Vegan In Vegas

Local Taqueria Tacotarian Wins Big Plus Taverna Costera Gives Options

There're only winners in the plant-based community of Las Vegas, as the city continues to lead the way in both exclusively plant-based eateries as well as ever expanding menu-options at mixed fare restaurants. Residents and tourists alike can always nd something deliciously plant-based in the Las Vegas valley as businesses strive to save the health of the people, and the planet, one meal at a time.

F a n s o f T a c o T u e s d a y h a v e b e e n  o c k i n g t o Tacotarian since it opened in 2018 with the original location in the Arts District. Founded by Dan and Regina Simmons along with Carlos and Kristen Corral, they now boasts three Las Vegas and one Henderson location as well as one in San Diego, CA. And it's not just L a s V e g a s v e g a n s p a y i n g a t t e n t i o n , t h e n a t i o n ' s leading plant-based lifestyle magazine VegNews just awarded Tacotarian best Taqueria in the United States in their reader's poll of 2023.

It's an award well deserved. Tacotarian is authentic  a v o r s o f M e x i c o , a l l p l a n t b a s e d , w i t h e a c h experience better than the last. My favorite is on the secret menu, the Birria Crunchwrap bursting with avor and a sauce you'll want to drink. There are over 10 types of tacos with your favorite “meat” from Asada to Barbacoa, Chorizo to Al Pastor. You'll be hard pressed to tell the difference from non-plant-based versions. Quesadillas, Enchiladas, Burritos, they're all here, soups and salads and desserts (like my favorite, the coconut cake). There's even a margarita ight to help wash it all down.

Tacotarian is about family, recipes, culture, and service. They treat you like a member of their family, and the food tastes like abuela is in the kitchen working magic. Service time can get a little long when crowded so be warned, but it's well worth the wait. Locations, menus, and more are listed at and congrats tacotarianlv.com on being named best in the USA to them and their staff.

OPTIONS: Vegan and plant-based menu options are the number one growth area in the food industry, with the market expanding 600% over the last ve years. General Manager and Executive Chef Chris Mahon knows this, and is leading the charge at another Arts District favorite, Taverna Costera (1031 S. Main St., Las Vegas, NV tavernacostera.com)

This is my go-to downtown spot when non-vegans are joining me because so far, I haven't seen or had one dish that didn't please. Taverna boasts almost 10 vegan options, each with a Hawaiian are due to Mahon's past experiences there.

T h e K a t s u ( j a c k f r u i t ) i s a f a v o r i t e , b u t t h e B B Q Jackfruit wrap is no slouch, either. Arancini (fried risotto balls) always are a great start and segues nicely into their vegan pizza. There's a breakfast scramble, a hearty stew, and customizable bowls. Dinner entrees include a portabello mushroom scampi and a linguine arrabiata from the heart with just the right amount of spice. The space is eclectic, with Dragon Alley coffee on premises and a rooftop made for parties. The weekends can get loud inside, and often the patio has private parties, so be prepared for a festive environment of art, music and food. They have a full craft cocktail bar as well. Taverna gets it right by not treating vegans as an afterthought (oh, we have fries or salad) but by designing dishes with pride and avor that rival the non-vegan counterparts.

To read more about these and other restaurants in and around Las Vegas that cater to or have options f o r p l a n t - b a s e d e a t e r s , b e s u r e t o v i s i t v e g a n i n v e g a s . c o m a n d l i s t e n f o r r e v i e w s a n d recipes on The Karel Cast wherever you get your p o d c a s t s R e v i e w s a r e o f t e n f e a t u r e d a t m y youtube channel as well youtube.com/reallykarel as Send comments to realvegasmagazine.com comments@veganinvegas.com

By Gerard Ramalho

There is power in story! In fact, as humans we are wired to remember stories because they help us make sense of the world around us. They provide hope, perspective and inspiration, and often even compel us into action.

