THAI DINNER/DISCUSSION

Please join us for a Thai dinner at Just Spring Roll (next to the theatre at Park Lane) on Sunday, March 18, at 6:30 pm. Usually closed on Sunday, they will be making a special dinner for us at a special price, $15. The menu will follow, but be assured that it will be unique. This is the only Thai restaurant recommended on our website and, yes, they are a member of our discount program.

Only two weeks since our successful dinner at Chez Tess, but Sarah Hoffman, a grad student in Philosophy at Carlton working on research related to food in modern society, is visiting on the weekend and will join us to lead a discussion. Everyone welcome but seating is very limited, so reserve as soon as possible at halifaxvegetarians@gmail.com.

Chez Tess dinner

Our first dinner of 2012 will be held 6 pm. Sunday, March 4th at Chez Tess, 5687 Charles Street, Halifax. The cost for the buffet will be $15, plus tax and gratuity. If you choose to add dessert and other beverages, they are extra. Our guest speakers are Jessie Doyle and Seth Graham of Fruition (known for their kale chips at the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market).

Please reserve soon at halifaxvegetarians@gmail.com as seating is limited.

Everyone is welcome.

The menu (vegan friendly) follows:

Savory Crepes, to include Gluten Free as well as Gluten/Dairy Free

Fillings:

Spanakopita- Baby Spinach and Feta in a Light Garlic Cream
Portabello- Marinated Mushrooms, Roasted Red Peppers and Spinach
Roasted Vegetables- Balsamic and Olive Oil Roasted Garlic, Peppers, Onions, Mushrooms and Zucchini
Mousaka- Light Breaded Eggplant and Grilled Potatoes with Marinara
Seasoned Basmati Rice Pilaf with Cheddar

Assorted warm Sauces for Crepe Topping

Fresh Garden Salad with assorted Vinaigrettes

coffee/tea

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Welcome to our blog, which we have been unable to access for the last few months. To bring you up to date, we held dinners at Salvatore's Pizzaria in October and at Estia in November, while attending the Wellness Expo, also in October.

Our plans for 2012 are ambitious and will include dinners in the HRM as well as the South Shore and Valley, catered events and potlucks. As always, we will include interesting guest speakers to increase our knowledge, especially as most will relate to a vegetarian lifestyle.

Hope that you will join us.

SPECIAL DINNER AT SATISFACTION FEAST

Satisfaction Feast will close and Sunday, September 11th is the final day.

Sarita has provided Halifax with a fine vegetarian restaurant for 30 years and to celebrate this achievement we are hosting a special dinner on Friday, September 9th at 6 pm. No special menu, as many of you have your favourites, and no special pricing, although current members receive a discount through our discount program. No guest speaker, although we may share some memories.

Everyone is welcome. If possible, please reserve a place at halifaxvegetarians@gmail.com
Note - this is a celebration and not a wake.

Dinner at the Mid East

Last year the Halifax Association of Vegetarians returned to the Mid-East Food Centre to enjoy a dinner in their expanded dining area, and it was one of our most popular dinners in 2010. We will return to the Mid-East (corner of Agricola and North) on Friday, August 26th at 6 pm for our last dinner of the summer.

Choose any 4 items from the 10 menu items listed (expanded from the 7 available last year), and the cost, including a drink, is $12 per person, $10 for members, and (gasp!) these prices include tax!
Menu (9 of the 10 are vegan)

1. Stuffed Grape leaves - Calrose Rice with herbs and spices
2. Mjadra Timan - Rice Lentils with caramelized onions
3. Mjadra Burgle - Wheat Burgle with Chives and Spices
4. Buryani Veggie* - Basmati Rice Eggplant potato onions yogurt and spices
5. Tabouli Salad - Parsley tomatos onion cracked wheat oil and spices
6. Hummus - Chic Pea salt garlic and Tahini
7. Mus'aa - Eggplant onion tomato chic pea and spices
8. Timan Bagelah - Basmati Rice green fava Dill and spices
9. Fuol Mudammus - Fava Beans with Onion and tomatos
10. Samosa - Hot spices mixed with Potatos peas and spices
CASH PAYMENT ONLY. Everyone welcome, but space limited so reserve early to Nancy at halifaxvegetarians@gmail.com

August Events

The Halifax Association of Vegetarians is offering a potluck and a
dinner in the month of August.

The potluck will be held in Glen Margaret (near Peggy's Cove) at 12
noon on Saturday, August 13th. Please bring the recipe for your dish
so we can indicate vegetarian/vegan and make copies, if requested.
Reserve by email (halifaxvegetarians@gmail.com) and receive directions. Please also indicate
if you need transportation or can offer it.

Our next dinner will be a return to the Mid East at 6:00 pm on Friday,
August 26th. This will be our last event of the summer. More
information on this dinner, as well as the guest speaker, will follow.

Raw Foods Dinner at the Heartwood

The Halifax Association of Vegetarians is hosting a raw foods dinner
at the Heartwood on Wednesday, June 29th at 6:30 pm with guest
speaker, raw foods or "living cuisine" consultant Georgia Barnwell.
This is an excellent opportunity to be introduced to this diet, which
is growing in popularity across Canada.

The dinner special will be a raw foods salad/dip platter. It will
consist of a spinach/lettuce salad with nuts, veggies, local sprouts
and a lemon tahini dressing. Along with the salad we will serve a
fresh basil guacamole and a seed/nut pate. Specially made flat breads
will be served along with the dips. For dessert we will have a raw
foods nut/dried fruit ball with coconut.

The cost of the dinner will be $16, plus the cost of beverages, tax
and gratuity. HAV members can use their membership cards for a 10%
discount on this dinner, and for future visits to the Heartwood.

Send reservations to halifaxvegetarians@gmail.com

New Documentary

Forks Over Knives is playing at Halifax cinemas starting on June 10th! We're very excited to see this pro-vegetarian documentary.

Visit the website to see what it's all about. www.forksoverknives.com

Dinner in Wolfville, May 21st

Hello Members and Friends,

For our dinner in May, we are joining with the Veggie Potluck Group from the Valley for a special dinner, to be held on Saturday, May 21st at 6:00 pm., at the Ivy Deck Cafe in Wolfville. Seating will be for 20, divided between our two groups, and consist of the following:

Wolfville Dinner Menu:

Greek or Mandarin Salad/ or vegan soup

Entree - Spanakopita or vegan moussaka

Dessert - choice of many desserts made by the Ivy Deck, including lemon squares, rum balls, carrot cake, vegan and non-vegan cheesecakes, and vegan gluten free cupcakes

Cost is $20 per person, plus beverages, tax and gratuity

Owen Bridge from Annapolis Seeds will be the guest speaker (subject to confirmation).

