Delicious food, sustainability initiatives and great deals await at the second annual DC Vegan Week. Visit your favorite restaurants, or try something new, and celebrate vegan cuisine in the District from May 6 through 13.
DC based celebrity chef and operator of popular Good Stuff Eatery and Plnt Burger, Spike Mendelsohn, and bestselling author and vegan influencer, Tracye McQuirter, will co-host the week’s festivities. McQuirter expressed excitement about the opportunity for local establishments to feature their plant-based fare.
“The first vegan establishments in DC were started by African Americans more than 50 years ago and I learned how to be vegan from this community 36 years ago, so this is definitely a full-circle moment! DC Veg Week is such a positive opportunity for restaurants to come together to show the DMV how delicious plant-based eating really is.”
In addition to unique menu features and plant-based offerings at many of the District’s favorite restaurants, Mendelsohn emphasized the far-reaching impact plant-based cuisine has on the climate.
“As a Chef Advocate for climate-friendly and plant-based cuisine, DC Veg Week is a fantastic opportunity for people of all culinary preferences to experience firsthand all the joy and benefits of plant based foods,” Mendelsohn said. ”The world is in dire need of solutions to our climate crisis and our dietary choices represent the majority of our climate footprint. Including more plant based foods in our lives is an easy way for us all to “eat the change” and contribute to a healthier food system and planet.”
Educational events surrounding sustainability will take place throughout the week as local nonprofits and community advocates speak about animal welfare and sustainability initiatives. The first event will take place at Pow Pow (1250 I St NW #102) on Monday May 8 at 6:30 p.m. and will focus on animals.
A second event, Meet and GREEN, will focus on sustainability practices in the District at Sticky Fingers Diner (406 H St NE) Tuesday May 9 at 6:30 p.m. You can learn more about these events and register to attend here.
Participating locations include both plant-based eateries and classic District favorites: Plnt Burger, Ruby Reds Vegan, DC Vegan, Soultarian, Frutive, El Tamarindo, We the Pizza, Supra and more. The eateries will offer special prix-fixe menus and features, discounts and offer giveaways throughout the week.
You can read more about Veg week at vegdc.org. You can also follow along and be the first to know about special giveaways on social media @DCvegweek.
Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com.
