VegOut Awards Issue 2021 by vegoutmagazine

THE

AWARDS ISSUE

MONTY’S GOOD BURGER

LA’S ICONIC VEGAN BURGER JOINT IS CHANGING THE GAME

AMERICA’S BEST: PIZZA, BURGERS, TACOS, MORE!

SUMMER 2021 VEGOUTMAG.COM $5.99 US / $6.99 CANADA

DISPLAY UNTIL AUG 31, 2021

DR. MICHAEL GREGER

BUSTS MYTHS ABOUT VEGANISM

the S D R A W A E U S IS 4 Letter from the Founder 16 In the News 18 On the Rise 28 From International Party Rock Star to Vegan

Activist: An Interview with Redfoo of LMFAO 30 24 Hours in Atlanta 32 The 10 Best Vegan Pizza Spots Across America 34 Vegans on the Street 35 Bucket List Bingo 38 Recipes 48 Highlight on Chicago 52 The Best Vegan Tacos in America 54 Picnic Perfect 58 Functional Mushrooms 62 Our Favorite Cruelty-Free Vegan Sunscreens 64 The 10 Best Vegan Burgers in the US 66 Where to Find the Best Mac & Cheese 68 Hot for Food: An Interview with Lauren Toyota 70 The Best Vegan Fried Chicken in the US 74 The Best Vegan Doughnuts in America 76 Vejii: This New All-Vegan Online Marketplace Raises the Bar 78 Products We Love 80 The 10 Best Vegan Restaurants in the US 84 So WTF Is Regenerative Agriculture? 86 The Best Vegan-Friendly Fast Food Restaurants 88 What We’re Reading, Listening to, and Watching 90 Quiz: Which Vegan Celebrity Are You? 92 Looks We Love 94 Ask the Dietitian 98 Grocery Hauls 102 Let’s Get Social!

ON THE COVER: MONTY’S GOOD BURGER @montysgoodburger Shot by Kimberly Tran

8 13 20 36

VEGOUT AWARDS WINNERS Check out this year’s VegOut Awards winners—from the best burgers and pizza to dessert and doughnuts, we take you on a tour of the top vegan spots across the nation!

AN INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL GREGER, MD Meet Dr. Michael Greger, vegan physician and plant-based nutrition expert. Learn what he has to say on weight loss, immune function, and optimal foods for a plant-based diet.

MONTY’S GOOD BURGER: LA’S ICONIC

VEGAN BURGER JOINT IS CHANGING THE GAME Take a look behind the scenes of this revolutionary vegan burger joint—from secret menu items to streetwear-style merch and celeb collaborations, Monty’s is taking veganism mainstream.

BEST ICE CREAM Get the scoop on the top 10 shops for vegan ice cream in the US! These cones and pints are sure to keep you cool this summer.

LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER And the winners are… Welcome to our inaugural nationwide VegOut Awards issue (and thank you to those of you who voted)! Historically, this annual awards has been LA-based. This year, we take you on a trip across the US as we crown one winner in each category—from “Best Burgers” and “Best Doughnuts” to “Best Vegan Restaurant” and more. Congratulations to this year’s top businesses, a shout-out to those who were nominated, and kudos to the vegan ventures just getting started! You’re out there making a difference, and we see you. Inside this issue, you’ll find our regular features along with roundups of the best of the best spots to score just about anything you’re craving. We’ve also sprinkled other entertaining content throughout (Which vegan celebrity are you? Find out on page 90!). On page 13, we interview Dr. Michael Greger (physician and expert on plant-based nutrition). On page 20, we take a trip to LA to check out Monty’s Good Burger (my personal favorite fast food joint and—spoiler alert—winner of this year’s “Best Burger” category). Want to get straight to the awards roundups? Check out our table of contents to go directly to your favorites. Finally, you’re going to want to flip to page 28 where we chat with Redfoo, musicianturned-vegan-activist, from LMFAO (Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots!). To all of the amazing vegan and vegan-friendly businesses taking the plant-based movement into the mainstream, I appreciate you and the hard work you’re doing to forward the cause. Thank you for allowing VegOut to be part of your journey. And to those of you who support us by following, liking, and sharing our content ... thank you, thank you, and thank you!

Maggie Ortlieb, Founder @maggieeortlieb

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MEET THE TEAM

TAMMIE

I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT BEYOND BURGERS AND TATER TOTS.

JOEL

@TAMMIEORTLIEB

WHEN I’M NOT WORKING, YOU’LL FIND ME CAMPING OR COOKING, OR BOTH!

JOEL ALATORRE Creative Director

KIM

I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT MAKING AT LEAST ONE SARCASTIC JOKE EVERY CONVERSATION.

ALLIE

WHEN I’M NOT WORKING, YOU’LL FIND ME ON A HIKE OR AT THE BEACH!

TAMMIE ORTLIEB Managing Editor @JOELESVEGAN

JERRY

KIMBERLY TRAN Designer

THE WORLD NEEDS MORE EQUITABLE ACCESS TO RESOURCES.

@KILLAXKIM

JERRY NG Jr. Designer @JERRYMANDERNG

ALLIE MITCHELL Social Media Manager + Staff Writer @ALLIEMITCH

TANYA FLINK Staff Writer @TRAINERTANYA

ANJA

WHEN I’M NOT WORKING, YOU’LL FIND ME WINE TASTING.

TANYA

I KNEW I WAS GOING VEGAN WHEN I READ ANIMAL LIBERATION.

ANJA GROMMONS Staff Writer @VEGCENTRICDIETITIAN

CAYLA

CAYLA WHITE Staff Writer

I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT MUSIC AND BREAD.

@CAYLA__WHITE

KAYLA

BURGERS OR PIZZA? PIZZA ALL DAY—ESPECIALLY DIPPED IN A SIDE OF VEGAN RANCH!

KAYLA PASKO Staff Writer @KAYLAPASKO

MELISSA NOWAKOWSKI Staff Writer @EXTRA.VEGAN

MELISSA

BURGERS OR PIZZA? PIZZA! YOU CAN ADD BURGER TO YOUR PIZZA, BUT NOT PIZZA TO YOUR BURGER.

ERIN LA NINFA Social Media Assistant

ERIN

@NANFS

I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT VEGAN CHEESE.

MOHINI PATEL Brand Partnerships Manager @MYLIFEMONI

MOHINI

THE WORLD NEEDS MORE BOSS WOMEN.

LAURIE CHIN SAYRES Brand Partnerships Manager @ROCKYMOUNTAINDREAMIN

LAURIE

WHEN I’M NOT WORKING, YOU’LL FIND ME SWIMMING.

TINA GIBBS Marketing Assistant @TINATINANOELLE

TINA

I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT VEGAN WINGS!

SUBSCRIPTIONS vegoutmag.com ADVERTISING advertising@vegoutmag.com QUESTIONS hello@vegoutmag.com VEGOUTMAGAZINE

VEGOUTMAG VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 5

CONTRIBUTORS

Chelsea Wilkins @CHELSEA__WILKINS

Chelsea is an attorney and Virginia native who spent two years living and working in Los Angeles. Passionate about climate change, energy policy, and food systems, she is currently completing a Master of Laws in Energy and Natural Resources Law at Queen Mary University in London. She discusses these topics and more in her newsletter, found at nettingzero.earth. Chelsea enjoys cooking, camping, hiking, and photography and has traveled to nineteen countries, seeking out the best vegan food she can find along the way.

Lisa Tran @BANHDERELLA

Lisa, a San Francisco native and vegetarian of more than ten years, finds herself always in search of the perfect vegan chocolate chip cookie. Strong Vietnamese iced coffee runs through her veins while she maintains her full-time marketing job, learns new languages, and runs her blog. Follow her weekend adventures as Bánhderella, the self-taught baker eating her way around the Bay Area.

Debbie Morales

Order Now

@SISOYVEGAN

Debbie, a current Los Angeles resident and vegan of four years, graduated from NYU and is passionate about law, politics, sustainability, and food. In her free time, she likes to read, hit the gym, and try out new vegan recipes.

Maya’s Cookies make the perfect gift!

Maya Madsen - Owner & Founder

• Mother’s Day • Father’s Day • Graduation Day

Order Now MayasCookies.com

@MayasCookiesSanDiego

@MayasCookies

GOURMET • VEGAN • LOVE

the

2021 vegout awards winners

By Melissa Nowakowski After some very tight races, and drool-worthy selections, your votes for the best vegan spots across the nation have been tallied and the results are in! Below are the winners for the 2021 VegOut Awards.

best vegan restaurant

crossroads kitchen

los angeles, ca

Coming out on top, Crossroads Kitchen takes the prize for the best vegan restaurant overall. From small plates to entrees and desserts, this spot reigns supreme this year with its elegant atmosphere, innovative menu, and consistently amazing service.