Please reserve as soon as possible by email since seating is limited.

halifaxvegetarians@gmail.com

MEXICO LINDO BUFFET

HAV is hosting a vegetarian/vegan buffet, 6 PM on Monday, April 18th (Monday -Ana's only day off) at Mexico Lindo (3635 Dutch Village Road). We return to Mexico Lindo each year because this unique buffet is fabulous! The buffet break-down is included below. The cost of the buffet (including drink and dessert) is $16.50 (+ tax) per person. If interested, please reserve early by return email.

BUFFET MENU:

MANGO AND PEAR SALAD
In a bed of greens slice mango, pears and pecans. Dressed with Honey.

POBLANO CREAM SOUP
Creamy soup made with poblano peppers and corn nibbles.

EMPANADAS
Corn tortilla pockets filled with spinach and cheese. Garnished with salsa and chopped cabbage.

ENCHILADAS
Corn tortilla soaked in tomato salsa and filled with green pepper and corn topped with melted cheese, onion and sour cream.

IMPOSSIBLE CAKE
A cake and a flan together! With or with out milk goat caramel.

VEGAN features of the buffet:

CHIPS AND SALSA

SOY CEVICHE
Cooked soy protein mix with tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeno peppers and a zest of lime juice

MEXICAN RICE
Rice fried in salsa and diced vegetables

BLACK BEANS
Refried Black beans

EMPANADAS
Corn tortilla pockets filled with potatoes. Garnished with salsa and chopped cabbage

ENCHILADAS
Corn tortilla soaked in tomato salsa and filled with green pepper and corn.

NOPALITOS (Cactus Salad)
Slice tender cactus mixed with tomato, onion, and cilantro

AGUA FRESCA (House Drink)
Jamaica flavor, made from dry petals of the Hibiscus flower.

CHINESE VEGETARIAN DINNER

Our next dinner will take place at 6:00 pm. on Sunday, March 6th. We are returning to Lui's Formosa Gift and Tea House, the only completely vegetarian Chinese restaurant in the HRM, which is located at 278 Wyse Road (corner of Albro Lake Rd.) in Dartmouth. They are usually closed on Sunday, but will open for our dinner.

The dinner last year included a Chinese Tea Ceremony, which is not included this time. However, Jeffrey has agreed to teach us a sentence or two of Chinese during the dinner, which will consist of a sampling of their many menu options and some not on their regular menu. The cost is $15, plus tax and gratuity. Space is limited to 20 places, so please reserve early at halifaxvegetarians@gmail.com.

January Korean Dinner

Happy New Year from the Halifax Association of Vegetarians. Our first dinner of 2011 will be held at Song's Korean Restaurant, 6249 Quinpool Rd. on Thursday, February 3rd at 6pm. New in 2010, this restaurant has been receiving excellent reviews.

The vegetarian and vegan friendly menu will include a choice of salad or veggie dumplings to start, then specifically made for us- fish-sauce free kimchi, miso soup, then egg or tofu topped BiBimPap (a rice and vegetable dish with Korean hot sauce that is added individually to taste), followed by a choice of many teas. The cost is $15.00 plus tax and gratuity.

Please e-mail halifaxvegetarians@gmail.com to reserve a place.

Annual Festive Dinner at Satisfaction Feast

We are once again holding our annual FESTIVE DINNER at Satisfaction Feast, 3559 Robie Street (one block north of Lady Hammond). The date is Saturday, December 4th at 6:30 PM.

This is a three course dinner including: soup as the appetizer, vegetable tofu pot pie, mashed potatoes with gravy and cranberry sauce as the main course, and a choice of their famous truffles, peanut butter balls or carob balls for dessert.

The dinner is vegan adaptable. The cost is $18.00 for the full portion or $15.00 if you choose to order the main course with smaller portions. Tea and coffee included. Other drinks are an additional cost as well as taxes and gratuity. Payment is accepted through cash, debit or credit card.

We welcome both members and non-members to join us. Please note that there is limited seating, so reserve early for this festive vegetarian dinner by email. halifaxvegetarians@gmail.com

Speaker to be announced.

www.satisfaction-feast.com

Dinner at Lui's

The next dinner will take place at Lui's Formosa Gift and Tea House located at 278 Wyse Road (corner of Albro Lake Rd.) in Dartmouth, 5:00 pm., Sunday, October 17th. They are usually closed on Sunday, but will open for our dinner, which will begin with a Chinese Tea Ceremony. This is the only completely vegetarian Chinese restaurant in the HRM, so we will have the opportunity to sample their many menu options. The cost is $15, plus tax and gratuity. HAV membership cards will not apply to this special dinner, but Lui's regularly offers members a 10% discount. Space is very limited, so please reserve a place at the dinner as soon as possible.

Dinner at the Mid East

The Mid-East Cafe is welcoming us back on Friday, August 27th at 6 pm. This will be our last event of the summer.

It has been a few years since our previous two dinners at the Mid East. Now with new ownership and a redesigned cafe, our return promises to be a special dinner of the summer. The price is UNBEATABLE, the quality is EXCEPTIONAL, and the atmosphere is INVITING! Don't miss out!!!
______________________________
_________________MENU__________________

Choose any 4 items for $10.00 per person!
- NO TAX -
1. Grape leaves (rice, oil, spices)
2. Mjadra (lentil, rice, onion)
3. Binjani Rice (Basmati rice, yogurt, eggplant, potato, onion, tomato, spices)
4. Tabouli Salad (Italian parsley, tomato, onion, cracked wheat, oil, spices)
5. Hummus (chick pea, salt, garlic, tahini)
6. Vegetarian Samosa {hot} (stuffing of potato, peas, spices)
7. Cracked wheat with tomato and onion

8. Mus'a'a (eggplant, onion, tomato, potato, chick peas)

* Please note any extra items will cost $2.00

*Please note drinks are an extra cost and the cafe is not licensed for alcoholic beverages.
** Also, CASH ONLY. Neither credit card or debit.

