLAVORED VEGAN MARSHMALLOWS, HIGH CALORIE VEGAN REPLACEMENT DRINKS, AND MORE 21. ABOUT VRG 1. SHOP AT THE VEGETARIANSITE.COM TO SUPPORT VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP OUTREACH AND RESEARCH Don’t forget to stock up on your favorite vegetarian products from The Vegetarian Site this month! For the full month of October 2015, The Vegetarian Site will give 10% of their sales to The Vegetarian Resource Group! The Vegetarian Site sells vegan footwear, belts, wallets, bags, and other accessories, food products, books, personal care items, plus much more. They are always adding new items in their store. Take a look at one cent samples. (Vegan Parmesan) [ http://thevegetariansite.com/cgi-bin/miva?Merchant2/merchant.mv+Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=S&Category_Code=samples ] And the Vegan Dollar Menu [ http://thevegetariansite.com/cgi-bin/miva?Merchant2/merchant.mv+Screen=PROD&Store_Code=S&Product_Code=Dollar+Menu ] Support The Vegetarian Resource Group by shopping online at: - www.thevegetariansite.com/ ******************************************************************************** 2. VRG PRE-THANKSGIVING VEGAN POTLUCK IN BALTIMORE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2015, 5:00 PM Please join us at VRG's 34th Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Vegan Potluck on Sunday, November 22nd, 2015 at 5:00 PM at North Baltimore Mennonite Church 4615 Roland Avenue Baltimore, MD 21210 Admission is $4 per adult; children are admitted free. Bring a vegan dish - made without meat, fish, fowl, milk, cheese, eggs, honey, or other animal-derived ingredients - that serves four as a contribution from each member of your party. If you are unable to cook, you may bring a prepared vegan dish for four from a local natural foods store or restaurant. Also, we encourage you to bring a non-perishable vegetarian canned food item to donate to the church, who will distribute it to those in need. Please forward this notice! Also, we can always use some extra hands for this event. If you would like to volunteer, please contact us at vrg@vrg.org. For more information: The Vegetarian Resource Group (410) 366-8343 or vrg@vrg.org www.vrg.org facebook.com/thevegetarianresourcegroup ******************************************************************************** 3. VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP 2015 VIDEO CONTEST WINNER Shannon Giedieviells is a winner of The Vegetarian Resource Group video contest. Shannon stated: "My best friend, Alyssa, wanted to share her own story about her transition into the vegan lifestyle. I provided the technical skill to bring her story to life on screen. I think more people should open their minds to vegetarianism and veganism for the health benefits and other ethical reasons. My best friend and I love your organization and hope you enjoy the video and use for promoting The Vegetarian Resource Group and educating the public on the lifestyle. Thank you for the opportunity to share my work and for my friend to share her story." Here are the video scholarship winners: [ http://www.vrg.org/veg_videos.php ] If you would like to support VRG internships or our video scholarship contest, please donate at [ http://www.vrg.org/donate ] Write the purpose under "comments". VRG also sponsors an annual scholarship contest for high school seniors. See: [ http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ] ******************************************************************************** 4. SWEET DUKES VEGAN BAKED GOODS Enjoy Sweet Dukes vegan baked goods at the Fells Point Farmers Market on Saturdays. Items such as vegan donuts and cinnamon buns are also available at various stores throughout the city. For more information, see: [ http://sweetdukes.com ] ******************************************************************************** 5. VISIT VRG AT THESE OUTREACH BOOTHS MARYLAND AREA OUTREACH EVENTS VRG’s Pre-Thanksgiving Vegan Potluck Baltimore, MD - 11/22 [ https://www.facebook.com/events/1657549214465049/ ] If you would like to volunteer at any of these events, contact Megan at meganm@vrg.org. If you would like to donate towards our veggie outreach, donate at: [ http://www.vrg.org/donate ] Donations can also be sent to The Vegetarian Resource Group P.O. Box 1463 Baltimore, MD 21203 Or call: (410) 366-8343. ******************************************************************************** 6. MARYLAND AREA EVENTS VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN MEET-UPS IN BALTIMORE, MD The Vegetarian Meet-up happens at Mango Grove, located at 8865 Stanford Boulevard, in Columbia, Maryland 21045, on the first Sunday each month at 12:30 PM. The Vegan Meet-up takes