Rory Freedman (a.k.a Queen of the Vegan Castle) recently went on a lunch date with Kathy Freston at the famous Craft restaurant in LA.

Upon arrival, Adam Rosenbaum, the manager on duty (who’s wife just happens to be vegan thanks to Skinny Bitch), strolled over to say hello and “a rapid-fire series of questions and answers” ensued. Here are some of the highlights:

Adam: Don’t you get sick if you don’t get enough protein?
Rory: There are tons of ways to get your protein—beans, tofu, tempeh, seitan, whole grains—and besides, getting enough protein is never a problem in a wealthy country like the U.S. It’s in everything.

A: But what if you just like the tradition of a big steak or some other kind of meaty, solid meal?
R: Have that same meal, but just change it up to something plant based. So instead of a steak, have a tofu steak. Use Earth Balance (vegan butter) in your mashed potatoes or almond milk on your cereal.

A: I could never go vegan. I don’t mind that my wife is, but I just like the taste and feeling of meat.
R: Again, let’s call it what it is: pig, chicken, baby cow and so on. You get my drift. And by the way, your wife is about to have a baby. Your baby will nurse for, what, a year, maybe two? That kid won’t come back 5 or 10 years later wanting more milk. He or she will have grown out of that stage. And if you think about it, why in the world would any of us want to drink the milk of another species? Doesn’t make sense.

The meal ends with Rory challenging Adam to a 30-day meat-free pinky swear. Will he keep up his bargain? We sure hope so.

via:latimesmagazine.com

Actress Persia White and Dr. Neal Barnard are pictured here celebrating at PCRM’s “Art of Compassion” pre-gala bash.  Other famous faces in attendance included Kathy Freston, Emily Deschanel, Rory Freedman, Jennifer Coolidge, Marilu Henner and many more. The Art of Compassion gala will mark PCRM’s 25th anniversary and will take place on April 10th in California. Wanna know more? Visit PCRM.org/Gala2010 to get your tickets!

Are you excited about free vegetarian incredibleness? Wanna see some famous faces and spend a fun-filled day under the sun? Then open that planner and write down two little words: DC VegFest!

On Saturday, September 12, from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., all the coolest kids in town will be haning out in University Yard at George Washing University for the DC VegFest.

Presented by our friends at Compassion Over Killing and the Vegetarian Society of D.C., this event will feature well-known faces like television anchor Wendy Rieger, Senator Jamie Raskin and many more! Also making an appearance is Skinny Bitch author Rory Freedman who told Ecorazzi:

“Whether you’re a veg-head, meat-head, or somewhere in between, you don’t want to miss this day of celebration, food, and fun. It could literally change your life.”

Free life-changing fun? I’m in!

To find out more about this groovy event visit DCVegFest.com.

Want some hot, totally unprocessed gossip? Well look no further, Razzi readers — I have it for you!

News from out west just blew in about an awesome new series celebrating one of our very favorite things: charities and the celebrities who are obsessed with them!

The show is called Breaking Bread and is a 12-episode series of privately hosted dinner parties where celebrities get a chance to talk about their favorite cause.  The latest one touched on an issue that just so happens to be pretty near and dear to my heart: veganism! 

The dinner was hosted by GirlieGirlArmy general Chloé Jo Berman and featured Meredith Salenger, Corey and Susie Feldman, Persia White, John Joseph, Mickey Madden, Emily Deschanel, Marilu Henner, Mariel Hemingway, Gene Baur, Victoria Moran, Rory Freedman and Laban Pheidias. 

Sounds like a hell of a party, right?

No word yet and when the show will air, but you better believe we’re gonna promote the eff out of it when we get the details. So sit tight, keep munching on those tofu and veggies and stay tuned!

If you didn’t figure it out from my fancy word play, Skinny Bastard is the latest book from Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin — the creators of the mega-successful, mega-world-changing Skinny Bitch franchise. 

Because I’m kind of a big deal (people know me — I have many (faux) leather-bound books), I was lucky enough to get a copy before the rest of the world meets the bastard on May 1st, and let me tell you: YOU WANT TO BUY THIS BOOK!!

