native cooking and events

When the Natives are restless…give them something to do!

Here are some upcoming events at Native Foods locations – including cooking classes! We have also included some socially conscious events that benefit causes supported by Native Foods. Events are added frequently, so check back often!

Cooking Classes

“Life Saving Thanksgiving Ideas!”
Sunday, November 23, 10:00am - noon-ish
Native Foods - Palm Desert

Creamy Mushroom Chestnut Soup
Cocktail Spanakopitas
Mesquite Biscuits with Squash Butter
Radicchio, Hazelnut and Carmelized Cauliflower Salad
Pumpkin Cupcakes

Includes recipes, lunch, drinks and fun. Cost is $60 per person. Please call (760) 836-9396 to reserve your spot! Class size is limited - be sure to call early!

Previous Cooking Classes
Recipes

Native Events

It's time to order Thanksgiving Wellingtons!
Save a turkey, order a Wellington! Native Foods' Wellingtons are an elegant display of puff-pastry filled with savory Native Seitan, organic kale, portabello mushrooms, orange glazed yams, fabulous stuffing, caramelized onions and served with shallot mushroom gravy on the side. Wellingtons come frozen and you bake them – they’re ready in 1 hour. Don't tell your guests it's vegan - they are in for a pleasant surprise! (Weighs approximately 5 lbs, serves 6 hungry Natives and the cost is $54.) Contact your local Native Foods restaurant to order, or order online.

Thanksgiving at Native Foods - Costa Mesa
November 27, 2008, 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm (with reservations, please)
Native Foods Costa Mesa - (714) 751-2151
Thankfully, a new tradition. Come join us for Thanksgiving! We will be serving a bountiful buffet of Native Wellington with Mushroom Shallot Gravy, Willy's Wheatberry Waldorf Salad, Gorgeous Green Salad with Maple Glazed Pecans and Pomegranate Pearls, Polenta Terrine with Butternut Squash and Pumpkin Seed Pesto, Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes, Seared Green Beans & Shitake Mushroom Almondine, Native Stuffing, Fred's Fabulous Cornbread and Cranberry Orange Relish. Be sure to save room for dessert - Pumpkin Pie with Ginger Creme, Sam's Cheesecake with Blueberries and Chocolate Tofu Love Pie! Reservations are available from 2:00 - 8:00 pm. Please contact our Costa Mesa location for reservations (714-751-2151). Be sure to call early!

Prop 2…Thank You Celebration!
Thursday, November 13, 2008 5:00 - 7:00pm
Native Foods - Costa Mesa

We are having a thank you party at Native Foods Costa Mesa. Over 60% of voters in the entire beautiful state of California voted for the animals – historic! I think once people open themselves up to feel more compassion …it spreads to everything. A love fest could be coming our way soon! As I’ve always thought “animals are our teachers.” In the meantime come enjoy discounted drinks and snacks, including wine. We’ll also be raffling off some Wellingtons, with proceeds going to Animal Acres Save a Turkey Fund. Stop by and congratulate yourselves and your friends.

Squash Fest at Native Foods: Costa Mesa / The CAMP
Sunday, November 9, 2008 noon - 5 pm
Come join us at Native Foods Cost Mesa / The CAMP for our first annual Squash Fest! We'll have exotic squash tasting, a fall-flavors cooking demo with Tanya, Native Foods samplings and specials. Visit the save-a-turkey booth, and take part in the free turkey sidewalk chalk art lessons for kids and adults. Come savor the flavor of fall – the colors, the music, the food, the fun!

Halloween at Native Foods
Friday, October 31, 2008
Start your Halloween Festivities with a delicious, healthy and fiendishly appropriate mail. We will be serving the infamous Transylvanian Ghoulash and Pumpkin Soup with Bats Eyes…come on by.

Yes! on Prop 2 Campaign Fundraiser - with Wayne Pacelle
Thursday, October 30, 2008, 7pm - 9pm
Thunderbird Heights - Rancho Mirage, CA
A fundraiser to benefit the Yes! on Prop 2 Campaign to help 20 million animals. There will be cocktails, Hors d'oeuvres, a silent and a live auction and a special guest - Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States. Please contact Robin Moler at 323-668-1031, or fax the reservation form to that same number or email Robin at rmoler@hsus.org.

