First published in  Lonely Goat Print Magazine Volume II - #7

A Book for Your Tummy and Your Soul: Kind Veggie Burritos
by Karen Pepe-Delage (July, 1999)

I was seeking a shady spot to chill from that blazing orb in the sky while enjoying a recent local festival favorite of mine, Smilefest. I decided the perfect oasis would be the Lonely Goat Lounge. Situated at the top of a hill at the opposite end of the field from the stage, it seemed to be the perfect getaway from the rapidly rising temperature and a great place to mingle. Although this is not my reason for writing, I would like to mention just how awesome this little area was. The lounge was put together by my friends at Lonely Goat and they did it up large. Under a commercial size tarp, they had a huge sofa, two lounge chairs (I'm talking recliners!), a coffee table, lots of plants, wall hangings (which wasn't easy since there were no walls), tiki torches for evening light and the whole thing was completely spangled in purple tinsel!

Well, enough about that. I just wanted to give a little atmosphere and set the scene. While I sat there chatting, I noticed several books and photos on the coffee table (just like home). It was then I was introduced to a kind sister, Beth Livingston, and her husband John Rattet, both veteran deadheads ready to share a tale or two from the old tour days. The book Kind Veggie Burritos was definitely not your run of the mill culinary collection. The cover sports a well known picture of Jerry Garcia with cosmic enhancements. Below it states, "In loving memory of Jerry Garcia Aug. 1, 1942 - Aug. 9, 1995." It is written by Deadheads everywhere and compiled by Beth Livingston with Head Photographer John Rattet. John also has some excellent photos of the band over the years.

As I got to know these folks I found out how the book came to be. Beth had toured almost thirty years and about 1991 she noticed between tours she, "started jonesing, not only for the music, but for some of the really good parking lot food." So she started talking to vendors & Deadheads camping, handed out flyers, emailed folks, etc. Soon she had enough recipes for her book. Categories include: Breakfast, Munchies, Breads, Sandwiches, Soups, Salads, Main Courses and even a few MEAT recipes. There are no less than seven veggie burrito concoctions. Hence the title, I guess.

Recipes with delightful names like "New Potato Caboose Salad," "Mexicali Rice Tacos," "Bread for Your Head" and "The Pasta Salad That Would Not Die" are sure to give you a chuckle. I loved the unique instructions like, "<BURRITOS> will come together best if you build them while blasting out a fast fiery "China>Rider." Others add philosophical gems with their formulas like, "Reform politics, pray, sing daily and keep your toes in the soil."

One chapter named "Tips, Trips and Information" informs one on what types of food travel best and basic ingredients to always have at the ready. In another section entitled "Other Goodies" There is a great bubble recipe - a sure way to keep the kids happy. There are also a few beer recipes which can keep the adults even happier. An extra feast for the eyes is the original artwork throughout from Beth and Hal Earp as well as original tour photos, mostly by John, sure to stir up a few road memories.

As the book was passed around the lounge, one young hipster who was planning out her Phish tour itinerary scanned the book and recognized a picture of a food vendor apparently well know to almost everyone. As the time passed and people came and went, she would point to the photo and say, "Who is this?" Seven people recognized him by name. Most had seen him before. I too am sure I purchased food from him at a recent Florida festival!

I think the noblest thing about this book is that all of the proceeds, after expenses, are donated to SEVA* and the Rex Foundation**, both well known charitable operations associated with the Grateful Dead. Beth also adds that she would like this to be an ongoing project. It's an attempt to keep the sense of brotherhood within the Grateful Dead family alive. She welcomes any new recipes, artwork, poetry, stories, essays, etc. (Much like what we are trying to do here at Lonely Goat!). We are all Lonely Goats after all.

Beth lives in Durham with her husband John and her cats. She is a freelance writer and welcomes all responses from all you kind Brothers and Sisters. I think this book not only has the potential to satisfy your stomach, but has the energy to feed your soul as well. All this for a mere ten bucks!