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Veggie Fest Returns!

By John DiGilio in Food on Aug 9, 2012 8:30PM

2012_8_DiGilio_VeggieFest.JPG One of North America's biggest meat-free celebrations is back for 2012 and it promises to be bigger and better than ever. Veggie Fest Chicago (OK, so it's actually in Naperville. We did not name it!) returns this weekend with an exciting program of events, speakers, cooking demonstrations, and, of course, veggie vendors. Whether you are truly a vegetarian or vegan or you simply like the occasional meatless treat, Veggie Fest offers something for everyone.

This year's Vegetarian Food Court promises to please tastes from the mundane to the exotic. Whether you are looking for veggie pizza, Mexican delicacies, frozen treats, or simmering dishes from the Far East, they have it on the menu. We are looking forward to sinking our teeth into the vegetarian tempura, complete with vegan "shrimp" from Sophie's Kitchen, the veggie sushi at Sensei's Sushi Parlor, and baked vegan delights from Vermont's Cafe Indigo. NadaMoo! will also be on hand sampling their dairy, soy, wheat, and sugar free frozen confections. Sign us up!

Speakers include doctors, authors and experts on everything from gardening to cooking to the health benefits of vegetarianism in general. Featured is His Holiness Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, who will be giving two keynote speeches: one on "Meditation as Medication for the Soul" and the other, "Spiritual and Physical Health Through Vegetarianism". The athletically-inclined may want to be sure to catch Dr. Kunwarjit Singh Duggal's talk on how plant-based foods can benefit their active lifestyles.

Add to all of this the numerous cooking demonstrations, family events, and live music and you can see what Veggie Fest Chicago has become such a draw. The food and fun kick off this Saturday at 11 AM and run through Sunday at 8 PM. Get there early and stay late. Best of all, admission is free. So do your diet and your wallet a favor and don't miss out!

Veggie Fest Chicago will be located on the grounds of The Science of Spirituality Meditation Center, 4S 175 Naperville-Wheaton Road, Naperville, IL 60653.