The Secret Life of . . . Halloween!
See Chef Tanya on the little screen! Tune into the Food Network to watch Tanya show host Jim O'Connor how to have a fun, spooky and healthy Halloween meal. The episode airs several times during the month of October.
October 25, 7:00 PM
October 27, 11:00 PM
October 28, 2:00 AM

An Evening at the Stray Cat Club
Sunday, October 26, 2008 5:30 – 9:30pm
Historic Wilshire Ebell Club, 743 Lucerne Boulevard, Los Angeles

The 5th Annual Masquerade Ball to benefit the Stray Cat Alliance. Enjoy Stray Cat-inis, vegan hors d'oeuvres, a fabulous three course dinner, live entertainment and they always have the best silent auction! Tickets start at $175 per person. For reservations, or more information, please go to: http://www.straycatclub.org or call (310) 281-1109.

If you can't make it, or the cost is too high, please consider making a donation. Even $5 will help - just go to their web site: http://www.straycatalliance.org

Yoga and Saving Horses
Saturday, October 18, 2008 7:00am
Indian Canyons, Palm Springs, CA

Yoga teacher and horse aficionado Donna Riley will be taking a group horseback riding in the beautiful Indian Canyons of Palm Springs. Starting with a 7:00 am yoga class, then a smoothie break, followed by a 2 hour horseback ride and a healthy, delicious lunch from Native Foods!

The cost is $150 per person with 20% of proceeds going to a shelter for horses rescued from slaughter. Please call (760) 219-2090 to register or send an email to: psequineyogini@gmail.com. Please help stop the slaughter of horses! For more information please go to http://www.hr857.com

Prop 2 Rallies
Saturday, October 11, 2008 12-4:00 pm at Palm Desert & Costa Mesa
Saturday, October 18, 2008 12-4:00pm at Palm Springs, Westwood & Aliso Viejo
A portion of the proceeds on rally days will go to the Prop 2 campaign fund to help improve the lives of farm animals. We will also have a variety of things going on from vendors, music, healthy cooking demos, recipes and a raffle that will offer great things such as vegan cookbooks, Native Foods gift cards, Allison’s Gourmet Cookies, Native Wellingtons, and more…

Certified Farmers Market - Palm Springs - Saturday Mornings
Every Saturday Morning - 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
2300 East Baristo Road - next to Camelot Theater
Food only - Local, organic or not quite yet certified organic... yum! Tanya is the Market Chef - there to provide samples, recipes, educational materials and other enthusiastic suggestions. Be sure to stop by to see her and check out her "Market Reports." Organized by the Palm Springs Cultural Center and located adjacent to the Camelot Theaters.

A Taste for Aliso Niguel
Saturday, May 10, 2008, Pacific Park Plaza in Aliso Viejo
Come join us at the first annual Taste for Aliso Niguel - a night of food and wine tasting - and fundraising for Aliso Niguel High School. It will take place at the Pacific Park Plaza (Aliso Creek Road at Pacific Park Drive). Tickets are $45 each.

Animal Acres Hoe Down Event
Saturday, May 3, 2008, Animal Acres - 5200 Escondido Canyon Rd, Acton, CA
Come meet some of the farm animals rescued by Animal Acres - and enjoy a Native Foods vegan BBQ!

Earth Day 2008
Tuesday, April 22 2008
This year, Earth Day will launch Native Foods' plastic bag-free existence. Please help us achieve our goal by remembering to bring a reusable bag for your take-out orders. Or, pick up a handy Native Foods canvas bag. Save our seas!

Earth Day Celebration at The Camp - Costa Mesa
Sunday, April 20, 2008, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Come celebrate Earth Day at the Camp! Enjoy live music, food and drink samples, art and environmental exhibits. Pick up some delectable recipes and organic giant sunflower seedlings (while supplies last)- and don't forget to bring your recyclables!

Spring Healthy Living Seminar
Thursday, April 17, 2008, Antelope Valley College, Lancaster, CA
Antelope Valley College is sponsoring a healthy living seminar that will feature a delicious Native Foods and a cooking demonstration by Chef Tanya.

Palm Springs Food and Wine Festival
April 11 -13, 2008 - Palm Springs, CA
Tanya's demonstration - Saturday, April 12, 2008
The Palm Springs Food and Wine Festival provides tastings, and pairings, from several well-known and respected eating establishments, and this year, will feature delicious vegan delights prepared by Chef Tanya.

