Innholdsfortegnelse for The Comfort Food Issue i VegNews Magazine

Nic’s on Beverly: closed. Plant Food + Wine: shuttered. Flore Vegan: done. Jewel: finished. Hart House: gone. And that’s just Los Angeles. Across the country, other notable vegan restaurant closings include Charlotte-area favorite Fern, now history after 14 years in business; Portland’s Blossoming Lotus, closed after 20 years in the Pacific Northwest; The Organic Grill, the East Village’s pioneer vegan organic restaurant closed shop after over 25 years in business; and Boston-area’s The Grasshopper went out of business after nearly 30 years. Even the McPlant, McDonald’s vegan burger option, is off the menu due to sluggish sales. The National Restaurant Association says over 90,000 US restaurants closed as a result of pandemic fallout. Not all of them were vegan, obviously, but when zooming in on the effect the last few…

IN A SEASON WHEN WELLNESS OFTEN TAKES center stage, don't forget: comfort is a form of self-care. These plant-based recipes from It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken blogger Sam Turnbull and her VegNews Cookbook of the Year Craving Vegan offer the cozy, satisfying warmth we crave in winter, without sacrificing nourishment. Whether it’s a bowl of garlicky soup or a baked pasta dish that hugs you from the inside, every dish here is a reminder that taking care of yourself can also taste delicious. Ooey Gooey Fondue-y Fondue is back, baby, but we’re not heading to our local strip mall to get it. Cashews, white wine, nutritional yeast, and (surprise!) sauerkraut make the base for this melty, tangy, pot of gold perfect for dipping bread, potatoes, fruit, or whatever else your heart…

MATCHA ALMOND LATTE by Califia Farms The possibilities are endless with this subtly sweet, ready-to-drink matcha latte. Hit snooze one too many times? Grab it to go and enjoy during your morning commute. But if you have time to spare, meal prep matcha chia pudding, warm it up for an invigorating bowl of oatmeal, or use it to make matcha cold foam. Let your creativity guide you. MATCHA WHITE CHIP COOKIES by Dan The Baking Man Satisfy your sweet tooth and reap the energy-boosting benefits of green tea with these chewy, lightly sweetened matcha and white chocolate chip cookies. Founded by two brothers and long-time athletes, Dan the Baking Man is redefining dessert with just six base ingredients, minimal sugar, and a boost of almond-derived protein. We’ve found our new…

NEARLY A DECADE AFTER Chloe Coscarelli first dazzled New Yorkers with plant-based burgers and air-baked fries at her cult-favorite, fast-casual restaurant chain by Chloe, the vegan chef has triumphantly returned to her flagship Greenwich Village location with her latest venture, Chloe. The new restaurant—equal parts revival and reinvention—carries echoes of the original, but it’s clear this time around that Coscarelli has full control of her kitchen, menu, and vision. The eatery may still feature its communal table and cozy seating, but the energy is all new. After a bitter legal battle with a former partner, Coscarelli’s ousting from her own restaurant, and the eventual downfall of the chain, Coscarelli has reclaimed the space with a vibrant menu featuring her signature flavors in creative new ways. Her dishes are an ode…

FROM PAMELA, WITH LOVE, p.32 We’ve seen her evolve from a babe in a bikini to a steadfast advocate for animals. Now, Pamela Anderson 3.0 is giving us more reasons to love her with her debut cookbook. Every recipe is a warm hug in food form, and I cannot wait to get cooking! THE STATE OF OUR RESTAURANTS, p.20 The pandemic had a devastating impact on vegan restaurants across the US, and to stay afloat, restaurateurs really had to tap into their creativity and determination. This riveting story by journalist Ellen Kanner had me on the edge of my seat. VEGAN SRI LANKAN IN PORTLAND, p.50 Sri Lankan cuisine is one of my all-time favorites, and knowing I can get my parippu vade and coconut sambol fix at Portland’s Mirisata…