Never afraid to preach the hard-hitting truth, Skinny Bastard breaks it down hardcore for all the dudes out there on subjects ranging from how the dairy industry ruins everything to why meat is the biggest party-pooper of them all! 

By the time you’re done reading this book you’ll be motivated to drop that greasy burger and get your life on track! Yep, you heard it here: Ecorazzi officially endorses Skinny Bastard. We think it’s just grand! 

Skinny Bastard hits the shelf on May 1st, but we highly recommend you pre-order it NOW!

With Earth Day literally hours away, celebrity and common folk alike are spending their days dreaming up the perfect way to celebrate Mama Earth’s favorite holiday. 

Over at GirlieGirlArmy.com, Chloe Jo Berman shares with her readers just how Skinny Bitch author Rory Freedman and Bones star Emily Deschanel would spend THEIR perfect day of earth.

Here’s a selection from the convo: 

Rory: First stop: trapeze school on the Santa Monica pier! It’s one version of man-made fun that doesn’t leave any carbon footprint. You swing around in the air confronting your fear of heights and bodily harm. It’s an amazing workout where you get to be outside, enjoy the fresh air, see the ocean, feel young, and get manhandled by hot guys. When we’re done playing Circus of the Stars, we can go stuff our faces at Golden Mean Cafe, the new vegan spot in Santa Monica that’s all the buzz.

Emily Deschanel: Ooh I can’t wait! I’ve been dying to do trapeze school, and I haven’t been to that restaurant yet!! You know we both love vegan food!!! 

I’m not sure about trapeze school, but I’ll totally meet you for dinner!

To read the whole interview visit GirlieGirlArmy.com and get your Earth on!

This month’s issue features two super exciting articles that we’re pretty sure you’re gonna drool over hard core! 

The first is an exclusive behind the scenes chat with one of our all-time favorite green ladies: Skinny Bitch author Rory Freedman. She’s basically the coolest. 

You’ll also want to check out the issue because I’m featured in a piece called The New Vegan. WOOO!!

What do I have to say about veganism? Well..you’ll just have to go check it out for yourself. 

To read the whole article visit ExperienceLifeMag.com! Go get um!

- Author Rory Freedman discussing the Jessica Simpson weight controversy.  Maybe Jessica should pick up a copy of Skinny Bitch and find out why going VEG would help her planet, health and fellow creatures!!  To read all of Rory’s thoughts visit CNN.com!

photo credit: prphotos.com

Now with over four Skinny Bitch books on the market and a series of fitness DVD’s just released, their humble little brand has turned into a global phenomenon.

Ecorazzi first met Skinny Bitch co-author Rory Freedman at Farm Sanctuary’s Annual Gala last year and recently sat down with the celebrated author once again to pick her brain. Check out the interview below. 

Ecorazzi: OK, we’ve spoken with you before about being VEG, but why don’t you remind our readers just how you began this journey.

Rory Freedman: Up until my “awakening,” I called myself an animal lover but ate meat for every meal. Then, one day in college I got a PETA magazine in the mail. There was an article on factory farming and slaughterhouses (with pictures). I will never forgot the horror I felt in that moment, knowing that every time I sat down to eat meat, I was directly contributing to the confinement, torture, and slaughter of innocent animals. I sat at my little table in my college apartment bawling my eyes out, and vowed to myself that I would never eat another cow, chicken, or pig ever again. And from there, I eventually transitioned into veganism.

E: You have this great new inspirational journal out and also a set of work-out videos. What’s next for the Skinny Bitch empire?

RF: Vacation!

E: You must be so psyched that the world has so lovingly embraced your books. What’s been your proudest Skinny Bitch moment so far?

RF: When the book first started gaining momentum and landing on the NY Times best seller list and things like that, I was beyond excited. But now, I don’t really have an attachment to those feelings. This is probably gonna sound weird (and maybe lame, too, I don’t know) but I don’t really have this big sense of pride surrounding the books. Even though I wrote every word, I almost feel like the whole thing has nothing to do with me. Like, the power to veganize people exists in the Universe, and it just so happens that I thought of one way to harness it. But when there are still billions of animals suffering and dying and there are so many people in the animal rights community who do so much more than I ever will, it’s hard to stand around patting myself on the back. (All that said, I must admit: anytime I hear from PETA president, Ingrid Newkirk, I get a little heady.)

