Vegetarianism, to put it simply, positions itself against the slaughter of animals. For its part, veganism does not want to exploit animals. Which means not only not eating meat, but also not consuming animal products such as eggs or leather clothing and wool hats, gives the example of Stéphane Groleau, who has been vegan for more than 20 years. .
Veganism is much more than a choice for Gabrielle Verret, it is a way of life or even a philosophy in which the animal is placed on the same pedestal as the human being.
“Animals don’t have a voice to defend themselves. We therefore raise our voice to come to their defense. It’s a fight for equality for all, including animals,” she says in an interview with The Sun in the vegan café Mila, on 3rd Avenue, in Limoilou.
Quebec rapper KJT has also put aside all animal-based products for almost four years.
“I lied to myself for a good part of my life. Our biggest barrier to becoming vegan is us. And do I miss eating filet mignon? No, really not,” he says.
Although this movement is growing in the capital, he admits that it is still a very niche way of thinking that requires dialogue in order to deconstruct stereotypes.
This is why Stéphane Groleau and Gabrielle Verret are launching, in collaboration with KJT, the first vegan festival in Quebec. This will take place on November 16 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Patro Laval, in the Saint-Sauveur district.
“There was no vegan festival, so that was missing. Not only is it a free event for everyone, but it is also a social movement to raise awareness of the cause.”
— Gabrielle Verret, organizer of the Vegan Festival in Quebec
Vegans and non-vegans alike are invited to this meeting. Various organizations will address several aspects of veganism, including the transition to a plant-based diet. Festival-goers will also be able to discover vegan cuisine.
“I think you can influence people with the stomach and the taste buds. The biggest lie about veganism is that the food tastes nothing, has no flavor and is flat. It’s quite the opposite,” says the rapper from Quebec.
In restaurants and on grocery store shelves
Before making the leap to veganism, KJT thought his new lifestyle was going to be more complicated. But ultimately, that’s not the case.
“Vegans don’t restrict themselves, we rather discover alternatives. We are opening up to new products and new cuisines,” relates Stéphane Groleau.
“And some say that tofu is not good, but you just have to prepare it well. Eating meat without spices, like unseasoned tofu, is not great. However, vegans don’t just eat tofu,” he adds.
Mr. Groleau notably learned to cook more with lentils. He also makes a “bacon” recipe with baked rice paper. Grocery stores also have an increasingly varied offering of plant-based products.
Vegan food is also available in several restaurants in Quebec. There are about five restaurants of this type in Quebec, including Don, Mauvaisesherbes, Bloom Sushi and Copper Branch. But other establishments, called standard establishments, now concoct more dishes without animal products.
“Restaurateurs are realizing that there is a greater demand for vegan options. So they decide to add it to the menu. And even in most restaurants, we can ask for plant-based options and they are often open to accommodate us,” says Mr. Groleau.
