publisher’snote
12 VegNews SUMMER 2019
Colleen’s Summer
Wish List
This issue is chock-full of things to do,
eat, and see this summer. Here are a
few at the top of my list!When I was a kid, summertime meant sun-splashed afternoons at my family’s
beach cottage in Northern California. Days would be filled with building sand castles,
reading library books, bicycling around the neighborhood, and dipping our toes into
the cool, turquoise waters. Each night, my family and I would make dinner before
building a fire and popping in a VHS. And, at least a few times each summer, we would
make homemade vanilla bean ice cream in a wooden ice cream maker that we took
turns cranking. It was heavenly.
Life was simple and sweet, so it’s no wonder that summer was always
my favorite time of year. Now, many decades later, I have returned to this same
bustling beach town to live year-round, which, frankly, feels like being on permanent
vacation even on the most hectic, deadline-driven days. When it comes to sunshine,
warm sand, and the glorious sound of waves crashing on the Pacific shoreline, I just
can’t get enough.
That’s why the Summer Issue of VegNews you’re now holding in your hands is extra-
special to me and the dozens of editors, writers, photographers, and designers who
contributed to this absolutely stunning installment of our award-winning magazine.
It’s dripping with warm weather ideas, from what to eat (flip to p.46 for our food
feature, where we craft the best burgers, shakes, and fries ever) to where to travel
(Prague, Toronto, and Miami are just the beginning) to how to turn your summer fling
into a lifelong romance (look no further than our much-anticipated feature on the
dreamiest vegan weddings imaginable, p.34—and don’t miss Kat Von D’s epic,
multi-tiered red velvet cake! ).There are so many reasons we at VegNews soak up
summertime, but to narrow it down, we share all of our faves in our gorgeous piece,
“20 Reasons We Love Summer” (p.26). Spoiler alert: we’ll be poolside at the Four
Seasons Resort Punta Mita noshing on piña colada parfaits, chilaquiles, and wild
mushroom sopes if you need us.
This summer, I wish you lots of warm days with plentiful moments to
relax, even though life often has other plans for us. Chill out any way you can with your
favorite food, libations, concerts, friends, and—of course—VegNews. Pop this bad boy
into your beach bag, pull up a folding chair and gigantic umbrella, and start reading
(the ice cream is optional, but highly recommended).Happy summer!Days
Colleen Holland
Publisher + Co-FounderTry the Impossible
Whopper (p.16)
I may not be a regular at Burger King,
but I’ll be in line this summer to try
their new vegan burger.Go to a veg wedding (p.34)
Vegan wedding cake, champagne, and
a dance floor? Count me in!Host a vegan BBQ (p.46)
With Joni Marie Newman’s next-level
burgers, fries, and milkshakes, my
menu is complete.Take a roadtrip (p.67)
Dine at Planta in Miami Beach? Hit up
Slutty Vegan in Atlanta? Slurp vegan
milkshakes in Austin? Yes to all of it!Read a good book (p.88)
I can always count on my über-smart
colleagues to recommend today’s
most intriguing reads.We Won!
Congratulations to the
VegNews team on picking up
multiple awards this year,
including Best Niche Magazine,
Best Website, and Best Magazine
Cover! We’re just a tad tickled.P.S. If, like me, you love birthday cake, you’re going to go gaga for our taste test on all-
things birthday cake-flavored. We’re talking cookie dough, almond butter, ice cream,
popcorn, and more. Check it out on p.64!Summer