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Strap on your favorite faux leather dancing shoes and break out the party tofu…Portland has been named the Most Vegan-Friendly City in the U.S. for 2016.
At Paul McCartney's Moda Center show on Friday, the singer and PETA Vice President Dan Mathews presented Mayor Charlie Hales with a bouquet of roses carved from vegetables.
"Here in Portland, we love our environment, wildlife and pets, and our local economy reflects that—from sustainable operations, to reuse of materials, to vegan fare," said Mayor Hales, according to a press release sent out by PETA. "We are honored to be recognized by PETA and Sir Paul McCartney for living our values."
Sir Paul, the only Beatle who is also a knight, has been a vegetarian since the '70s and is a huge proponent of "Meat-Free Mondays."
In Portland, McCartney has found a kindred city. According to the press release, he left Portland with a box of gourmet vegan cheeses from Vtopia Restaurant & Cheese Shop and seitan cold cuts from Homegrown Smokehouse and Deli, courtesy of PETA.
PETA and McCartney picked Portland because of the somewhat outrageous number of vegan options available here.
"Portland's vegan hot spots aren't just restaurants but a summer camp, a punk-metal bar, a strip mall, and even a strip club," said Mathews.
Portland isn't the only vegan-friendly city in the U.S. PETA's other 2016 Top 10 Vegan-Friendly Cities in the U.S. include Los Angeles, New York, and Detroit.
The last time this honor was bestowed by Sir Paul on a city, he (and PETA) named Austin the Most Vegan-Friendly City in 2013. Sorry Austin, looks like we beat you again. Better luck next time or whatever.
Willamette Week