Great Escape: VegFest

Although it’s technically still summer, we know the truth. Sixty-degree mornings become the norm, people dig through their closets for long-sleeved shirts and favor jeans over shorts. As we slip into more, let’s say forgiving, clothing, it becomes easier and easier to treat yourself to dessert at lunch, or take a second helping of that delicious gratin of potatoes at dinner.
 
Don’t get me wrong, sometimes you NEED dessert at lunch. Lord knows, I’ve had several of those days in this last week alone. But maybe what you really need is to learn how to eat better and have fun doing it. That's why you should consider an escape to VegFest this weekend, a new street and food festival in Bethlehem that honors...vegetables.

This Southside festival will feature an array of national speakers, renowned chefs and lots of vegetarian/natural food vendors and educational exhibits where you can taste, learn and enjoy. All you need to do is banish the preconception that healthy = dull and flavorless.
 
To start out by seeing how our eating habits affect the world we live in, listen to Jasmin Singer and Mariann Sullivan, known for their popular “Our Hen House” podcast. Talk starts at 2:15 p.m.
 
Or, at 3 p.m., learn more about organics from Mark Smallwood, of the Rodale Institute, then at 3:45 p.m. enjoy some wine with Elaine Pivinski of .
 
OK. Enough expanding your mind. Let’s work on that palate. Food festivals are about the food, right? So let’s thank our blessings for all the healthful options presented by VegFest demonstrators and vendors.
 
Sit in on Frederica’s Hotel Bethlehem primer at 12:45 p.m., or savor the African flavors of Emily Nyindodo of Alando’s Kitchen. All foods will be completely vegetarian with a focus on green and sustainable practices. It’s amazing how small changes can have such a grand impact on your overall health and wellness.
 
All the while, live bands will be setting the soundtrack for a fun, relaxing afternoon. Can’t wait until this weekend? The Bethlehem restaurants will be gearing up for the festival all week, with featured prix fixe menus. Take the Tap Room, for example. Tuck into quinoa stuffed artichoke, pickled kohlrabi salad and red lentil stew with wild mushrooms.
 
What’s dull about that?

Escape begins: Saturday, Sept. 10, noon-5 p.m.

Where: 316 S. New St. on the southside of Bethlehem. Learn more at www.bethlehemvegfest.org

Cost: Free