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March 12, 2005

Photo provided by Vegetarians of Washington

Pranee Khruasanit Halvorsen will demonstrate Thai cooking at Vegfest 2005, a showcase of vegetarian food.

Asian food abundant at Vegfest 2005

By Yayoi Lena Winfrey
For the Northwest Asian Weekly

Although being vegetarian was once associated with tie-dye-wearing hippies and Buddhist monks, today’s mainstream is also opting for non-meat diets in order to maintain a healthier lifestyle.

This weekend, Vegetarians of Washington presents Vegfest 2005, where some 500 different food samples from 95 companies and restaurants will be offered to the public. Many contain Asian staples like soy, tempeh, miso and seaweed.

According to Stewart Rose, vice president of Vegetarians of Washington, “all different segments of the community” attend the all-volunteer event with its “easygoing, festive atmosphere.”

“We don’t hit people over the head with the tofu. There are no scary pictures,” he jokes, referring to photos of slaughtered animals that some vegetarian speakers show for shock value.

Nearly 152,000 people turned out last year, and Rose expects to feed 200,000 this year. Admission is just $5 for those 13 and older, and all samples — including treats from Chinese, Indian and Thai restaurants, among many others — are free.

“No need to eat breakfast (before coming),” laughs Rose.

At a children’s section sponsored by PCC Natural Markets, kids can judge foods like veggie hot dogs and dinosaur tofutti (nondairy ice cream made of tofu).

“It helps ... the kids get involved in food decisions and educates them about healthy eating,” says Rose.

Another booth area, called “Ask an Expert,” will be staffed with doctors answering health-related questions about nutrition.

Vegfest is also the “largest vegetarian bookstore in the world,” according to Rose. Authors will be on hand to sign books.

Cooking demonstrations by chefs and cookbook authors will be featured in another section with Pranee Khruasanit Halvorsen preparing Thai food and Sidsel Anderson presenting “Indian Delights” on Saturday. On Sunday, look for Kati Peters and her “Japanese Cuisine, the Yen for Zen.”

Wholesome Vegetasia (located at 668 S. King St. in Chinatown/International District) will also pass out samples. Owner Nancy Tang, a devout Buddhist, says she became vegetarian for health reasons. She’ll be offering her special “beef” salad at Vegfest. The “beef” nuggets look like ground meat, but are actually made of wheat gluten. Tang adds lemongrass, ginger, white pepper, a little salt and “five-treasure” (ooshan) using a process that she calls “steam frying,” which is neither deep-fried nor utilizes hot oil. Placing the nuggets atop lettuce and cucumber, she sprinkles on a dressing made of soy paste and peach preserves.

Ethnically Chinese, Tang was born in Thailand and grew up in Hong Kong. But until she left her parents’ home, came to the United States and had children, she had never cooked. At 62, she looks much younger than her real age, and her personal philosophy is that the length of one’s life is not as important as living it healthy and pain-free.

“I just really want to share (an) easy way to take care of (yourself),” says Tang, who is a member of Vegetarians of Washington.

A regional, independent, nonprofit organization only 4 years old, it boasts a membership of about 1,700, of which 20 to 30 percent are not full-time vegetarians.

“We welcome people if they are an experienced vegetarian, a beginner or just curious,” says Rose.

The organization meets monthly for a gourmet vegan (vegetarian without dairy) dinner at Seattle’s Mount Baker Club, where a different restaurant, cookbook author or caterer hosts a multicourse meal.

“We’ll grab you by the taste buds and we won’t let go,” Rose promises, adding that they also hold free cooking and nutrition classes throughout the Puget Sound region.

The organization has also published a shopping and dining guidebook, as well as a cookbook.

“The four legs of our table,” explains Rose, “are health, compassion for animals, concern for the environment and spiritual enhancement.”

But above all, he emphasizes, vegetarians should have a good time.

Vegfest 2005 takes place March 12-13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Seattle Center’s Fisher Pavilion. Admission is $5 or free for children 12 and under. For more information, visit www.vegofwa.org.

Yayoi Lena Winfrey can be reached at scpnwan@nwlink.com.

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