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best vegan-friendly restaurant

veggie galaxy

cambridge, ma

With vegan options that are out of this world, It’s no wonder Veggie Galaxy won best vegan-friendly restaurant. This New England must-try is entirely vegetarian, but everything on their menu can be made vegan upon request. Comfort food heaven— beam me up!

best vegan-friendly fast food

chipotle

nationwide

With so many vegan-friendly chains these days, this race was close, but Chipotle came through. The options for burritos, bowls, or tacos are endless, and ... pro tip: guac is free if you choose fajita veggies as your main.

best dessert

pie, pie my darling

chicago, il

Located in the heart of Chicago, this LGBTQ+-owned vegan bakery has some big fans across the country! From cakes to pies, to cookies, and even cosmic brownies, Pie, Pie My Darling has everything to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. We only hope they can start delivering nationwide soon!

best ice cream

ben & jerry’s

nationwide

As Ben & Jerry’s continues their non-dairy takeover of the grocery aisles, look for a scoop shop near you on their website. New additions to the non-dairy flavor lineup include Phish Food and Karamel Sutra Core. Keep ‘em coming!

best doughnuts

voodoo doughnut

nationwide

Started as a single shop in Portland, Oregon, Voodoo Doughnut can now be found in California, Texas, Florida, and Colorado with plans to expand to even more states. Not an entirely vegan spot, most of their doughnuts can be made vegan upon request and are clearly labeled on their website.

VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 9

best pizza

purgatory pizza

los angeles, ca

Long gone are the days where removing the cheese and throwing on a bunch of limp veggies was the only vegan pizza option. Purgatory Pizza wins for good reason! They have seven house specialty pies, plus nearly anything on their menu can be customized to be made vegan.

best burger

monty’s good burger

los angeles, ca

The Monty’s love is real, and we’re here for it! Made from Impossible meat, Follow Your Heart cheese, and customer’s choice of one of five house-made sauces, it’s no wonder over 2 million burgers have been sold in SoCal since the first location opened in 2018.

best brunch

sage plant based bistro

los angeles, ca

From pancakes to breakfast tacos and pizza, Sage Plant Based Bistro offers something for everyone and is the best brunch of the bunch. The expansive brunch menu includes nut-free, soy-free, and gluten-free options to accommodate those with special dietary needs.

best fried chicken

lettuce feast

los angeles, ca

Let us feast on the super crispy and savory fried chicken from Lettuce Feast! The house-made proteins used for their sandwiches and strips are unmatched this year. All-vegan and all delicious, the menu options include Nashville-inspired or classic and come in a variety of spice levels, including hot honey.

best tacos

cena vegan

los angeles, ca

It’s the plant-based meats made in-house at Cena Vegan that earned this spot the award for best tacos. The protein options include carne asada, pollo asado, al pastor, barbacoa, and carnitas. Three of the varieties are available for shipping nationwide to recreate these tacos wherever you are.

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best upscale restaurant

crossroads kitchen

los angeles, ca

So nice it made our list twice, the Los Angeles hot spot located on Melrose Avenue is perfect for date night or any special occasion. The picturesque menu includes a high-end wine and cocktail list, and the restaurant can even be rented out for private dining.

best new restaurant

el cocinero

los angeles, ca

El Cocinero is coming up on its one-year anniversary since opening, and OG fans may recognize the new hot spot as a spinoff of vegan pop-up, Vegatinos. Launched by the same owner, the brick-and-mortar has developed a quick cult following for their massive burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and sides.

best food truck

photo: @hold_the_olives

word of mouth

los angeles, ca

The truck’s namesake has paid off here! The word has spread and Word of Mouth is the nation’s best food truck. Burgers and fries are some common favorites here, but the Munchwrap is an impressive take on a popular fast food spot’s claim to fame.

best pop-up

cena vegan

los angeles, ca

Already topping our list for best tacos, it’s hard to believe Cena Vegan operates as a pop-up—but it’s that good! While the tacos may be one of the stars, the showstoppers of the menu at events throughout the city are definitely the burritos and piled-high nacho boats.

best mac & cheese

chicago diner

chicago, il

“Meat-free since ‘83,” the diner displays proudly, and with a fully vegan-friendly menu, Chicago Diner wins for the best mac ‘n’ cheese in the nation. Loaded with Chicago’s own Teese (vegan cheese alternative brand), the Mac & Teese is ooey gooey perfection.

VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 11

best coffee shop/cafe

timeless coffee

oakland & berkeley, ca

The coffee is great, but you know we’re here for the foodie options! An all-vegan coffee shop, bakery, and chocolatier, the choices are endless at Timeless Coffee’s two locations in the SF Bay Area. You can’t go wrong with their sweet and savory options, including cakes, croissants, calzones, and scones.

best bakery

pie, pie my darling

chicago, il

Back for round two, Pie, Pie My Darling is killing it in the bakery game! Launched in 2014 by a vegan woman in search of better tasting baked goods, the spot is a name play of her favorite Misfits song. Like any punk fan, she took the task head-on, and has been serving Chicago’s best baked goods ever since.

best noodles

amitabul

chicago, il

This small spot has a big following in Chicago and, based on your votes, elsewhere beyond the Midwest. All-organic and Korean, the restaurant’s selection includes multiple noodle soup options packed with flavor, veggies, and broth that will keep you coming back for more.

best sushi

beyond sushi

new york city, ny

The folks at Beyond Sushi are making vegan sushi easily accessible with five locations throughout the New York City area. Sushi highlights include the Mighty Mushroom made with black rice and delicious shiitake truffle sauce and the Spicy Mang which features fresh mango and toasted cayenne sauce for a subtle heat.

best breakfast sandwich

handlebar

chicago, il

Chicago, we see you! So many amazing spots on this list and, last but certainly not least, Handlebar rounds out our winners list with their breakfast sandwich featuring a hash brown patty, tofu, grilled onions, and sauce. It’s what breakfast dreams are made of!

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An Interview with Michael Greger, MD We chatted with Dr. Michael Greger, vegan physician and plant-based nutrition research expert. With years of education and firsthand experience, Dr. Greger knows his stuff! He answered our questions pertaining to evidence-based weight loss, immune function, and the nutrient-rich foods to choose on a plant-based diet. Read on for more from one of our favorite vegan MDs!

By Anja Grommons

VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 13

A founding member and Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Michael Greger, MD, is a physician, New York Times bestselling author, and internationally recognized speaker on nutrition. He is a graduate of Cornell University School of Agriculture and Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Greger founded NutritionFacts.org, a nutrition research site stocked with free articles and videos on more than 2,000 health topics.

Q: What led you to dive so deeply into plant-based nutrition research and begin NutritionFacts.org? [When I was] a kid, doctors sent my grandmother home in a wheelchair to die at age 65. Diagnosed with end-stage heart disease, she had already had so many bypass operations the surgeons essentially ran out of options. Soon after she was discharged, a segment aired on 60 Minutes about Nathan Pritikin. He had been gaining a reputation for reversing terminal heart disease and had just opened a live-in program where everyone was placed on a plant-based diet. My grandmother became one of [the program’s] first patients and was later described as one of the “death’s door” people. At that time, reversing heart disease didn’t even seem possible. Drugs were given to slow the progression and surgery was performed to circumvent clogged arteries to try to relieve symptoms, but the disease was expected to worsen until you died. Today, we know that as soon as we stop eating an artery-clogging diet, our bodies may start healing themselves, in many cases without drugs or surgery. By the time I became a doctor, giants like Dean Ornish, MD, had already proven what Pritikin had shown to be true. Using the latest high-tech advances, Dr. Ornish and his colleagues showed that heart disease may be reversed with the lowest-tech approach—diet and lifestyle.

Q: We love your book, How Not to Diet. Why is the focus of evidence-based weight loss so important in our society? Obesity is not some moral failing. We’re living in a toxic food environment, being bombarded with ads for fast food and candy. Becoming overweight is a natural response to the abnormal ubiquity of foods concentrated with calories. The weight loss industry is corrupted by conflicts of interest. Too often in diet books, the rule is to cherry-pick facts to push some theory and ignore the rest to promote [the author’s] own agenda. There’s so much nutritional nonsense that comes out of the diet industry, feeding us an endless parade of quick-fix fads that sell because they fail. Repeat customers are their whole business model. Thankfully, the diet proven for weight loss may be the safest, cheapest way to eat for the longest, healthiest life. A whole food, plant-based diet was found to be the single most effective weight-loss intervention ever published in medical literature.

Q: Tell us about your Daily Dozen recommended food list. Each day, I recommend a minimum of three servings of legumes, two servings of berries, three servings of other fruits, one serving of cruciferous vegetables, two servings of greens, two servings of other veggies, one serving of flaxseeds, one serving of nuts and seeds, one serving of herbs and spices, three servings of whole grains, five servings of [healthy] beverages [such as water and herbal tea], and one serving of exercise. This may sound like a lot of boxes to check, but it’s easy to knock off several at once. Sit down to a salad of two cups of spinach, a handful of arugula, a handful of walnuts, a half cup of chickpeas, a half cup of red bell pepper, and a small tomato, and seven boxes can be ticked in one dish. Remember, it’s not what you eat today that matters, but rather what you eat over the next months, years, and decades, so you have to find changes that fit into your lifestyle.