Wayne's World Garden Walk Tour
Sunday, April 6, 2008, Palm Springs, CA
Take a walking tour of Insight West's Private Desert Garden. Eat fresh organic tomatoes in the sunshine, garnished with Sea Salt personally harvested by Tanya and Wayne while on a Baja whale trip. Donations accepted, to benefit the Bill Edelen Sunday Symposium Ministries.

The Humane Society's 22nd Annual Genesis Awards Gala
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Each year, the Humane Society hosts an award ceremony honoring those in media who have made a special effort to raise awarness of issues facing animals in today's world. The awards ceremony will be kicked-off with a delicious, healthy, vegan meal provided by Native Foods.

2007 Events:

It's time to order your Holiday Wellingtons!
Same great Thanksgiving Wellington - only you get to have these after Thanksgiving! Still 100% organic, still serves 6 hungry natives and is still beautiful and delicious. Supplies are limited, and they won't be back until Thanksgiving next year. Buy one, or buy several, but buy them soon! They come frozen and are ready in about an hour. The cost is $52. Please contact your local Native Foods restaurant to order, or order online.

It's time to order your Thanksgiving Wellingtons!
Save a turkey, order a Wellington! Our 100% organic Wellingtons are an elegant display of puff-pastry filled with organic deliciousness. Savory Native Seitan, kale, portabello mushrooms, orange glazed yams, fabulous stuffing, caramelized onions and served with shallot mushroom gravy on the side. Wellingtons come frozen and you bake them – they’re ready in 1 hour. Don't tell your guests it's vegan - they are in for a pleasant surprise! Each Wellington weighs approximately 5 lbs and serves 6 hungry Natives - the cost is $52. Please contact your local Native Foods restaurant to order, or order online. Supplies are limited, and we do sell out, so be sure to order early - order two while your at it!

VegNews just announced that our Wellingtons are their favorite "Holiday Centerpiece." They've got good taste at VegNews!

Thanksgiving at Native Foods - Costa Mesa
Thursday, November 22, 2007, 2:00 - 8:00 pm
Thankfully, a new tradition. Come join us for Thanksgiving! We will be serving a bountiful buffet of Tanya's clever creations . . .

• Native Wellington with Mushroom Shallot Gravy
• Willy's Wheatberry Waldorf Salad
• Gorgeous Green Salad with Maple Glazed Pecans and Pomegranate Pearls
• Polenta Terrine with Butternut Squash and Pumpkin Seed Pesto
• Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes
• Seared Green Beans with Browned Panko
• Native Stuffing
• Fred's Fabulous Cornbread
• Cranberry Orange Relish
• Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Crem
• Sam's Cheesecake with Blueberries
• Apple Cranberry Cobbler with Vanilla Creme
• Native Iced Tea, Coffee

Reservations are available from 2:00 - 8:00 pm. The cost is $44 per person, $22 for children under 12. Please contact our Costa Mesa location for reservations (714-751-2151). Be sure to call early!

UCLA Bruins for Animals Pledge to Go Veg Lunch
Tuesday, November 13, 2007, noon - 1:00 pm, Bruin Plaza - UCLA Campus
UCLA's Bruins for Animals (in conjuction with Students for Animal Rights - a national organization), are asking students to pledge to go veg for a day - and are making it easy by hosting a lunch event that will provide gift bags to ease the transition, and Native Foods is providing our famous TJ Taco Bar to satisfy cravings for delicious food. Come and make the pledge - and enjoy great vegan food, good times and live music courtesy of The Transfer. Make the pledge to go veg online here: www.collegeveg.org

Second Annual Squash Fest at Native Foods Costa Mesa / The CAMP
Sunday, November 11 2007, 12:00 - 5:00 pm
Hard to believe its been a year already, but here we are again, celebrating succulent squash! Come join the fun and sample several savory squashes, attend a cooking demonstration by Tanya at 2:00 pm, partake in our sidewalk chalk-art extravaganza, adopt a turkey, pick up some healthy, delicious Thanksgiving recipes and just flat-out enjoy the music and festivities - it's hard to squash all that into one event, but we've done it!

The CAMP / The LAB Holiday Sidewalk Sale - Native Foods Costa Mesa
Saturday - Sunday, November 3 - 4, 2007
Start your holiday shopping early at the LAB / CAMP annual sidewalk sale, offering great deals, live music and free drinks. Be sure to stop by Native Foods for sustenance - shopping can be hard work!