Our speaker will talk about prominent vegetarians of the past.
Everyone is welcome, but please reserve at halifaxvegetarians@gmail.com

ENVIRONMENTAL DINNER AT THE HEARTWOOD

We can now confirm that in keeping with our environmentally focused dinner at the Heartwood next Tuesday -July 27th - at 7 pm, our guest speaker for the evening will be Gretchen Fitzgerald, the Director of the Sierra Club - Atlantic Canada Chapter. Her presentation topic is titled "Eat Your Greens - Vegetarianism and the Green Movement".

The menu includes:

Thai Green Curry with local organic tofu and seasonal veggies, served on organic brown rice
Mango and Green salad using local greens and veggies with fresh cilantro
Local strawberries with a coconut macaroon base served with organic chocolate sauce.
The cost will be $15 with beverages, tax and gratuity being extra (please note that members receive a 10% discount on this dinner).

Everyone is welcome, but if you have not already done so, please reserve at halifaxvegetarians@gmail.com

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Community Garden Fair

HAV will be attending a "Community Garden Fair" hosted by Megan Leslie, MP Halifax.

Sunday, June 20th, from 1pm to 3pm, at the Bloomfield Centre Multipurpose Room, 2786 Agricola Street (corner of Agricola and Almon Streets, across from the Royal Bank).

Look for our booth where we will be handing out free vegan goodies!

HAV Tabling Event

Your HAV Team will be attending this year's Dandelion Festival.

We will have an information booth at the 'Dandelion Festival Celebration' from 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm on Saturday, May 8th. The celebration will be held at the George Dixon Center (2501 Gottingen Street, Halifax).

For more information about the fair, please visit: http://dandelionfestival.org/

Spring Luncheon!

Happy Spring!

We are pleased to announce our first luncheon. Please join us in celebrating the arrival of Spring with a lunch served at noon, on Saturday, May 15th, at Humani-T Cafe (5755 Young Street, Halifax).

For $10.95 (plus tax) you'll be treated to a lovely lunch consisting of...

- A panini made on stone ground whole wheat bread: (vegan panini: pan seared tofu slices with pesto, avocado, tomato and lettuce OR

vegetarian panini: tomato & brie with garlic mayo, basil and baby spinach)
- Soup OR salad (two soups and two salads will available to choose from)

- One piece of Swiss dark chocolate (vegan)

- One scoop gelato OR sorbeto (vegan options available)
- Tea OR coffee

Our guest speaker will be Nemat Sobhani, the owner of Super Natural Foods and Humani-T Cafe. He will speak to our group about supplements and in particular he will discuss herbal supplements.

Spaces are limited so please RSVP to halifaxvegetarians@gmail.com.

Let's celebrate Earth Day over dinner!

The Halifax Association of Vegetarians (HAV) would like to invite you a dinner in celebration of Earth Day!

Local Source Market (5783 Charles Street, Halifax) will be opening their doors to our group on Saturday, April 24th. They will be serving a vegan/vegetarian and locally-produced dinner, starting at 6:30 pm. The dinner will include tapas/mezza, "family style" salad, main course, and dessert with tea/coffee. The cost is $26 per person (this price includes tax and gratuity). The event is BYOB, so feel free to bring a bottle of wine (better yet, a Nova Scotian and/or organic wine!). Wine glasses will be provided.

In keeping with our environmentally focused dinner, our guest speaker for the evening will be Gretchen Fitzgerald, the Director of the Sierra Club - Atlantic Canada Chapter. Her presentation topic is titled "Eat Your Greens - Vegetarianism and the Green Movement".

Within the environmental community, debate rages on regarding the benefits of vegetarianism/veganism versus being a "locavore" - eating foods grown or raised by local farmers. Many of us have stood in the grocery store debating the benefits of imported soy milk versus organic milk or even locally raised free-range turkey versus tofurky. The issues facing modern environmentalists are the same as those encountered by vegetarians and vegans: adopting a "different" or "constraining" set of ethics in a culture that values consumerism and choice. However, environmentalists definitely do not make the same choices when it comes to their eating habits. This may in part be due to the variety of people in the movement. For example, the origins of environmentalism in the Western world are linked to hunting and fishing traditions (protecting wilderness so their are more animals to hunt) and, to some degree, early scientific endeavors involving collecting specimens to document the diversity of life - the so-called "natural history with a gun." In my experience, some environmentalist do not become vegetarians to avoid the "granola" stereotype or because they feel they have already changed their lifestyles substantially in other ways to protect the Earth. My talk will discuss whether the choice to be vegetarian is always healthier for the planet, and point to options that will eliminate the need for choosing between buying local and being vegetarian/vegan.

This dinner has a limited number of seats, so reserve your spot(s) early! (Email halifaxvegetarians@gmail.com).

Vote Now!

Dear Vegetarians,

The Coast's annual Best of Food reader's poll is now open (until March 29). Don't forget to cast your vote in support of all of your favorite vegetarian eats in Halifax. Let's get some veggie nominations in for all of the categories!

http://www.thecoast.ca/halifax/best-of-food-2010/Content?oid=1532693

Your Halifax Association of Vegetarians Team

Mexico Lindo Buffet... round 2!

Our buffet scheduled for March 1st is at max capacity! Thanks to all those who RSVP'd early. However, to accommodate all those who still want to indulge in this unique buffet, we've scheduled a second buffet at Mexico Lindo to occur on Monday, March 15th, at 6:30 PM. The menu will be identical to the one included in our last blog post. To save your spot for the second buffet, please email us (halifaxvegetarians@gmail.com).

Mexican food buffet!

HAV is hosting a vegetarian/vegan buffet on Monday, March 1st, at 6:30 PM, at Mexico Lindo (3635 Dutch Village Road).

HAV returns to Mexico Lindo each year because this buffet is fabulous! The buffet break-down is included below. The cost of the buffet (including drink and dessert) is $16.50 (+ tax) per person. If interested, please reserve by email.

Our guest speaker will be Amanda Dainow, a Clinical Herbal Medicine student who will speak to the group about "Natural First Aid for Dogs and Cats" and "Holistic Care for Companion Animals".

BUFFET MENU:

MANGO AND PEAR SALAD
In a bed of greens slice mango, pears and pecans. Dressed with Honey.

POBLANO CREAM SOUP
Creamy soup made with poblano peppers and corn nibbles.

