Marin VEG
September 2025

September brings great news and bad news.  Great: There are two vegan food fests this month:  Bizerkeley on the 7th and Sonoma County VegFest on the 27th.  Bad: Marin's only vegetarian restaurant, Amy's has closed.  An article from VegNews explains the unfortunate trend of veg restaurants closing.  Read about these happenings and lots more below.  While temperatures still insist it's summer, the calendar says it's almost time for sweaters and hot soup.  Happy Autumn!


Sunday, September 7
Bizerkeley Vegan Food Fest
The 5th Annual Bizerkeley Vegan Food Festival will be on Sunday, September 7  at the North Berkeley Bart station (1759 Acton, Berkeley).  The event opens at noon, but Express tickets allow you in at 10:30 (plus express lines for food, bathrooms, freebies and more).  Read all about it at https://ww.bizerkeleyfoodfest.com/  This year's proceeds go to California Pitbull Rescue.


Monday, September 15 
Last day for Early Bird Pricing
for Rancho Compasion 10th Anniversary Gala
Can you believe it's been 10 years?!  Hold the date of Saturday, November 15 for a big party of whimsy and wonder to celebrate a decade of animal rescue, community education, organic gardening and love at Rancho Compasion.  Find out about this unique gala and buy early bird tickets at givebutter.com/c/JRsQlT


Sunday, September 21
Vegan Picnic in Golden Gate Park
This monthly gathering is one of many terrific events (hikes, trivia nights, restaurant outings and more) sponsored by the San Francisco Vegan Society .  You don't need to be a member to attend the picnic, but I encourage membership to show support.  Members enjoy discounts at many SF restaurants, free entry to the World VegFest on November 1,  and first dibs on assorted happenings throughout the year. Learn what to bring to the potluck and where to meet at https://www.sfvs.org/events-details/september-ggp-potluck-2025


Saturday, September 27
Sonoma County VegFest
You will not want to miss this wonderful, annual celebration of compassion!  Come to the Santa Rosa County VegFest and spend the day with people who care about animals, the earth, health and non-harming.  The food, talks, cooking demos, vendors and community will be at the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building (1351 Maple Ave., Santa Rosa) from 11 AM to 4 PM on Saturday, September 27.  All ticket sales ($15; $10 for seniors, students, low income;  free for children under 13) are tax deductible contributions to the not for profit Compassionate Living).  See their new logo, learn more and buy your tickets  at https://socovegfest.org/

Hold the Date and 
Note the New Venue
Saturday, November 1
World VEGFest
The San Francisco Vegan Society will hold its World Vegan Fest on Saturday, November 1 at the SMC Event Center (1111 Gough) in San Francisco.  Confirmed speakers include: chef and activist Miyoko Schinner, compassionate living advocate and author Colleen Patrick Goudreau, plant-based athlete Robert Cheeke, comedian Steven Marcus Releford, author and educator Will Tuttle, author and advocate Jan Allegretti and film maker and Vegan Hacks podcaster Jason Kartalian.  Tickets go on sale after Labor Day.   https://www.sfvs.org/worldveganfest


Amy's in Corte  Madera Closed

Marin's only vegetarian restaurant has closed. Amy's in Corte Madera is no more.  According the Marin IJ, Super Duper, a San Francisco-based burger chain  has filed an application to take over the site.  Here's the news from the Chronicle:  https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/amys-kitchen-closes-bay-area-drive-thru-21022053.php And here's the IJ story: https://www.marinij.com/2025/08/28/amys-drive-thru-closes-in-corte-madera/

YVES Veggie Cuisine Ends Operation
One of the earliest makers of veggie dogs, deli slices and meat substitutes is shutting down.  Read about the announcement and the reaction to it at http://vegnews.com/yves-veggie-cuisine-closing


Two Michelin Starred Restaurants
One Vegan, One Formerly Vegan
New York City's famous, three Michelin starred restaurant 11 Madison Park has brought animal based foods back to its menu after four years as a vegan fine dining destination.  Vegan dinners are still on offer, but so are dinners with animals on the menu. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/13/dining/eleven-madison-park-meat.html?unlocked_article_code=1.d08.cVi8.CCPwu5-LGBw0&smid=url-share
At the same time, in Paris, France, the renowned three starred L'Arpege has gone all vegan (except for honey from the restaurant's pwn beehives).  https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/news/french-chef-michelin-star-paris-restaurant-plant-based-vegan/


Why Are Vegan Restaurants Closing?
An insightful article in VegNews explains why so many vegan restaurants have closed. Interviews with vegan restaurant owners tell the story that is playing out from coast to coast.  https://vegnews.com/vegan-restaurant-closures



Chef AJ and Victoria Moran
For an update on Chef AJ and her cancer diagnosis, I recommend this (albeit long) interview with Victoria Moran.  Victoria also had a cancer diagnosis a few years ago, and her honest and warm conversation with Chef AJ - about vegans getting sick and getting well - touched me deeply.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqlEuOZtoms


Vegan by Necessity
A bite from one variety of tick is making people severely allergic to dairy and meat.  Add necessity to the list of reasons people go vegan.
The fallout from this phenomenon is affecting whole communities. I found this article interesting.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/12/dining/marthas-vineyard-alpha-gal-tick-bites.html?unlocked_article_code=1.dk8.2Lq7.R_ux67yzDCv3&smid=url-share

Reeses Pieces Now Dairy Free (But Not Vegan)
Even though dairy is no longer an ingredient, the coating of each piece is still made with confectioner's glaze which is made from insect secretions (lac, the root word in shellac).  Read the whole story at https://vegnews.com/reeses-pieces-dairy-free-hershey

Vegan Chef Challenge in Marin (reprinted from August Newsletter)
The Vegan Chef Challenge is coming to Marin in October.  If you enjoy dining out in Marin, consider asking the owners of your favorite restaurants to join the challenge. This is from Darshan Brach who is spearheading the campaign: The Marin Vegan Chef Challenge is gearing up!  A small group of volunteers is now reaching out to Marin restaurants to invite them to join the Challenge (which requires putting 3 new vegan options on their menus for the month of October).  If you know any Marin restaurant owners/chefs/managers at a restaurant that really needs some vegan options and might be open to it, please encourage them to join us.  They can get information at https://veganchefchallenge.org/marin/.    Also let your friends (vegan and non vegan alike!) know the Challenge is coming up in October and we are hoping everyone goes out to eat (and vote) at participating restaurants during that month.  Restaurants are more likely to keep options on the menu if they are well received!  If you have any other ways to promote/talk up the event, please do.  Contacts:  Darshan at darshb13@gmail.com or Aurora at auroradoyon@gmail.com.  Updates to follow - we'll let you know which restaurants have joined so that you know where to go to sample the new vegan delights!




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