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Q: Do you have any evidence-based suggestions for keeping our immune systems up during the COVID-19 pandemic? Any disruption of our daily lives is stressful enough, but when that disruption is caused by a global pandemic, we can easily feel overwhelmed. Far too many of us are experiencing negative mental states (which wreak havoc on our emotional, psychological, and physical lives). Positive psychological well-being seems to be associated with reduced risk of physical illness, and prospective studies have found that people starting out happier may endup less likely to get sick. Foods [such as] leafy green vegetables and tomatoes may positively affect our brain chemistry, [hence improving both psychological well-being and immune function]. Even smelling the spice saffron may improve your emotional state. Many plant foods, including apples, berries, and onions, contain phytonutrients that appear to [increase levels of] serotonin and dopamine. This may explain why those eating plant-rich diets appear to have lower rates of depression. There are components—such as arachidonic acid— in certain foods that may increase the risk of depression. The top five sources of this compound in the American diet are chicken, eggs, beef, pork, and fish. What about eating to excess? Though some people eat less during stress, the majority not only eat more, they gravitate toward foods high in sugar, fat, and calories. We suspect it’s cause and effect, because you can demonstrate the acute effects of stress in a lab. Randomize people between solvable and unsolvable word puzzles, and food choice shifts from a healthy snack (grapes) to a less healthy snack (M&M’s) in the more stressful condition. Even just watching a video with distressing scenes can evoke the same shift in eating behavior.

To the extent possible, we should try to avoid major stressors and use exercise to work off what’s unavoidable. This can include yoga, walking, or resistance band stretching. Mindfulness techniques can be used to reduce stress and deal with cravings. To buffer the release of the stress hormone cortisol, we can reduce our intake of saturated fats and added sugars.

Q: The media has become a saturated source of nutrition information. While there is a lot of accurate nutrition data to be found, not all of it is factual. Which wellness trend or myth would you like to make disappear and why? The notion that a calorie from one source is just as fattening as a calorie from any other source is a trope broadcast by the food industry as a way to absolve itself of culpability. While it’s true that in a tightly controlled laboratory setting, 240 calories of carrots (about ten carrots) would have the same effect on calorie balance as the 240 calories in a bottle of soda, this comparison falls on its face in the real world. You could chug those liquid calories in less than a minute, but eating 240 calories of carrots could take you more than two and a half hours (it’s been timed). Not only would your jaw get sore, but you might not be able to fit [the carrots into] your stomach. In a lab, a calorie is a calorie, but in real life, far from it. Processed plant foods like fruit juice, sugar, refined grains, and even whole grains if they’ve been powdered into flour, have had their cell walls cracked open, so their calories are free for the taking. When you eat structurally intact plant foods, you can chew all you want but you’ll still end up with calories completely encapsulated by fiber, which then blunts the glycemic impact, activates what’s called the ileal brake that dials down appetite, and delivers sustenance to your friendly flora.

When faced with a choice like bread or pasta, pasta (particularly whole grain pasta) would be my choice, because its compact structure slows down digestion. Even better is pasta made from vegetables, like spiralized zucchini and spaghetti squash, because you get all the benefits from veggies in a There’s so much nutritional nonsense that pasta-like form. comes out of the diet industry, feeding us

“

an endless parade of quick-fix fads that sell because they fail. Repeat customers are their whole business model. - Michael Greger, MD

VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 15

IN THE NEWS AWARDS BEST ISSUE OF 2021

BY TANYA FLINK

BEYOND MEAT PARTNERS WITH PEPSICO, SIGNS CONTRACT WITH MCDONALD’S Beyond Meat announced two major long-term partnerships with international food behemoths PepsiCo and McDonald’s. The vegan meat innovator and manufacturer entered into a joint venture with PepsiCo—The Planet Partnership, LLC—to co-develop and market new snack and beverage products made with plant-based protein. Beyond Meat also revealed it is the developer of McDonald’s upcoming McPlant burger. The three-year agreement with this fast food chain will provide for a full menu of plant-based options pioneered by Beyond Meat.

NIKE LAUNCHES SUSTAINABLE BASKETBALL MLB STADIUMS SNEAKER SCORE EXCLUSIVE As part of this athletic outfitter’s Move to Zero sustainability initiative, Nike released its first performance-based shoe made with 25% recycled and upcycled materials. Coined the Cosmic Unity sneakers, these ‘90s-inspired basketball shoes were first spotted on the feet of Anthony Davis—a forward for the Los Angeles Lakers. The kicks are available in two colors—a semi-muted black and green combination (Green Glow) and a more vibrant collection of royal, teal, and baby blue with bright orange accents (Amaglam).

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VEGAN OATLY SOFT SERVE MACHINES Oatly soft serve is rolling out to exclusive locations in the US—mainly baseball stadiums. The Swedish oat milk company partnered with the Texas Rangers and the Chicago Cubs for the big debut. Previously, the machine could only be found at a tiny vegan-friendly restaurant in New York City—Dirt Candy. The elusive soft serve machine will be installed in the two teams’ home stadiums—Globe Life Field in Arlington, TX and Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL.

BEN & JERRY’S RELEASES 5 NEW NONDAIRY PINTS Following on the heels of the brand’s partnership with NFL player and human rights activist Colin Kaepernick, Ben & Jerry’s released four additional vegan pints in quick succession. Since January, Colin Kaepernick’s Change the Whirled, Jimmy Fallon’s Non-Dairy The Tonight Dough, Stephen Colbert’s Non-Dairy Americone Dream, Non-Dairy Karamel Sutra Core, and Non-Dairy Phish Food have hit supermarket shelves nationwide.

PEET’S COFFEE ADDS BREAKFAST SANDWICH

VEGAN CACTUS LEATHER DEBUTS AT H&M As part of its new Science Story collection, H&M now carries the highly anticipated cactus leather made by Mexico-based textile company Desserto. The vegan leather company launched in late 2019, but its coveted material remains exclusive to wholesale buyers and niche retailers. The sustainable apparel line includes both clothing and accessories that push the boundaries of fashion— from a cropped collared shirt to chunkyheeled gladiator sandals.

Just as Starbucks announced its oat milk rollout and plant-based Chickpea Bites & Avocado Protein Box, Peet’s Coffee released its own plant-based option. The new Everything Plant-Based Sandwich debuted on the chain’s spring menu, along with a veganas-is Horchata Cold Brew Oat Latte. The vegan everything bagelbased breakfast sandwich is stacked with JUST Egg, a Beyond Meat sausage patty, and a melted slice of non-dairy cheese.

NEW DOCUMENTARY FEATURES VEGAN ENTERTAINER, BILLIE EILISH

Singer-songwriter Billie Eilish is the star of her own documentary now streaming on Apple TV+. The film, Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry, explores the young artist’s rise to fame—from recording songs with her brother in their family home to selling out stadiums. Eilish’s strong connection to her family is a recurring theme. While veganism is not a focal point of this feature, the advocacy efforts of Eilish’s mother—Maggie Baird—demand attention for the mass good they incurred with Support + Feed. During the pandemic, Baird launched a nationwide campaign to support vegan restaurants and provide plant-based meals for those in need.

STARBUCKS LAUNCHES OATLY NATIONWIDE After month-long test runs in select markets, the coffee chain gave Oatly oat milk a permanent place on its US menu. Coinciding with the expansion, Starbucks developed an oat-based drink—the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso— that is also vegan. When substituted in non-oat-based menu items, a 70-cent charge will be added to the cost of the beverage. VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 17

ON THE RISE

BY KAYLA PASKO

FROM EAST COAST TO WEST COAST, MORE PLANT-BASED RESTAURANTS ARE CONTINUING TO OPEN THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY, AND WE ARE HERE FOR IT! WE’VE SELECTED THREE UP-AND-COMING VEGAN RESTAURANTS, AND GOT INSIDE THE MINDS BEHIND THE CONCEPTS. WHETHER YOU’RE SEARCHING FOR THE BEST PLANT-BASED BURGER IN WISCONSIN OR HAVE AN ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT YOURSELF, YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS WHAT THESE BUSINESS OWNERS HAVE TO SAY!

Vegan Mob

Twisted Plants

Romeo’s Vegan Burgers

Toriano Gordon

Arielle & Brandon Hawthorne

Lamont Heath & Monty “Tigo” Faulkner

Oakland, CA

Milwaukee, WI

Charlotte, NC

What led you to opening your business? Since we could no longer tour (Tigo is an artist signed to Universal, and I’m his manager) due to COVID, the timing seemed right to jump into something else. So essentially it was just timing and our desire to bring tasty vegan options to Charlotte, NC.

Once I (Arielle) gave up animal products, I noticed there was a lack of plant-based options at the restaurants in my area. This inspired me to want to share my own recipes that I have experimented with since going vegan.

When I was in grad school studying psychotherapy, I was soul searching and asked myself what will make me happy? I said to myself, working for myself and opening a restaurant. I dropped out [of] school and followed my dreams. Months later, I [opened] Vegan Mob.

Tell us about the inspiration behind your restaurant’s menu. The names on the menu are centered around our mascot, Romeo. [The actual items] on the menu were selected from recipes we tried at home, enjoyed, and thought the city [would] enjoy as well.

It was important for us to provide food that is comforting and flavorful. We wanted to attract vegans and non-vegans alike with plant-based versions of the food we grew up eating.

My grandmother was from Texas, and I learned how to cook a lot of what I serve today from being around her. Some of the things on the menu are heavily influenced by San Francisco. We have lots of fusion going on at the Mob.

What’s the most popular item on your menu? The most popular item is no doubt our signature burger the “Where Art Thou Romeo.” Second up would probably be our chili cheese fries or our Oreo milkshake.

Our most popular item is our "Up N Smoke" burger which is a plant-based patty, lettuce, tomato, vegan cheddar, fried onion rings, vegan bacon, and our smokehouse sauce on a toasted pretzel bun.

I feel like everything sells pretty well, but the most-sold item on the menu is the Smackaroni. Everyone loves the Smackaroni (macaroni and cheese). In fact, you guys nominated us for best vegan mac [in this year’s VegOut Awards]. We appreciate that.

