Day One of the Second Annual New York City Vegetarian Food Festival was a tremendous success! People stood out in the rain to get inside and the energy in the room was intense, with hundreds of vegans and the veg-curious alike enjoying great food, insightful talks, cooking demonstrations and live music. Check out photos from those who attended the fest and submit your own photos here.

The One Green Planet team attended day one of the festival with ace vegan photographer Esty Stein in tow. Here’s our top 5 list of vendors for the day. We highly recommend checking out their booths if you’re attending Day two or possibly missed them while at the event today.

5. Basilicaux by The Regal Vegan

We had tried their Faux Gras but never had the Basilicaux which rocked our world! Get some!

Adorable and scrumptious!

4. Empanadas by V-Spot

We love this Brooklyn restaurant and their empanadas and salsa are the jam!

We tried the Philly Cheese Steak and it really hit the spot.

3. Sweet & Sara

You will have to elbow your way to get to these tasty samples, but it is well worth the fuss.

Mmmmmmmmmore!

2. Make my Daiya!

The Daiya table greets you when you walk in the door. Grab yourself a sample. Or three. Won’t disappoint!

Mountains and mountains of vegan cheese – that melts!

1. Juno the Rescued Beagle

A little bit about heartthrob and certified therapy dog Juno:

“My name is Juno and I am a rescued beagle. My life started in a research facility where I along with 119 other beagles were used in testing for cosmetics and household items. In April of 2010 the lab closed their doors for good. Luckily for us some wonderful people from Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, UT and Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary in Middletown, NY stepped in and rescued us. In the beginning I was seeing things that were completely new to me. Being outside, feeling grass, having good food and people to pet and care for me. I have a forever home with my very own family and have learned a lot about what it’s like to just be a dog and life is good.”

Juno in puppy heaven getting so many belly rubs!

Bonus: Sweet & Sara is selling seasonal springtime themed Easter Peepers! Check out Rescue Chocolate’s spring themed chocolate eggs and bunnies too!

Top 5 photos taken by Esty Stein. Follow her on twitter @estystein and watch for more of her photos on One Green Planet, reporting from the New York City Vegetarian Food Festival!

If you’re attending the festival you can post photos in real time by tweeting your photo using the hashtag #NYCVFF and @OneGreenPlanet or emailing them to NYCVFF@onegreenplanet.org or uploading them below!