Taza Chocolate really knows how to party! Their annual shindig features great food and beverage makers, a DJ spinning beats, and a live band. I think my truck crew danced the entire day! Plus, of course, Taza provided all the amazingly delicious stone ground chocolate you could ever want. (It should be said, repeated, shouted that Taza’s products are organic, ethically traded, minimally processed, and that many of their bars are certified vegan. They do good things.)

The crowds were so fun, and loads of people had a locally brewed cider or beer in hand while they enjoyed the lovely spring day. I’m thankful for the good weather (the original forecast called for cold rains), which likely boosted the number of devils we fed. We actually sold out in the last twenty minutes―after serving over 200 people!

The good vibes continued even after we closed the truck, cleaned up, and headed back home. I got to see the photos and funny comments that customers posted of us that day. I love engaging with you devils face-to-face and on social media. And I’m seriously so excited that Bartleby’s gets to be a part of this vibrant community. I live in Somerville, so to park my truck and serve my food in this city as a peer to a local business that I look to for inspiration, is truly, truly a dream come true.

The New England VegFest is a wicked whirlwind! I was so excited to be there and see the thousands of smiling faces celebrating vegetarian/vegan companies and small businesses. I am honored to be among this group of hardworking, like-minded individuals who put their blood, sweat, and tears into growing companies that are good for the world.

It’s especially great that VegFest lands so early in our truck season. The good energy of the event gives me fuel and inspiration for the remaining eight months of the year! And I’m grateful for all our devilicious customers who came out that day (and every day we’re on the road). Special thanks, too, to the organizers and volunteers who guide the vendors with endless patience, and provide outstanding promotion and outreach to make the event such a success. It’s no small feat, and I’m already looking forward to next year!

We got to be a part of the latest installment of The Vegan Market on February 17. There were so many amazing vendors crammed into the Arts at the Armory building in Somerville, I was excited just to be near them. The Bartleby’s table was tucked between Luna Pines and Soy Much Brighter. Luna Pines is an incredible jewelry line that draws its inspiration from Mother Nature and seeks to capture the energy from crystals. Soy Much Brighter is my favorite places to get candles―all hand-poured, nontoxic, and emitting the most dreamy fragrances. Across the aisle, Jennifer Lee’s Bakery juggled a never-ending line (can’t wait for her new Worcester shop to open!) and Pressed’O had its organic juices flowing all day. Chefs Stephanie and Scott of Mobile Cooks (which connects plant-based chefs with underutilized, beautiful, and unique spaces around Boston) showcased some of their latest dishes. It was a blast to be among such diverse talent!

Keep being devilish. Luvyaaaaaah!​

What a year, dear devils! Our wicked little hearts are bursting with happiness. We’re so grateful for the enthusiasm with which you embraced our new business. You showed us how hungry Boston is for more plant-based dining options, and you showed us what is means to be a Sauce Boss. We are so excited to move into 2019 and we’ve got lots of ideas on how to be bigger and better in the new year.

Here are our New Year’s Resolutions:

1. See More of You in Hell! And by that we mean see more hungry customers at the truck, at great events and festivals, and for catered celebrations. While we’re off the road during the winter months, we’ll be sorting out our weekday service schedule and building a year-long calendar of events. We served just over 10,000 meals in 2018, and we want to increase that number by 50% in 2019, reaching for 15,000 meals over the calendar year.
   
2. Make Bartleby’s Available In New Ways. We love being in the streets of Boston during weekdays to feed you happy devils, but we know not everyone can make it to our regular locations. We’re exploring some new partnerships with local brick-and-mortar restaurants who will carry our products on site. That means you’ll have a chance to pick up nuggets and other items at a location and at a time that’s convenient for you.
   
3. Share the Love of Seitan. Registration is open now for our Seitan School. Beginning in February, we’ll offer cooking lessons on how to prepare our favorite protein-packed meat-alternative at home. Embracing a plant-based diet doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive, and we hope that our Seitan School will make the vegan lifestyle a little more accessible.