How has your restaurant adapted to the changes this past year has presented? Surprisingly, the changes helped. Since restaurants stopped [indoor] dining, people wanted to try something a little different. Opening a food truck during a time when social distancing became imperative worked out for us.

We opened our brick-and-mortar restaurant in the midst of the pandemic so there was the adaptation of using technology to our benefit. Since we knew there would be little to no foot traffic, we had to make sure our online [and] communication services [were] working properly.

We’re not a dine-in restaurant so we really didn’t have to make many changes at all. We were, and still are, very blessed to be doing so well during a pandemic.

Can you share a piece of advice for those hoping to start their own food business? Follow your dreams—not just if you want to open a restaurant, but with whatever it is you want to do. Truth is, you may fail, but you also may win. If you never try, you’ve already failed.

Provide a product that makes your business stand out from others in the market. Especially if [there are] similar restaurants [and] businesses close in location.

Don’t waste any time, believe in yourself, and don’t take no for [an] answer. If you believe in you, you can make the rest of the world believe in you, too.

@romeosveganburgers

@twistedplantsmke

@officialveganmob

SPOTLIGHT ON: SPOTLIGHT ON monty's good burger By Allie Mitchell

LOS ANGELES’S MOST

ICONIC

VEGAN BURGER JOINT IS CHANGING THE GAME

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Scroll through Instagram for just a few minutes, and you’ll most likely stumble across a few photos of the renowned vegan noms from Monty’s Good Burger. This plant-based burger joint serves one of the most sought-after vegan menus in the US and is often referred to as “the vegan In-N-Out.'' In fact, the menu at Monty’s is so delicious, the restaurant won the 2021 VegOut Award for best burger. But Monty’s is much more than just a destination for burgers and fries. It’s a revolutionary brand that has made veganism mainstream through epic secret menu items, dope streetwear-style merch, and limitededition collabs with artists and musicians.

The beginnings of the burger Monty’s was founded by four vegan, burger-loving Angelenos––but it happened by accident. (And what a happy accident that was!) Bill, one of the founders, was approached by a friend who was opening the Riverside Food Lab, a food hall in Southern California. Bill’s friend asked him if there was anything he wanted to open. Immediately, Bill thought of the Impossible burger he had tried weeks prior at a tasting with his friend Nic Adler. Bill told his friend to reserve him a spot at the food hall and gave some of his buddies a ring. He gathered a group of four, including himself, and they started brainstorming. When throwing around names, they came up with “good burger” because their burgers were … well, good! And everyone loves dogs, so they decided to name it after Bill’s adorable pup, Monty.

monty the mascot

And that marks the birth of one of the most recognizable plantbased logos to date––the sketch of the cute white pup with a trendy red font that reads “Monty’s.” It’s so famous, you’ve probably seen their logo stickers on a few cars, water bottles, and laptops. Monty is Bill’s goofy, fun-loving rescue dog. The fluffy white schnoodle became a driving force behind the brand’s marketing and has made several appearances at his namesake restaurant’s locations. Monty also has a fur brother, Max, which is where the Max’d Out Fries menu item gets its name. But we’ll get to that later!

the locations

Before officially opening any of their brick-and-mortars, the Monty’s team served their vegan burgers at music festivals. One of the owners and longtime vegan, Nic Adler, is in the music industry and was able to secure Monty’s booths at CRSSD, Coachella, Stagecoach, Eat Drink Vegan, and Arroyo Seco. These pop-ups allowed Monty’s to perfect their menu and create clout around the brand. Then, the Monty’s team opened the first storefront! There were some delays with the Riverside location, but the group had already scouted out a second location in Koreatown, which was the first to officially launch. Coated in baby blue and bright red paint, the charming little burger joint was born. The store may have been small in size, but not in reach. Hundreds of people lined up to get their hands on Monty’s drool-worthy burgers. The Monty’s team was pleasantly overwhelmed with the amount of people wanting a bite. Nic was slinging patties, Bill was making milkshakes, and everyone was hustling to get orders out. That’s when Nic and Bill realized how much of an impact Monty’s could have. They also realized they needed even more locations. Shortly after Monty’s opened in Koreatown, the Riverside location was ready to roll. Both stores were up and running by the summer of 2018. Since then, Monty’s has opened two other burger joints in the Los Angeles area.

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glorious grub

Now for the burger! Simple at first glance, the hand-shaped patties are formed using just the right amount of Impossible meat to offer the best mouthfeel. The team grills the patties a specific way, uses a special bun toaster for those glorious potato buns, and even folds the lettuce with an exact flair so it pops out of the burger for the most Insta-worthy shot. Who knew a burger could be so artistic? Aside from burgers, the menu features a handful of other fast food classics such as fries, tots, milkshakes, floats, and scratch-made sauces, including ranch, house spread, onion aioli, sriracha aioli, and more. We got a chance to talk with Monty’s co-founder, Nic Adler, to learn more about the story behind the menu. He told us, “From the beginning, we pulled our inspiration from In-N-Out to keep it simple. We realized the more simple the menu, the more we could keep consistency. That was key to Monty’s. [Whenever] you [crave] a Monty’s burger, we want you to experience the same flavor, taste, and texture every time.”

the not-so-secret menu

The official Monty’s menu may be simple, but there are a plethora of other items that can be ordered if you know the magic word. The restaurant’s “have it your way” motto has turned into a full-on secret menu with a frenzy of fabulous food creations that will exceed your wildest plant-based dreams. It all started when a Monty’s employee texted Nic a photo of two milkshake flavors—strawberry and chocolate—mixed together. From there, the creative shake-mixer continued to experiment with innovative bites and sips and became the official Monty’s secret menu sensei. One of the dishes he concocted—the Dog Pile—has become one of the hottest menu items.

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Here are a few of the many

secret menu items:

Dog Pile: Tray of fries, tots, or a combination of both topped with two Impossible patties, two slices of cheese, grilled onions, and four sauces (ranch, onion aioli, ketchup, and house spread). Pro tip: Add sriracha aioli for free! Max’d Out Fries or Tots: Tray of fries, tots, or a combination of both topped in cheese, grilled onions, and house spread. Protein-Style Double: Ditch the bun and order your burger as a lettuce wrap. Kale Caesar Tots: Tots tossed in Caesar dressing with chopped kale. Quad: Burger with four patties and four slices of cheese. Birthday Bowl: A bowl of vanilla soft serve with chocolate and strawberry syrup, bananas, cherries, whipped cream, and sprinkles. (Available only on the customer's birthday with valid ID.) Cookie Shake: Any milkshake flavor(s) with a cookie on top. Other Hacks: F Add fries or tots inside your burger. F Order a burger patty, slice of cheese, and grilled onions on top of a kale salad. F Mix any milkshake flavors together. F And anything else you can think of–– just ask for it with a smile!

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the merch

What’s one of the things that makes Monty’s stand out from other vegan burger joints? Their stylish merch––and we’re not just talking about a handful of plain t-shirts with Monty’s logos slapped on them. Monty’s offers over 30 different eye-catching articles of clothing that follow the latest trends in streetwear and pop culture. “We treat Monty’s merch line as its own company,” Nic told VegOut. Tie-dye, baseball, and tour-themed shirts, matching sweatsuits, zip-up hoodies, beanies, pins, socks, and masks are just a few of the items you can rep out on the town. The merch line was created by Bill’s wife. Nic adds, “She’s super in touch with what’s happening in fashion and culture. She and our art director are always looking at what’s current. We launched the tie-dye Monty’s long sleeve last year, and now I don’t think you can walk down the street without seeing tie-dye.”

collab culture

One way Monty’s has become mainstream is through their many collaborations with wellknown figures. Nic told us, “Because of our [team’s] background in music, festivals, and events, we [understand that] brand partnerships with artists can be powerful.” Most of Monty’s collabs are in the form of limited-edition food and merch items that are co-branded and marketed with popular figures like Vince Staples, Pizzaslime, Chip Chrome, Emma Chamberlain, and more. Monty’s also worked with a local Black female artist, Devon Blow, to design cute, spunky pop-art burger wrapping paper and pins, a portion of the proceeds being donated to Radical Monarchs, an activism organization for girls of color.

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the burger that keeps on giving

Not only does Monty’s offer juicy Impossible burgers, fashionable clothing, and cool collabs, the restaurant has also established itself as a hub of community giving. The restaurant teamed up with Maggie Baird’s Support + Feed initiative to donate burgers to healthcare workers on the frontline, Black and Brown youth in need, low-income families, and other disadvantaged communities. Monty’s has committed to providing at least 10,000 meals through Support + Feed to groups in need, incorporating a food truck dedicated strictly to the preparation of burgers for their nonprofit events. In addition to their food donations, Monty’s aims to create a safe and inclusive workplace for their employees, hosts adoption events for rescue dogs, and continues to use their platform to raise awareness for plant-based living.

n erly Tra

s: Kimb Photo

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the legacy

It’s safe to say Monty’s has become a landmark in Los Angeles. People have traveled from all over to try their award-winning burgers, take photos outside the colorful storefront, and grab some stickers for the road. We don’t want to divulge all of Monty’s secrets for future plans, but we do know there will be plenty more exciting collaborations, menu items, and maybe even a food truck road trip tour of the country! “In the end, we just want people to walk up, see the dog logo, take a bite of that burger, and walk away smiling. We’re going for something that is the same every single time––so when you bring your friend, you don’t ever have to worry [if Monty’s is going to deliver],” Nic told us.

