Philadelphia Hosts Vegan Pizza Tribute to Pussy Riot

Philadelphia eatery Capofitto Pizza + Gelato will host a vegan event tonight as a tribute to Russian political activist band Pussy Riot. “Pizza Riot” will feature foods such as Matzoh Ball Arancini, Whipped Vegan Ricotta with Pizza Bread, and creative pies like the aptly named Kasha Lights Up the Fires—loaded with mushroom barley, kasha, bowties, caramelized onion, vegan cheese, and sour cream. The event is inspired by vegan band member Maria Alyokhina and organized by Stephanie Reitano of Capofitto, Rachel Klein of Miss Rachel’s Pantry, and Kristin Lubsen of SipNGlo, who will be responsible for the pizza base, toppings, and cocktails. “Pussy Riot is a serious political group,” Reitano told local news outlet Philly.com. “We don’t want to denigrate their work. We’re just hoping to borrow a little bit of their bad-assery to make a little poke pushing back at meat culture.” According to Reitano, recipe testing for the event has also inspired potential vegan additions to Capofitto’s permanent menu. “We’ve been [talking about] adding some of these things to the menu,” Reitano said. “We’re all very excited about it.”