The Veg Fest was lots of fun, but also a bit disappointing. I thought it would be all food samples! Instead it was more information booths and food for sale. Still had some good bites to eat and fun in the sun.
First thing’s first: feed us!
In the food area, there were about 10-15 tents of mostly ethic foods. I was excited to see Ethiopian, Greek and African – some of my favorites!
<3 Injera!!
Karen got Ethiopian (and shared a bite). It’s too bad this restaurant traveled in from Harrisburg because I’d love to go eat there and it’s a bit far.
I ended up with two plates.
One with lots of salad and a side of black quinoa and a vegan chocolate mousse from Whole Foods that only THREE DOLLARS! SCORE for the healthy eaters!!
And a very expensive plate of grape leaves and hummus + pita that I split with Matt.
From the African booth, Matt got some Fried Bean Balls and Jerk Veggies, both were good and I had a serving of each on my salad.
Water from home!! Savings!!
The sun was GRUELING in 91* heat. But I hear tomorrow’s gonna be a cold one!
There were lots of cute poochies. We are not responsible enough to get a pet..yet.
Karen enjoyed some muzak
While I tried to look nonchalant gathering up samples!
Sa-WEET! Nature’s Path had all kinds of goodies
These will surely help my cold cereal morning craving! I was considering buying a cereal at Whole Foods today but I talked myself out of it because oats are so cheap and we always have bread. Now I have these!
Tried a few tofus and alternative meats. Loved the Thai Tofu
The fake meats weren’t bad, but they weren’t really good either. Fake meat does not equal real food.
Lastly, we split a popsicle from Pantheon that we’ve been wanting to try for ages! These are always at the farmer’s market, but I never want one at 9AM!
Peach BRANDY!
Loved
Fun times.
After the festival, we went to the library. I read Real Simple while Matt got a library card and checked out a book on Virginia history! Nerd alert!!
Now, we chillax. Make iced tea. Bake brownies for a horse race we’re attending tomorrow. And lastly, dinner.
Kath says
Did anyone notice I said “Morning craving” in reference to the cereal!? ACK!
Sara says
Yes, I noticed. Are you expecting???
Sara says
Sorry, I just read your new post!
Kath says
It’s OK 🙂 You probably didn’t realize my reference was to my House Hunters gripe and not other types of morningness!
christina cadden says
Looks like such a great time! 91 degrees! That is hot!
Laura says
With your flexible schedule and as much as you love walking and the outdoors, you would be a perfect dog owner!! You should get one!!!!
Chelsea @ Strawberry Sweat says
That Veggie Fest looks awesome, even without tons of free samples. I especially would like to try the Thai Tofu and that popsicle!
The Wife of a Dairyman says
Nature’s Pride is one of my new favorite brands….love their 100% whole wheat sandwich bread:) I’ve never thought of going to the library to read magazines…great idea if I think about it before 10 p.m. Have a great day!
Kath says
Sorry that was supposed to be Nature’s Path! I corrected it
Jil @ Peace, Love & Munchies says
It’s supposed to cool down here tomorrow, too – loving all the ethnic treats!! and a pear brandy popsicle?? sign me up!
Freya (Brit Chick Runs) says
Too much delicious sounding food for one post! I want to go to that market place 🙁
Kristy @ KristyRuns says
Mmmm! Everything looks sooo good! Especially the grape wraps + pita + hummus. I have a craving now. 🙂
Awwww! That “adopt me” puppy looks so sweet! I think y’all are responsible enough for a pet. 😉
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
It looks fun! We went to a gluten free vender show today and had a great time. My boys went crazy with all the free food they were handing out. PF Changs loaded them up with lunch and dinner…it was crazy! Have a great evening Kath!
Carolyn @ lovinlosing says
Looks like a good day! I made a stop at the Farmer’s Market this morning and stocked up. BTW: You referred to Nature’s Path as Nature’s Pride.
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says
Such a fun day! I love how your guys really take such advantage of all your area has to offer!