Visit MontysGoodBurger.com or follow @MontysGoodBurger on Instagram to stay up to date on the burger joint’s latest happenings. VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 27

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PHOTO CREDIT: CHRIS HANNAFORD

If you ever went to a club, frat party, school dance, or grocery store during the past ten years, you’ve probably heard one of Redfoo’s many bangers like “Party Rock Anthem,” “Shots,” and “New Thang.” The awardwinning rapper, DJ, and music producer made waves in the music scene with his duo LMFAO and later with his solo career. Redfoo may be most popular for his bumpin’ beats and glorious fro, but did you know this shuffling, tennis-playing party rocker is also a hardcore vegan with a big heart for animals? We sat down with him (and some vegan doughnuts) to learn more about his plant-based lifestyle.

TO VEGAN ACTIVIST AN INTERVIEW WITH

REDFOO OF

PHOTO CREDIT: JOEL ALATORRE

VegOut (VO): What was your lifestyle like before you went vegan? Redfoo (R): I always flirted with being vegetarian as a kid. When I first started LMFAO, I actually was a vegetarian. But right before I went vegan, I was following a keto diet. I was eating sticks of butter, bacon, and sausage every day.

VO: When were you introduced to veganism? What was your first impression of the food and lifestyle? R: I went vegan about four years ago, and my impression of the food was promising. The vegan comfort food scene was starting to take off, so things like Beyond burgers, vegan pizza, and doughnuts made my transition way easier. But to me, veganism is not a diet. It’s a lifestyle that extends to your diet. That’s the thing that was exciting for me. I changed everything in my household—made sure the next car I bought didn’t have leather seats, that all of my clothing was made without fur, and that my furniture was cruelty-free.

VO: Do you remember the first vegan meal you had? If so, what was it? R: I used to go to Real Food Daily with my mom when they first opened in Santa Monica in the ‘90s. I ordered the seitan steak and remember it tasting so good. But as a kid, I freaked out because the word “seitan” looked like “satan.”

VO: What was the determining factor that influenced your choice to go vegan? R: It started with health. After I was keto for about two months, I went to the doctor for a physical and my cholesterol was so high, it was off the scale. That was a wake-up call. I decided to cut back on red meat and was able to get my cholesterol down. Then, after going from eating keto to trying various cleanses, I landed on veganism. Once I started watching vegan documentaries, it brought back memories from my childhood. One time as a kid, I shot a bird with a BB gun and got really sad when I realized what I had done. I had been suppressing these feelings for so long and, after I made that connection to the animal aspect of veganism, that was it.

VO: Did you go vegan a little at a time or all at once? R: Once I chose to go vegan, it was [all at once]. That was the best decision I’ve ever made. Period. I knew it was the obvious choice for me and have never looked back.

VO: Word has it, you have a vegan ranch? What is that all about? R: The Vegan Ranch is an all-encompassing vegan paradise. It’s a sanctuary for my many animals, a farm to grow my own produce, and a place to experiment with sustainable practices (I just got a solar-powered golf car that I’ve been driving around!). I love having people over and sharing my vegan lifestyle with them.

VO: Did going vegan change any aspect of your career? If so, how? R: I made the switch when I was still in the heat of my performing career. My crew teased me about it quite a bit when we were on tour. I encouraged them to eat vegan with me, tried to get them to watch documentaries, and talked a lot about the health aspect of things. Once I got serious about being vegan, I even stopped booking some shows because they sold meat, and I felt like I was being hired to lure people to this place where they were going to make money on [animal products]. I just couldn’t do it anymore. Being vegan has become a part of my brand. I want people to think of me, Redfoo, as vegan.

VO: Was it hard to find plant-based options when traveling for shows? R: [Wherever we ate], there were at least a few vegan options, but I remember getting frustrated when so many restaurants in Italy made pasta with eggs. A lot of times, we brought our own food and cooked it in our hotel room–I even brought out a sandwich maker at the airport to make food. Traveling as a vegan wasn’t hard, but we definitely had to plan ahead.

VO: Would you say you’re vegan for the animals, the environment, the taste, or your health? R: It’s 99% about the animals for me. I never thought it would be like that until I started rescuing my own animals. When I chose to go vegan, [I wasn’t an activist in any area]. No pun intended, but I wasn’t activated–I was just doing art and making music, but I had no compass. Now, it’s so clear to me. It’s a spiritual thing with the animals.

VO: Can you tell me more about your animals? R: A few Thanksgivings ago, I rescued a turkey named Janet. Shortly after that, I rescued my pig, Lilu, and twelve chickens. I also have five rescue dogs that sleep in my bed every night. When I wake up, the first thing I do is feed my animals. All of them are vegan, and they are thriving.

VO: What would you like to share with any non-vegans reading this? R: I challenge you to experiment with going vegan for at least a week to see how you feel. Use the hashtag #VegOutWithFoo to share your experience–bonus points if you post a picture of a vegan doughnut. VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 29

24 Hours Atlanta in

by tanya flink

In this issue, we’re traveling to ATL! No matter the season, this Southern city has the hottest things to eat, see, and do. Come along as we explore the neighborhoods of this sprawling metropolis where city life meets Southern charm for a relaxed yet exciting vibe. Whether you’re in the mood for down-home comfort food or Neapolitan pizza, Atlanta offers it vegan-style. When you’ve got 24 hours in Atlanta, this is where you need to go. El super pan

botiwalla

PONCE CITY MARKET You could spend a solid day eating and exploring through Ponce City Market. This expansive collaborative of dining and retail is set in a mixed indoor-outdoor atmosphere that beckons wanderers. It’s situated right along the Atlanta BeltLine—a mixed-use bike and pedestrian path that stretches on for miles. But before you rent a bike and pedal away, you have to check out the Ponce City eats. For morning fare, grab a vegan doughnut at Five Daughters Bakery and an oat milk latte at Dancing Goats Coffee. Those seeking a more natural sugar rush should check out Lucky Lotus to revive with a green juice or a filling smoothie bowl prepared by the kitchen’s raw vegan chef. Once energized, take a stroll outside and seek out Posman Books for a unique read at this independent bookstore. Take your new purchase out to the vast lawn and sit back on a recliner as you read. When the afternoon rolls around, opt for the vegan-friendly Mediterranean menu at Marrakesh. Vegan items are clearly marked, and the falafel pita won’t do you wrong. Spend the remainder of the afternoon perusing the market’s shops, and perhaps even hop into a class at YogaWorks. Just before the sun sets, head up to the roof for a drink at one of the three beer and cocktail bars and take in the view. Afterward, climb back down for a Sweet Potato Chaat at Botiwalla or a Vegan Smoked Tofu Cubano at El Super Pan. 30 | VEGOUT MAGAZINE

the atlanta suburbs Not all the fun lies in Atlanta proper—the city’s suburbs have plenty of vegan options worth the short fifteen-minute drive. For daytime eats and baked goods, place an order for weekend pickup at Dulce Vegan Bakery & Cafe in Kirkwood. The menu changes weekly but typically includes bagel or biscuit breakfast sandwiches, cinnamon rolls, grits, and an assortment of espresso beverages (hello, Unicorn Latte). For a quick afternoon snack and a little bubbly, head to Cultured South taproom for a plant-based charcuterie board, kombucha tasting, or a gooey grilled cheese made with Pure Abundance vegan cheese. While you’re out, hop over to Southern Sweets Bakery in Decatur. The vegan Rustic Apple Pie and Old Fashioned Chocolate Cake will make you seriously consider purchasing property in Atlanta. To wind down for the evening, plant it at Ammazza in Edgewood. Enjoy a glass of wine with any one of the three phenomenal Naples-style vegan pizzas.

atlanta proper Vegan eats can be found without leaving the city—you just have to know where to look. Cafe Sunflower is a well-established vegan institution that’s been serving Sunday brunch, lunch, and dinner since 1994 (note: the original Sandy Springs location has closed). The menu may spark indecision, as everything looks as good as the previous item you just pondered. Standouts include the Chicken Biscuit for brunch and pretty much any special they’re serving for dinner. This can range from brown butter mushroom scallops to a decadent mac ‘n’ cheese tower topped with a slice of vegetable loaf. Desserts are provided by Southern Sweets Bakery, so you must grab a slice of cake or pie to go. While Cafe Sunflower is well-known, Mushi Ni is a local hidden gem for the vegan crowd. The hard-to-find food stall is not entirely plant-based, but the animal-free options are worth walking around in circles until you finally locate the somewhat hidden entrance to this collection of alley eateries. Try the BaoU-Meal, which includes two vegan bao of your choice, a side (such as veggie dumplings or smothered Beyond fries), and a drink. Want to savor all the bao? The Six-Pack Sampler will do the trick. There are six vegan options: Beyond, Cauliflower, Tofu, Maitake Mushroom, Roasted Artichoke, and Spicy Schezwan Eggplant. Mushi Ni is certainly a spot to return to.