E: Rumor has it that you had something to do with Ellen and Portia going VEG? Any truth to that? Oh yeah and can you tell her I think she’s awesome?

RF: I wouldn’t dream of outing anyone. But I will say that I think Ellen and Portia are both awesome, too. They are the real deal–100 percent in it for the animals and totally committed to fighting the good fight.

E: Since we’re maybe a little obsessed with stars up in here, which 3 celebrities would you like to see go vegan?

RF: Whoever would have the biggest impact on the rest of the world going vegan! I don’t know who that would be…maybe Oprah, Brad, and Angelina? Or would it make more sense to target kids/teens and go with The Jonas brothers?

E: What would you say to readers out there who are toying with the idea of vegetarianism? Any words of encouragement? Helpful tips?

RF: DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!

Don’t let it overwhelm you or make it bigger than it is. Just pick a date, get organized (food shopping, etc.) and pledge to do thirty days meat-free. (Visit GoVeg.com for a free vegetarian starter kit.) And remember to take it one meal at a time. If you approach it like, “I can never eat meat again?” of course you’ll struggle. But if you just tell yourself, “Right now, for this meal, I’m going to eat something else,” you’ll make it through with flying colors.

To get fully motivated, watch this quick video.

E: People probably make a lot of assumptions about an author who writes a book called Skinny Bitch. What’s one thing you’d like the world to know about Rory Freedman that they would never guess?

RF: Hmmm…I guess people who haven’t read the book might assume that I think women should be skinny, or that I’m a bitch, or that I’m hung up on my own weight. I’d want them to know that I could give two shits about how much I weigh, that I think full-figured women should rock their curves with pride, and that I’m generally a nice person. (When I have PMS, not so much.)

I’d also like the world to know that I have an acute sense of smell. It’s a gift and a curse. I don’t know why I’m so proud of it, but I am.

E: Now, as our readers know, I always close with the same question: If you had the chance to meet one person who you’ve found specifically instrumental in the vegetarian community – dead or alive, past or present – who would it be and why?

RF: I’m blessed to have so many friends in the movement and to have already met many of my heroes.

There are so many beautiful people in the animal rights community who do so much, but every year when the Canadian seal hunt begins, I think about Rebecca Aldworth at the Humane Society. She goes out on the ice floes, face to face with hunters who bludgeon baby seals to death. I have such a tremendous respect for her; I’d like to thank her for doing what she does and find out how she’s able to do it. I’d also like to pay homage to Gail Eisnitz, author of the must-read book Slaughterhouse.

(And of course, I wouldn’t mind meeting all the cute, single guys in the movement…)

A big thank you to Rory Freedman for taking time out of her busy schedule to share some thoughts with your adorable Ecorazzi team. If you haven’t read Skinny Bitch yet, make sure you pick up a copy today and check out the Skinny Bitch website for all the latest news!

I’m gonna go out on a limb here and say that Skinny Bitch co-author Rory Freedman has more celebrity vegan convert credits to her name than pretty much anyone else I know. This chick is on fire!

As Valentine’s Day approaches, the famous veganizing author is offering a Skinny Bitch “Love Yourself” Valentine’s Day Contest that is guaranteed to make anybody feel like a real life Hollywood rockstar!

Here’s how it works: simply visit SkinnyBitch.net and sign up for the free contest. The winner will receive a gift basket that includes an $100 Gift Certificate to Whole Foods, 1 copy of all of the Skinny Bitch books, Skinny Bitch: Boot Camp Workout DVDs, Sun Flour Blondies, Larabars and many other great products that are all, of course, totally vegan!

The contest ends on February 14th, so make sure you hop on over to SkinnyBitch.net and sign yourself up! Happy V. Day, ya’ll!