Eat Drink Vegan 10th Anniversary Slated for June 22 in Pasadena

By Terry Miller

I remember 30 years ago I was invited to a friend’s family reunion for Thanksgiving. Reluctantly, I agreed but forewarned the hosts I was a vegetarian.

My friend’s mother produced a feast for the assembled carnivores of 10 or so and when dinner was served I was handed a plate of raw carrots and cabbage.  Uncooked,  uninteresting and just plain thoughtless, I thought.  Stunned at the lack of creativity when there are so many options one can easily create, I quickly realized I am definitely in the minority and I have no one to blame than myself for not educating my hosts more succinctly.

As a vegetarians, we’re forever trying new foods and many honestly consider the Vegan option whereby NO animal product is involved.  It is a wonderful and fast growing industry and perhaps will just save this planet if more of us become conscious about how our food gets to the table and the glorious options that vegan foods offer.

I cannot think of a more wonderful event to attend this year at the Rose Bowl than the Eat, Drink, Vegan ( EDV).

This is a major showcase of incredible cuisine talent and an exceptional presentations of amazing drinks of all genres including my favorite, beer!

EDV started with humble beginnings: originally called the Vegan Beer and Food Festival, it was a small gathering in The Roxy Theatre parking lot on the Sunset Strip back in 2009. Nic Adler, vegan and owner of The Roxy, had a vision for a vegan beer festival where plant-based beer drinkers could enjoy a day of celebration that was worry-free of animal product.

#VeganBeerFest caught fire — and quickly grew and expanded. Today, Eat Drink Vegan is known as the “Vegan Coachella” for devoted fans across the country — it’s held at the Rose Bowl Stadium and Brookside Golf Course, and presented by Goldenvoice.

The festival features highly curated restaurants & food vendors, 250+ vegan beverages, and a plant-based marketplace that showcases everything from clothing & candles to packaged foods & skin care. And since 2015, EDV has expanded to include some additional events across the Los Angeles area, like LA’s Best Vegan Tacos, & the Vegan Grilled Cheese Block Party.

As EDV has grown from 400 attendees to over 10,000, the heart of who we are has never changed. EDV is a fun, safe venue to discover and enjoy the best plant-based food and drinks, great music, and a beautiful gathering of community.

Join us for our second annual EDV5K + Yoga!

On the morning of Eat Drink Vegan, join us for a run (or walk) around the Rose Bowl Stadium and Brookside Golf Course, followed by a cool down yoga session. Post-5K and Yoga, enjoy complimentary snacks & drinks at the Finisher’s Village featuring samples from Lagunitas Brewing Co., Follow Your Heart, Mountain Valley Water & more! Fuel up after running and before entering the festival! Each participant will also receive a signature EDV5K t-shirt.

Add on a ticket to Eat Drink Vegan for unlimited pours of 250+ beverages, curated restaurants and vendors, a plant-based marketplace, CBD Village, and more! EDV5K + Yoga participants who purchase an EDV ticket will receive early access to the event (12PM) along with EDV VIP ticket holders.

Culinary Stage is, arguably, one of Eat Drink Vegan’s biggest milestones to date. Roy Choi, Mary Sue Milliken, Shirley Chung, Bruce Kalman and Marcel Vigneron will be cooking and demonstrating their creations live for our 10th anniversary event on June 22.

Roy Choi: creator of Kogi taco truck; Tastemade TV and KCET’s ‘Broken Bread’; Netflix’s ‘The Chef Show’; Social: @chefroychoi

Mary Sue Milliken: co-owner of Border Grill; featured on Top Chef Season Three & KCRW’s Good Food; opening a new restaurant in Santa Monica called Socalo; Social:@marysuemilliken

Shirley Chung: owner of Ms Chi, Top Chef season 11, worked and opened restaurants for Thomas Keller, Guy Savoy; formerly Executive Chef Position at China Poblano, by Jose Andres; Social: @chfshirleychung

Bruce Kalman: Executive Chef at Union in Pasadena, James Beard nomination for “Rising Star Chef”, formerly cooking in Chicago (Okno, Green Dolphin Street and Coco Pazzo), Santa Fe, NM (Il Piatto) and Phoenix, AZ (Chelsea’s Kitchen); Social: @chefbkalman, @unionpasadena.

Marcel Vigneron: owner and chaf at WOLF; Syfy Network’s Marcel’s Quantum Kitchen; Bravo’s Top Chef and Top Chef All-Stars; Social: @marcelvigneron

Tickets:   https://gv.festivalticketing.com/boxoffice/?cref=16DB32C4-61FF-4BBE-A65B-35F3189BF362

What: Eat Drink Vegan – 10^th year

Where: Rose Bowl, Pasadena

When: Saturday, June 22,  Noon for VIPs,  2pm for GA

Website: https://www.eatdrinkvegan.com/

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