Head to Pittsburgh VegFair to get a taste of this summer’s big plant-based celebration

PHOTO BY DISTRIBUTED PHOTOGRAPHS

IIf you’re craving plant-based food, check out Pittsburgh VegFair this Saturday. Consider it an appetizer before the main course, the Pittsburgh VegFest in August.

On May 4 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., vendors and vegheads will gather in an indoor and outdoor area at Rockwell Park at North Point Breeze. The 24-acre mixed-use development is located across the street from the event sponsor East End Food Co-op.

With VegFest now in its 10th year, organizers wanted to give people a taste of what’s to come during the big anniversary party on August 10 at Allegheny Commons Park, the historic Green space on the north side that has just been upgraded. Between 8,000 and 10,000 people are expected.

Although the free fair is a scaled-down version of the free festival, there will be differences. Most noticeably, there is a place to plant yourself. In addition to live entertainment, skateboarding demonstrations, games and activities for children and adults, there will be seating areas for people to enjoy their farm-grown food. No pets other than service animals are allowed at the event, so please bring a dog bag.

The vendor area will include 75 wellness advocates, nonprofits and local vegetarian eateries such as ShadoBeni, Pitaland And Moodz Co., a vegan spot that recently opened at 2210 E. Carson St. on the South Side. This is not to be confused with Pilez, the new takeout restaurant from Oakland that, while tasty, is quite a lot the opposite of good food.

MOODZ CO. IS OPEN ON THE SOUTH SIDE | PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

I visited Moodz on Monday and it was really true did lift up my spirit. There are hanging chairs at a table in the back and the colorful smiley face decor reminds me of my Trapper Keeper from fifth grade. I’m still warming up to vegan food, but I enjoyed a Buffalo CHKN Sandwich with an oyster mushroom masquerading as poultry. It looks like a fried bird even when you slice it, but the consistency is much mushier. My mouth was in disarray, but that didn’t stop me from devouring my lunch in less than a minute.

BUFFALO CHKN SANDWICH AT MOODZ CO. | PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

Leila Sleiman, who founded VegFest in 2015 with friend and fellow animal advocate Natalie Fristick, says most attendees are like me: carnivores curious about the herbivore diet. although several vegan places are closed in recent years there is still a lot of tasty food available.

VegFair and VegFest help businesses and customers connect through plant-based treats.

“Just come out and enjoy the day,” Sleiman says. “Eat something you’ve never tried before.”