The Midwest thrives off its animal agriculture. Particularly, Nebraska has the highest rates of beef exports compared to anywhere in the United States. Fortunately, the vegan community has been growing ever since Isa Chandra Moskowitz opened her restaurant, Modern Love, two years ago. Omaha’s first ever vegan festival was held downtown just outside of the historic Old Market district on Monday, September 26th.
Yelp Omaha organized the Un-Meat Eats Festival with six locally-owned vegan-friendly businesses in Nebraska: B&G Tasty Food, Blatt Beer & Table, Catina Laredo, Fauxmaha Hot Dogs, High Vibe Care, Stickalicious Pops and Vegan Mouth.
Although admission was free with a RSVP on the Yelp app, a $10 donation to Homeward Bound in the Heartland, an animal rescue and no-kill shelter in Omaha, was suggestions. The event attracted over 250 attendees and raised over $1,100.
Danielle Corcione is a freelance writer and journalist.
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B&G Tasty Food, a burger-focused restaurant based in Omaha, served a slide version of its veggie burger with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, mustard, and ketchup.
Photo: Danielle Corcione
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Blatt Beer & Table, a locally-owned gastropub with three locations in Omaha, served currywurst and pickled coleslaw.
Photo: Danielle Corcione
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Blatt Beer & Table, a locally-owned gastropub with three locations in Omaha, served currywurst and pickled coleslaw.
Photo: Danielle Corcione
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Cantina Laredo, a Mexican chain restaurant with a location in Omaha, served veggie tacos with chips and guacamole.
Photo: Danielle Corcione
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Fauxmaha Hot Dogs, Nebraska's only vegan hot dog stand, served its classic dogs. Attendees were invited to add their own toppings.
Photo: Danielle Corcione
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Fauxmaha Hot Dogs, Nebraska's only vegan hot dog stand, served its classic dogs. Attendees were invited to add their own toppings.
Photo: Danielle Corcione
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Fauxmaha Hot Dogs, Nebraska's only vegan hot dog stand, served its classic dogs. Attendees were invited to add their own toppings.
Photo: Danielle Corcione
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High Vibe Cafe, a juice bar with locations in both Lincoln and Omaha, served nacho cheese kale chips and carrots with hummus.
Photo: Danielle Corcione
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High Vibe Cafe, a juice bar with locations in both Lincoln and Omaha, served nacho cheese kale chips and carrots with hummus.
Photo: Danielle Corcione
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House of Loom, a bar and nightclub blocks away from the downtown Old Market district, hosted the festival.
Photo: Danielle Corcione