Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe

I found this article on This Dish is Veg and thought it was really fascinating so wanted to share. I have to admit I was (am) envious when I read about Kristin’s plans. How exciting!! Maybe if I ask nicely she would come to Michigan for some vegan cuisine and Exploits conversation. I will keep you posted.

Blogger hits the road in quest  to eat at every 100 percent vegan restaurant  in the US.

By: Meghan Joyce

Blogger Kristin Lajeunesse won’t be throwing a dinner party to celebrate her 5-year anniversary as a vegan on August 27th. She’ll be starting out on a journey around the United States with the purpose of eating at every 100-percent vegan restaurant in the country. Along the way, she plans to write reviews, interview restaurant owners, and “accomplish a lifestyle of self-discovery and nonconformity.”

Kristin became vegetarian with her entire family in 1999, when she was sixteen. Five years ago, she decided to follow her parents’ example and switch to a vegan lifestyle. The decisive moment for her was a talk by registered dietitian George Eisman. Kristin explained to me, “I listened to George Eisman about why dairy isn’t necessary and how harmful it is for our bodies and for the animals. That was a turning point for me. After listening to him and with the ever-supportive influence of my parents, there was no question it was the right thing to do. And I haven’t looked back.”

Kristin’s plan is to couch surf around the country rather than stay in hotels, but the cost of gas and food for the year-long trip still comes to an estimated $10,000. So far, she’s received a few independent donations, a video camera, and a couple of T-shirts from Sick on Sin. She’s decided to use Kickstarter, a fundraising platform for creative projects, to raise the rest of the money she needs, and will launch that effort in the next few days. “I am so grateful to those who have donated or supported the trip already, in some way,” Kristin told me.

Kristin keeps a “Before I Die,” (BID) list of things she intends to accomplish in her life. “Take a road trip around the US” and “Eat at all the vegan restaurants in the US” are the top two items on that BID list, and if all goes according to plan, she’s about to check them off.

Visit Kristin’s website, Will Travel for Vegan Food (which is hilariously abbreviated to WTF Vegan Food), to donate funds, a couch for her to sleep on when she’s in your area (I’ve got her covered in Santa Barbara!), or whatever else you want.

Thank you Meghan for the cool information and  article.

Local Giveaway

I have the opportunity to give away two tickets for the Dearborn Animal Shelter’s second annual No Beast Feast.

It is an entirely vegan Fall Harvest festivus to benefit the Dearborn Animal Shelter. Last year we ate (and drank) ourselves silly. This year one of the guest caterers is our favorite Thai chef Genevieve Vang from Bangkok 96 restaurant. Genevieve is creating a signature entree and vegan dessert.  I would love for you to join us. You don’t have to hang with us, but I would love to say hi. Dress is casual and we are going to have a ball.  There will be  prizes, take home recipes and a compassionate feast. If you know someone that would like to join us, send them Exploits way so they can enter.

No Beast Feast will be at: Park Place Caterers

23400 Park Street, Dearborn MI.

When: Friday Sept. 16th 6PM-10PM

How do I win?: Share with me why you would love to join us by

1. Commenting through the blog

2. Email me at sherry@exploitsofaveganwannabe.com

3. On Facebook at Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe

4. Via Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/VeganW

Contest will run from now until Saturday Sept. 10th. I will pool all of your comments, draw randomly and announce the winner on Meatless Monday September 12th. Your tickets will be waiting for you at the door Friday night!

Interested in attending but don’t care about winning?  You may purchase your tickets here. They are $45in advance and include all food, beer, wine and vegan awesomeness.

Have a delicious day.

Tags: compassionate eating, dairy free, going veg, Kristin Lajeunesse, No Beast Feast, plant based diet, trying vegetarian, vegan, Vegan blogger, vegan challenge, vegan experience, vegan travel, vegan wannabe