EMPANADAS
Corn tortilla pockets filled with spinach and cheese. Garnished with salsa and chopped cabbage.

ENCHILADAS
Corn tortilla soaked in tomato salsa and filled with green pepper and corn topped with melted cheese, onion and sour cream.

IMPOSSIBLE CAKE
A cake and a flan together! With or with out milk goat caramel.

VEGAN features of the buffet:

CHIPS AND SALSA

SOY CEVICHE
Cooked soy protein mix with tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeno peppers and a zest of lime juice

MEXICAN RICE
Rice fried in salsa and diced vegetables

BLACK BEANS
Refried Black beans

EMPANADAS
Corn tortilla pockets filled with potatoes. Garnished with salsa and chopped cabbage

ENCHILADAS
Corn tortilla soaked in tomato salsa and filled with green pepper and corn.

NOPALITOS (Cactus Salad)
Slice tender cactus mixed with tomato, onion, and cilantro

AGUA FRESCA (House Drink)
Jamaica flavor, made from dry petals of the Hibiscus flower.

Welcome to 2010!

HAV is pleased to announce our first event of the year: a dinner at The Wooden Monkey on Tuesday, January 26th at 6 pm.

Our guest speaker is Geordie Ouchterlony, founder and owner of Home Grown Organic Foods (HGOF). He will speak about eating locally and organically. The Wooden Monkey will provide us with a special menu featuring their vegetarian choices. They were voted the top veg friendly restaurant by readers of the Coast , and many of you have been requesting a dinner at the Wooden Monkey, so we expect it to be popular.

Reserve early via return email.

Festive Dinner 2009

We are once again holding a FESTIVE DINNER at Satisfaction Feast, 3559 Robie Street (one block north of Lady Hammond) and this year our guest speaker is Aurélie Pare, author of The Healthaliciously Good Cookbook. Aurélie has been interviewed on radio and television and won two recipe contests, with the winning recipe in one case going out to over one million people.

The date is November 28th, Saturday at 6:30 PM

This is a three course dinner including soup as the appetizer; vegetable tofu pot pie, mashed potatoes, with gravy and cranberry sauce as the main course; and a choice of their famous truffles, peanut butter balls or carob balls for dessert.
The dinner is vegan or vegan adaptable. The cost is $18.00 OR $15.00 if you choose to order the main course with smaller portions.
Tea and coffee included. Other drinks are an additional cost as well as taxes and gratuity.

No price differential this time and both members and non members welcome
* Payment - cash, debit or credit card There is limited seating, so reserve early for this festive vegetarian fall dinner by emailing halifaxvegetarians@gmail.com.

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October Update

October has been a busy month for association members and friends. An impressive potluck was held at the home of Sarah and Paul Bitove on October 11th, Thanksgiving weekend. On the following weekend, October 17 and 18, our booth at the Wellness Expo encouraged a vegetarian diet for greater health and longer life. Finally, we will be meeting for dinner at Bramoso Pizza (Quinpool Shopping Centre, 6169 Quinpool Rd.) on Wednesday, October 28th, 6 - 8 pm for a members only dinner, but you can renew or obtain a membership at the dinner. No speaker, but we will have a short annual general meeting, and discussion about our future direction. All eight of Bramoso's vegetarian pizza's will be available for sampling and, as their crust does contain eggs, we will also offer our own vegan crust with a choice of their many toppings.

Our cost is $15 each, plus beverages, tax and gratuity. A bargain for "all you can eat" pizza sampling. Bramoso is a member of our discount program, enabling members to receive a 10% discount from their regular pricing on return visits.

Dinner at The Wooden Shoe

Following our spectacular success in June with the raw foods dinner at the Heartwood, we took our usual time off during the summer. With fall beginning, it is time to announce a dinner at The Wooden Shoe, a new restaurant in Bayers Lake that features Dutch cuisine. We will meet on Friday, September 25th from 6:00 - 8:00 pm to enjoy a 3 course dinner including a choice of two soups, their signature pannekoek (peasant's version of its cousin the French crepe) with choice of toppings, and a choice of two desserts. All for $15 each, plus the cost of beverages, tax and gratuity. When reserving to halifaxvegetarians@gmail.com, please indicate if you prefer the vegan version of this dinner. Seating is limited to 24, so reserve early and avoid disappointment.

Andy Radin, a researcher in organic agriculture at the NS Agricultural College, will be our guest speaker, speaking on the subject of food self sufficiency in Nova Scotia and the importance of food as a cultural force.

Raw foods dinner at Heartwood

The Halifax Association of Vegetarians is hosting a raw foods dinner at the Heartwood on Wednesday, June 17th at 6:30 pm with guest speaker, raw foods or "living cuisine" consultant Georgia Barnwell. This is an excellent opportunity to be introduced to this diet, which is growing in popularity across Canada.

The dinner special will be a raw foods salad/dip platter. It will consist of a spinach/lettuce salad with nuts, veggies, local sprouts and a lemon tahini dressing. Along with the salad we will serve a fresh basil guacamole and a seed/nut pate. Specially made flat breads will be served along with the dips. For dessert we will have a raw foods nut/dried fruit ball with coconut.

The cost of the dinner will be $15, plus the cost of beverages, tax and gratuity. HAV members can use their membership cards for a 10% discount on this dinner, and for future visits to the Heartwood, as this popular vegetarian cafe will join our discount program following the dinner.

Send reservations to halifaxvegetarians@gmail.com

Sample the cuisine of Mexico on March 30th

Buenas dias
Winter lingers and all of us cannot go to Mexico, so we have arranged for a buffet of Mexican cuisine to be available for our members and their guests at Halifax's own Mexico Lindo restaurant, located at 3635 Dutch Village Road (across from the previous site of Halifax West High School). The dinner will be held on Monday, March 30th, as Ana Jiminez-Jenkins ( the owner) is closed on Monday, so is free to create recipes for our buffet that are not normally available. Please mark this date on your calendar, come dressed in your Mexican attire (if you wish) and bring your favourite Mexican recipe to share with others. While we are enjoying coffee or tea, our guest speaker, Jack Potter from the Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association (MISA), will talk about the work of MISA and how immigration is increasing diversity in Halifax. As this is a buffet, any remaining food will be available for members and guests, so be prepared by bringing a storage container. Reservations are required at halifaxvegitarians@gmail.com as space is limited.
Mexico Lindo buffet menu – Monday March 30, 2008 6:30 PM
* denotes vegan choices