PINKY COLE EMPIRE A trip to Atlanta is not complete without stopping in at one of Pinky Cole’s restaurants. This vegan influencer and social activist has gained massive fame not only through her promiscuously named, over-the-top burgers, but for the work she has done to lift those in need through her Pinky Cole Foundation. Either wolf down a Super Slut Burger at one of the three Slutty Vegan locations, or try her latest concept—Bar Vegan—at Ponce City Market for an interactive cocktail experience. We just skimmed the surface of what Atlanta has to offer. Start here, then book some extra time to explore the remaining smorgasbord of incredible vegan cuisine thriving in Atlanta. VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 31

Do you remember when “vegan pizza” meant no cheese, soggy veggies, and too much marinara? Yeah, neither do we! The vegan pizza scene is alive and thriving, and we’re so lucky to be in the thick of it. Here are the top spots for vegan pizza around the nation.

The

best

Vegan Pizza spots across america By Cayla White

PURGATORY PIZZA

Kitchen 17

WINNER best pizza

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Los Angeles, CA

With a curated vegan menu filled with specialty pizzas, sandwiches, and calzones, Purgatory Pizza is one of the most vegan-friendly spots in town. Known for their signature thin crusts and pop-culturereferenced pizza names, the pies at Purgatory are as West Coast authentic as you can get. Go for the Vegan & Sara, which comes loaded with house-made pesto and vegan chicken, tomatoes, almond ricotta, and a balsamic glaze. Don’t forget to order a bottle (or five) of their house-made vegan ranch!

Chicago, IL

One of Chicago’s most iconic vegan establishments, Kitchen 17 is now shipping nationwide. Known far and wide for their house-made meats and cheeses, this transition was wellreceived, and you can now order deep dish cheesy goodness delivered straight to your door no matter where you live! If you’re ordering takeout, all of their pies can be purchased NY-, pan-, or deep dish-style, and they have plenty of gluten-free options as well.

screamer's pizzeria

Paulie gee's

New York City, NY

NYC, Baltimore, Chicago, & Columbus, OH

A traditional Brooklyn pizzeria, Paulie Gee’s now has locations scattered across New York City, Baltimore, Chicago, and Columbus. While not fully plant-based, each of their six locations has solid vegan options, including house-made vegan sausage and a variety of vegan cheeses and spreads from local businesses. Each pizzeria offers a different vegan menu, so check out the options before you go, but trust us when we say you won’t be disappointed no matter where you end up!

Love AmAro pizzeria

nic's on beverly

Los Angeles, CA

One of LA’s most beloved pop-ups, Love Amaro Pizzeria has been turning heads and converting omnivores with its vegan pies since its inception. You can currently find them operating out of a commercial kitchen in Riverside—be sure to pre-order for pickup. They’ve got everything you could want from a vegan pizzeria, including wings, breadsticks, and jalapeño poppers. Our suggestion? Order at least one of the mac ‘n’ cheese pizzas. You won’t regret it!

Los Angeles, CA

Chicago House of 'Za

Los Angeles, CA

San Diego, CA

Portland, OR

Pizzanista! is a haven for Angelenos looking for classic, NY-style pizza by the slice made with all the fresh produce that California has to offer. Pizzanista! isn’t entirely plant-based, but their dedicated vegan menu is so much more than just subpar veggies on a crust with no cheese. Try the Seitan Meats Jesus—which comes piled with vegan pepperoni, sausage, and bacon—or swing by the shop on Sundays for their exclusive vegan mac ‘n’ cheese pizza!

donna jean

VIRTUOUS PIE This popular Canadian-based pizzeria has made a name for itself in Portland with its emphasis on community and small-batch flavors. They make their cheeses, sauces, and dough in-house, and you can taste the handcrafted touches in every bite. A local favorite is the Ultraviolet, which comes piled with walnut pesto, kale, and oven-dried tomatoes. Make sure to grab a few sides of their garlic ranch as well!

The ultimate place for a fancy date night in LA, Nic’s on Beverly has a gorgeous outdoor patio, an incredible curated cocktail menu, and some of the best upscale pizzas in town. The pies are wood-fired and made Detroit-style and will have you praising the vegan food gods. We can’t recommend the Balsamic Ricotta pie enough— garlic, house-made ricotta, and arugula top this pie that will have you and your date fighting over the last piece!

pizzanista!

Chicago, IL

Another Windy City favorite, Chicago House of ‘Za closed the doors to their brick-and-mortar last year and launched an online store offering nationwide shipping on their iconic pies. You have the option of ordering stuffed deep dish pizzas filled with house-made mozzarella, tavern-style pies with house-made meats (did we mention they make everything in-house?), or a combination of the two shipped right to your door. Bonus: If you live east of Texas, the pies ship for free!

On a list of the best vegan pizza joints in the nation, Screamer’s will always make the cut. Serving up classic NY-style pizza by the slice at two separate Brooklyn locations, Screamer’s is a vegan haven. You can’t go wrong with ordering the classics like pepperoni or supreme, but they have plenty of loaded options if you feel like branching out. Exhibit A: The Napoleon Dynamite—tater tots, garlic oil, house chili, red onions, and nacho cheese piled up on top of vegan mozzarella—will have you saying “heck yes!”

#10

One of the best restaurants in San Diego (vegan or not!), Donna Jean is a quaint, neighborhood dinner house that focuses on seasonal and sustainable ingredients. Their pizza menu has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a classic margherita or a creamy white garlic pizza. If you really want to surprise your taste buds, order The Widow, which comes with a smoked date and black garlic puree, chilis, ricotta, and kale. Bonus: All of their pies can be made gluten-free! VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 33

VEGANS ON THE STREET By Melissa Nowakowski

From east to west, we checked in with some vegan tastemakers from across the country for their thoughts on some of our favorite vegan topics.

JOCELYN RIVAS

Los Angeles, CA Vegan for almost 2 years @joselinthewarrior

JASMINE “JAZZ” DUKE

SR PLANT E MEDICIN

How do you fuel your workouts as a vegan? Any tips for new vegan athletes? I’ve been a marathon runner for the past eight years. I’m currently trying to break two Guinness World Records and a Running World Record, which has allowed me to push my body to its limits, from running six marathons in nine days to many more challenges. For all new vegan athletes, I recommend focusing your main intake of vitamins and minerals from natural food, such as mushrooms, cabbage, broccoli, spinach, nuts, and seeds. For spices, I use lots of nutritional yeast, cinnamon, turmeric, and garlic. Simply eating these foods will help your recovery game and allow you to come back stronger the next day and the next. Plants are medicine.

Washington, D.C. Vegan for almost 4 years @diaryofamadblackvegan

MO VE RE G OPT AN IO PLS NS !

How do you feel about mainstream fast food chains adding more vegan options to their menus? I’m happy about mainstream fast food chains adding more vegan options to their menus but they need to do it right. [We] vegan foodies don’t just want a [plant-based] burger slapped on a dry bun. Give me all the vegan fixing options to go with it! Put some love on there with some vegan cheese and sauces too. Most importantly, I want to shout from the mountaintops that we NEED a vegan milkshake option. I’d be one happy vegan customer if [mainstream fast food chains] could grant all those wishes!

COLIN DEVIN MOORE

Los Angeles, CA Vegan for 12 years @colindevinmoore

AF VEGAN

What’s one vegan restaurant in another city you love or want to visit? You shouldn’t ask me for just one. I haven’t traveled at all since the whole world went nuts in 2020. So I’ve got a long list of outof-town vegan restaurants I need to get to. I actually think that list might be too long for [one paragraph]. So, I’ll just name a place I’ve never been to instead. I really want to try ONA in Arès, France. [I’ve also] always wanted to try Temple of Seitan in the UK. [And here’s] some of my re-visit list: Watercourse Foods in Denver, Three Sisters Vegan Creamery in Connecticut, Red Bamboo in NYC, The BE-Hive in Nashville, The Chicago Diner, Jajaja in Brooklyn, and Plow Burger in Austin.

VEGAN BINGO

B Y

A L L I E

M I T C H E L L

Grab a pen, grab a friend, and grab your phone! It’s time to have some fun, vegan style. Work your way through this bingo board of must-try, plant-based challenges. Play until you can say “bingo!” or keep going until you cover the board. It’s up to you! Either way, plan to make new friends, learn interesting facts, consume delicious food, and take Instagram-worthy shots along the way.

Ready, and go!

Order a vegan meal at 5 fast food restaurants Purchase a sustainably in your area (see page made swimsuit for the 86 for a list of vegansummer season. friendly chains).

Leave positive reviews for your favorite restaurants.

Host a vegan BLT cook-off with your best pals.

Follow 5 Black vegan activists on Instagram (we love @whatsgoodberto, @genesisbutler_, @badassvegan, @hailethomas, and @omowaleadewale).

Request more plantbased products at your local grocery store.

Pamper yourself with an at-home spa day.

Listen to a new podcast (see page 88 to check out this season’s hottest segments).

Pay it forward and buy someone else’s meal the next time you eat out.

Make your own açaí bowl decked out with toppings.

Create 10 vegan care packages and pass them out to the unhoused community.

Fill your cart with the coolest vegan grocery finds (see page 98 for our top picks).

FREEBIE

Have an ice cream taste test with the most unique vegan flavors you can find in the freezer aisle.

Stunt some new sandals out on the town—check out BC Footwear, Will’s Vegan Shoes, and Insecta for adorable cruelty-free styles.

Try your hand at latté art.

Grab a slice or two from a vegan pizza joint near you (see page 32 for our fave spots).

Take a trip to your local plant nursery and pick out some herbs, fruits, and veggies for a garden.

