harm.less

Everyone knows that the Dude abides. Given his non-violent, live-and-let-live approach to existence, if the pop culture legend knew what we know about factory farming — it’s likely he’d have chosen non-dairy creamer for all those White Russians.

In keeping with this concept, LA’s hottest new cruelty-free event space, Vegan Scene, is planning a Big Lebowski-themed party for August 29. The spot just opened on July 31, and it’s already received an awesome reception, says owner Amy Rebecca (also the founder of Fur Free LA and Vegans of IG).

Amy came up with the idea for the themed shindig when she was taking a bath and listening to tunes (while simultaneously sipping a vegan White Russian). When she got up to dance to one of her favorite songs (in her bathrobe), she had an “aha!” moment, and the party was born.

“I love throwing parties and planning events, but I’ve always been limited because I never had a venue of my own,” she explains. “Now that I do, I can run wild with a fun theme and go all out. The Lebowski party has been in my head since the very beginning, so it was fitting that it would be the first themed event we’d throw at Vegan Scene.”

The space will be transformed into a bowling alley complete with kiddie bowling pins and glow-in-the-dark beer pong.

“We’ll have vegan bowling alley food, including tacos by Plant Food For People,” Amy says. “Our good friend Caitlin of Cup My Cakez will be working her magic with vegan cupcakes and sugar cookies decorated with little area rugs, The Dude, Walter, The Jesus and bowling pins. We’ve got a popcorn machine, too! Most importantly, our Barnivore-approved drink menu features a Vegan White Russian.”

Guests are encouraged to dress up (“or, if you’re going as The Dude, to dress down,” says Amy).

“The Coen Brothers created a host of rich characters, so there’s plenty more to choose from than just El Duderino. You can dress up as Vietnam veteran Walter Sobchak, German nihilists, Valkyries or, best of all, The Jesus, complete with a snug purple jumpsuit. And, of course, we’ll have a rug that really ties the room together.”

Oh, and what’s in a vegan White Russian? “One shot of coffee liqueur, two shots of vodka (I like Tito’s) and two or three shots of coconut milk. When I’ve had a very long, hard day, I make ’em at home with BluePrint Juice’s Cashew Milk, Vanilla, Cinnamon and Agave,” Amy adds.

This event is the first of many creative soirees planned for Vegan Scene’s future, including a Halloween bash on October 31, a New Year’s Eve party, and a Mario Kart night.

“It’s still hard to believe that this is my life now,” says Amy of Vegan Scene. “I went vegan in 2002, when I still had to explain what the word meant. A lot of people thought I was crazy, or that I would die from lack of nutrients. So I’m always taken aback by how far the movement has come and how receptive the public is to it now. So far, most of our clientele have been omnivores. We’ve come a long way.”

The party kicks off at 9 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, at Vegan Scene, 610 Main Street in Venice, CA. Tickets are $45, or $60 at the door, and they can be purchased online. You can follow and learn more about Vegan Scene on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and VeganScene.com.