place at Mr. Chan Szechuan at 1000 Reisterstown Rd. in Pikesville on the third Wednesday every month at 7 PM. If you are vegan or vegetarian and would like to eat great food while socializing with others who share your interests, attend a meet-up! For more information about EarthSave's Vegan and Vegetarian Baltimore Meet-ups, [ http://www.meetup.com/vegetarian-9/ ] [ http://www.meetup.com/The-Baltimore-Vegan-Meetup-Group/ ] JOIN EARTHSAVE FOR A VEGAN POTLUCK Held on the last Saturday every month at Towson Presbyterian Church, 400 W Chesapeake Ave. Towson, MD 21204, EarthSave presents a vegan potluck and presentation. They eat first, make announcements, vote and present awards for their favorite dishes, and then have a presentation. This month, on October 24th from 6 to 8PM, there will be a potluck in Towson with Don Robertson, the founder and director of the Baltimore chapter of Earthsave, presenting “A Menu of Love: the Veg/Vegan Lifestyle.” Don will talk about the wide ranging impact our food choice have on the environment, our health, farmed animals, and all life on Earth. And Don will share his personal results regarding this powerful philosophical and lifestyle change. We ask all attendees to RSVP by email at baltimore@earthsave.org, or phone at 410-252-3043. Suggested donation for Earthsave members and guests who attend without bringing a vegan potluck dish is $20.00 (Advance Registration and Payment Required). donation for Earthsave members and guests who bring a vegan potluck dish to share is $10.00 (Payable at the door). Advance payment may be made by sending check or money order payable to Don Robertson, at 517 Talbott Ave. Lutherville, MD, 21093, or through Paypal payment to GinnyRobertson@comcast.net. BALTIMORE VEGAN DRINKS' MONTHLY MEETUP Vegan Drinks held their monthly event on October 20th from 7PM to 9PM at Two Boots Pizza, located at 1203 W. Mount Royal Ave., Baltimore, MD 21217. For more information about Vegan Drinks, visit: [ https://www.facebook.com/BaltimoreVeganDrinks ] [ http://bmorevegan.com/%20 ] OPEN THE CAGES ALLIANCE Saturday October 24th, 2:30-4:30 PM at Herring Run Library - Vegan Men’s Discussion (Back by popular demand!) Do male-identified vegans face particular challenges and pressures in a not-yet-vegan world? This is an opportunity for male-identified vegans to come together and talk about it. The Herring Run Library is located at 3801 Erdman Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21213. DINEKIND MEETS MONTHLY. For more information, visit: [ http://www.dinekindharford.com/ ] MARYLANDVEGEVENTS.COM Marylandvegevents.com is a one stop calendar site for all MD/DC vegan and vegetarian events. If you are looking to network, socialize, and/or engage in social activism you will find plenty of opportunities here. Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or interested in trying vegetarianism/veganism, you will find many exciting and fulfilling events. FORKS OVER KNIVES MONTHLY POTLUCKS This group is for those interested in trying or for those already committed to a whole food, plant based diet with none or very little oil, salt, or refined sugar. There is a monthly potluck where we sample delicious and healthy dishes, share recipes, learn, and connect with like-minded individuals. Please bring a dish to serve 8-10 along with a copy of your recipe or ingredients list with your name included so others can identify who made each dish. The dishes should serve 8-10 and must be entirely plant-based (vegan) as well as low or entirely void of refined sugar, salt, and oil. Contributions of $3/person are appreciated to cover the cost of fees, room rental, and supplies. For more information, visit: [ http://www.meetup.com/Columbia-MD-Forks-Over-Knives-Meetup/ ] MONTHLY COOKING CLASSES No meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, or honey. $55/person; $100/two people; $50/VSDC, VRG, or COK members. Demonstration classes include recipes, organic food samples, manufacturers' samples coupons. Gift certificates are available for purchase. Email veggourmet@aol.com or call 703-643-2713 for space availability. Make checks payable to Mimi Clark 9302 Hallston Ct. Fairfax Station, VA 22039 Sorry, no phone or e-mail reservations and no walk-ins. Seventy-two hour cancellation policy for refund or credit. Class subject to cancellation if minimum enrollment is not met. Check website for monthly class updates: [ http://www.veggourmet.wordpress.com ] BALTIMORE NUTRITION AS MEDICINE POTLUCK AND SUPPORT GROUP This group meets on the second Friday of each month at 6:30PM at the Park Heights Community Health Alliance, located at 4151 Park Heights Ave., Baltimore, MD 21215. They typically show an excerpt of a