This article originally appeared on Dr. Mahaney’s Pet-Lebrity News column on Pet360.com as: The Humane Society of the United States Unites Animal Lovers for Veg Appetit
The event took place at the SmogShoppe, a unique urban oasis featuring living walls adorned by native southern California plants fused with the industrial feel of a converted auto garage. In sticking with the theme of kindness to our planet and its creatures, the SmogShoppe personifies the utmost in green entertaining. Reportedly, the space exceeds (in many cases by more than double!) nearly every requirement in every category for the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum Certification (qualifying for up to 55 points of our 57). Talk about green!
The facility was perfect for the indoor to outdoor living feel embodied by an event that prioritizes non-harm to animals and sustainability in our foods, beverages, and lifestyle choices. Veg Apetit featured gourmet vegan dishes specially created by celebrity chefs to bring awareness of the importance of reducing the consumption of meat in the American diet. HSUS has a Meatless Monday campaign and claims “If all Americans participated in Meatless Monday, more than a billion animals would be spared from factory farms each year.” Not only are food-production animals spared, but there’s less of a burden on our environment due to fewer resources (feed, water, electricity, fuel, etc.) being used in the growth, slaughter, and transportation process.
The event was hosted by Emily Deschanel from FOX’s television BONES, who also is a proponent of animal rights through her involvement with HSUS and the Farm Sanctuary.
Famous foodies in attendance included:
-Kathy Freston, health expert and New York Times bestselling author (“The Lean,” “Veganist,” and “Quantum Wellness”).
-Yves Fournier, the celebrated Executive Chef of Andrei’s and former Executive Sous Chef at NYC’s legendary Rainbow Room, who gave an inspiring cooking demonstration on the preparation of simple and healthy meat-free meals.
-Tal Ronnen, the founder/chef of Crossroads, cofounder of Kite Hill vegan cheese, consulting chef at LYFE Kitchen, and New York Times bestselling author of “The Conscious Cook”.
-Beverage partners for the event were Four Paws and a Tail wine and Van Gogh Vodka.
Besides sampling the delicious vegan delights, one of my personal highlights was meeting American Idol season 11 finalist Holly Cavanagh (@CavanaghAI11), who I followed and voted for (conveniently via text message) during her run to the top four. Holly, I’m so glad to hear that you have a single coming out soon, have moved to Los Angeles, and own a retriever mix in need of veterinary care. You have my card, so contact me! Besides providing a holistic perspective to canine health, I can give you the lowdown on all the best hikes and dog beaches in the Los Angeles area.
If you are interested in honoring our planet and promoting more humane treatment of animals, consider making your Mondays meatless. If you are currently a full or part-time meat-free eater, what kinds of vegetarian dishes are you subsisting (please don’t say french fries or “mac n‘ cheese”)?
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Copyright of this article (2013) is owned by Dr Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.
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