*chips and salsa
*soup Tarasca (black bean soup with chipotle)
*cactus salad (pickled cactus, tomato, onion, jalapeno and cilantro)
*Tamales (corn flour dough filled with spinach and cheese, steam cooked in a corn husk)
Enchiladas (corn tortillas filled with green pepper and corn, topped with salsa and melted cheese)
*Mexican rice (rice fried in tomato salsa and corn)
Harvest salad (apples, pineapple, celery and pecans, topped with sour cream)
*Veggies in green salsa (carrots, zucchini, green beans, onions, tomato cooked in green salsa
Flan (Mexican style cream of caramel topped with goat milk carmel)
*Agua fresca (fresh fruit drink – flavour depends on the market) one 16 oz. serving included

price for each person $15.00 plus HST
coffee and/or tea additional $1.25

We look forward to seeing you there.
The HAV team

Festive Dinner 2008

Once again we are holding a FESTIVE DINNER at Satisfaction Feast and, this year, our guest speaker is Savayda Jarone, prominent Nova Scotia herbalist, who will speak on herbalism and vegetarianism.

Where ? NEW LOCATION
3559 Robie Street (one block north of Lady Hammond)

When? December 6th Saturday

Time? 6:30 PM

What? A three course dinner including soup as the appetizer; vegetable tofu pot pie, mashed potatoes, with gravy and cranberry sauce as the main course; and a choice of their famous truffles, peanut butter balls or carob balls for dessert.
The dinner is vegan or vegan adaptable.

Cost? $16.00 OR $14.00 if you choose to order the main course with smaller portions.
Tea and coffee included. Other drinks are an additional cost as well as taxes and gratuity.

Satisfaction Feast is one of a growing number of restaurants and cafes in Halifax to give a discount to HAV members. The discount does not apply in this case, as Sarita, owner of Satisfaction Feast is already giving us special pricing on this dinner.

• Payment - cash, debit or credit card
  

There is limited seating, so reserve early for this festive vegetarian
fall dinner by emailing halifaxvegetarians@gmail.com.

Thanks!

the HAV team.

Wellness Expo a Success

Our booth at the Wellness Expo on Saturday and Sunday, October 18th and 19th, was busy. This was our third year at the show, and it enabled us to increase our visibility. We were able to answer a wide range of questions about vegetarianism and our association, in addition to increasing our membership.

We presented two vegetarian dinners for two at Tarek's Cafe as prizes again this year, thanks to the support of Tarek. He has been very supportive of the Halifax Association of Vegetarians and both of his cafes are in our discount program for members.

Our Veggie Taste Challege at Planet Organic having been the focus of the association in September, it has been some time since we have offered a dinner for the membership. Good news! We are planning our Annual Festive Dinner at the Satisfaction Feast for early December and will be back to you soon with the details.

Vegetarian Taste Challenge

The Halifax Association of Vegetarians and Planet Organic are working together to offer you the opportunity to taste a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan foods. We are calling this our vegetarian taste challenge, since most Nova Scotians eat only 12 - 15 recipes and repeat them every week. Ironically, the most common question asked of vegetarians is "what do you eat, if you don't eat meat?".

We are challenging you to taste some new foods, all vegetarian and most vegan. You will want to add some of these to your regular diet for better health, longer life, and especially because of the great taste.

There is no charge and members of the Halifax Association of Vegetarians (HAV) will be available for those who wish to learn more about vegetarian and vegan diets. Drop by at Planet Organic (upstairs) on Sunday, the 28th of September, between 2:00 and 5:00 PM.

Picnic Today

We hope that you received a notice of our picnic today as it's a great opportunity to enjoy some great veggie food and friendly company next to the ocean.

WHAT? A Saturday Picnic/Potluck
WHERE? Point Pleasant Park (by the lower Parking Lot)
WHEN? Saturday July 5th at 2pm

We look forward to sharing food, ideas, stories, recipes, and more.
All are welcome, so feel free to bring along your family and friends.

June Successes and July Picnic

Our Music and Pizza evening on Friday, June 13th was very successful, as we enjoyed the music and food provided by John Dalton of Big Life Whole Foods. The Muffin Bake Off, held on Saturday, June 21st, a shared event with The Grainery, Halifax's natural foods cooperative, was also enjoyable with six contestants supplying the delicious muffins. Yes, we are posting the recipes on our website with the next update.

Our summer plans include a picnic in July (subject to weather) and a dinner featuring the foods of Cumberland County, that will be held at the Art Gallery in Parrsboro on a Saturday in August. We will post more information on these events in an upcoming blog.

All of our members receive regular emails concerning our events, additions to our discount program and other benefits. If you have not yet joined, there is no better time. Enjoy the Nova Scotia summer and the great vegetarian food offered here, using your membership card for a discount makes it less expensive and identifies you as a vegetarian.

Music and Pizza Date Change

We have decided to move our Music and Pizza Dinner to Friday, June 13th at 6:30 pm (no, we are not superstitious), so note that date on your calendar and join us for the food and music noted in our previous blog.

Pizza and Music

This year we have enjoyed many firsts: a potluck with the Halifax Vegan Potluck Group, a dinner at Mexico Lindo and a brunch at the Turkish Delight. Our next event is another first for the association, as we are offering a catered dinner. Big Life Whole Foods, that are popular at the Halifax Farmers Market for their vegetarian baked goods, pizzas and soups will create food for the dinner to be held at the Universalist Unitarian Church of Halifax at 5500 Inglis Street on Friday, June 6th at 6:30 pm. As a year has passed since our first annual general meeting, we shall have a short (yes, it will be short) second annual general meeting. John Dalton, the owner of Big Life Whole Foods, will speak about his business and provide music for the evening.

The dinner will include a red lentil with organic vegetable soup; a garden salad featuring local and organic ingredients; a choice of four slices from the eight pizzas being offered that include pepper/black olive, zucchini/red onion/sun dried tomato, mushroom/roasted garlic/sun dried tomato, artichoke heart/sun dried tomato/black olive, pepper/mushroom/onion and three cheese; and finally apple crisp made with spelt flour and choice of coffee or tea.

The pizzas are made with either porridge/multigrain, spelt, or a mix of five gluten free flours and there are gluten free and vegan options. The cost for the dinner is $20.00 ($18.00 for members) and reservations are needed, so reserve soon as space is limited.