plant-based documentary, often with a presentation on whole-foods, plant-based diets. Support, advice, and recipes, beginners welcome. Organized by a plant-based medical doctor. Please bring a vegan dish to share. Please visit: [ http://www.meetup.com/Baltimore-Nutrition-As-Medicine-Potluck/ ] If you have any questions, contact joeadamsmd@gmail.com 410-231-3323 ******************************************************************************** 7. UREA IN SUN AND METHOD HOUSEHOLD AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS: VEGAN BY JEANNE YACOUBOU, MS The VRG received an email from a reader Linda who wrote: Hello. I've noticed urea can be in things like dish soap. Is this a vegan ingredient? I've read it was originally discovered in urine, but that it isalso made synthetically and the name just stayed. We responded by saying “In all cases which we're aware, urea in household products is produced synthetically today from ammonia and carbon dioxide, both non-animal-derived.” Interested readers may learn more about ingredients including urea (p. 2 second column) used in dish detergent here: [ http://www.colgate.com.au/Colgate/AU/Corp/ConsumerInfo/PDF/HomeCare_DishwashingLiquids.pdf ] For more general information about urea's industrial uses today: [ https://www.thechemco.com/chemical/urea/ ] SUN PRODUCTS The VRG followed up with Linda by asking if she had read “urea” on a label of any products she uses. She replied: Sun Products; I heard Sun detergent was vegan. I think their dish soap might be good, but you can confirm too. I also heard Method is vegan. The VRG called Sun products and spoke with representative Fran in September 2015. When we asked about urea she wanted a specific product name to look up. Our question was generally about all Sun products. Fran replied: Urea is chemically synthesized; not derived from animals. It is used as a moisturizing agent. An Internet search located a Sun detergent ingredient label which listed urea as an ingredient. When we noticed it was out of stock on the vendor's website, we took the SKU/UPC code and went to the Sun Products Corporation website [ http://www.sundetergent.com/dish ] and entered it on a page where ingredient disclosures could be accessed. [ http://www.sunproductscorp.com/MSD_Sheets.aspx ] No product with that code resulted although many similar ones did. Checking through a representative sample of Sun product ingredients in this way, no listings included urea. The tool is user-friendly in accessing complete ingredient information. The function of the ingredient in the product is also stated. Interested consumers should select “Ingredient Disclosure” in the field labeled “Document Type.” Entering either the SKU/UPC code, product type or product name should be sufficient to see ingredient lists. METHOD PRODUCTS The Method Products, PBC (public-benefit corporation) website contains a list of ingredients used in its products. There is also information on the ingredients' functions in products and environmental and health summaries. Some ingredients are accompanied by source information. [ http://methodhome.com/beyond-the-bottle/ingredients/ ] Urea is not present on the list. To confirm whether urea is in any Method product we sent the company an email from their site contact form. We received this reply from Brian: All Method products are suitable for vegans...Only our Nourishing Hand Wash contains urea, which is synthetic. [ http://methodhome.com/products/nourishing-hand-wash-coconut-milk/ ] From Method's FAQ page: [ https://method.desk.com/#topic-anchor-428420 ] Q: Does Method contain any animal byproducts? A: No, all method products are vegan and cruelty-free. The VRG also asked Method about the lipase entry in their ingredient list. Lipase in dairy cheese is often animal-derived and we wondered if this were true in household products. We received this reply: All Method products...do not contain any animal byproducts, including the lipase ingredient in our Laundry 8x. When we looked at the ingredients listed for Laundry 8x we didn't see lipase among them. We followed up with Method and received this reply: When we initially launched the Laundry 8x, only a small batch of it had lipase in it. We have long ago reformulated the Laundry 8x and it no longer contains it. Only Laundry 8x detergent containers that list it on the label have it. I apologize for the confusion. Method provides a list of definitions for words commonly used on its site such as “naturally derived” or “natural” in a Green Glossary: [ http://methodhome.com/beyond-the-bottle/green-glossary/ ] There is some ingredient source information included as well. Method's Greenskeeping Toolkit provides even more ingredient information. [ http://methodhome.com/wp-content/uploads/method_greenskeeping_toolkit_final_complete-100614.pdf ] NOTE: While researching urea The VRG read on several websites such as [ http://www.premarin.org/ ] that there is a urine-derived pharmaceutical product on the market. Wyeth Pharmaceuticals®, a subsidiary of Pfizer® sells Premarin® [ https://www.premarin.com/ ] an equine estrogen intended for human use. It is derived from the urine of pregnant mares. We spoke with Steve a pharmacist at Pfizer who confirmed this. He stated that their product is “purified from urine.” We asked about its efficacy compared to widely available synthetic estrogens and Steve informed us that to his knowledge Premarin has only been tested against placebos and not tested against synthetic estrogens. The contents of this posting, our website and our other publications, including Vegetarian Journal, are not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. We often depend on product and ingredient information from company statements. It is impossible to be 100% sure about a statement, info can change, people have different views, and mistakes can be made. Please use your best judgment about whether a product is suitable for you. To be sure, do further research or confirmation on your own. To support Vegetarian Resource Group research, donate at [ http://www.vrg.org/member/donate_buttons.php ] To join The Vegetarian Resource Group, go to [ http://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php ] ******************************************************************************** 8. ZOES KITCHEN VEGAN OPTIONS BY JEANNE YACOUBOU, MS Founded in 1995 by Zoë Cassimus using many of her original recipes from growing up in the South surrounded by her family's Mediterranean traditions, Zoës Kitchen features Mediterranean-inspired food in over 150 locations in seventeen states mostly throughout the southern, south central and southeastern United States. Visit [ http://zoeskitchen.com/Location.aspx for a restaurant locator. A menu page on Zoës website [ http://zoeskitchen.com/nutritional-info.aspx ] states: Click here to view our Gluten Free and Vegetarian and Vegan menu items. An icon consisting of a small circle with a “V” inside it appears next to a few menu options. On the website, the circle appears black. Nowhere on Zoës website could we find vegan or vegetarian definitions. The VRG asked Zoës whether the black icon represented “vegetarian” or “vegan” and how those terms were used. We received this response: A "V" laid in an orange circle denotes vegan and a "V" in a green square denotes vegetarian. A Zoës website page with links to local menus shows the orange and green icons but does not define the terms. For example (at the bottom): [ http://zoeskitchen.com/menu/NC-H-CAT-NC-H-500-NC.aspx?address=10300%20Little%20Patuxent%20Pkwy.&address2=Suite%203140&city=Columbia&State=MD&Zip=21044&phone=%20410-997-0124&menuurl=https://zoeskitchen.alohaorderonline.com/StartOrder.aspx?SelectSite=207#tab2 ] In order to be more helpful to readers we followed up with Zoës by asking again how they define “vegan” and “vegetarian.” The Content and Community Coordinator at Zoës Kitchen stated: After further research and collaboration with our Food & Beverage team, we unfortunately do not have the resources to answer the additional follow-up questions at this time. As we continue to grow, our resources will continue to expand – but right now we cannot provide you with the information you are looking for. We will be sure to keep these questions top of mind moving forward. At the end of April 2015 we received answers from Kari Kriewal in response to an email we sent. Here is what she found out for The VRG: Zoës Kitchen offers hummus on its menu which “is vegan by itself” according to Zoës. The Hummus Salad Plate includes a Greek salad and cucumber raita. Patrons may request that the feta be left off of the salad. The cucumber raita is made with yogurt. Local menus list other hummus options. The Basil Pesto Hummus is listed as vegetarian. The Red Pepper Hummus is listed as vegan. More description on the hummus offerings appear at this link from Zoës website: [ http://zoeskitchen.com/About-Zoes/News/news-archive-2015/News-Article-02112015.aspx ] Bread products served at Zoës include a flatbread pita and a pocket pita. We learned from Zoës that Our flatbread pita is vegetarian; however our pocket pita ... does contain L-cysteine...I want to state this is based on our current spec items and is subject to change at any given time. The VRG asked Zoës about the source of the L-cysteine but the restaurant chain did not give an answer. Zoës also didn't define “vegetarian” used in the paragraph above. We