Some people embrace a vegan lifestyle for health benefits (cutting cholesterol, lowering saturated fats, losing weight), others want to avoid eating animals altogether. Either way, an emerging crop of restaurateurs and chefs are finding creative and tasty ways to get the protein, fiber, and minerals they need through vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. It’s a good time to explore vegan cuisine.
A lifelong vegan, chef Makini Howell produces delicious veggie-friendly menu for lunch, brunch and dinner. Howell’s knowledge is so deep that fans track the latest trends in plantbased cuisine (such as Jackfruit Shwarma Tacos) on her monthly cooking show and eagerly sample recipes from her book Plum: Gratifying Vegan Dishes From Seattle’s Plum Bistro. Her culinary magic is anchored by organically grown seasonal vegetables and local fruits. Howell’s tip for going vegan: “Give tofu a try. Despite its appearance, it can take on big, bold flavors.”
Our picks:
1. That Drink She Made Margarita.
2. Spicy Cajun Mac & Yease.
3. Buffalo Portobello Burgers or Edamame & Sweet Pea Ravioli.
Co-owners Judy Harper and Vincent Stretcher have created a vegan oasis seven miles southwest of Atlanta. The restaurant opened its doors after Vincent used raw organic foods to help heal himself following a health crisis. Drop in, sit down and relax to the jazzy sounds of Coltrane and Ellington in serene surroundings as you’re served fresh foods from local organic farmers. Choose from smoothies, salads, pizzas, wraps and five-course dinners. While you’re there, you can also check out the art gallery, take a HueNiversity raw food class or download the most popular recipes on their website. Then bask in that mellow Georgia vibe as you savor the freshly prepared dishes.
Our picks: 1. Seaweed Soup.
2. DLT Sandwich (dulse, lettuce, tomato).
3. Lasagna (layered zucchini noodles).
Chef and owner Vernon Woodland runs four vegan restaurants in the D.C. area, including one at Howard University. He welcomes both vegan-curious eaters and hard-core health enthusiasts to dine on unique cuisine that mirrors traditional soul food, such as Vegan Chick’n Drummies. Come for the mouthwatering meals, stay for the vast dining space, cool smoothie and juice bar and live music. Just hop on the cafeteria-style line to select from baked goods, salads, entrées and hot or cold sides.
Our picks: 1. Strawberry Cream Smoothie.
2. Curried Yuba, Sweet Potatoes or Ginger Collards.
3. Red Velvet Cupcakes.
Co-owner and general manager Kirsten Ussery and co-owner and executive chef Erika Boyd spread their love for nutritious food over the Motor City with a restaurant on the east side of town and another on the west. What started as a meal delivery and catering company has evolved into two enterprising eateries. Their desire to share healthy eating habits includes giving cooking tips such as “Look for ways to substitute plant-based alternatives, such as nut milk versus dairy milk, and applesauce versus eggs for baking.” “Veganizing” family recipes is how Boyd brought a wholesome familiarity to their cooking.
Our picks: 1. Curried Potato Salad.
2. Soul Platter (mac-n-cheese, smoked collards, mapleglazed yams and blackeyed peas).
3. Southern Fried Tofu & Waffles.
Berry Blues
The secret recipe for the Wild Blueberry Mojitos at the Blueberry Café’s Juicebar & Vegan Grille in Newark, New Jersey, is blueberries, lime, basil leaves, spearmint leaves, date syrup and coconut milk.
Smooth Operators Make your own or go for signature drinks at Fusion Smoothie & Juice Bar in Summerville, South Carolina. Sip a Kiwi Thunder, PBJ, BeautyN-Beets or Mad Mango.
Drink Veggies Enjoy kale, cucumbers and spinach? You’ll love the beverages at Chicago’s Original Soul Vegetarian’s Eternity Juice Bar. Try the Carrot Nog.
Hot Shots Jump-start your day with twoounce shots of Run Chicken (lemon, ginger, cayenne, Asian ginseng) or Uncle Curtis (beets, ginger, spirulina, cayenne) at Juiceheads in Atlanta.
Clean Slate Detox with One, Two & ThreeDay Cleanses from Just Pic’d Juices in Norfolk, Virginia. All of its detoxes nurture the mind, body and soul.