We have ambitious plans for the balance of 2008, including a dinner on a Saturday during the summer at a gallery in Parrsboro featuring Cumberland County ingredients; a dinner at the Wooden Monkey in the fall that will include Geordie Ouchterlony of Home Grown Organic Foods as our guest speaker; a dinner in Lunenburg County and a return to the Satisfaction Feast for our annual Festive Dinner. All of these, as well as our other events and discount program will include savings for members, so join or renew your membership by contacting us at halifaxvegetarians@gmail.com

Be kind to animals, don't eat them (The slogan for Vegetarian Journal)

Join us for brunch at Turkish Delight

Following our successful buffet dinner at Mexico Lindo, perhaps our most successful dinner to date, we are meeting for brunch at Turkish Delight (5680 Spring Garden Road), so mark 1:00 PM on Sunday May 4th on your calendar and make your reservation with our secretary as early as possible, since seating is limited to twenty-nine.
Unlike Mexico Lindo, where we were treated to a buffet of foods not on the menu, the Turkish Delight will give a 10% discount from the menu to members of our association and will then join our discount program, so that members can continue to enjoy the discount on return visits.
We have no guest speaker for the brunch, but ask that you bring your favourite cookbook or recipe to share with others. At our potlucks, you get a chance to sample some recipes, but this will give you a chance to take note of recipes that have worked for other Halifax vegetarians and vegans.

Sample the cuisine of Mexico on April 7th

Buenas dias
Winter lingers and all of us cannot go to Mexico, so we have arranged for a buffet of Mexican cuisine to be available for our members and their guests at Halifax's own Mexico Lindo restaurant, located at 3635 Dutch Village Road (across from the previous site of Halifax West High School). The dinner will be held on Monday, April 7, as Ana Jiminez-Jenkins ( the owner) is closed on Monday, so is free to create recipes for our buffet that are not normally available. Please mark this date on your calendar, come dressed in your Mexican attire (if you wish) and bring your favourite Mexican recipe to share with others. Ana has agreed to be our speaker, while we are enjoying coffee or tea. As this is a buffet, any remaining food will be available for members and guests, so be prepared by bringing a storage container. Reservations are required at halifaxvegitarians@gmail.com as space is limited.
Mexico Lindo buffet menu – Monday April 7, 2008 6:30 PM
* denotes vegan choices

*chips and salsa
*soup Tarasca (black bean soup with chipotle)
*cactus salad (pickled cactus, tomato, onion, jalapeno and cilantro)
*Tamales (corn flour dough filled with spinach and cheese, steam cooked in a corn husk)
Enchiladas (corn tortillas filled with green pepper and corn, topped with salsa and melted cheese)
*Mexican rice (rice fried in tomato salsa and corn)
Harvest salad (apples, pineapple, celery and pecans, topped with sour cream)
*Veggies in green salsa (carrots, zucchini, green beans, onions, tomato cooked in green salsa
Flan (Mexican style cream of caramel topped with goat milk carmel)
*Agua fresca (fresh fruit drink – flavour depends on the market) one 16 oz. serving included

price for each person $15.00 plus HST
coffee and/or tea additional $1.25

We look forward to seeing you there.
The HAV team

Successful Planning Meeting and Vegan Potluck

Our Directors meeting on Jan. 27th established our goals and aims for 2008. We held five dinners, two potlucks and two outreach events during 2007. In 2008 we plan to increase this to six dinners, six potlucks and six outreach events. The dinners may include locations outside the Halifax area (we discussed a Lunenburg County restaurant and have since had the suggestion of a Cumberland County dinner featuring foods from that area of Nova Scotia). The potlucks will offer variety and will again include a picnic. Events will vary from another appearance at the Wellness Show to an appearance at the Halifax Farmers Market.

We decided that more advance notice was needed and will attempt to put together a six month schedule. Directors Meetings will now be held at 2 PM. on the last Saturday of each month. The locations will be posted and members invited to attend.

Our first potluck of the year was held on Sunday, February 3rd in cooperation with the Halifax Vegan Potluck Group. It was very successful with a doubling of the normal attendance. Many of our Facebook group made their first appearance at a HAV sponsored event. We have added this excellent potluck to the events page on our website as it is held every second week and deserves support.

Happy New Year

Welcome to 2008, a year for adding new vegetarian recipes to your diet. To make this easier, we are planning a potluck in conjunction with the Dal Vegan Potluck Group, which will be held on Sunday, February 3rd at the Women's Centre (time and directions to follow). This will give you a chance to add new recipes and share your favourites. Please insure that they are vegan, so we can all enjoy them.

On Sunday January 27 (the Sunday prior to the potluck), the Board of Directors are meeting at 2pm at the Daily Grind on Spring Garden Road to discuss goals and plans for HAV. Members are encouraged to attend and to contribute to the discussion, as this will result in a stronger association. Hope to see some of you there!

Finally, Joe Mrkonjic, the owner of SeaLife Sea Plants, is working with the chef of a popular downtown Halifax restaurant to create a unique menu for a dinner that we will be enjoying in February. Joe will be our guest speaker at the dinner. I expect to announce the location, time and price of the dinner in my next posting.

Record Attendance at Festive Dinner

Our annual Festive Dinner held at the new Satisfaction Feast on Friday December 7th was our biggest dinner to date with thirty members and guests filling the restaurant. The food was impressive thanks to Sarita and her staff, who managed to satisfy everyone. The choice of larger or smaller servings is rarely given in restaurants today, but was offered to us and provided savings in cost and waste. With the Satisfaction Feast stressing local and organic when possible, the dinner was an environmental, as well as a vegetarian success.

Dr. Anne Houstoun spoke to us on the health benefits of a vegetarian diet. The fact that vegetarians live longer healthier lives was documented in the Public Policy Statement of the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada Position on Vegetarian Diets. This report and a Vegetarian food guide rainbow was provided to each of us by Dr. Houstoun. We are in her debt for this report, as well as the time she gave us for her thoughtful presentation and individual discussions. If you missed the dinner, but would like to receive this printed information, please request it from our secretary.

I found it interesting that the policy statement indicated that 2.5% of adults in the USA and 4% of adults in Canada follow vegetarian diets. If this is the average for all of Canada, the average in Halifax would be much higher. Our current membership of just over fifty has considerable potential for growth.