Watch a vegan documentary with a non-vegan friend.

Cook an Italian dinner from scratch with your friends or family. Bonus points if you make dessert too!

Make a vegan TikTok recipe (check out @onegreatvegan and @iamtabithabrown for inspo).

Volunteer with or donate money to a vegan organization you’re passionate about.

Reorganize your pantry using eco-friendly containers—like glass jars!

Post a selfie with this magazine and tag @vegoutmagazine on Instagram.

Revamp a few old articles of clothing—try acid washing, tiedyeing, distressing, cropping, and more.

VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 35

m a e r C e S c U I e h t gan Across

Best

By Melissa Nowakowski

I voted, you voted, we all voted for ice cream, and now we have the scoop on the top 10 spots in the “Best Ice Cream” category. Whether you like this non-dairy treat by the scoop, cone, pint, or gallon, these spots from across the country are too cool to pass up.

Ben & Jerry’s Multiple Locations

Ben & Jerry’s takes the top spot in this year’s awards, and it’s no wonder why—through their scoop shop locations and pints sold in stores nationwide, the brand offers 19 non-dairy flavors and counting! The options are endless, from old-school favorites reimagined to all new craving crushers (seemingly by the month!), there’s a flavor for everyone. Most varieties are made with almond milk, while a few are crafted with sunflower butter.

Cocobella Creamery Los Angeles, CA When in LA, Cocobella Creamery is a must-try and takes the runner-up position in this year’s awards. The ice cream base is made in-house and is allergyfriendly as all of their 16 flavors are gluten-free, and some are even nut- and soyfree. Choose from a cone or pint of your favorite flavor, or get funky and create your own sammie between two cookies, or build a sundae with all the fixings.

Van Leeuwen Multiple Locations

Though not entirely vegan, Van Leeuwen nears the top of this year’s list with their innovative and sophisticated flavors and colorful pints of dairy-free ice cream. With locations on both coasts, guests can step into a Van Leeuwen scoop shop in LA or NYC and be transported to a sweet melty galaxy as the brand’s evergreen flavors and seasonal varieties are always a dream. The Cookie Crumble Strawberry Jam and Peanut Butter Brownie Honeycomb—I mean seriously?!

Salt & Straw Multiple Locations In seven cities across the country and growing, Salt & Straw caters to vegans and non-vegans alike, but the non-dairy options are so good, you’d never know the difference. Flavors vary by location and often reflect the city they’re in, but we guarantee no matter the selection, you’ll find one that tickles your taste buds. Some options include Wynwood Brewing Mango Habanero, using IPA from a local brewery in Miami, and Freckled Mint TCHO-colate Chip using Oregon mint oil and San Francisco chocolate on the West Coast. 36 | VEGOUT MAGAZINE

Magpies Softserve Los Angeles, CA

Soft serve fans, we see you, and this spot serves up some of the country’s best soft serve around. With three Los Angeles locations, the house-made non-dairy flavors leave Dairy Queen in the cold. Flavor options vary by location, but each one carries everything from everyday classics to unique options, including Corn Almond and Orange Yuzu Creamsicle (tastes like the ‘90s Flintstones Push-Up!).

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Multiple Locations

Started as a single location in Columbus, Ohio in 1996, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams has gained national popularity ever since. Now with over 40 scoop shops in 16 major cities across the country, the non-dairy lineup differs in each scoop shop, but includes flavors such as refreshing Cold Brew with Coconut Cream, indulgent Dark Chocolate Truffle, and summery Frosé Sorbet.

Yoga-urt Los Angeles, CA

Long gone are the days of sorbet being the only vegan option at froyo spots. The fully vegan, organic, and house-made frozen yogurt at Yoga-urt is a game changer. The two locations in Los Angeles are eco-friendly and almost entirely gluten-free. The shop even adds healthy probiotics to all of its flavors! Guests can have one of 30+ rotating flavors in a cup piled high with toppings, in a waffle cone, or take a pint home.

Nadamoo! Scoop Shop Austin, TX

tie th

Nadamoo! is based in Austin, TX, and the flavors at the scoop shop are just as big and bold as the state! Marshmallow Stardust and Banana Caramel Crunch are just a couple examples, but guests also have the option to create their own pint during a visit. That’s right, head into the local shop to choose from one of four base flavors, blend with cold brew or non-dairy milk, mix in swirls and toppings, and then take your creation home to show off! If you’re outside of Austin, Nadamoo! is also sold in select grocery stores nationwide.

Hug Life Southern California

tie th

Some of these races were so close, we have a tie! Hug Life shares the eighth spot on our list this year, but completely stands out on their own. The small chain has a big following in SoCal and is expanding quickly by word of mouth. The spot that prides itself on being SoCal’s first all plant-based, one-stop snack shop and creamery has 20+ flavors in rotation, including nostalgic favorites like Reese’s Pieces and Strawberry Shortcake as well as fancier finds such as Earl Great and Matcha Monsta.

Doe Donuts Portland, OR

A woman-owned small business based in Portland, this brick-and-mortar specializes in artisanal doughnuts and ice cream made from scratch using local ingredients. Come for the doughnuts, and stay for the ice cream. We suggest combining the two! Year-round scoop and soft serve flavors include Chocolate, Birthday Cake, and Coffee, but if you’re feeling more adventurous, try the Hong Kong Milk Tea, Banoffee Pie, or Peanut Butter & Strawberry Jelly varieties.

JUSTice Cream Chicago, IL

Rounding out our list of your top-voted ice scream spots across the nation, JUSTice Cream—pronounced “justice cream”—is the cherry on top with the sweetest business model. Operating as a pop-up and working on 501(c)(3) certification while the company raises money via a GoFundMe page, the WOCled business donates 100% of net profits to radical social justice organizations. Flavors are inspired by grassroots groups and include Aboleche Ice and Fudge the Police. VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 37

Cranberry Coriander Jelly Vegan Beignets Looking for a plant-based taste of New Orleans without the cost of airfare? This recipe has got you covered. Enjoy these sweet, jelly-filled puffs anytime your heart desires, because … fried doughnuts! We call that self-care.

recipe and photo by jonathan reyes @eljonathanreyes

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directions Prep time: 2 ½ HRS Cook time: 6 MIN (3 Min per

Beignets

side when frying)

on size)

1. Start by blooming the yeast in the cashew milk for 10 minutes. For best results, this should be done at room temperature.

Ingredients

2. Next, add all beignet ingredients to the yeast and milk, mixing or kneading by hand (or with an electric mixer) for 5 minutes. Dough should be sticky.

Servings: 14-16 (depending

Beignets

3. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover for 2 hours. Again, this should be done at room temperature.

2 tsp instant yeast 1 ½ cups cashew milk

4. After 2 hours, your dough will double in size. Punch down. Place on a lightly floured surface and roll out to 1/4” inch thick.

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour ¼ cup brown sugar 5 ½ tsp agave syrup

5. Cut dough into squares or fun shapes.

2 Tbsp Melt Organic butter, melted

6. Heat some vegetable oil to 350°. Fry the beignets 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

3 tsp egg substitute

Topping

7. Fill with cranberry-coriander jelly (recipe below) and dust with powdered sugar.

Powdered sugar

Cranberry-Coriander Jelly ¼ cup coriander seeds 1 cup fresh cranberries 1 cup water ¾ cup red wine ¼ cup sugar 1 tsp salt Zest of 1-2 persimmons or oranges

Cranberry-Coriander Jelly 1. In a small saucepan, toast coriander seeds for 5 minutes over low-medium heat. 2. Add remaining cranberry-coriander jelly ingredients and, over medium heat, bring to boil. Lower heat again and simmer, allowing cranberries to break down and become syrupy. 3. Remove from heat and cool for 20-30 minutes. 4. Using a piping tip big enough to allow jelly to flow, fill beignets.

Brought to you by

MeltOrganic.com

Caramel Cookie Dough Bars ingredients Cookie Dough Layer 1 package ZenSweet Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix ¼ cup coconut oil, melted 3 Tbsp coconut milk Salted Caramel Layer ½ cup cashew butter ¼ cup ZenSweet Monk Fruit Sweetener, powdered ½ cup coconut oil ¼ tsp sea salt Chocolate Topping 1 cup vegan chocolate chips 2 tsp coconut oil

40 | VEGOUT MAGAZINE

You’ll fall in love with these easy no-bake cookie dough bars! Start with a base of chocolate chip cookie dough, add a layer of creamy cashew caramel, and top it all off with rich, melted, gooey dark chocolate.

Prep time: 15 min

Set time: 30 min

Servings: 24

Mix the Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix together with coconut oil and coconut milk to form the cookie dough.

Press the cookie dough into the bottom of a 6”x8” baking dish. An 8”x8” pan also works, but the bars will be thinner.

In a small bowl, whisk together the cashew butter, powdered ZenSweet Monk Fruit Sweetener, coconut oil, and sea salt until smooth.

Pour the salted caramel layer over the cookie dough. Place the baking dish in the freezer to set.

Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave or in a double boiler, being sure to stir frequently to prevent the chocolate from burning.

When the caramel is set, spread the melted chocolate over the top in an even layer. Allow the chocolate to set in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes, and then slice the bars.

Store bars in the refrigerator or freezer. Enjoy chilled.

