National Vegetarian Week

It is now summer, the time of year for breaking out the barbecue and enjoying hamburgers and hot dogs. Yet, delicious as meat is, the amount of water, animal feed and energy that is required to bring roast pork or beef steaks to our table is an incredibly inefficient use of resources. And as the world population begins to nudge seven billion and natural resources come under ever-increasing strain, the benefits of choosing a meat-free lifestyle seem that much more sensible. But giving up meat or developing a diet with a reduced amount of meat is still quite a difficult choice for a lot of people to make. The image of vegetarians as pale, weedy beanpoles is laughably outdated but is one that sticks in people’s minds.

However, this year’s National Vegetarian Week, from 24 to 30 May, aims to dispel some of the myths about vegetarianism and to provide ways in which to incorporate a larger amount of vegetable-based dishes into your diet.

On the evening of Thursday 27 May, The Window in Islington will be hosting a Vegetarian Food Fair. Entry is free, although any donations to the not-for-profit organisation are welcome. Here you will be able to taste vegetarian canapés and sushi as well as learning about how to put together a nutritious vegetarian diet. For the adventurous, there is the chance to learn how to make sushi. Food will be served from 6pm-10.30pm (or until stocks last).

Many restaurants are also involving themselves in the week with special menus being created to fit the theme. The Cinnamon Club has created a garden menu, available 17 to 30 May. It contains six courses and features edible flowers in the form of zucchini flowers and rose petals, which are combined with exotic spices. The menu costs £60 per person and the venue also has a basement bar, in which you can enjoy cocktails incorporating botanical ingredients.

If you’re looking for something even more exotic, head along to the Saki Bar & Food Emporium in Westfields. Here you will be able to enjoy a seven-course Shojin Kaiseki tasting menu (£65 per person). Shojin Kaiseki is an integral part of Japanese cuisine but has rarely found its way onto Western menus due to the specialist skills needed to execute the dish.

For those on a budget, Mango Tree offers a two course menu for just £20.50. The menu has been created by executive chef Mark Read and features chickpea and roasted butternut squash yellow curry and wheat-bean stir-fry with king oyster mushrooms, snake bean and chilli paste, among others.

The Window
13 Windsor Street (off Essex Road)
Islington
N1 8QG

Tel: 020 7288 7008

The Cinnamon Club
The Old Westminster Library
30–32 Great Smith Street
Westminister
SW1P 3BU

Tel: 020 7222 2555

Saki Bar & Food Emporium
4 West Smithfield
Barbican
EC1A 9JX

Tel: 020 7489 7033

Mango Tree
46 Grosvenor Place
Belgravia
SW1X 7EQ

Tel: 020 7823 1888