We will be back to you in January with our 2008 events including a January dinner. In the meantime, use your membership cards over the holiday for discounts at the restaurants, cafes and other businesses in our discount program.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Annual Festive Dinner

It's Dinner Time at HAV !

Once again we are holding a FESTIVE DINNER at
Satisfaction Feast and, this year, our guest speaker is
Dr. Anne Houstoun, who will speak on the health benefits
of being a vegetarian.


Where ? NEW LOCATION
3559 Robie Street (one block north of Lady Hammond)

When? December 7th 2007

Time? 6:30 PM

What? A three course dinner including soup as the appetizer;
vegetable tofu pot pie, mashed potatoes, with gravy and
cranberry sauce as the main course; and a choice of their
famous truffles, peanut butter balls or carob balls for dessert.
The dinner is vegan or vegan adaptable.

Cost? $15.00 OR $13.00 if you choose to order the main course with
smaller portions.
Tea and coffee included. Other drinks are an additional cost as well
as taxes and gratuity.


Satisfaction Feast is one of a growing number of restaurants and cafes
in Halifax to give a 10% discount to HAV members.
The discount does not apply in this case, as the Satisfaction Feast
is already giving us special pricing on this dinner.

• Payment must be made with cash or debit

There is limited seating, so reserve early for this festive vegetarian
fall dinner by emailing halifaxvegetarians@gmail.com.

Thanks!

the HAV team.

September and October Review

Wellness Expo
Our attendance at the Wellness Expo (previously NS Good Health Show) was the highlight of our fall activities. For a second year, Shivaraj and Kundalini (the owners of the show) made our booth possible by supporting our association. This enabled us to increase our membership and raise the profile of vegetarianism.
The show was held on the weekend of October 19-21 and attracted thousands of health conscious Maritimers. For a second year, thanks to Tarek, we awarded two dinners for two at Tarek's to visitors to our booth that entered our draw. In addition, thanks to Robert Webber, Director of the Yoga Loft, we awarded five yoga classes at the Yoga Loft to another lucky booth visitor.

Website
We launched our new website in May, but as our webmaster soon moved to Toronto, the site sat idle and in need of updating for several months. After posting a request on kijiji, we found two webmasters that are now sharing the responsibility. David Kristof, a Halifax native, and Sudhanshu Singh, a native of India that comes to us via Saskatchewan. Sudhanshu is a lifelong vegetarian. Both have now joined as directors of our association. The recommended restaurants with photos and maps, and an interactive element to our site are the first of many changes that will make the site essential viewing for the thousands of vegetarians living in Nova Scotia or visiting our area.

Membership and Discount Program
We now have a laminating machine, thanks to our treasurer, Jesslyn Fowlie, which enables us to provide laminated membership cards. This is increasingly necessary, as our discount program for members continues to expand to more veg-friendly restaurants (and other shops and services) in the Halifax area and across Nova Scotia.

Update

Over the next few days we will be updating this blog, and including the activities that have taken place, since Jessica (our secretary that created this blog) left on her travels. We'll also be adding information on our upcoming events, such as the upcoming festive dinner at the Satisfaction Feast's new location on Robie Street, and recent developments regarding our website and discount program.

Mid-East Food Centre Dinner

~~ Action Packed August ~~



Thank-you to all who made it out for the PICNIC/POTLUCK event this past Sunday at Point Pleasant Park! The weather was just perfect and the food was fabulous. I'm always amazed when there are never two of the same dishes!

Although it may seem like we are hosting two August events, in fact, the Picnic was held over from July! So, mark your calendars once again because on August 17th look forward to a devine dinner at the Mid-East Food Centre! A year ago to date we held the same event and it proved to be the most popular thus far! Even more popular than our Pyramid Cafe Brunch!

The Mid-East Food Centre has welcomed us back and we're hoping for repeat success! With an expanded dining area, maybe this will be our biggest event yet! The price is UNBEATABLE, the quality is EXCEPTIONAL, and the atmosphere is INVITING! Don't miss out!!! Furthermore, Mid-East has agreed to offer the same menu choices as last year, making it a nostalgic treat for those who were there and a new memory for those who weren't!



______________________________
_________________MENU__________________

Choose any 4 items for $8.00 per person!
- NO TAX -


1. Grape leaves (rice, oil, spices)
2. Mjadra (lentil, rice, onion)
3. Binjani Rice (Basmati rice, yogurt, eggplant, potato, onion, tomato, spices)
4. Tabouli Salad (Italian parsley, tomato, onion, cracked wheat, oil, spices)
5. Hummus (chick pea, salt, garlic, tahini)
6. Vegetarian Samosa {hot} (stuffing of potato, peas, spices)
7. Cracked wheat with tomato and onion


*Please note drinks are of extra cost and the restaurant is not licenced for alcoholic beverages.
** Also, CASH ONLY. Neither credit card or debit will be accepted.

___________________________________________________________
[I've made my 4 choices ... and I bet your deciding yours right now!]



What's more is you can also anticipate an informative talk by a guest speaker from the Ecology Action Centre's Food Miles Committee who will be speaking on the ecological benefits of vegetarianism!!!

Simply reply to this email to reserve your spot for this exciting event as it will only go ahead if reservations are received.

As always, feel free to email with any questions, concerns, or comments!



For now,

Cheers and Happy Eating,
the HAV team

Picnic/Potluck TOMORROW!

Join us as Point Pleasant Park Tomorrow at 1pm for a fun PICNIC/POTLUCK!

The event, originally scheduled for last Sunday has be rescheduled for TOMORROW, SUNDAY, AUGUST 5th!

Please join us - we look forward to seeing you there!

For more information see previous posts or email halifaxvegetarians@gmail.com

___________________________________________________________

Postponed Picnic/Potluck

Hello Veggie Friends!

Regretfully, due to weather, we have made the decision to postpone the Picnic/Potluck event planned for today at Point Pleasant Park. I apologize for the short notice and anticipate seeing each of you on our alternative date, Sunday, August 4th with picnic dishes in hand!

Until then,

Cheers and Happy Eating,
t h e HAV t e a m

SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS OR EMAIL halifaxvegetarians@gmail.com

PICNIC/POTLUCK

PICNIC & POTLUCK
-TWO IN ONE EVENT-



WHAT? A Sunday Brunch Picnic/Potluck
WHERE? Point Pleasant Park (by the lower Parking Lot)
WHEN? This Sunday - July 29th at 1pm
DETAILS? Plates,cutlery and cups made from recycled paper will be
available for those who do not bring their own.



