You don’t make friends with salad!

Bart Simpson

Well, actually, you can!

A report from the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, published earlier this month, discussed the significant impact that agriculture, and particularly livestock production, is having on the environment. The message? It’s time to think more about our food choices!

So what’s the vegan scene like in Perth? It was my mission to check it out. And who better to do that with than our best (vegan) friends who were visiting from the east. But I haven’t eaten meat for some years now (and I don’t miss it) so I thought the best way to get a really objective opinion was to see if I could convince the carnivorous husband to alter what he eats…at least for the weekend!

Northbridge Brewing Company, Northbridge 

A rainy afternoon (a rare event in Perth) meant we had to take shelter inside for lunch. Usually pubs offer a vegan option, and it’s called hot chips. Not very inspiring. But at NBC we had the pleasant surprise of numerous animal-free options. Today’s special…$6 vegan pizza with any drink! I’d rave about this place on a value for money basis alone, but it was actually very tasty as well. I didn’t even mention the beer!

The Raw Kitchen, Fremantle 

Plastic-free gift shop, vegan and raw food menu and a yoga studio, all wrapped into one funky converted warehouse. The Raw Kitchen’s tasting plate was epic, the Thai-style curry was delicious, and the chef’s special miso was delightful. Not to mention the extensive range of sweets available to take home. Note to self…vegan cake makers know their stuff!

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Chez Gianatti, Our House 

So after much inspiration all weekend, it was my turn to step up. I took one of my favourite vegetarian dishes and found a way to make it vegan friendly. This spanakopita got a massive thumbs up and was as easy as pie (no pun intended).

So if veganism or going full vego seems like a stretch for you at the moment, try taking small steps and find ways to just reduce your carnivorous behaviours. Jordan did it! We all can do it! Olive on the other hand didn’t seem at all impressed with my suggestion that she lower her meat intake…or food consumption in general.