Open to vegans, vegetarians, and meat reducers aged 65 and over, the club offers attendees the chance to learn new dishes, get tips from an experienced vegan chef, and meet like-minded people from across the UK.
The club takes places through Zoom video-conferencing on the fourth Tuesday of every month. Recipes are provided in advance, so you have plenty of time to get the ingredients. Cook that morning and then join Vegetarian for Life Chef Justina, along with attendees from across the UK, at 1pm.
Justina is a Culinary Arts Management graduate who brings knowledge and passion for sustainable, plant-based eating. She has managed a variety of groups of chefs and created her own menus, working in both Italian and theatre restaurants. Justina is passionate about experimenting with different/unusual flavours and baking. She enjoys travelling and seeking inspiration in cuisines around the globe.
Justina says: "The virtual lunch club is not only a place for food lovers, but also for like-minded people to share their stories and laugh. It cannot be easier to meet friendly faces than in the comfort of your own home with a plate of warm food in front of you. It might sound strange at first, but I promise that it is really fun when we all get to enjoy the same food as if we are sitting at the same table".
Recipes take a different theme each month - from a Pies & Pastries Week, boasting Mushroom & Ale Pies and Puff Pastry Tartlets, through to One-Pot Wonders such as Carrot, Ginger & Orange Soup and Versatile Stew - you'll get to make and enjoy a wide variety of tasty dishes.
The next club on 22nd June was delicious garden picnic ideas
Followed by:
27th July - meat free BBQing
24th August - cooking with tofu ahead of national tofu day 1st September
28th September - brunch ideas such as pancakes and scrambled tofu,
26th October - bake off themed in line with the Great British Bake off. Encouraging viewers to cook their favourite vegan bake.
23rd November - meat free pot luck dinner - individuals will cook their favourite meal and tell the group about it.
December - a vegan Christmas meal - brought forward due to Christmas! 14th December
"As always, there is no need to cook all of the recipes. You can choose just one or two, or simply join the lunch club with a cup of tea or what you're having for your lunch that day".
Attendees have told the charity, which supports older vegans and vegetarians: "It was a lovely lunchtime meet up, with lots of pie!" and: "It was really nice to attend for the first time yesterday. Thank you."
