Local Find V GO’s

A One-Stop Vegan Shop

V GO’s Bellingham

WRITTEN BY ANELYSE MORRIS | PHOTOGRAPHED BY COCOA LANEY

IF YOU’RE A VEGAN OR AN AVID FOOD TRUCK LOVER in Bellingham, you’re bound to have sampled food from Sage Against the Machine. This beloved food truck features diverse menu items, all of which are two important things: Vegan and delicious.

With business booming, Sage Against the Machine started to outgrow its shared kitchen. Owners Tara Folenius and Nate Johnson saw it as an opportunity to look for a commissary kitchen. It wasn’t until three years later that their idea would come to fruition in the form of V GO’s Bellingham (Vegans on the Go).

This new space, an old church located on Cornwall Avenue, was purchased back in 2020. After facing multiple setbacks, Folenius and Johnson were able to hit the ground running in 2021.

“We definitely bit off more than we thought it was going to be in the beginning,” Folenius says. “But it’s happening. We’re getting it.”

V GO’s operates as a mercantile, offering the same great foods from Sage Against the Machine while also allowing for indoor seating and an all-encompassing vegan store. You’ll find a little bit of everything, from clothing and hygiene products to groceries, pet food, and take-and-heat treats.

“We wanted it to be a one-stop shop for everything. It would have room for a kitchen, for seating, and for a grocery store,” Folenius says. “We really need it here in Bellingham.”

When visiting V GO’s you can shop and eat knowing not only that your products are vegan, but that they’re also sustainable. Folenius says V GO’s will continue to be ocean-friendly by buying in bulk, using compostable products, avoiding single-use plastic, and supporting local animal rescues.

“We want to help spread the word for these small nonprofits that are doing amazing, hard work with these animals,” she says. “We’ve also talked to tons of entrepreneurs who make vegan products. We want to feature them and give them their own space.”

Folenius also hopes to decorate the building’s large walls with local artwork, giving a percentage of proceeds from their sales to those small nonprofits and animal sanctuaries. You can also expect future food tastings, Saturday morning music sessions, and neighborhood block parties on the horizon.

“We have amazing neighbors and we want to showcase them and have fun with them,” she says. “We want to turn [the block] into a vegan destination.”

While Folenius is excited for all of this, she most looks forward to being an establishment the community can depend on — one where you can walk in knowing that everything is plant-based, vegan, and good for the environment. 1213 Cornwall Ave., Ste. 102, vgosbellingham.com 

BASTION BREWING COMPANY American 12529 Christianson Rd., Anacortes 360.399.1614, bastionbrewery.com On the Bastion Brewing Company menu you’ll find classic salads, an array of interesting burgers, and crispy chicken wings drenched in your choice of sauce. Food arrives impressively quick, and even more impressive is the quality of the food.

CATRINA TACOS & TEQUILA Mexican 517 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.336.5566, catrinastacostequila.com Catrina Tacos & Tequila is known for their take on Street Tacos — with a multitude of meat fillings to choose from, double tortillas, cilantro, and onions — but that’s certainly not the only mouthwatering option. With plenty of drinks to sample, there’s always another reason to visit again.

THE FAIRHAVEN Deli 100 N. Burlington Blvd., Burlington, 360.746.3183, fairhaventogo.com Offerings at The Fairhaven are diverse enough to please every palate, and the flavors of each ingredient are carefully considered. Rotating specials and seasonal dishes make each visit unique and exciting.

FORTUNE MANDARIN Chinese, Mandarin 1617 Freeway Dr., Mount Vernon 360.428.1819, fortunemandarin.com Tea warmed over a candle, delicious drinks with a slight exotic twist, tender and flavorful meat, and vegetables cooked to perfection are expected at this peaceful bar and restaurant with Chinese decor. The owner and staff remember regular patrons, creating a sense of community alongside mouth-watering food.

GREEK ISLANDS RESTAURANT Greek 2001 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.293.6911, greekislandsrestaurant.shop Some of the very best Greek food in our area comes from this versatile and excellent menu, with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and glutenfree options. They serve both authentic food, such as classic gyro plates and spanakopita, while also mixing in American and seafood options, such as pork ribs and fish and chips. MEXICAN FOOD HOMESTYLE

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NELL THORN Seafood 116 1st St., La Conner, 360.466.4261, nellthorn.com Nell Thorn is seafood-heavy, so trying one of their seafood dishes is a must. Their daily specials take into account the freshest catches,