requested more information on bread products that could be ordered with hummus by asking Can the flatbread be ordered with the hummus? Does the flatbread contain dairy, egg, honey, lard or L-cysteine? What would the flatbread be served with? Is there another bread product served with the hummus and is it vegan? Zoës didn't provide more detail. Concerned diners should ask a store manager for more information. Asking to view the product package may help; a follow-up call to the supplier may be necessary when in doubt. Zoës Kitchen offers a Veggie Kabob which is noted with the round icon on the Under 500 menu but not so noted on the gluten-free menu. The vegan icon also appears next to this entree on some local menus. The VRG asked Zoës about kitchen protocols in order to avoid cross-contamination with animal products for vegan menu dishes and learned that Before prepping any new item we use procedures for the team to use clean and sanitized cutting boards, prep space, and utensils... The vegetables are sliced and skewered by hand. Zoës also told us that the white beans served with the Veggie Kabob or as a side dish are prepared following the same kitchen protocol to avoid cross-contamination with non-vegan items. There is a vegan icon on the menus next to the bean side dish. There is a Spinach Roll-Up at Zoës which does not have a vegan or vegetarian symbol beside its name on the Simply 500 menu but does have a vegetarian icon on the local menu. We asked if this menu item could be ordered without cheese. Zoës replied by email that Unfortunately the spinach rollups cannot be ordered without cheese. Our current tortillas do not contain [dairy, honey or L-cysteine]; however, keep in mind it is possible our distributor could provide us a substitute product in case of an out of stock situation and we cannot guarantee this statement would hold true for any sub product. Although all subs are to be approved, it is possible a product could be subbed without us knowing ahead of time. The Veggie Pizza at Zoës also does not have a vegan or vegetarian icon by its name on the Simply 500 menu but does have a vegetarian symbol on the local menu. The VRG wanted to know if it could be ordered as a vegan option. We learned that Yes it can be ordered without cheese, but they would also have to leave off the spinach mix because it contains cheese. Our flatbread pita is vegetarian; however our pocket pita which is what they use to make the pizza does contain L-cysteine. Again, I want to state this is based on our current spec items and are subject to change at any given time... Currently, our mozzarella and feta cheese uses microbial enzymes not animal-based; again, subject to change if we change suppliers or a sub is sent to the stores. Regarding soups, side dishes and sandwiches: “The tomato bisque is a cream-based soup...we do not have a vegan option.” “We do not use mayonnaise in our potato salad.” There is a vegan icon next to it on the menu. Neither the marinated slaw nor the pasta salad can be ordered without feta cheese because it's “in the mixture.” The Pimento Half-Classic sandwich is made with “cheddar cheese and mayonnaise.” When asked which salad dressing is free of all animal products including egg, dairy, animal flavors, seafood extracts, and honey we were told that “Our Greek dressing is vegan.” A Special Diets page on the website provides an interactive tool to identify menu options appropriate for someone who wishes to avoid certain ingredients. [ http://www.nutritionix.com/zoes-kitchen/menu/special-diets/premium?allergens=eggs,fish,milk,shellfish ] The VRG used this tool to identify menu items without eggs, milk, fish and shellfish. “Meat” or “poultry” were not possible exclusions since they are not on the FALCPA list (Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 [ http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/Allergens/ucm106890.htm ]). Thus, the generated list included a few items containing chicken as well as those without eggs, milk, fish and shellfish. Ingredients are also listed on this page for some items (click through “more info” located beside the green dots on the right side of the screen) although it is not clear from the ingredients list themselves if each component is all-vegetable (e.g., red pepper pesto base). Diners may wish to ask a store manager about any questionable ingredient before ordering. The local menu links found on the locator page after selecting a specific restaurant [ http://zoeskitchen.com/Location.aspx and the allergen tool results generated by our search described above included the following listings: Orzo Tabouli, Quinoa Salad -No Feta and Red Pepper Hummus. On local menus the vegan symbol