The VegNews 2007 Veggie Awards have been announced. They cover all things vegetarian-related, including food, beverages, restaurants, books, nonprofits, and even blogs! That's right. VegNews lets the readers pick their favorite veg blog, and this year's winner is…FatFree Vegan Kitchen.

Yes, much to my surprise and great disappointment, the VegCooking blog was not named the winner, but there is always next year. I should follow the lead of our current presidential candidates, who seem to have the "it's never too early to get started attitude," and start campaigning now.

Before I go to start working out the details of the campaign, I'll fill you in on a few of the highlights from the winners list:

•Favorite Cookbook Author: Isa Chandra Moskowitz (of Post Punk Kitchen and now Veganomicon fame

•Favorite Non-Dairy Milk: Silk

•Book of the Year: Committed by Dan Mathews

•Cookbook of the Year: The Joy of Vegan Baking (more to come on this book later in the week)

•Best Excuse to Visit the Valley: Chef Dave Anderson of Madeleine Bistro

The above winner I agree with the most is Madeleine Bistro as the best reason to visit the Valley. Actually, I think the restaurant's desserts alone are reason enough to visit the Valley. The menu includes perfected versions of those fantasy desserts many of us wouldn't attempt at home, such as vegan crème brûlée and even a vegan meringue. I know someone who works there and is sworn to secrecy on the recipes, but if he ever budges, I'll let you know.

What I love most about the restaurant—and what I think is needed to raise the bar for all vegetarian restaurants—is that it creates high-quality and creative food that stands out amongst all cuisines, instead of just being "good for a vegan restaurant." Now that is worthy of an award.