It's DC Veg Restaurant Week
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Photo by Jennifer Chase.
There’s no better time to “go green”
By Susan Able
DC’s Mayor Muriel Bowser has proclaimed May 7-14 as DC Veg Restaurant Week.
The celebration was declared by Mayor Bowser to recognize DC’s leadership in providing vegetarian and vegan cuisine and also to highlight the “global shift toward plant-centric food norms would help lower greenhouse gas emissions.” According the Mayor’s office, DC Veg Restaurant Week “presents an opportunity to celebrate those small businesses that are showcasing plant-based fare and making it more accessible to residents throughout the District.”
Participating restaurants will promote plant-based fare with prix fixe menus, new vegan specialty items, discounts and complementary menu items. And many restaurants are joining in, from fast-casual to fine dining spots. Think everything from PLNT Burger and Hip City Veg, to DC Harvest and Equinox. Black-owned Gangster Vegan Organics, RAWish and Sweet Sosumba are helping continue the rich tradition of Black veganism in DC.
For more information and the full list of participating restaurants, visit www.vegdc.org.
“DC Veg Restaurant Week encourages the public and community leaders to get to know and celebrate their neighborhoods’ healthy and planet-friendly dining options while supporting local businesses. ”
The co-hosts of the week are Dr. Oye Owolewa, the DC Representative in the US House of Representatives. Rep Owolewa is a pharmacist and a steward of public health, he provides leadership on issues like access to healthy and sustainable food. Chef Spike Mendelsohn is the other co-host. Known for Bravo’s Top Chef, The Food Network’s Iron Chef America and Beat Bobby Flay, he’s opened several restaurants in the DMV and chairs the DC Food Policy Council. Chef Spike most recently opened PLNT Burger with Seth Goldman to serve the DMV with delicious American classics that are better for people & planet.
The event is being organized by DC Voters for Animals Education Fund with seven partner organizations: Veg Society of DC, Plant Dining Partnerships, DefaultVeg, Animal Outlook, Jewish Veg, Farm Animal Rights Movement, and MBO Media. The event is made possible through the generous support of VSDC and the Healthier, Greener, Kinder Foundation.
