It's about time that there is a Vegan challenge on here. The closest that they have come before was on the regular season when the Foo Fighters had some vegans/vegetarians in their entourage.

Posted by: Angie | July 30, 2009 07:16 PM

I LOVE Top Chef but all of their foie gras, Butterball turkey, veal antics drive me crazy. I will definitely catch these episodes!

Posted by: CN | July 30, 2009 08:09 PM

Vegan food is so tasty, savory and cruelty-free, I can't stop eating it !

Posted by: Brien Comerford | July 30, 2009 09:11 PM

I have had some vegetarian dishes occasionally that have been tasty. But they have had mayonnaise or butter or eggs in them. I don't think I could go all vegan all the time. esp since vegan substitute meats may be "tasty, and savory" but all of them I have seen are unappealing shades of gray

Posted by: Tom | July 31, 2009 09:23 AM

Looks like my love for the Deschanel sisters will just keep on growing!
Too bad I can't watch the vid though :(..

Anyways go Zooey & Emily.. Talented and oh so compassionate

Posted by: Jenny | July 31, 2009 09:41 AM

Wow, Zooey is quite an inspiration. Most people who couldn't eat soy or gluten would use that as an excuse for why they couldn't be vegan. Go girl!

Posted by: Michele | July 31, 2009 10:43 AM

I recently read the book "Skinny Bitch" (which is Vegan) and have been Vegan for a little over a month. I will never go back. I'm so proud of myself for doing this. It's so cool to see celebrities that have made the same decision as well. Anyone who thinks that vegan food is nasty, has no clue. I have eaten some of the best tasting food in the past month that makes my former eating habits seem like garbage (which it was).

Posted by: Kathryn | July 31, 2009 11:04 AM

I was watching Top Chef Masters Champion and the female asian chef from New York cut into a live lobster while still moving!!! I started screaming at my television!! The chef said, "Sorry sweetheart..." It literally made me sick to watch. How can she get away with that? Thanks for letting me vent!:)

Posted by: victoria | August 1, 2009 11:28 AM

I've been a chef for over ten years and one of my greatest challenges has been creating vegan dishes that were appealling and palletable to non vegetarian customers. It has been so much fun I converted my self and others and I don't miss or desire animal products at all.
As an example, a great sub for riccota cheese, take one pound package of extra firm tofu, pulse in a food procceser, drizzle in a 1/4 cup of olive oil, add 4 cloves of garlic, 1 tbsp of oregano, s+p to taste and POW!
you have a vegan filling for your lasagna and your cheese luvin' friends will never know. More "Top Chefs" should utilize their talent by creating new vegan dishes so the audience will have a better understanding of how simple and truly delicious it is to go vegan.

Posted by: Tim Tillinghast | August 2, 2009 10:16 AM

I agree; it's about time they started exposing viewers to new ways to eat, not just the disgusting foie gras and pork they normally serve.

Posted by: MELISSA | August 3, 2009 09:04 AM

Based on the promos I've seen, the show presents it as something chefs hate. Maybe they will change by the end of the episode, and I'm sure they will at least pretend so they don't offend their guest judge. But the promos show chefs complain about how they hate cooking that way and are just aghast at being asked to cook with limits. That seems to be the prevalent attitude in the restaurant world, as all of the books and shows I've read and seen about it describe how chefs have no respect for diners who ask for their food to be prepared without animal products.

Posted by: Abby | August 3, 2009 12:24 PM

it is fantastic that they are featuring vegan cooking but very bizarre that a vegan would call herself a vegetarian
there is a huge difference between vegan and vegetarian and little difference between vegetarian and flesh eaters
just as many animals are tortured and forced to lead horrific lives and than are murdered for all dairy products.I wish Peta would stop confusing society about vegetarianism.promoting vegetarianism promotes and supports animal cruelty.

Posted by: simara | August 3, 2009 05:19 PM

I think thats a little harsh to say that vegetarians are no better than meat eaters, Simara. I think choosing a vegetarian lifestyle is a step in the right direction, and if someone can't go all the way and be vegan, than being vegetarian is not a bad second. You should not be so judgmental. PETA hasnt confused anyone about anything.

Posted by: Olivia | October 2, 2009 10:58 AM

I understand that vegan is the most cruelty-free way to eat, but I don't think promoting vegetarianism is promoting animal cruelty. At least it gets former carnivores like myself to start thinking about the consequences of what they eat. Many people start by just cutting out the meat, and eventually they do go vegan. But not everyone can go "cold turkey," so to speak. I don't think it helps anyone to create tension between vegetarians and vegans. I'm just making the transition myself. I'm not vegan yet, but I'm proud to say I'm a vegetarian and I'm already starting to cut out most dairy and eggs.

Posted by: Ann | October 2, 2009 12:00 PM

Simara,

You seriously need a reality check. There is a huge difference between a carnivore and a vegetarian. The previous blogs explain the difference so I won't even bother.

Posted by: Chris | October 2, 2009 04:41 PM