Grocery Goddess Jen says
I went to the library today, too, and was thinking how wonderful it is. And I bought some Twin Oaks herbed tofu (at the store, not the library!) based on your raves, I’m looking forward to it!
faith @ gracefulfitness says
Yay for thai tofu and free samples! I was maybe a little less subtle than you and took their “take as many as you want” literally…let’s just say I am good on cereal and Mary’s crackers for quite some time 🙂
Marie says
Kath, you made my day. I love that tofu but the store I used to buy it from stopped carrying it over a year ago and I was never able to track it down anywhere else and couldn’t remember the brand name. I found it online after seeing your picture- I hope I can order it online. Their other flavors are really good too.
Diana @ frontyardfoodie says
How fun! I love food fests like that. Every place should do samples though! That way you can at least try their stuff. hehe I’m cheap
Kristina @ spabettie says
haa… I totally noticed morning craving. 😉
that nature’s path cereal is SO freakin good…
Kylie @ A Hungry Spoon says
All the delicious food is overwhelming! The vegan chocolate mousse and pea + corn salad bowl look like they’d be my favorites 🙂
Glad you enjoyed your day!
Seglare (in Copenhagen) says
That looks like some amazing vegetarian food – I only wish I could find such a selection here. 🙂
I’m so jealous of the injera, too – also seeing as my lucky boyfriend is currently enjoying it in Ethiopia!
hippierunner says
It is scorching hot here so I reaaaally want that popsicle you had!
A Teenage Gourmet (Sami) says
Bake brownies!? Horse races? Sounds like my weekend too.
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
You should totally get a dog! You know what they say though… once you get a dog, get ready for the kids!
Okay, I totally made that up. Sue me.
Erin says
I was a little let down by DC’s VegFest this year, too — lots of pamphlets, not enough free food.
mel h says
My hubby and i just adopted a baby chocolate lab about a month and half ago and she is already so loved! She is a blast to take on walks and it makes you more active than you already are! I think you and matt should for sure adopt a pup, especially before you get super busy with great harvest!
holly @ couchpotatoathlete says
90 degree weather??? Its in the mid 60s here and I’m loving it.
I’d read a book about Virginia History and I’m not a nerd…wait, nevermind.
Jessica @ The Process of Healing says
Sounds like a lot of fun!! I wish we had things like that around where I live.
RhodeyGirl says
While you were getting healthy samples, I was getting Haribo gummy bear samples from the streets of Philadelphia. So different.
You look like you’re glowing these days. You’re gorgeous.
Kath says
Aw thanks 🙂
Camille says
I have to say, Matt’s meal looks incredible!
Everyone’s looks good, but his takes the cake!
stacey-healthylife says
I have been to veg fest here before and your right, it’s a lot of information booths.
Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef says
looks fun! do you know which country the “african” food was from?
Kath says
I don’t – I’m just repeating what the sign said! The restaurant is Africanne On Main in Richmond and since I didn’t see any specific countries mention on the website, I’m guessing it’s influenced from many: http://www.chefmamusuafricanne.com/index.html
Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef says
Oh, ok. Thanks! I was just wondering because I’m in grad school for African Studies. I checked out the website and it all looks really good. Judging by my experience, I’d say it’s mostly West African cuisine (Ghana, Senegal, Mali, + more). Jollof rice is from that region. Also, the word “muso” (which is part of the chef’s name) means “woman” in a language called Bamana that is spoken in Ghana, Mali, Guinea, and a few other countries W. Af. 🙂
Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] says
Not responsible enough for a pet!? I don’t believe that 🙂
Kate D says
True sign I’m a library nerd: The most interesting part of this post for me was the covered the library put on the Real Simple! lol
I wouldn’t be walking around in 91 degree weather–I would melt!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
Mmm, I love Ethiopian food!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
I wish Nature’s Path had some products that are guaranteed peanut/nut free. 🙁 Their granola and cereals look so good!