Along with many others, HAV has been anticipating this fun filled event! We look forward to sharing food, ideas, stories, recipes, and more with you, your families, friends, and maybe even your dog?!?!

What if rain spoils our plans?! No problem, we'll just hold the same event at the same time on the following Sunday, August 5th.

We apologize for the late notice. Have you any questions, please feel free to email halifaxvegetarians@gmail.com

We look forward to this great opportunity to enjoy fresh veggie food and friendly company by the ocean's breeze and the sun's warmth.


Until Sunday,


Cheers and Happy Eating,
t h e HAV t e a m

Announcements!!!

Our last event on Sunday, June 24th, 2007 at the PaperChase Cafe was another great success!


The PaperChase provided us with a DELICIOUS specialty menu offering a wide selection of vegan food (minus the carrot cake!) all at AMAZING prices. I didn't hear a single complaint! A special thank-you to everyone who came out! For those of you who couldn't attend - we look forward to seeing you at next month's event - a PICNIC/POTLUCK!!! This will be a great event to get out and enjoy the nice weather while endulging in delicious vegetarian foods and good company!

Also, we have an IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT concerning HAV's membership rates. It has very recently been decided that the current yearly membership rates are increasing as of August 1st, 2007 due to the membership cards doubling as a Discount Cards.

- Student/Senior: from $5 to $15
- Individual: from $10 to $20
- Family: from $15 to $25

Therefore, this is a prime time to become a HAV member!

We have other things under works, so keep checking back for updates and details about the Discount Card and Events!!!

until then,
Cheers and Happy Eating!
t h e HAVt e a m

PaperChase Details

Hello Veggie Friends!

Just so you know ...

Everyone attending the PaperChase dinner on Sunday, June 24th, will get the discount - members and non-members alike!!! BUT, if you return to the Paperchase (which you know you will after trying their delicious dishes!) a discount will only be received by showing your fabulous Halifax Association of Vegetarians membership/discount card when ordering.

Also, the usual PaperChase system calls for making payment when ordering and the food is brought to your table, but not for the dinner. We will have table service and pay when leaving! How's that for HAV prestige?!?!

Cheers for now and we look forward to seeing you all there!!!

T H E HAV T E A M

Event Details!

The details you have all been awaiting!



What: A Delicious Discounted Dinner
Where: Paperchase Cafe
above the Paperchase News Kiosk
5228 Blowers Street, Halifax.

Date: Sunday, June 24th
Time: 6:30pm



I hope you are looking forward to this event because it is sure to be a success!

You can anticipate a specially designed menu just for the evening in addition to a 10% discount for all HAV members! :D

We have listed below your mouth-watering choices for you to ponder and plan in advance! (Try not to get to hungry just thinking about it!)


Soups (all vegan)
$3.49 regular or $2.00 small

sweet potato, squash and apple
curried zucchini
garlic, spinach and chick pea


Salads (all vegan)
$3.49 regular, $2.00 small
except greens salad:
$3.99 regular or $2.50 small:

organic greens with basil dressing
couscous with citrus basil dressing
three bean with balsamic & dill dressing

Main Courses
curry veggie burger, with small three bean or couscous salad - $5.99
dhal with curried veggies on basmati rice - $5.25


Desserts
carrot cake $3.45 regular or $1.95 small (not vegan)
3 tiger balls ... peanut butter and chocolate (vegan) [ Known as "devil balls" by staff as they are so irresistible!]
smoothies $3.79 (vegan)


YUMMMMMMMMMMY!!!
For those of you with nut allergies, please note that only the couscous and the tiger balls contain nuts!

Furthermore, your meal is entirely up to you - It is possible to have a soup and salad, without a main course, or combine in any way you wish!!! The cost of drinks, tax, and gratuity are not included in the above amounts. However, this is not surprising given their very reasonable prices. In fact, their prices have not increased in 5 years!!! WOW

After this delightful evening the Paperchase Cafe has even agreed to be part of our Discount Program! By presenting your card when ordering, members will receive a 10% discount on food purchases anytime after June 24th!

Finally, there is limited seating to this great affair so we request that you reserve your spot in advance by simply replying to this email!



We look forward to seeing you all soon!



Cheers and Happy Eating,
t h e HAV t e a m

Official Website Now Available

It's finally here!!!

www.halifaxvegetarians.ca

check out our NEW official website today

Also, stay tuned for upcoming events! Our next event will be in JUNE.

Potluck Announcement

We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming POTLUCK on April, 22nd!

In addition, we would like to announce that we will be holding our first annual general meeting (AGM) at the end of the potluck. This will be a very informal and short meeting but crucial to registering HAV as an official not-for-profit organization.

Also, please let us know by emailing halifaxvegetarians@gmail.com if you have any allergies you would like announced to potluck attendees. As of now, we ask people to refrain from bringing dishes containing nuts. If you do choose to make a dish with nuts, please ensure that you provide a little sign to place next to your dish announcing its contents. Sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation.

We look forward to seeing you all at 1545 Southpark St. between the Lord Nelson and the YMCA (you will need to walk underneath the building directly next to the Lord Nelson to enter 1545) at 6:30pm for delectable vegetarian dishes!



Cheers and Happy Eating,

t h e H A V t e a m

PotLUCK

Interested in a POTLUCK ???

I AM!
but then again . . . who isn't?

Let us know if you would like to join us for a vegetarian potluck in April?!

It's going to be FUN! Do you really want to miss out on FUN?

...

I didn't think so.

Drop us a line anytime at halifaxvegetarians@gmail.com for more details or even if you just want to chat veggie!


Cheers and Happy Eating!
the HAV team

Reminder!

DINNER at HEARTWOOD CAFE


For those of you who reserved, we look forward to seeing you tonight

Friday, March 9th at
6:30pm

for a delicious dinner at the Heartwood Cafe on Quinpool Road.

_____________________________


For those of you who haven't yet reserved, it is'nt too late! :)

We still have a few spots left so reply today and join us for a fabulous discounted meal and a guest speaker from the Herbalist Association of Nova Scotia !


Cheers and Happy Eating,
the HAV team