Announcing the Winner of PETA’s ‘Most Vegan-Friendly City’ Prize

Published September 17, 2014 by Michelle Reynolds. Last Updated April 2, 2024.

3 min read

Biting into “The Big Apple” is now healthier than ever before. Once known for its strip steak, New York has earned the title of Most Vegan-Friendly City in PETA’s 2014 competition.

PETA’s Dan Mathews and actor Alan Cumming meet with New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio in advance of the news conference announcing PETA’s Most Vegan-Friendly City of 2014

To present the city with the prize, Alan Cumming, who credits vegan eating with giving him the boundless energy that he displays on stage and screen, joined PETA and City Council members on the steps of City Hall. “I’ve really noticed over the last few years how many people are turning towards eating vegetarian or vegan. … [E]veryone’s realizing that these things are delicious and good for you. And I think it’s an indication of how we’re becoming more conscious of what we do to our bodies by what we put into them and what we do to the planet,” he told the enthusiastic crowd. In addition to the framed award, Alan also presented the council with a sculpture of the Manhattan skyline carved entirely from vegetables by food artist James Parker.

Alan Cumming and PETA — L to R: PETA’s Dan Mathews; Councilmembers Corey Johnson, Alan Maisel, Helen Rosenthal, and Rafael Espinal; Alan Cumming

L to R: Alan Maisel, Helen Rosenthal, Alan Cumming, Corey Johnson, Dan Mathews — Alan Cumming discusses the trend toward vegan eating.

Alan Cumming With Councilmembers Helen Rosenthal and Corey Johnson

Council Member Corey Johnson, whose West Side district includes vegan hotspots such as Blossom, Terri, and Zen Palate, added, “New York boasts more than 140 vegetarian restaurants, countless veggie-friendly establishments, and the first vegetarian public school. The trend in green cuisine is healthful, draws food tourists, and employs thousands.”

After the awards ceremony, Alan, who currently stars on Broadway in Cabaret and on CBS’ The Good Wife, invited council members, the media, and anyone with a hankering for good, healthy food to join him for lunch at the hip vegan eatery Blossom on Carmine and see for themselves what all the fuss is about.

Congratulations, New York City!