I' ve been telling stories, mostly other people's stories, for the better par t of 30 years. One thing I discovered in the course of my repor ting career is no one can tell “your stor y ” better than you! You lived it. You dreamed it. Maybe you triumphed over it, or maybe it's still in progress. My point is only you can provide your authenticity, your detail and your passion. That's why I'm so excited to be emcee again at this year's What's Your Story event in Las Vegas.

What's Your Story founded by Success Coach Missy Day and co-produced by Branding Exper t Michelle Hausbeck, is unlike any other event I' ve ever experienced. It's a full- day of unscripted stor y sharing and life changing testimony from people who in many cases have overcome incredible circumstances. Not to be confused with a motivational conference, here you won' t see a bunch of PowerPoint slide presentations with bullet point tips or exper ts telling you how to improve your life. On the contrary, What's Your Story is raw and often unpredictable The speakers don' t just offer advice, they dig deep and share their fears, failures and ongoing struggles. The ver y act of sharing their stories becomes a par t of their own growing process. As listeners we can all identify with many of the challenges presented

“We wanted a safe place where people could go and share their stories without judgement,” said Missy Day, founder of What's Your Story, “Both the storytellers and listeners come away changed and better for what they've heard.”

Missy Day Michelle Hausbeck Gerard Ramalho

The Storytellers

This year's power ful lineup includes the return of some previous presenters and some newcomers with stories that will leave the audience tearing up, laughing and cheering all in the same afternoon. Among them are:

Gary Miracle, who found out one Christmas morning he had a rare blood disease and would likely die from it. After a ver y long hospital stay, one that involved having all his limbs amputated, Gar y miraculously sur vived. His stor y is one of recover y and growth and how he has emerged mentally stronger than ever before

Connor Fields, a 3-time U.S. Olympian discusses his journey to become the top BMX rider in the world. Despite a near fatal injur y that should have ended his career, Connor rose to victor y overcoming broken bones, a brain injur y, and his own personal doubt.

Dean Smith speaks on forgiveness. His mother was murdered when he was only 12 years old. Many years later Dean has not only forgiven his mother's k iller, but has developed a relationship with him. It is a relationship that has helped them both heal and touch other lives

Sam Schmidt is a former Indy Racing League driver and current NTT IndyCar Series and Indy Lights series team owner. Sam shouldn't even be alive. After hitting a concrete wall at 180 mph in 2000, his spinal cord was severely injured and left him a quadriplegic. Not only is he alive and well, but he is also still driving!

How to Take Part

Tickets are available for individual or group purchase at, whatsyourstor y.vegas

Sponsorship oppor tunities are also available for purchase, and speak ing oppor tunities remain open for a few select individuals

WHAT'S YOUR STORY 2023 EVENT

Friday, October 13th, 2023, 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Saturday, October 14th 2023, 9:00am - 6:00pm

Friday, October 13th, 5:00pm - 8:00pm

What's Your Story kicks off Friday night on the main stage!

Appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be served.

Saturday, October 14th, 9:00am - 6:00pm

Registration and Continental Breakfast: 9am -10am

Speakers: 10am - 12:30pm

Lunch (included): 12:30pm - 1:30pm

Speakers and Workshop: 1:30pm - 5:00pm

Closing Remarks: 5:30pm

Event Start: 10am Event End: 6:00pm

My �nal thought: There's no question in my mind What's Your Story will impact you. For some it will be inspirational and motivational, for others the takeaway is almost spiritual This year's event is expected to be the best one yet, and I personally, can' t wait! Come experience the What's Your Story magic!

Operation H.O.P.E. exists to provide help to populations that are typically forgotten by society. After pandemic-related closure of our clinics, we are finally set to re-open as an outdoor clinic for the homeless. We are currently looking for healthcare professionals and non-healthcare volunteers to assist our homeless friends with not just medical assistance but also with wrap-around social services such as birth certificate/ID retrieval, bus passes, food, clothing, counseling, mentorship, employment and housing assistance. RESTORING

“To provide “no cost” medical care for the homeless. Each HOPE patient must agree to “pay it forward” with acts of kindness to others in the community.