I had high expectations for the Bakesale For Japan, but all of my expectations were blown away within the first ten minutes. A huge line formed and people were buying tons of treats. At the end of the day $3061.50 was raised for Shelter Box. So many people and businesses came together to make it all happen. First of all I have to thank Isa Chandra Moskowitz for giving the bakesale her Vegan cred. I saw her work her magic first hand at the Portland Bake Sale For Haiti and I’m so happy to have her here in Omaha. I also want to thank John Henry Muller and Denise Muller for hosting us at What Cheer and for volunteering time and money to make Goodies For Good into a major Omaha event. Below is a list of businesses who donated money, baked goods and supplies. You rock!

Daily Grub
Crystal Jade
Two Birds Bakery
The Woodcliff Restaurant
Soup Revolution
Lotus House of Yoga
Caffeine Dreams
Raw Food Desires

And of course thank you to all of the bakers, buyers and volunteers who made the bakesale a success!

Photo by Justin Limoges

Photo by Amy Gedgaudas

Photo by Amy Gedgaudas

More photos here and here.

See you at the next bakesale!

Last year, the tragedies in Chile and Haiti introduced me to the world of Vegan Bakesales. Vegan Omaha held two bakesales (here and here) within two months to help those in need. Now Japan needs our help and I’m more than happy to do my part. With the help of What Cheer and Isa Chandra Moskowitz I’m positive this will be the most profitable bakesale yet! John Henry Müller from What Cheer has christened this event Goodies For Good and I absolutely agree. The bakesale is April 3rd at 2pm and will be held at the What Cheer HQ at 1111 North 13th Street, #106 Omaha, NE 68102. 100% of the proceeds will be going to Shelterbox.org. We are looking for bakers and volunteers also, so let us know if you’d love to help out!

Unbeknownst to me till a couple months ago, Crystal Jade is one of the most Vegan friendly restaurants in Omaha. Featuring over 17 Vegan entrées, Crystal Jade fills a void with comfy booths, excellent service and delicious food. Steve and Shirley, along with the wonderful staff, bring the best of Pan-Asian cuisine to Omaha. With dishes ranging from Thai inspired curries to Chinese staples and even Indian dishes there is something for everyone here!

Crystal Jade Veggie Menu, click to read

Recently CJ hosted their second Vegan Buffet for us. Selections included Curry Noodle Soup, Curry Puff, Moo Shu Veggie & Jicama, Pad Thai Tofu, Tofu Green Curry, Crispy Eggplant Yellow Curry and Rendang Tofu.

Time to eat!

My personal favorite is the Lucky 7 Tofu entrée. I love how the tofu has a little crunch mixed with crisp eggplant. Other favorites include Mongolian Mock Duck, Curry Noodle Soup, Peanut Butter Tofu and of course the Vegan Egg Rolls.

Lucky 7, yum!

The great thing about Crystal Jade is that they are open to suggestions and requests. A frequent customer who happened to be Vegan encouraged Crystal Jade to mark the menu items as Vegan and also to offer more Vegan items. Recently we asked if they would they start carrying Mock Duck as an option. Aunt Shirley was more than happy to integrate it into the menu. Another bonus is if you ask how to make one of their cool garnishes, like a lily or a swan, they will show you right at your table!

Veggie Swan

All in all: We love this hidden jewel on 72nd st, Aunt Shirley always brings a smile!

Grateful for: The Vegan heavy menu with so many diverse offerings.

Vegan wish: Vegan Fortune Cookies.

>Check out the Vegan Omaha restaurant guide for more info on Crystal Jade

Don’t miss this Nebraska Vegetarian Society event at McFosters on Sunday! The Vegan Omaha household will be there with Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls and more. Show up with your vegan baked goods and help raise money for Town & Country Shelter, a no-kill shelter providing help to the area’s kitties and doggies. Even if you’re not participating in the potluck, drop by to pick up a few treats and make a donation. What better way to spend an afternoon than surrounded by cool people and cupcakes?

Where: Upstairs at McFosters
When: Sunday Jan 30th 1pm to 3pm

For more info, check out the Facebook page for the event.