Last Saturday was the 6th edition of the Los Angeles Vegan Beer and Food Festival and it was a major hit! We were psyched to find out that this year’s festivities would be at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, which is closer to home for us and also a major landmark I had yet to check off my list. Despite a major growth spurt since last year, where the fest took place in aWest Hollywood parking lot, the event still sold out yet again! I’m sure this was wonderful news for the curators of the beer fest but it comes as no surprise, as the vegan and craft beer scene in LA has been growing exponentially in recent years.
Check out my post from last year’s beer fest to learn more about vegan beer.
Over 60 breweries and 50 food vendors made an appearance on the field and we were up for the challenge! This year, we brought friends so we could try the maximum amount of food possible without exploding. We managed to get our hands on tons of delectable vegan food, but these are my top 5…
#5 Maple Bacon Fauxnuts from Real Food Daily
I LOVE Real Food Daily and I would seriously eat there daily if I could afford it. This was the first tent I visited on Saturday – before we even got any beer! Their sliders were delicious as well, but nothing comes close to their fauxnuts. I had to restrain myself from returning for seconds so I could save room for more food from other vendors.
Maple bacon fauxnuts from @officialrfd #vegan #VeganBeerFest
#4 Deep Fried Brussel Sprouts with Pesto Sauce from Rabbit Hole
Everyone was talking about the deep fried brussel sprouts and I’m so glad I got my hands on some! I tried a delicious buddha bowl from Rabbit Hole at last year’s Vegan Oktoberfest and was once again impressed by the delicious flavor combinations.
One of my fave snacks of the day! Deep fried brussel sprouts with pesto sauce from @rabbitholecafe #VeganBeerFest A photo posted by WhatVegetariansEat.com (@whatavegetarianeats) on
#3 Lemon Curd Cupcakes from Life Is Sweet Bakeshop
Whoa! These cupcakes were super moist and very lemony! I rarely bake or eat sweets but this was totally worth the splurge – and let’s be honest, that’s really what a food festival is all about right?! I wish Life Is Sweet Bakeshop was located closer to me but for these cupcakes, it would definitely be worth the trek.
#vegan Lemon curd cupcake from @lifeissweetoc @veganbeerfest
#2 Mac ‘n Cheese from Lusty Vegan
The ever elusive vegan mac and cheese that actually tastes like the creamy deliciousness we grew up with it. Lusty Vegan has nailed it! (pun intended! lol)
Mac ‘n cheese from Lusty Vegan #VeganBeerFest @thelustyvegan A photo posted by WhatVegetariansEat.com (@whatavegetarianeats) on
#1 Asian BBQ Tater Tots from Tony’s Darts Away
These tots were at the top of my list from the fest last year and I was thrilled they were on the menu. Tater tots are arguably one of the best munchies ever and Tony’s Darts Away knows how to deck them out right with sweet and spicy asian bbq sauce – SO GOOD!
Tater tots from Tonys Darts Away @tonysdartsaway Wasabi ginger dipping sauce and Asian BBQ #VeganBeerFest #veganfoodshare #munchies
Did you attend the beer fest? What were your favorite bites of the day?
Angie
Great list! I really loved the pizza from 800 degrees.