Last night I scored an invitation to a private dinner with renowned medical research T. Colin Campbell, left, author of The China Study. Dr. Campbell was in town ahead of a lecture he delivered today to medical students at the University of New England in Biddeford.

Published in 2005, The China Study presents the results of the longest and most comprehensive investigation into the relationship between diet and disease ever conducted. The results show a strong relationship between eating animal protein and dying from cancer. The book then goes beyond the science to examine how special interest groups, scientists and bureaucrats spread nutritional confusion.

Dr. Campbell is pictured with fans at Little Lad's Bakery, where the dinner was held. Located next to the artist designed bus shelter on Congress Street, Little Lad's may be best known for its popcorn, but the company is firmly in the restaurant business, with a spot at 120 Broadway in New York City in addition to the Portland eatery.

The dinner was hosted by John Herzog of Orthopedic Specialists in Falmouth and a member of the teaching staff at UNE. Dr. Herzog is also interested in how food affects health and is about to start a 24 day trial of lipid levels and other blood measurements in study participants who switch from a meat-based diet to a plant-based diet prepared by Little Lad's Bakery and Blue Elephant in Saco.

Dr. Herzog decided to undertake this study after he switched his own eating to vegetarian and eventually vegan and saw his cholesterol level drop from 248 to 94. As part of his new eating style, Dr. Herzog says he dines at Little Lad's at least once a week. If you want to get involved in the study, send an email to info@orthocareme.com.

All the food served at Little Lad's is vegan, including this creamy mac & cheese with a wonderful crust that I enjoyed for dinner last night. It was served with green beans, mashed sweet potatoes and pineapple sweetened beets. The huge and very flavorful meal included garden salad, whole wheat rolls served with a cranberry orange relish, non-dairy ice cream, carob truffles and pumpkin pudding.

Little Lad's is run by the very lively Fleming family - including Mom Maria, Dad Larry and their five adorable and poised children - who entertained the crowd with humorous songs about sugar, fiber and good health. The funny refrains included: "Sugar in my history/Sugar in my past/But now I hope I've had my last."

Capturing all this good cheer and herbivore camaraderie on film, Monica Beach Enterprises, out of Santa Monica, CA, was also a hit with the Fleming children. The crew is creating a documentary about Dr. Campbell and his work to spread the word about the benefits of a plant-based diet. Last night was Monica Beach's first filming session. I'm so thrilled I got to be a part of it.