only appears next to the Red Pepper Hummus while the Orzo Tabouli Salad and Quinoa Salad show the vegetarian icon. The local menus state that the Orzo Tabouli Salad includes feta cheese. When filtered in different ways the allergen tool lists “Orzo Tabouli” and “Tabouli Salad.” Only the former appears when filtered for egg and milk absence and also when filtered for milk absence alone. Both are listed when filtered for egg absence alone. It is not clear whether they are the same menu item or not. [ http://www.nutritionix.com/zoes-kitchen/menu/special-diets/premium?allergens=milk ] [ http://www.nutritionix.com/zoes-kitchen/menu/special-diets/premium?allergens=eggs ] No further information is available on these menu options. Patrons should consult with a store manager if interested. The contents of this posting, our website and our other publications, including Vegetarian Journal, are not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. We often depend on product and ingredient information from company statements. It is impossible to be 100% sure about a statement, info can change, people have different views, and mistakes can be made. Please use your best judgement about whether a product is suitable for you. To be sure, do further research or confirmation on your own. To support The Vegetarian Resource Group research, donate at [ https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=1565 ] Join The Vegetarian Resource Group at [ http://www.vrg.org/member/ ] ******************************************************************************** 9. HAVE ANY VEGANS TRAVELED TO ICELAND? A member is traveling to Iceland, and was looking for information about being vegan in that country. She read a few blogs, but they have been hit and miss. If anyone has been to Iceland, please share your experiences about eating vegan there. Thank you. Please send details to vrg@vg.org Answers received so far: Vegan eating in Iceland: I was there in fall of 2012. I ate at a very good vegetarian restaurant in Reykjavik – am 99% sure it was this one: [ http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189970-d2389508-Reviews-Cafe_Gardurinn-Reykjavik_Capital_Region.html ] Options around the country are definitely limited. I packed a lot of food with me (crackers, peanut butter, nuts/seeds, and dehydrated soups) and we cooked for ourselves every night except for when we were in Reykjavik. We picked up most groceries in Reykjavik because that’s the best selection – in small towns, there tends to be like one small chain food store with limited options – vegetable selection tended to be poor. But we could always find some kind of bean, pasta, etc. Hope that helps! – Heather I only spent thirty sleepless hours there this summer but I did not starve. Try [ https://www.lonelyplanet.com/iceland/reykjavik/restaurants ] with a veggie filter. – Georg ******************************************************************************** 10. SUPPORT STAFF AND SERVERS NEEDED FOR VEGAN RESTAURANT (CLARKSVILLE, MD) Compensation: TBD Employment type: part-time Great Sage vegan restaurant has positions open for support staff and servers. Our ideal candidate would have previous experience in a similar role, excellent customer service skills and a great attention to detail. This position will be for a variety of shifts and fit a part time or more full schedule. If you are an eco-conscious coffee loving people pleaser with what it takes to succeed in this opportunity, please apply to the link below for consideration. [ http://consciouscorner.wufoo.com/forms/great-sage-employment-application/ ] ******************************************************************************** 11. LOOKING FOR A VENDOR TO SELL OR CATER VEGAN HOTDOGS FOR FESTIVALS AND OTHER EVENTS? Visit [ https://www.facebook.com/HeavyMetalHotDogs/ ] We sling vegan wieners at concerts and festivals in Baltimore and surrounding areas. DOGS: ORIGINAL - Regular dog with choice of toppings. CHILI TEDDER CHEESE - Vegan chili & cashew nacho cheese PHILLY - DT's classic with vegan cream cheese & a pickle KILLER KALE - Grilled marinated kale & cashew cheese JAP'N'CHEESE – Loaded with roasted jalapenos & cashew cheese JACKFRUIT: PULLED BBQ JACK FRUIT SANDWICH – Grilled jack fruit with choice of BBQ sauce, including Headbangin’s BBQ, Carolina mustard—more in development. JACK FRUIT TACO – GLUTEN FREE – Served on a corn tortilla with choice toppings. TOPPINGS: GUACAMOLE, GRILLED ONIONS, KRAUT, HORSE RADISH, DIRTY DON'S LOCAL HOT SAUCE, SRIRACHA, SPICY BROWN MUSTARD, & THE CLASSICS If you're interested in having us vend at your event email us at vegancart@yahoo.com ******************************************************************************** 