Veggie Conquest

(photo source Quarrygirl.com)

A couple of months ago my friend Demetrius, who runs a big vegan meetup group here in NYC, received some samples of Daiya dairy-free and soy-free cheeses. He had some leftovers after making some yummy food for a potluck and asked me if I wanted some. Duh, of course I did!

I got to try both flavors — the mozzarella and the cheddar. I loved both and was completely blown away that it really melted without much effort, was stretchy, and totally tasted good and from what I can remember just like cheese! Excitedly I made pizzas, veggies with Daiya on top, and my favorite, rice cakes with melted “cheese” just like I used to eat pre-vegan. I was really sad when I ran out of my supply.

I knew it was just a matter of time before Daiya cheese, which only comes in shredded, would catch on at pizza places. According to Quarrygirl.com, Zpizza, a national pizza chain, will start making vegan pizzas with Daiya at all of its 68 locations within the next 6 to 8 weeks, and is already serving it at its West Hollywood location in California.

What does that mean for us New Yorkers? Vegan pizza in Terminal 4 at JFK! Also at 298 Bleecker Street in the West Village. I can’t wait!

If you are not near one of ZPizza’s 68 locations, you can order Daiya at Pangea.