Vegans in Brisbane are probably only too familiar with Loving Hut, the only truly 100% cruelty-free restaurant in town. If I had to write a one-sentence review of the eatery it would go something like this: once you have been for a meal at Loving Hut I can almost guarantee you will become a regular. It is that good.

From inari sushi to pumpkin soup, Loving Hut has all bases covered. During my many visits I have delighted in dishes such as faux-chicken nuggets, fresh rolls, salt and pepper mushroom and french fries… and these items are just from the snacks list. Don’t get me started on the main meals. Spaghetti bolognese, crispy chow mein, curry and laksa. It is an eclectic, imaginative and delicious menu.

One of the crowning glories of the Loving Hut menu has to be the mini vegan cheesecakes. I would argue there isn’t a finer vegan dessert in the whole of Australia. If I walk out of there with only one chocolate cheesecake you know I have shown immense restraint. With three flavours on offer, you would be a strong person to depart the premises without one of each in a take away container. I am so smitten with these mini pieces of heaven I am yet to commit any serious thought to the ice cream sundae on offer or the cupcakes that occasionally appear.

Now that you are aware of the glorious vegan food delights of Loving Hut Brisbane, I have a piece of news so exciting it might have readers from cities and towns across Australia planning a road trip. On May 9, 2010 Loving Hut are holding one of their famous all you can eat buffet events. Along with some of their more popular menu staples, the restaurant will serve up new savoury dishes, special desserts for the event and a selection of beverages.

Loving Hut Mother’s Day Buffet

Sunday May 9, 2010

2/1420 Logan Rd
Mt Gravatt QLD 4122
(07) 3219 4118

Adults $26

Under 12 $13

Under 5 Free

Bookings essential

The buffet will be spread over two sittings. If you are unable to attend lunch between 11am – 2pm, make a booking for dinner between 5pm – 8pm. Get a group of friends together, make a booking and enjoy some of the finest compassionate food available in the country. See you there!

Amanda Benham - accredited practising dietitian and vegan business owner

As a vegan, you have to be well-equipped with snappy responses, compelling stories and often the latest scientific data when confronted with the all too familiar question: “So, why are you a vegan?”

We all have our favourite responses. Every vegan has a unique and highly personal story they are usually more than happy to share. I can’t recall the number of times I have described the story that changed my eating patterns forever. Those poor chickens scrambling from the overturned truck couldn’t possibly have known how their suffering splashed across the evening news helped me in my evolution to eat cruelty-free. I have no hesitation in trundling out that well-worn tale of woe as part of my quest to help other people find their way to a more animal-friendly diet.

But sometimes tugging at the heart strings isn’t quite enough. If people are to give up factory farmed flesh, they need to know what is in it for them. It appears to be the way of the world we live in. People want to know how they will benefit from making compassionate food choices. This is where Amanda Benham can step in to help us fine tune our argument.

Amanda (proud owner of the Brisbane-based vegan grocery store The Green Edge) is an accredited practising dietitian who has made it one of her life missions to alert people to the health benefits of a plant-based diet. Her expertise and compassion have assisted many people in their journey to live healthier lives in a sustainable, planet-friendly way. I caught up with Amanda recently to discuss an upcoming free seminar she is hosting at her store during May.

Titled The how and why of plant-based eating, the seminar will explore the concept of plant-based eating and why it is booming in popularity. Amanda explained to me how she intends to give practical advice on how to maximise the health benefits associated with this type of diet. She wants to share what she sees as “vital information for anyone seeking a happier, healthier future for themselves and the planet”. So not only will Amanda arm you with the tools to be a healthier vegan, she will be giving you a few trade secrets for the next time someone wants to know what’s so special about saying no to eating animals.

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The how and why of plant-based eating

Monday 10 May, 2010

6:15pm – 8:30pm

The Green Edge 3/191 Wardell Street, Enoggera

Email: info@greenedgeonline.com.au     Phone: (07) 3855 5755

This is a free event. Booking is required

[Editor's Note: You can find this event and others like it in Brisbane and all over Australia on the vegaroo! events calendar.]

Are late-night, take-away food binges the one thing holding you back from eating cruelty-free 100% of the time? Well, be conflicted no more. One enterprising vegan named Justin has made it a whole lot easier to stay the course in Brisbane.

Hellhound Hotdog is a fabulous business supplying delicious, plant-based hot dogs to bar patrons and concertgoers in the inner city. Justin has taken it upon himself to invest his energies (and I imagine a decent chunk of cash) into bringing a glorious, old-fashioned hot dog cart to the streets of the river city. For just $5 you can buy your very own Redwood-brand hot dog nestled within a delicious bun, topped with mustard and/or ketchup.

Whether your style is dashing between the late night dance clubs of Fortitude Valley or casually parading along Boundary Street in West End, your time to enjoy compulsive, straight-from-a-cart food has arrived. Once you have drained your final drink of the evening and stumbled gracefully into the warm night air, keep your hungry eyes peeled for the red and white delight that is Hellhound Hotdog.  Your stomach (and the animals) will thank you for it.

Follow Hellhound Hotdog on Twitter for latest news and trading locations.