I’m with you on the fake meats – I’d much rather get my protein from beans/tofu/eggs!
ht says
thought you might be intrested: http://www.hulu.com/watch/67878/the-future-of-food
Virginia @ YtotheUmmy says
wow, your area VegFest looks awesome! The one in DC was kinda ehh…i was also expecting/hoping/crossing my fingers that it would also be a SAMPLEfest but alas……it wasn’t. I volunteered though, so it was fun nonetheless!
[email protected]'s Going The Distance says
I, too, get really bummed when I find out lots of samples was all in my head.
holly @ couchpotatoathlete says
90 degrees? No thanks. I’ll take the mid 60s MN weather 🙂
I am a total nerd too — Virginia History would be pretty interesting!
Monica says
Oh my gosh! I was planning on going to the Cville VegFest today too! Seeing your pictures are making me so jealous (I’m stuck in a hospital in DC right now, not super fun at. all.). I totally dig on the didgeridoo player, ha.
I’m so glad that you loved the Blue Nile Ethiopian! That restaurant in Harrisonburg was my favorite hangout during college. I totally recommend making the trek there some day, it is an hour-long drive but goes by quickly because the scenery is SO gorgeous!
And while you’re in Harrisonburg, I also highly recommend Clementine Cafe and The Little Grill Collective 😉
Kath says
Glad to hear it’s a nice drive!
Anne says
Reading magazines at the library is the best. I used to have a thing with buying magazines but I realized that it was a very expensive habit, especially when half the magazine is ads, and then I maybe read half the actual content. And then I never really knew what to do with the magazines after I was done so they just piled up until I recycled them. At least with the library I don’t have to worry about it. Plus it’s a very relaxing place, even more so than the bookstore in my opinion
Abby says
I totally agree with monica! I gre up and still live in harrisonburg and blue nile, clementines, and the little grill are all worth the drive!
Sara says
Are you expecting? Morning craving?
Heather says
that dog makes me so sad! you need to adopt him lol!
looks like a fun day! it was hot here, too
Blanche says
Love your bag. What brand and style is it?
Kath says
Lowepro camera bag
Lele says
We had a similarly disappointing VegFest in DC. But I didn’t get to buy anything, even if I wanted to, because I forgot cash!
However, If you’re ever in Boston in the fall, go to the Boston Vegetarian Food Festival. It was probably the highlight of my college years. Holy free food everywhere.
Marilyn says
Hey! I was there! But not until about 2:30…
Next time, I recommend the banana/chocolate/walnut popsicle. I had one – first time trying their popsicles – and it was ah-mazing.
Amber K says
What a bummer that there weren’t more free samples. My last blog was about Portland’s Veg Fest and the amount of free samples ROCKED! My husband and I got to try so many awesome vegan and vegetarian foods.
Hannah says
Squee! That’s the Sunergia tofu I’ve been nagging you to try in the comments ever since you first mentioned Twin Oaks tofu! Hurrah! 🙂 (I think I remember loving the Jalapeno one… and the pesto.. and the Indian… oh I loved them all!)
Kath says
Oh really!? I’ve had that in NC! I like Twin Oaks better 🙂
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
i love reading magazines at the library.
Simply Life says
Oh looks like fun time – ahhh, I love the library for books, workout videos, magazines and cookbooks! 🙂
Bee Goes Bananas says
Lack of samples is SO disappointing when you expect them to be there.
I was at a bridal show two weekends ago and there wasn’t a single cake sample. Lame! I have another one to go to today, so I hope there is a little cake to try! 😉
jac says
gosh, the dog is really portraying the adopt me look!
Paula says
Everything looked delicious. I wish my area offered such a great event. Of course we have some really great food co-ops here that offer so much. We make real attempts to eat local & healthy. Thanks for sharing.
Heidi - apples under my bed says
How fun! I love Ethiopeian. Cute pooches indeed 🙂
Heidi xo
simone says
the ethiopian food is from the blue nile in harrisonburg? that place is worth making the drive for. it’s incredible. and they have a lunch buffet…
also the african restaurant in charlottesville is phenomenal. as is the indian buffet out route 29. yummmm