DESPITE A SERIES OF restaurant closures (such as Kevin Hart’s Hart House, Nic’s on Beverly, and Flore), Los Angeles remains the top plant-based destination in the US, according to a 2024 WalletHub study. The Southern California city earned its title thanks to the affordability, diversity, accessibility, and quality of its wide array of plant-based options, from, pop-ups to fast-casual to fine-dining. But which other cities made the list? #2 Orlando, FL #3 Portland, OR #4 San Diego, CA #5 Seattle, WA #6 Austin, TX #7 San Francisco, CA #8 Miami, FL #9 Phoenix, AZ #10 Tampa, FL 81% THE PERCENTAGE OF LAST YEAR’S VEGANUARY PARTICIPANTS WHO MAINTAINED A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN ANIMAL PRODUCT CONSUMPTION SIX MONTHS AFTER THE CHALLENGE, according to a survey conducted by the vegan charitable organization. Additionally, 27…

IN 2025, THE HOTTEST VEGAN TRENDS aren’t beefy burgers, alt milks, or high-protein this and that. They’re ingenuity, tradition, and innovation. And vegan companies crafting intentionally Asian products are at the forefront of the revolution. From perfected, plump dumplings to Tokyo-inspired chocolate gâteaux, these creations aren’t just craveable, they honor heritage, push culinary innovation, and connect us to culture, even if it’s not our own. So get ready to embark on a mouthwatering adventure that celebrates the past, savors the present, and teases the future of vegan cuisine. Dumplings Doing Good There are few things on the planet tastier than dumplings. But of course, we need to have a planet in order to enjoy them. That’s why SOBO founders Adam Yee and Eric Ji Sun Wu were intentional in using…

July 14 to 26, 2025 Imagine gently-swaying palm trees, postcard-perfect beaches, emerald green rice paddies, rich local culture, undiscovered villages, and divine vegan cuisine. Join VegNews for a magical getaway to Bali, one of the most serene and breathtakingly beautiful islands in the world. Trip highlights… • Savor incredible vegan island cuisine• Sample an array of local fresh fruit• Trek up an active volcano with stunning views• Stroll through colorful bazaars and markets• Visit picturesque beaches and rural villages• Snorkel pristine coral reefs• Participate in an ancient Hindu ceremony• Visit an amazing animal sanctuary• Take two Balinese cooking classes• Enjoy traditional music and dance• Island hop to Java to hike a national park• Dine with a local family• Relax with a traditional Balinese massage VegNews.com/vacations…

In an era where wellness culture feels like a race toward an elusive finish line, it’s all too easy to become ensnared by the latest trends that promise transformation but leave us feeling empty. However, true wellness isn’t found in the latest TikTok recommendations; it resides in the practices and tools that allow us to feel our most grounded, connected, and at peace. So, should we completely abandon wellness culture? Not at all. Instead, we should seek out practices that genuinely help us find balance in our fast-paced lives—whether through practices that promote rest, help get you reconnected with nature, or give you a buzz without booze. Trend #1: Mouth taping The lowdown: This practice uses flexible, breathable adhesive bandages to cover the mouth during sleep or during the day. Why…

Ellen Kanner Dining Declining, p.20 Where I live: Miami, FL Veg for: 29 years My go-to breakfast: Strong coffee with with oat milk My #1 wellness tip: Whole foods versus ultra-processed foods My dream winter getaway: The sunny island of Grenada Margot Bigg Spice, Rice, and Everything Nice, p.50 Where I live: Portland, OR Veg for: 37 years My go-to breakfast: Tofu scramble with spinach, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, garlic, and Violife feta My #1 wellness tip: Never leave home without a bottle of water My dream winter getaway: South Africa Always in my fridge: Almond milk, carrots, blackcurrant jam Sarah McLaughlin Embrace the Trend, p.58 Where I live: Playa Del Rey, CA Veg for: 12 years My go-to breakfast: Avocado toast with nooch My #1 wellness tip: Find ways…

MCDONALD’S IS EXPANDING ITS PLANT-BASED MENU in Europe by launching Veggie McPlant Nuggets—made by Beyond Meat—at all 1,560 locations in France in an effort to tap into the country’s growing appetite for meatless diets. The move follows mixed results in the US, where previous plant-based collaborations fell short, and signals hope for veteran vegan brand Beyond Meat in its goal of expanding plant-based food to the masses. Could these nuggets be the next French revolution? Only time—and taste buds—will tell.…