12. PRIVATE VEGETARIAN CHEF AND CATERER Rhonda Watson is a private/personal vegetarian chef operating locally and would enjoy hearing from you for any of the following needs you may have, such as: all celebratory functions, sit down dinners (3, 4, and 5 courses), smaller corporate events, casual meals, and cocktail events. You can contact her for more information, quotes, and menu options. She will also consider long-term assignments for the right offer. You may contact me at: rcwprivatechef@gmail.com or 240-709-5474. ******************************************************************************** 13. SECOND ANNUAL ART FOR ANIMALS SHOW 2015 For the second year in a row, Baltimore Vegan Drinks will be hosting Art for Animals Gallery Opening. This year, it will be held at One World Cafe 100 W. University Parkway Baltimore, MD 21210 on Monday, November 16th at 7:00-10:00 PM. Unlike last year, this year’s artists will be choosing their own vegan/animal-centered charities; 100% of the art sales will be donated to their choice. In addition to the eleven artists, there will be a surprise guest attending. If you know a vegan fine artist, your charity can benefit from this event. Please consider reaching out to the painters, mixed media artists, graphic artists, illustrators, collage artists, and other folks who might be willing to donate art to this show and attend the opening. There will be vegan food of course, and One World Cafe is a great space, and it's likely art will sell even beyond the opening! For more information, visit: [ http://www.facebook.com/BaltimoreVeganDrinks ] ******************************************************************************** 14. JOIN IGIVE AND SUPPORT VRG Go to [ http://www.iGive.com/VegetarianResourceGroup ] ******************************************************************************** 15. MATCHING DONATIONS Don't forget that many employers will match your donation to nonprofits such as The Vegetarian Resource Group, often up to $5,000. A partial list of employers that match can be seen here at www.vrg.org/donate by checking "employer to match" and clicking on "Please Select." ******************************************************************************** 16. JOIN VRG'S YAHOO PARENT'S GROUP Are you or someone you know raising a vegetarian or vegan child? If so, you may want to join a network of parents interested in exchanging ideas on various vegetarian/vegan topics including: finding a vegan summer camp, vegan dining options at Disney World, what can I pack in my child’s lunchbox, how have you and your child dealt with the dissection issue in school, can you recommend a veggie-friendly pediatrician or dietitian, is there a veggie children’s group in my area, etc. For more information on this online Yahoo Group see: [ https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/vrgparents/info ] - See more at: [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/#sthash.5FYvbZEF.dpuf ] ******************************************************************************** 17. AMAZON SMILE: PURCHASE THROUGH AMAZON AND MAKE A DONATION TO VRG Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Vegetarian Resource Group whenever you shop on AmazonSmile. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at [ http://smile.amazon.com/ch/52-1279034 ] ******************************************************************************** 18. DONATE YOUR CAR TO A GOOD CAUSE A free, convenient service for converting that extra car, truck, or RV into a tax deductible donation benefiting The Vegetarian Resource Group. You can donate online or call 877-999-8322 to make your donation. Start now by clicking on "Donate Now" below. If you are not ready to donate, find out about donating your vehicle by browsing all the valuable information and links on our site at: [ http://www.v-dac.com/org/?id=52127903 ] ******************************************************************************** 19. BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR FOR VRG The Vegetarian Resource Group greatly appreciates the support given by our monthly donors. You can join our monthly giving group with a minimum gift of just $10 a month by going to www.vrg.org/donate. You will be part of a network of givers who support our outreach efforts on an ongoing basis. These donations allow us to continue vegan education in a wide variety of venues including schools, doctor and dietitian offices, libraries, various professional conferences, animal rights events, health fairs, environmental festivals, and much more. Thank you for your support! ******************************************************************************** 20. VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS