A Celebration of International Vegetarian Day

Friday, October 1st, 7 pm to 11 pm - Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden

Nearly 500 people joined us for our 5th annual Compassionate Cuisine event - a food, art, and music celebration to commemorate International Vegetarian Day.

Held at the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden at Cal State Long Beach, visitors enjoyed strolling along the peaceful pond, soaking in the soothing presence of From Indian and Mediterranean, to country barbequed mock chicken and home style chili, guests sampled a dazzling array of vegan foods from California's top veg restaurants and veg food companies, while enjoying organic wines and beer. Each year, the Compassionate Cuisine event provides a great opportunity to introduce friends and family to vegan foods, especially as more companies come on board and the event grows with each year!

Organized by Friends of Animal Acres - Long Beach, all proceeds from the annual "Compassionate Cuisine" event benefit Animal Acres' vital emergency rescue and refuge efforts.
 

Special Guests & Performers (partial list)

Lorri Houston, Founder & President, Animal Acres

Lorri started the nation's first shelter for farmed animals as co-founder of Farm Sanctuary. In 2005, Lorri created the Los Angeles farmed animal sanctuary and compassionate living center, Animal Acres. Her work has been featured in numerous national news features and reports and documentaries. This year, Lorri was chosen as one of Lifetime Television's "Remarkable Woman." Visit: animalacres.org
 

Scott Sorrentino

Scott Sorrentino is a classically-trained but jazz-influenced pianist who has been playing for over 20 years. Scott is active in the Los Angeles humane community, and he donates a portion of every gig to animal causes. For booking information, please email: roseblooment@earthlink.net.
 

Sarah Taylor

Sarah founded The Vegan Next Door company in an effort to spread the word about the vegan diet. She is now a motivational speaker, trainer, and author. Sarah's book, "Vegan in 30 Days", gives step-by-step, practical advice to everyday people on how to go vegan, including what to eat to be a healthy vegan, how to be prepared in the kitchen, and how to elegantly navigate social situations. For more information, visit: thevegannextdoor.com
 

Tanya Petrovna, Founder of Native Foods

Chef extraordinaire, Tanya is a pioneer in the development of vegan culinary delights, and she has received national acclaim for her restaurants and recipes, her bestselling cookbook, "The Native Foods Restaurant Cookbook". For more information on Native Foods restaurant locations, upcoming events, and cooking classes, visit: nativefoods.com


Our thanks to the awesome vendors who shared their vegan creations with us!