The menu is a collaboration between vegan restaurateur Matthew Kenney and KBW Ventures, a mission-driven investment firm founded by environmentalist Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed of Saudi Arabia.

Focusing on ‘innovative’ culinary concepts

The multi-course menu is available at the hotel’s Après Spa Café and is said to focus on innovative creations inspired by a range of global culinary concepts – with an added Qatari touch. 

The menu boasts a selection of appetizers and entrées, including green papaya salad made with basil, cilantro, and spinach leaves, and topped with cashew dressing; and truffle pizza with Tuscan kale, wild mushrooms, cashew truffle cream, and lemon vinaigrette.

Chef Kenney has also crafted a selection of vegan desserts for the hotel, offering a combination of treats made from orange, chocolate, coconuts, banana, and cocoa.

“My mission has always been to empower, inspire and influence others to cultivate a healthy and conscious way of life through plant-based cuisine,” explained Kenney.

“Bringing vibrant food that is equal parts delicious, nutritious and sustainable to Four Seasons Doha is the latest milestone in our conquest to change the way the world thinks about food.”

Increased plant-based offerings in time for the World Cup

The menu has launched ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in Qatar later this year. As one of the five host cities, Doha is expected to attract a large number of tourists from across the world.

In a recent press release, Prince Khaled said, “It is fitting that Folia, crafted to appeal to palates that have eaten the finest in healthy cuisine, is being presented at Four Seasons Hotel Doha now that Qatar is preparing to welcome the world for one of the biggest sporting events in history.”

He continued, “I look forward to seeing the Qatari plant-based dining scene elevated with Chef Kenney’s inspired dishes.”

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The collaboration sees the UK’s largest hotel brand adding vegan bacon to its buffet menu at all of its 800+ hotels.

The plant-based bacon rashers – which boast 25 grams of protein per 100 grams, and contain iron and vitamin B12 – were crafted by THIS using pea and soy protein.

The bacon will be available as part of Premier Inn’s all-you-can-eat buffet, as well as its kids-eat-free deal.

Hungry for meat-free options

It comes as a seemingly ever-growing number of Brits are making a conscious effort to eat fewer animal products. In fact, research released by Quorn in September found that 41 percent of families in the UK are flexitarian or meat-free.

Yet many want to see more plant-based food when dining out.

A census-wide survey conducted by THIS in May found that 75 percent of Brits wished hotels, cafes, and restaurants offered more plant-based options.

The same survey discovered that nearly half (48 percent) of UK residents are interested in eating plant-based sausage or bacon for breakfast.

“Breakfast is a great occasion for people to get together, and our well-loved breakfast is a great value and hassle-free way to do that,” said Simon Jones, managing director for Premier Inn.

“With the recent introduction of our new vegan bacon in partnership with THIS, there’s now even more choice so no one has to miss out!”

THIS co-founder Andy Shovel echoed this sentiment, saying that the partnership is “really promising and timely,” given the UK public’s rising interest in meat-free food.

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According to Chef’s Pencil, this year the data showed a slight decline in search popularity of vegan-related terms. But plant-based food sales are still growing.

This could be because flexitarian diets, which focus on the reduction of animal products rather than total elimination, are growing in popularity. 

Charlotte Lucas, a corporate engagement manager at the Good Food Institute Europe, told Chef’s Pencil: “As flexitarianism becomes more mainstream, with 40 percent of European meat eaters planning to eat less meat, it’s no longer only vegans and vegetarians who are recognizing that every meal is an opportunity to eat more sustainably.”

The UK leads the way for vegan food

In terms of “most popular countries for veganism in 2022,” the UK came out on top, closely followed by Germany and Austria. The US came in at number 11.

In the UK, it’s easier than ever for consumers to choose meatless items.

From McDonald’s to KFC to Pizza Hut, popular restaurant chains offer plenty of vegan products. And every single supermarket now offers plant-based items, including Tesco, the country’s biggest.

Derek Sarno, Tesco’s head of plant-based food innovation and co-creator of its vegan Wicked Kitchen range, said earlier this year: “The amount of choice these days is mouth-watering.”

“Almost every category within supermarkets now has plant-based options, making it easier than ever for those considering or switching to embracing more meat-free days of the week.”

The post Brighton Crowned ‘Vegan Capital Of The World’ For The First Time appeared first on Plant Based News.

NYC – home to upwards of eight million people – will encourage putting plants center-plate for the five days following March 20 (aka MeatOut Day). 

Select restaurants have launched vegan and vegetarian menus for the occasion. And a string of educational events are slated to take place across the city.

Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM) launched the MeatOut concept in 1985. The campaign was designed to raise awareness about the health and environmental benefits of plant-based eating. 

More than 40 cities and states have since signed up, including Colorado, Dallas, Los Angeles, Louisville, Philadelphia, and Texas.

A ‘plant-based future’

Eric Lindstrom, FARM executive director, applauded NYC’s involvement in the initiative.

“As a New Yorker myself, I am particularly proud of this proclamation,” Lindstrom said. “The advances Mayor Adams has made toward a plant-based future, and Vegan Fridays in New York City schools, align perfectly with our mission and the mission of MeatOut.”