ALEX HERSHAFT FROM FARM WILL BE SPEAKING AT GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY NOVEMBER 17TH, 2015 [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/10/05/alex-hershaft-from-farm-will-be-speaking-at-georgetown-university-november-17th-2015/ ] JAMBA JUICE ADDS 3 MORE VEGAN ALMOND MILK SMOOTHIES [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/09/17/jamba-juice-adds-3-more-vegan-almond-milk-smoothies/ ] PUMPKIN FLAVORED VEGAN MARSHMALLOWS [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/09/15/pumpkin-flavored-vegan-marshmallows/ ] A VEGAN IN A SMALL NEPALI VILLAGE [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/09/11/a-vegan-in-a-small-nepali-village/ ] HAPPY AND SWEET VEGETARIAN ROSH HASHANA (NEW YEAR): VEGETARIAN IN VILNA [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/09/11/happy-and-sweet-vegetarian-rosh-hashana-new-year-vegetarian-in-vilna/ ] CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF DR. BILL HARRIS AND THE VEGETARIAN SOCIETY OF HAWAII [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/09/10/condolences-to-the-family-of-dr-bill-harris-and-the-vegetarian-society-of-hawaii/ ] VEGAN RESTAURANTS GAIN POPULARITY AMONG NON-VEGANS [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/09/09/vegan-restaurants-gain-popularity-among-non-vegans/ ] QUESTION: SHOULD I COMPROMISE TO ACCOMMODATE MY NON-VEGAN/VEGETARIAN FAMILY AND FRIENDS? [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/09/09/question-should-i-compromise-to-accommodate-my-non-veganvegetarian-family-and-friends/ ] HAVE A VEGAN ROSH HASHANAH (JEWISH NEW YEAR)! [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/09/08/have-a-vegan-rosh-hashanah-jewish-new-year/ ] BURGERS FOR BUDDHISTS [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/09/08/burgers-for-buddhists/ ] MARCO ANTONINO REGIL (MEXICAN GAME SHOW HOST) PROMOTES VEGAN LIFESTYLE [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/09/04/marco-antonio-regil-mexican-game-show-host-promotes-vegan-lifestyle/ ] ARE THERE VEGAN HIGH-CALORIE MEAL REPLACEMENT DRINKS THAT ARE COMPARABLE TO POPULAR NON-VEGAN PRODUCTS LIKE BOOST AND ENSURE? [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/09/03/are-there-vegan-high-calorie-meal-replacement-drinks-that-are-comparable-to-popular-non-vegan-products-like-boost-and-ensure/ ] ******************************************************************************** 21. ABOUT THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP Our health professionals, activists, and educators work with businesses and individuals to bring about healthful changes in your school, workplace, and community. Registered dietitians and physicians aid in the development of nutrition-related publications and answer member and media questions about vegetarian diets. The Vegetarian Resource Group is a non-profit organization. Financial support comes primarily from memberships, donations, bequests, and book sales. The Vegetarian Journal, a print magazine, is a benefit of membership in The VRG. (For more information, please see the Vegetarian Journal online at: [ http://www.vrg.org/journal/ ]) To sign up for the The Vegetarian Resource Group national email newsletter, please visit: [ http://www.vrg.org/vrgnews/ ] We are also on Facebook and Twitter!! [ http://www.facebook.com/thevegetarianresourcegroup/ ] [ http://www.twitter.com/VegResourceGrp/ ] If you would like to make a donation, become a member, volunteer, or find out more about The VRG, contact us at: The Vegetarian Resource Group P.O. Box 1463 Baltimore, MD 21203 Phone: (410) 366-8343 Fax: (410) 366-8804 E-mail: vrg@vrg.org Website: [ http://www.vrg.org/ ] To donate: [ http://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?Action=GC&CID=1565/ ] Copyright The Vegetarian Resource Group 2015 The contents of this newsletter, and our other publications, including Vegetarian Journal, are not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. We often depend on product and ingredient information from company statements. It is impossible to be 100% sure about a statement, info can change, people have different views, and mistakes can be made. Please use your own best judgment about whether a product is suitable for you. To be sure, do further research or confirmation on your own. If you were forwarded this message and would like to sign up for our monthly local email newsletter, please see our website: [ http://www.vrg.org/local/ ] If you do not wish to receive the Local Email Newsletter, visit [ http://lists.vrg.org/mailman/listinfo/vrg-maryland_lists.vrg.org ] Instructions for unsubscribing will appear at the bottom of the page. Look for the unsubscribe and edit box.