Great food, great friends

Being a foodie who can’t cook is one thing. Being a vegetarian foodie who can’t cook is quite another.

Shortly after I first became vegetarian, I stumbled across a flyer for the local Cincinnati chapter of EarthSave. The group holds monthly potluck dinners, always on Sundays, which are usually accompanied by interesting guest speakers or presentations. Since I was the only vegetarian in my family and circle of friends, I decided to give the potlucks a try. Not only did I expand my repertoire of vegetarian cuisine, I made some pretty good friends, too.

Graduate school eats up most of my weekend free-time now, so I haven’t been able to attend the potlucks in the last year or so. But if you want to experience great vegan food and meet some interesting new people, I recommend you also give it a try.

The group’s next potluck – also its holiday party – will be held at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16 at Clifton United Methodist Church, 3416 Clifton Ave. The Lagniappe Cajun Band will provide live music.

You don’t have to be vegetarian or vegan to attend, but attendees are asked to bring a vegan dish for 5 to 10 people, and your own plates, cups, utensils and serving dishes/utensils. I’ve seen folks who bring vegetarian dishes – a.k.a. dishes with dairy products, honey, etc… - but the general consensus seems to be that vegan dishes are best.

For more information, call the group at 513-929-2500 or e-mail cincinnati@earthsave.org.