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 Tazaâs 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. Iâm 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 minutesâafter 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 Iâm seriously so excited that Bartlebyâs 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.
Itâs 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 Iâm grateful for all our devilicious customers who came out that day (and every day weâre 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. Itâs no small feat, and Iâm 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:
Thanksgiving can be a bit of a challenge. As a plant-based company, we struggle with celebrating a holiday that’s centered around the eating of a particular animal. As humans, we struggle with celebrating a holiday that highlights how cruelly the European settlers treated the indigenous peoples in this land.
Even so, we’ve got space to be thankful this holiday, and are trying to focus on the good. We love eating with our family and friends. And we’re so grateful for this amazing first year of food truck living. We’ve served thousands of seitan-based meals since we hit the road in April, and―because we provided all those cruelty-free meals―saved the lives of thousands of chickens and saved thousands of gallons of water. We got to meet so many of you kind and enthusiastic devils, and watched with delight as you lined up for piles of nuggets, mountains of sandwiches, and so many sweet potato fries. You showed us the most incredible, decadent ways to sauce up your seitan, and showed us the most incredible support for our business, even as we struggled with weather, truck troubles, and sick days. We wouldn’t be here without you. It is a joy and honor to feed you. It still feels surreal to to wake up every morning and work towards a mission I truly believe in: saving animals, helping the environment, and making great food for all our hungry devils. We’re thrilled to know that Bartleby’s nuggets will be gracing the Thanksgiving tables of some of you this year. And we know our day on Thursday will be spent feeling grateful for all of you who came to our big blue and orange truck over these last nine months. Thank you. |