Meatless Meetup serves vegan feast and ideas with Earthsave at Radha

Earthsave is a North American non-profit organization that advocates the consumption of a plant-based diet. Earthsave's advocacy is fueled by the notion that a vegetarian/vegan diet is the biggest way an individual can contribute to environmental conservation. The organization holds many events throughout the community, but none as popular and successful as their 'meatless meetups'.

For the holiday season, Earthsave decided to team up with popular vegan restaurant Radha for a very special festive gathering, which was so popular that it took over the entire restaurant and filled all 80 spots on the guest list.

The dinner at Radha took place on December 15 and featured an entirely vegan traditional holiday feast. The menu consisted of a seasonal greens appetizer, rosemary lentil nutloaf, mashed potatoes with miso gravy, cranberry jelly, roasted vegetables, and apple crumble for dessert.

Nancy, an Earthsave Meatless Meetup organizer, informed me that they hold these meetups "as a practical counterpoint to our educational outreach.  It's one thing to understand the environmental and ethical consequences of food choices and share our concern, but if you do not know what to replace your meat-centred diet with, then you are not going to get very far. That's why we showcase great plant-based meals at our events.”

Everyone from strict vegan to veggie curious is welcome to join these dinner events, and they have become quite a hit with the community.  Every few weeks the meetup organizers choose a different restaurant to host the dinner, which consists of a set vegan menu often including several samples of appetizers, mains, and dessert at an all-inclusive price ranging from $15 - $27. 

Taking local diversity into account, Earthsave aims to provide something for everyone.  They have 7 organizers, each in charge of creating different events that cater to specific crowds in Vancouver, from those under 25 to GBLT, and target various neighbourhoods throughout the city.

Earthsave’s meatless meetups are a great way to get acquainted with fellow vegetarians and a wide variety of vegetarian or vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Vancouver, as well as a laid-back way to be introduced to new cuisines.  The organizers are very accepting of all dietary choices, so even non-vegetarians are welcome.  They also make every effort to welcome people who are attending for the first time and make introductions throughout the group. 

If you would like to attend or want more information on upcoming events, visit the Meatless Meetup Website.