The American Vegan Society and Vance “V for Veg” Lehmkuhl are pleased to launch citywide voting in the 2019 Philly Vegan Awards (PVA) at VeganBallot.com. Greater Philadelphia food lovers, vegan or not, are invited to vote, and to nominate their favorite venues in categories including “Best New Vegan Restaurant” and “Best Philly-Made Vegan Cheese.”

This second biennial extravaganza, which culminates in a ceremony at the Friends Center (1515 Cherry St.) on Friday, November 1^st at 7 p.m. celebrates the best of Philly’s ever-growing, nationally renowned vegan food scene. Vance Lehmkuhl will emcee the proceedings. Awards presenters are: Bestselling author Michael Greger, M.D., cookbook and TV legend Christina Pirello, Philadelphia Vegfest founder Richard Rogers, and hard-rocking vegan food-event pioneer Eleni Vlachos.

As in the first PVA event in 2017, the ceremony will be preceded by vegan-food sampling by some of the region’s finest plant-based purveyors. Ticketed attendees and guests will enjoy treats and small bites from favorites such as Love Again Local (above), Crust Bakery, Atiya Ola’s Spirit First Foods(left), LUHV Vegan Deli, Batter and Crumbs café(below), FiliKale kale chips and more. Christina Pirello, who graces the cover of the current American Vegan magazine, will sign copies of the issue, free to attendees.

The life of plant-based pioneer Alfoncie B. Austin will be celebrated in a special segment on the recently passed founder of Basic 4 Vegetarian Snack Bar, which acquainted Reading Terminal Market shoppers with vegetarian and vegan alternative foods from 1981 to 2012.

Mayor Kenney has been invited to read his office’s official proclamation of November 1^st as Philly Vegan Day. Among other special moments, one young “future of food” pioneer will be selected and celebrated with the invaluable aid of Richard Landau of Vedge.

Tickets are available at AmericanVegan.org. All proceeds from the event will go directly to support the American Vegan Society’s cuisine initiatives program. Join us as we celebrate the rich tradition of great vegan food in Philadelphia!