THE MODERN VEGAN

By Daryl K. Jones

s you enter The Modern Vegan restaurant, you know you're in for great ambience, a killer menu and delicious cocktails. According to owner Gia Schultz, the inspiration behind the menu came from food she ate prior to becoming vegan. She wanted to satisfy the cravings and not compromise taste. She is the modern vegan.

The Modern Vegan (TMV) opened on March 15th, 2018 AND was inspired by the brunch spots in Toronto, Canada where owner, Gia Schultz, grew up. Gia has always been a huge “foodie” and she wanted to emulate that same vibe.

“The biggest misconception about vegan food is that it doesn’t taste as good as the ‘real’ thing” explains Gia. “I mean, I could see that being true six years ago, but not anymore. Right now, when it comes to plant-based meats and cheeses, even eggs (yes, we have vegan eggs), with some brands you honestly can’t tell the difference. It’s mind blowing. It’s not like 10 years ago, where the only vegan option was tofu and soy milk. Let’s be honest, the main reason people are scared of vegan food is because of the myth that we eat plain, tasteless, boring food which is totally not true.” The Modern Vegan has about 200 items on their menu right now, and Gia would say their most popular items would definitely be a three-way tie between their Chick’n and Waffles, their Louisiana Fried Chick’n and their Mac Attack Burger. The most surprising item on their menu would be the “Died and Gone to Heaven” dessert. It’s a deep-fried peanut butter and jelly sandwich finished with powdered sugar and according to Gia, it’s “sooooo good.” Gia warns that you will dream about it, and that it’s literally addicting.

When asked about the growing popularity of veganism, Gia asserts, “I think the popularity of veganism is growing because of the internet. A lot of things that have been hidden from the public for so many years are now coming to light and just the information that’s out there and available to us right at our fingertips just helps people make better, wellinformed choices.” She goes on to explain that when she was growing up, she had no way to fact check what she was being taught when it came to what was acceptable to eat. Gia makes the observation that the younger generation are thinking for themselves now, more so than any other generation, and that “animals and our environment are really important to them.” She also cites the many documentaries out there that have turned people off of meat and dairy just by exposing the injustices that animals go through as well as humans. But everyone has their own reason for going vegan. Most do it for the animals, many do it for their health and some do it for the environmental impact it has on earth, according to Gia. “No matter what your reasoning, there is never a better day than today to choose to go plant-based. It’s definitely a decision you won’t regret. It’s a positive thing to do,” says Gia.

As for what’s next for The Modern Vegan, they are in the early stages of franchising. For Gia, it’s super exciting and they’ve enjoyed the interest that is being shown in TMV nationwide. Gia submits, “My dream from the beginning was always to have a TMV in every major city and I’m working super hard in hopes that dream does become a reality one day. Either way, I am still beyond grateful for all the success I’ve had with The Modern Vegan up until now. Keeping my fingers crossed!”

The Modern Vegan has demonstrated that plantbased options do not have to be limited to the norm, nor do they have to be plain and tasteless. Not only does TMV create different and delicious Vegan meals, but the culture of self-care and environmentalism that they promote through doing so is something we definitely need as humans and caretakers of our planet. Gia is proving that everyone can be a modern vegan!