By Deborah Elkins
My vegan family of six has dreamed of having a Vegan Bar Mitzvah for years. That dream finally became a reality on Saturday, March 15.
My 13-year-old vegan activist son Jaden had the very first all private vegan Bar Mitzvah at the Veggie Grill in Westwood. His Bar Mitzvah theme was “animal kindness.”
Jaden’s wish is to end animal suffering and at the same time improve the environment, which sparked many conversations at his event.
Our non-vegan friends and family were curious to try Veggie Grill for the first time as they were not sure what to expect.
Vegan food was served buffet style where guests stood in line to try all kinds of new varieties of plant-based food.
The most popular dishes were the Ali Hale Kale Salad, Buffalo wings, Santa Fe Crispy chicken sandwiches, onion rings, mac and cheese, and Yukon fries.
Most were very surprised at how delicious vegan food could be.
Many people commented, “I did not expect the food to taste so good.”
One guest said she went back three times to get more because it was prepared so well and so flavorful.
A close relative said she was so impressed with the party, adding everyone really enjoyed themselves because it was so relaxing and the food was so good.
She was proud to be associated this unique family event.
One guest, who refused to eat at Veggie Grill in the past, commented that he was surprised that he actually enjoyed the food.
Another friend of the family said: “ I have to look into this vegan food thing, it’s really good.”
My kids have been vegan for seven years. Dane, 14, Jaden, 13, Cody, 10, and Madison, 7, were so happy to be at their own private vegan party where they could eat whatever they wanted.
This was the first event where they did not have to ask, “what can we eat?”
Highly sought after magician, Paul Fig Fegen from the show “America’s Got Talent,” entertained guest with his magic tricks.
There was a basket of cute plush animals “to save” as party favors.
Anne Hansen, who designed the animal friendly posters, said her boys Luke and Ben did not notice much of a difference between the plant-based chicken wings and the regular ones they eat at home.
For dessert, everyone enjoyed a vegan Dr. Who Tardis cake, courtesy of Whole Foods. Veggie Grill made their signature carrot cake and also served chocolate pudding parfait cups topped with vegan whipped cream – Bar Mitzvah favorite.
This is the first vegan private party for Veggie Grill and special thanks goes to Scott Nicholson, VP of Operations, David Bunting, Regional Operator, and Anthony Blanset, Westwood manager who planned the event to the last detail, and incredibly, all also worked the event. They enjoyed watching the first time Veggie Grill guests try new foods with smiles and laughter.
Thanks to Veggie Grill’s manager of operations Therese Stover who provided goodie bags of their signature cookies and a voucher to return and try something new the next time they visit. Hilary Martin of Talk Shop provided So Delicious Coconut Chocolate Milk for every guest to complement the cookie to support the vegan cause.
The vegan Bar Mitzvah party was a huge, enjoyable success.
Jaden plans to share his cause with his school, join in more animals rights groups, and make a difference saving one animal at a time.
