Author Archives: Karen W Yelverton

A plant-based sanctuary on the banks of the Seine

Nestled in the shadow of Notre-Dame, close to the banks of the Seine, Le Grenier de Notre-Dame is a welcome find for the herbivore. Parisian summers can be brutal, so stumbling across somewhere cool, leafy and inviting can feel almost as satisfying as the food itself. This vegetarian restaurant has a wonderfully relaxed feel. TrailingContinue reading “A plant-based sanctuary on the banks of the Seine”

The aromatic little restaurant near Gare du Nord that saved the day

Historically, the words vegan and Paris in the same sentence would produce at the very least a wry smile. Beautiful city, stunning bakeries, gorgeous bistros and, so the clichés suggest, approximately zero interest in feeding you without butter, meat, underlined by a baffled shrug from the surly waiter. In a world where HappyCow exists, IContinue reading “The aromatic little restaurant near Gare du Nord that saved the day”

Itadakizen: Thinking outside the bento box

Itadakizen is an unpretentious Japanese vegan restaurant, serving top-quality food, simply prepared. With further branches in Shrewsbury, Paris, and Kyoto, the name – initially quite a mouthful – perfectly reflects the philosophy behind it. Stemming from the Japanese expression itadakimasu, the restaurant embraces a respectful and thoughtful approach to eating and living. The food isContinue reading “Itadakizen: Thinking outside the bento box”

Tea by the Lock: old-world charm, vegan comforts, and the elusive egg sandwich

The only truly modern aspect of Tea by the Lock is its identity as one of York’s few entirely vegan cafés. Everything else feels rooted in another era. Set within the old lock keeper’s complex at Naburn, the place is surrounded by open fields and the rushing waters of the River Ouse. Step inside andContinue reading “Tea by the Lock: old-world charm, vegan comforts, and the elusive egg sandwich”

The slow work of getting better

When Karen’s legs began to weaken, she moved from denial to despair. In this account of diagnosis, surgery and recovery, she reflects on how the body’s slow work of healing can echo the quieter, longer process of learning to live after grief.

Tofu knots, wontons and winter in Berlin at The Butterfly Lovers

It was a January cold snap in Berlin when I discovered the The Butterfly Lovers. This beautifully-named restaurant opened in 2021, making it a well-established spot in the thriving Mitte plant-based scene. Having lived in London for years I’ve been spoiled for choice for vegan Chinese options – think Tofu Vegan – so my standardsContinue reading “Tofu knots, wontons and winter in Berlin at The Butterfly Lovers”

Where the Quarter meets Tremé: finding the rhythm of New Orleans at I-tal Garden

Vibrant, lively and at times overwhelming, New Orleans has a way of ending up on nearly everyone’s bucket list, as you’ll quickly learn when you mention you’re heading there. We stayed in the French Quarter as almost every guide seemed to recommend, but on its quieter outskirts — where the French Quarter meets Tremé. AttackedContinue reading “Where the Quarter meets Tremé: finding the rhythm of New Orleans at I-tal Garden”

Vegan soul food in New Orleans: the charm and the chaos of 2 Phat Vegans

Sitting on Decatur Street in the French Quarter, 2 Phat Vegans is one of the most visible fully plant-based spots in New Orleans. The restaurant specialises in veganised versions of the city’s classics — hot sausage po’boys, gumbo, fried mushroom sandwiches, vegan beignets, mac and cheese, and the kind of big-flavour comfort food that definesContinue reading “Vegan soul food in New Orleans: the charm and the chaos of 2 Phat Vegans”

‘We need to avoid having cult figures in the vegan community and to acknowledge the work of women’

Before stepping into national leadership, London Assembly member Zack Polanski shared his commitment to sustainability in his daily life with BardoBurner. Following his landslide election as Green Party leader, we proudly revisit this 2019 interview, exploring how his vegan lifestyle reflects his enduring dedication to ethical politics and environmental principles. How long have you beenContinue reading “‘We need to avoid having cult figures in the vegan community and to acknowledge the work of women’”