King Corn
Pass the Organic Popcorn Please! King Corn, a feature documentary, is a must see about our food – it’s origins, and convoluted path to our table. A good film to inspire action and learn about the farm bill – which is in serious need of revision! Go to the website to find out more and where it's showing: www.kingcorn.net

Shark Water
Save Our Seas Now! Shark Water is a new movie about sharks and it isn't just another documentary.  It's an action / adventure film that takes you on a journey into the underworld of shark fin poaching with The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and our friend, Captain Paul Watson.  Learn more about the film and future screenings at: www.sharkwater.com.

Halloween Celebration at Native Foods Costa Mesa / The CAMP
Saturday, October 27 2007, 12:00 - 4:00 pm, judging is at 2:00 pm
Bring your carved "Monster"piece - and win a Prize! Native Foods is hosting a Jack-o-Lantern carving contest - there will be live music, gifts for costumed kids under 12, vegan popcorn balls (cooking and sampling!) and we'll be serving a fiendish menu of Transylvanian Ghoulash, Hairball and Guts Salad and Road Kill Cobbler - come feast at the fest, and take some home to your favorite fiend! Oh, and don't forget the prizes - we've got prizes. . .
First prize - $50 Native Foods Gift Card, and a Holiday Wellington
Second Prize - $25 Native Foods Gift Card
Third Prize - Native Foods Restaurant Cookbook - Autographed by Witch Tanya!

Sea Shepherd Charity Benefit
Saturday, October 13 2007, Los Angeles, CA
Join co-hosts Mick Jaggar and Pierce Brosnan for an evening designed to help keep ships sailing to defend the sea and it's creatures. A sunset event, there will be a live auction, silent auction - and live music! Paul Watson - one of the original founders of Greenpeace - went on to found the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Sea Shepherd is dedicated to research, investigation and enforcement of laws, treaties, resolutions and regulations established to protect marine wildlife worldwide. Yes, he's the guy out on the seas roughing it to keep watch for all of us who hold that life so precious! Visit the benefit web site for more details and to purchase tickets.

The True Cost of Food - Film and Dinner at The CAMP
Tuesday, October 2 2007, 6:00 pm film, dinner follows
The Orange County Women's Environmental Council and the Sierra Club have organized an event to help learn what your food really costs - in terms of dollars and sense - the impact of our food choices on the environment. A short film will be shown at Adventure 16 followed by a Native Foods meal - salad, entree, tea, and dessert! The cost is $20 per person. For reservations, please email Mary Papavasiliou at: papavasiliou@worldnet.att.net

Elephant Conservation Fundraiser - Pacific Palisades, CA
Thursday, September 27 2007, 6:30 pm reception, 7:30 presentation
Enjoy an evening with world-renowned elephant expert Joyce Poole, and help support the Amboseli Trust for Elephants, which has conducted the longest and most detailed study of free-living elephants. The evening will start with a cocktail reception and feature fabulous Native Foods hors d'oevres, followed by Joyce Poole's presentation and a silent auction. Tickets are $50 for the reception and presention or for a $125 donation you may attend the event and receive an autographed copy of Joy'c book. For reservations, and more information, please send an email to: zoos@idausa.org

Coastal Clean-Up Day
Saturday, September 15 2007, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Heal the Bay's annual beach clean-up draws more than 10,000 volunteers each year, who will meet at one of 51 locations along Los Angeles' coastlines and waterways to help preserve the beauty of our beaches. For more information, visit www.healthebay.org.

Harmony Festival, Santa Rosa, CA
Friday - Sunday, June 8 - 10, 2007
The Harmony festival is a good time for all. Great music all day, and all night! Arianna Huffington, Amy Goodman and Dennis Kucinich will be speaking - and Chef Tanya will be doing a cooking demonstration on Sunday, June 10 at 1:45 p.m. at the Foods of the Earth Culinary Expo Hall. Don't miss it!

Behind the Mask Screening
Saturday, May 26 2007, Noon - 4:00 pm
The Goddess Temple of Orange County, 17905 Sky Park Circle, Suite A, Irvine, CA
Come view two films, Behind the Mask, and a separate Animal Rights film from the UK, dine on a lovely vegan lunch, and enjoy a special appearance by Peter Young. $10 admission fee.

