Manhattan- Based Gustorganics Says " Veganize Me "

In a bid to help save the planet and to curb global climate change, GustOrganics, New York's premiere organic restaurant, has teamed up with the animal advocacy organization Mercy For Animals (MFA) and vegan chef, Alexandra Jamieson, co-star of the Academy Award-nominated film, Super Size Me, to feature an exclusive vegan menu in celebration of World Go Vegan Week in October.

Location: GustOrganics, 519 6th Avenue @ 14th Street, Manhattan

Dates: Sunday, October 24 - Sunday, October 31, 2010

Vegan Week is a worldwide, annual celebration of compassion and sustainability that takes place this year from October 24 through October 31. Presented by Mercy For Animals in New York, Vegan Week seeks to promote compassionate, sustainable and healthy eating.

Why vegan? In June, the United Nations announced that a global shift away from animal-based foods is necessary to save the world from the most devastating impacts of climate change, stating that meat, dairy and egg production is responsible for more deadly greenhouse gases than all of the cars, trucks, planes, trains, ships and other forms of transportation in the world combined. Heeding this call to action, GustOrganics founder and CEO Alberto Gonzalez and his team have "veganized" the restaurant's menu.

"By working with local, organic farmers GustOrganics is already one of the greenest restaurants in the world. But we wanted to take it one step further and show our customers that one of the best ways to conserve resources and protect the environment is to eat lower on the food chain. Once people see how delicious and satisfying vegan foods can be, they'll be begging for more," says Gonzalez.

GustOrganics is the first USDA certified organic restaurant in New York, and the nation's first restaurant to use 100% USDA certified organic ingredients. GustOrganics is also certified as a Green Restaurant by the Green Restaurant Association and stands by the motto, "Good, Clean, Fair." The restaurant's commitment to a green vision is apparent in its every detail, from its corn straws to its low-energy appliances.

"GustOrganics has developed an exciting array of great tasting vegan meals that are not only good for you, they're wonderful for the planet and kind to animals," says Nathan Runkle, Executive Director of Mercy For Animals. "Whether you are vegan or simply looking to leave a lighter carbon footprint, GustOrganics is the place to eat."

Guests are invited to experience Latin-inspired, 100% organic, vegan fare, including Spicy Vegan Tacos with Pineapple Salsa and Avocado Dressing, Mousse de Camote with Caramelized Cashews, Tofu Carpaccio with Arugula and Almonds and much, much more.

Alexandra Jamieson - perhaps best known as the health conscious, vegan wife of Morgan Spurlock during his dangerous 30-day binge on McDonalds in Super Size Me - studied at New York City's Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts. Alex has since produced numerous books, including Living Vegan for Dummies.

"As more Americans become aware of the dire consequences that McDonald's and other fast food fare has on the environment, human health and animal welfare, it is refreshing to work with a restaurant that is committed to taking a lead role in social responsibility," says Jamieson.