Indeed, Adams has been following through on his promise to promote plant-based food since he assumed office on January 1, 2022. 

In February, the Adams-backed Vegan Fridays initiative rolled out across NYC’s public school system, which is the largest in the country. 

Under the program, more than 1.1 million K-12 students at over 1,700 schools will be served plant-based meals every Friday. Adams maintains that such approaches are vital in addressing the health crises that are weighing on children today.

“In one voice, we talk about fighting childhood obesity, diabetes yet you go into a school building every day and you see the food that feeds our healthcare crisis,” Adams said in January. 

“The children have been calling me and saying they want better food in schools, and I’m going to do the best I can to give them the options of a more healthier diet so we can stop feeding the crisis.”

Adams adopted a vegan diet himself in 2016, and thanked the move for reversing his diabetes diagnosis. The politician has since admitted he eats seafood sparingly, after reporters discovered he had been ordering fish at local restaurants.

“I am perfectly imperfect, and have occasionally eaten fish,” he said at a conference last month. 

Seafood consumption is a growingly controversial admission. Aside from the health risks linked to fish products – such as mercury, antibiotic, and microplastic concerns – the fishing industry has come under fire for its negative impact on oceans and marine life.

The post Eric Adams Declares March 20 A Meat-Free Holiday In New York City appeared first on Plant Based News.

The company, founded by two long-term vegans, has just relaunched a brand new site and is eyeing further expansion.

Vegvisits vs. Airbnb

The platform invites hosts around the globe to list rooms to entire homes, in a bid to make traveling easier for vegans and the ‘veg-curious’ alike.

It came after founders Linsey and Nicholas Minnella had difficulties finding food and ‘felt uncomfortable’ staying in hotels abroad.

‘We were desperate for that feeling of peace of mind’, Linsey told PBN. Moreover, it wasn’t until the pair stayed at an Airbnb with a vegan host that they had the idea to create Vegvisits.

Since launching in 2016, the platform is available in over 80 countries. But following travel restrictions, Linsey says it ‘took a huge hit’.

However, now they’re ready to take the site to more countries and inform the ‘entire’ vegan and vegetarian community.

How Vegvisits works

The accommodation platform has so far accumulated over 1,000 listings.

And of those listings, hosts have to keep their homes meat and seafood free ‘at all times’ during a guest’s stay.

This is not only to avoid guests witnessing ‘the sights and smells of animal flesh’, but also to ‘bring a sense of peace amongst the unknown’, Linsey explains.

It also provides an opportunity for ‘valuable’ local advice from fellow vegans.

While the platform was originally free since upgrading guests are charged between six and 12 percent of the reservation cost. Hosts are charged three to four percent.

You can find out more about Vegvisits here

This article was updated on 28/09/2021 to update cost details

The post How This Company Is Rivalling Airbnb With Travel Platform For Vegans appeared first on Plant Based News.

The Disney Wish plans to make its debut sail next summer and has been described as the brand’s ‘greatest ship’.

It boasts three new Disney-themed family restaurants and will offer guests plant-based options in all dining areas. Chefs can also make vegan dishes upon request. 

Disney Cruise Line

According to Forbes, Disney Cruise Line said: “Each and every one of our menus will have vegan offerings. 

“Taking care of allergies and special requirements is extremely important to us. We want families to sail with peace of mind.

Vegan cruises

Disney isn’t the first cruise line to embrace plant-based dining. 

In 2019, Royal Caribbean added a new vegan menu to its ships’ main dining room.

Dishes include edamame-stuffed portobello mushrooms, vegan spaghetti bolognese, orzo pasta stew with green vegetables, and toffee cheesecake.

“At Royal Caribbean, we’re always looking at how to raise the bar of our dining offerings and we do it with one specific purpose: delivering great vacations for our guests,” Linken D’Souza, Vice President of Food and Beverage at Royal Caribbean International, told VegNews. 

“As the number of people and families adopting a vegan lifestyle continues to grow, we wanted to formalize our vegan offerings in a dedicated menu where guests can explore options and choose their dish. It’s all part of the dining experience. It’s important [for] us to meet vacationers’ dietary choices.”

The post Disney Cruise Line’s Latest Ship To Offer Vegan-Inclusive Menus At Every Restaurant appeared first on Plant Based News.

Mother Earth Vegan Hotel describes itself as the first-ever 100 percent plant-based boutique hotel in the beach town of Tamarindo.

The family-run establishment features 14 guest rooms and a culinary plant-based restaurant. It also has rooftop yoga, a healing studio and a natural saltwater pool.

Moreover, each guest room is designed to ‘reflect a sense of nature’ and features a bespoke energy painting created by the owner’s son Ambrosius Udael.

Vegan boutique hotel

Everything at Mother Earth Vegan Hotel is vegan-friendly including the wine served at its bar and restaurant, as well as cleaning products and amenities. 

It is also powered by solar energy and has committed to a zero-waste pledge in its restaurant Off The Grid. Moreover, it has a water conservation system that recycles grey water into clean water for irrigation. 