Bay to Breakers 12K Fun Run
Sunday, May 20 2007, 8:00 am
San Francisco, the Embarcadero
Join the fun - and the run! Chef Tanya will be a centipede with the VegNews team, and then parlaying in some fun vegan eating and dancing no doubt!

Compassion Into Action Festival
Saturday, May 12 2007, Noon - 6:00 pm
Animal Acres is hosting a fun and educational event with veggie food booths, cruelty-free products, music, films, farm tours, book signings and presentations from noted speakers on what you can do to help farmed animals. If you know someone who loves animals, (even if they eat them), bring them to a unique living and learning festival. Visit the Animal Acres web site (www.animalacres.org) for more information or to register.

Goldfinger Benefit Concert: Free Kevin Kjonaas
Thursday, May 10 2007
Knitting Factory, 7021 Hollywood Blvd., 7:00 pm
Goldfinger is giving a benefit concert to raise funds and awareness for Kevin Kjonaas, a SHAC7 animal rights activist who has been imprisoned. John Feldman, of Goldfinger, is a Native Foods regular - and as we like him too, we encourage you to come hear him jam!

Save the Seas: A Benefit Concert for Sea Shepard, Los Angeles
Monday, April 30 2007 6:00 pm
Come listen to some great music and help support Sea Shepard's future campaigns. This event is sponsored by UCLA's Bruins for Animals and will be held at 6:00 pm at Ackerman Ballroom at the UCLA Campus (405 Hilgard Avenue). Performers include: Five Minutes to Freedom, Vale and Samantha Mollen. There is no cover charge, but donations will be gratefully accepted. Please contact Kristy Anderson for more details.

Make it to the Mic "Juvenile Jam"
Saturday, April 28 2007
Hollywood Improv 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Make it to the mic is a program where kids increase self esteem through improv and stand-up comedy. Native Foods is providing food for attendees at the Juvenile Jam, which is the graduation performance for the current class. Come check it out!

Dining Out for Life
Thursday, April 26 2007
Come dine at Native Foods Palm Springs where a portion of our daily proceeds will be donated to the Palm Springs Aids Assitance Program. Talk with a Dining Out Ambassador about the program, and enjoy a great meal while your at it!

Earth Day 2007
Sunday, April 22 2007
Costa Mesa - 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Come celebrate Earth Day at the Camp! Enjoy live music, food and drink samples, art and environmental exhibits - and don't forget to bring your recyclables!

Earth Day and Dog Adoption Event
Saturday, April 21, 2007 12:00 - 3:00 pm
Save the Planet, Save a Pet! Adopt today! Join us at Native Foods Palm Springs where Animals, People, and Environment Action (APe Action) will provide information on the benefits of spay / neuter and have several deserving dogs available for adoption. Join us for lunch on the patio - and proceeds will go towards "go-green" educational programs. Bring your recyclables!

Social Justice Summit at Cal State Fullerton
Saturday, April 21, 2007 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Cal State Fullerton is sponsoring a Social Justice Summit dedicated to promoting social action and activism on a local and national level. Native Foods will be there too - come meet some of the more vocal Natives!

Celebrate Spring! in Pilates Style Magazine April 2007 issue
Check out Tanya's article (titled "Celebrate Spring!") in the April 2007 issue of Pilates Style magazine, and try out the incredible recipes she shares - Springtime Asparagus Salad, Sesame Rice Cakes and Heaven Lemon Bars.

Greenology at the CAMP
Saturday, March 24, 2007 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Come enjoy a "Green Day" at the CAMP in Costa Mesa - a day dedicated to encouraging green lifestyles, accompanied by a special Native Foods "green" menu - Green Soup, Green Soba Salad and a Green Dessert - go green!

Show and Tell at Native Foods - Costa Mesa
Saturday, February 10, 2007 5:00 - 7:30 pm
Come enjoy the "show," which is a screening of the movie "Sustainable Table," and then meet author William Tuttle, who will "Tell" us about his new book "The World Peace Diet." Of course, no event would be complete without delectable treats! To get things rolling, Chef Tanya will prepare appetizers to accompany the wine and mingling that will take place before the show & tell.

Please RSVP to Native Foods - Costa Mesa at 714-751-2151. Cost: $20 per person.