DANIELLA MONET is redefining what it means to be a modern Hollywood star. Skyrocketing to fame on the hit Nickelodeon show Victorious, the actor, entrepreneur, and passionate vegan is making waves far beyond the screen. With more than 4 million followers on Instagram, Monet has built a platform that blends Hollywood glamour with a mission rooted in compassion, wellness, and sustainability. From her early days as a child actor to her current roles as a mother, advocate, and content creator, she’s crafted a life of purpose—one that prioritizes family values and ethical living while navigating the ever-evolving entertainment industry. Monet’s activism is not limited to her personal choices—she actively works to inspire her followers, especially young families, to lead compassionate, plant-based lives in a way that feels accessible and relatable.…

When we talk about vegan heroes, Pamela Anderson’s name is going to be brought up. From her groundbreaking animal activism dating back to the ‘90s to her brand-new, debut vegan cookbook I Love You, Anderson is one of the most admired fixtures in the world of plant-based living. And now, we’re getting an opportunity to dine with her. VegNews teamed up with everyone’s favorite Baywatch babe-turned-advocate for a glimpse into the flavors and recipes she holds most dear—from decadent breakfast cinnamon rolls to hearty-yet-elegant vegetable bourguignon—each crafted from wholesome plant ingredients, and each one made, wholeheartedly, with love. Cinnamon Rolls With Maple Glaze Soft and sweet cinnamon rolls are what Sunday mornings were made for. These cast-iron beauties are buttery, fluffy, and kissed with a rich maple-infused glaze. MAKES 9…

December 23, 2025 to January 3, 2026 Join VegNews for the ultimate holiday getaway to the tropical paradise of Thailand. Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s with sumptuous Thai feasts, stay in gorgeous accommodations, see spectacular sites, take Thai cooking classes, and experience the wonder of this magical country. Trip highlights… • Dine at Thailand’s best vegan restaurants• Meander through bustling produce markets• Explore the backstreets of Bangkok• Visit an all-women vegetarian monastery• Travel by gondola through peaceful canals• Island hop and snorkel in the Andaman Sea• Visit a wildlife rehabilitation center• Experience an all-vegetarian market• Savor a vegan BBQ on the Mae Klong River• Take vegan Thai cooking classes• Revel in a two-hour Thai massage• Toast Christmas and New Years with magnificent feasts• And so much more! VegNews.com/vacations…

WE THINK IT’S TIME to re-energize your feed, and these 10 top-notch creators—delivering drool-worthy eats, must-have product reviews, and tantalizing sneak peeks into the best vegan restaurants in the world—are where to start. Jasmine Briones @sweetsimplevegan What to expect: A sweet and savory recipe collection chock full of veganized Filipino creations—and Filpin-ized global eats—think ube crème brûlée, wholesome rice porridge, and banana-and-jackfruit-stuffed dessert egg rolls Our favorite post: No-bake Filipino mango float Reynolde Jordan @plantbasedvibe What to expect: Exploring every corner of the world—from the mountains of Patagonia to the beaches of Santorini—in search of the tastiest plant-based bites, thrilling excursions, and luxe hotel destinations  Our favorite post: Reynolde’s vegan guide to Santorini, Greece Roma Bhatt @itsromab What to expect: An inside look at the best vegan eats in the City…

CELEBRITIES—THEY’RE JUST LIKE US! From bright and zesty salads to indulgent fudgy brownies, when our favorite stars get a craving, they head to the kitchen and get cracking. When their creations are plant-based, we’re all in. When they share the recipe, we’re over the moon. So we compiled some of our favorite tasty celeb dishes that’ll bring some serious star power to your dinner table. Guy Fieri’s ASIAN COLD NOODLE SALAD If you had any doubt that the Food Network’s resident platinum blond could take us to Flavortown without animal products, let this noodle dish help you reconsider. Chewy, slurpable soba noodles are slicked in a sauce made from hot chili oil, hoisin, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, then tossed with thinly sliced carrots, celery, scallion, bell peppers, bok choy, napa…