‘The vegan community is growing’

In a statement sent to PBN, the family said: “The vegan community is growing and with it the need for a hospitality experience that caters to them. 

“Costa Rica is a predominantly meat-centric country and as vegans we struggled. With such an abundance of fresh ingredients at our doorstep… We were driven to create a plant-based destination for like-minded travellers visiting this beautiful country.”

Vegan hotel award

Last year, the UK’s first-ever vegan hotel scooped a prestigious award.

Moreover, Saorsa 1875, located in Scotland, won National Geographic’s ‘GOOD EGG’ award. It was also listed as one of the top 48 new hotels in the world.

Speaking to PBN about the hotel’s 2019 launch, co-founder Jack McLaren-Stewart said: “We want to show people that veganism isn’t just a compassionate, ethical choice, it’s also an exciting, vibrant way of life.

“The innovation that we’ve seen across food and fashion in recent years has been hugely inspiring and we’re excited to be part of the world’s fastest-growing social justice movement.”

You can find more information on Mother Earth Vegan Hotel here

The post Costa Rica Welcomes Its First-Ever Vegan Boutique Hotel appeared first on Plant Based News.

Orbital Assembly Corporation (OAC), a large-scale space construction company, aims to build The Voyager Class space station in 2026.

Space hotel

The hotel – which will hold up to 280 guests and 112 crew members – is slated to open in 2027. It will feature facilities such as a restaurant, bar, and gym, as well as an impressive view of Earth. 

The Voyager Class will simulate moon-like levels of gravity and will slowly spin round to prevent guests from flying away. 

It is currently taking reservations but is reported to cost a staggering $5 million for a three-day stay. However, OAC hopes to reduce its cost over time. According to reports, it will eventually reach price parity with ‘a trip on a cruise or a trip to Disneyland’.

‘A delicious five-star vegan menu’

Although its menu has not been confirmed, reports say ‘freeze-dried ice cream will be a staple dish’ at the hotel.

However, animal-rights charity PETA wrote a letter to CEO and president of OAC John Blincow – requesting The Voyager Class serve exclusively vegan food.

Ingrid Newkirk is the President of PETA. In an online statement, she said: “As the meat, egg, and dairy industries are killing billions of animals a year and devastating the environment, interest in vegan eating is skyrocketing.

“PETA urges Orbital Assembly to comet to dishing up a delicious five-star vegan menu that’s sure to land well with guests.”

The post World’s First-Ever Space Hotel Urged To Go Vegan appeared first on Plant Based News.

Saorsa 1875, which describes itself as the U.K’s ‘first’ ever vegan hotel, has scooped a prestigious award.

The establishment, located in Pitlochry, Scotland, won National Geographic’s ‘GOOD EGG’ award – and was listed as one of the top 48 new hotels in the world.

‘Everything here is vegan’

“Founded by mother-and-son duo Sandra and Jack McLaren-Stewart, [the hotel] goes far beyond just sustainable, plant-focused grub: everything here is vegan, from the booze in the hotel bar to the cleaning products and upcycled furniture in the lounge,” National geographic said.

“Naturally, the heating comes from 100 percent renewable energy. Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Australian chef Deborah Fleck conjures up five-course dining extravaganzas using produce sourced locally or from the hotel’s gardens, with a tree planted for every dinner served.”

‘A vibrant way of life’

Speaking to Plant Based News about the hotel’s launch last year, Jack said: “We want to show people that veganism isn’t just a compassionate, ethical choice, it’s also an exciting, vibrant way of life.

“The innovation that we’ve seen across food and fashion in recent years has been hugely inspiring and we’re excited to be part of the world’s fastest-growing social justice movement.”

The post U.K’s ‘First’ 100% Vegan Hotel Scoops Prestigious Award appeared first on Plant Based News.

A vegan hotel is set to open in Greece this Summer – the country’s first.

The Koukoumi Boutique Hotel, in Ano Mera Mykonos, aims to appeal to both vegans and non-vegans looking for a healthy stay while traveling.

Suites

The hotel, whose name means ‘a snuggling place, protected from the wind’ in Myconian dialect, has 14 suites available for guests.

The suites are decked out in natural materials – all are sustainable and eco-friendly – including solar water heaters and coco-mat vegan mattresses.

In addition, there is an onsite gym, as well as a spa offering a variety of face and body treatments, massages, and a sauna. All products used are vegan, cruelty-free, and are housed in recyclable packaging. 

Vegan food

The menu has been designed by vegan chef Angeliki Charami, and features Greek-inspired flavors. Dishes include fresh pasta, salads, soups, and vegan burgers, as well as fresh baked good.

The hotel says of its menu: “A vegan diet is natural, cruelty-free and complete. It is a sensible choice for a healthy lifestyle. Fruit, vegetables, legumes, grains, seeds, and nuts presented in balanced combinations contain all the necessary nutritious elements that cater for the needs of every person from every culture or religion.

“Our exclusively vegan restaurant with our delicious recipes will challenge you to reconsider everything you believed about food before.”

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