Brought to you by

ZenSweet.com

Blueberry Jam Muffins time: 20 MIN Servings: 12 large muffins

Ingredients

directions

2 ½ cups frozen blueberries, split (1 ½ cups for jam, 1 cup for muffins)

1. Preheat oven to 350° and line muffin tins with paper liners.

2 tsp coconut sugar

2. To make the jam, cook 1 ½ cups frozen blueberries with 2 teaspoons sugar over high heat.

1 Tbsp ground flaxseed 1 Tbsp ground chia seeds ½ cup water 1 ½ cups almond flour

3. Bring the berries to a boil and cook for 5 minutes, mixing often and squishing berries with the back of a wooden spoon. 4. Let sit for 10 minutes. When cool, refrigerate for 10 more minutes to gel.

½ cup tapioca flour

5. To make “eggs,” mix together in a small bowl the ground flaxseed and ground chia seeds with 1/2 cup of water. Set aside to thicken.

½ cup white rice flour ½ tsp baking soda 1 Tbsp baking powder

6. In a separate small bowl, sift together almond flour, tapioca flour, rice flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cardamom. Set aside.

½ tsp pink salt ½ tsp cardamom ½ cup LeGrand Vegan Butter ¾ cup coconut sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 4oz LeGrand Vanilla Yogurt

7. In a medium mixing bowl, with a handheld mixer, beat together the butter and coconut sugar. Add the flax and chia “eggs,” mixing until blended. Add the vanilla extract and yogurt. Blend all ingredients for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides. 8. A few tablespoons at a time, beat by hand the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until all dry ingredients have been added. 9. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full with the batter. Spoon a teaspoon of the jam on top. Add another spoonful of the muffin mixture on top of the jam. 10. Bake until muffin tops are golden (about 20-25 minutes), rotating muffin tin halfway through baking time if needed. Insert a toothpick into the center of the muffin to test for doneness. 11. Cool muffins in the tin for 5 minutes, then remove and set on a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Brought to you by

LoveLeGrand.com

Mix up your breakfast routine with these muffins featuring homemade blueberry jam that’s swirled right in. Whether you pair them with vegan sausage and tofu scramble for a lazy weekend brunch or enjoy them on their own, they’re the perfect way to start your day.

VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 43

California Chickpea Rotini Salad Prep time: 30 MIN Chill time: 60 MIN Servings: 4

Ingredients 1 box Tolerant Organic Chickpea Rotini 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar ¼ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed 1 tsp kosher salt ½ tsp fresh cracked pepper ½ cup avocado oil ½ cup cilantro, chopped 1 bunch organic kale, cleaned and chopped 2 medium peaches, washed and cut into cubes ¼ cup of organic blueberries 1 ripe avocado, cut into medium-sized cubes ¼ cup almonds, toasted

44 | VEGOUT MAGAZINE

Looking for fresh, nutritious recipes to add to that tired meal prep rotation? Try this California Chickpea Rotini Salad! With antioxidant-rich fruits, leafy greens, and healthy oils, this is one lunch you can feel good about. Tolerant brand’s organic chickpea pasta adds a protein-packed twist to this summertime favorite.

directions 1. Cook Tolerant Organic Chickpea Rotini according to the package directions. Set aside. 2. In a mixer, add apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix on low, while slowly adding the oil, until the dressing is well blended. Add cilantro. Mix for 1 more minute (dressing will be chunky). 3. Mix pasta with the kale and add dressing. Fold in peaches, blueberries, and avocado. Let sit in the refrigerator for up to 1 hour. 4. After the salad has chilled, season again if necessary. 5. Garnish with toasted almonds. Serve cold.

Brought to you by

TolerantFoods.com

Iced Raspberry Macadamia Milk Latte Prep time: 10 MIN Servings: 1

Ingredients ⅔ cup raspberries ½ cup sugar ¼ cup water 2 shots espresso 1 cup milkadamia milk of choice

directions 1. Heat the raspberries, sugar, and water in a small pan over low heat. Lightly whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, until the berries break down. Pour the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a jar to strain out the seeds. 2. Fill a glass with crushed ice and pour about 3 tablespoons of syrup over. Add espresso, then milk. 3. Enjoy!

Brought to you by

milkadamia.com

Fresh fruit and the power of macadamia nuts, with a boost of espresso mixed in, is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Mix up this refreshing drink to cool off this summer.

VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 47

highlight on

Chicago by Kayla Pasko The city of Chicago is renowned for its museums, deep dish pizzas, gorgeous lakefront views, and—in recent years—growing vegan scene. From traditional Korean dishes to plant-based comfort food, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the Windy City. Come along as we explore all of the vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants Chicago has to offer!

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Kale My Name

Take a tour of Wrigley Field, then head over to Kale My Name, a 100% plant-based restaurant that specializes in globally inspired dishes and mocktails (the restaurant does not serve alcohol, however they do allow guests to BYOB when dining in). Pair a plate of Tequeños (Venezuelan cheese sticks served with garlic aioli) with a Virgin Mary, or fuel your appetite with a bowl of Alfredo Pasta (gluten-free pasta, Alfredo sauce, broccoli, red pepper, and kale, topped with sun-dried tomatoes) and a glass of Breakfast Sangria, which is available all day, every day!

Kitchen 17

Chicago is known for having some of the best deep dish pizza spots around, and Kitchen 17 is no exception! The all-vegan eatery offers a variety of mouthwatering deep dish pies, like the Plant Eater (loaded with mozzarella, marinara, artichoke, onion, minced garlic, spinach, green pepper, and za’atar). Not in the Chicago area? You can still get your hands on a vegan ‘za by ordering from the restaurant’s website, as they ship frozen pizzas nationwide—just check the shipping radius to confirm they deliver to your state!

Native Foods

Kitchen 17

Spirit Elephant

Althea

Chicago Diner

Althea

Spirit Elephant

While you most likely won’t see elephants around the Windy City, there’s one spot in particular that pays homage to these beautiful giants in a delicious way. Located in Chicago’s Winnetka suburb, Spirit Elephant is a plant-based restaurant where guests can enjoy plates such as portobello spring rolls, eggplant parm, and Ele-Penne pasta in a chic and elegant setting. Top your experience off with a glass of vegan wine or a specialty cocktail like the Ele Fizzgerald (Ketel One, fresh grapefruit, and lemon juice). After dining at Spirit Elephant, be sure to pass by the iconic Home Alone house, which is located less than a mile south of the restaurant!

Nestled inside Saks Fifth Avenue Chicago, Althea offers a variety of culturally diverse plant-based cuisines under the direction of vegan celebrity chef Matthew Kenney. Feel like a star as you dine on the artisanal cheese plate (porcini truffle, harissa jack cheddar, wine-soaked mascarpone, fennel crackers, and condiments) and Kenney’s signature dish Kelp Noodle Cacio E Pepe. The desserts are just as sophisticated as the mains, with offerings like chai-spiced maple cheesecake and frozen coconut cream pie to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Native Foods

On the hunt for a good vegan burger in the Chicago area? Look no further— Native Foods has you covered! Feast on the BBQ Brisket Burger or a Poppin’ Jalapeño Burger (two plant-based burger patties, Follow Your Heart American cheese, pickled jalapeños, crispy onions, plant-based jalapeño-pimento cheese, lettuce, and Green Goddess dressing served on a toasted pretzel bun). In addition to vegan burgers, the restaurant also offers salads, sandwiches, plantbased wings, and more!

VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 49

Chicago Diner

Blue Sushi Sake Grill

Amitabul

Handlebar

Amitabul

Chicago Diner

Chef Bill Choi is bringing the cooking techniques he learned from his mother and grandmother in Seoul, Korea, to the north side of Chicago through Amitabul, a plant-based restaurant that merges traditional Korean fare with Western taste. Enjoy dishes like Bi Bim Bop and Kimchi Tofu Stir Noodles, as well as American-style eats with a Korean twist, such as the all-vegan pizza (rice flour crust flavored with kimchi and topped with grilled veggies). After visiting Amitabul, take a drive through Chicago’s trendy Wicker Park neighborhood, which is known for its vibrant art community and nightlife scene.

vegan-friendly

Located just a thirty-minute drive from Chicago’s Adler Planetarium, this space-themed vegan-friendly eatery specializes in sandwiches, burgers, tacos, and more. Fan favorites include the Tofricken Royale (extra crispy tofu, spicy slaw, garlic mayo, and pickles on a bun) and tofu wings which can be ordered in buffalo (served with ranch) or Asian BBQ (served with pickled veggie slaw) varieties.

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Handlebar

vegan-friendly

On your drive through Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood, make a Meat-free since ‘83, Chicago Diner pit stop at Handlebar, a vegetarian offers all-American fare in the Logan Square and Lakeview neighborhoods and vegan comfort food restaurant with a full-service bar and beer of Chicago. Start your meal off right with a heaping plate of nachos (seitan garden. Satisfy your cheese cravings with the chili cheese fries (anchochorizo, spiced black beans, tomato, spiced veggie chili and vegan cashew onion, jalapeños, guacamole, sour queso) or the fried avocado grilled cream, cheeze, and salsa), followed cheese (sautéed mushrooms, onions, by the Titanic BLT Burger (veggie seitan patty topped with seitan bacon, spinach, tomato, breaded avocado, and vegan soy cheese on sourdough french-fried onions, lettuce, tomato, bread). End your meal on a sweet and chipotle fire sauce). Save room note with an oatmeal cream pie and for dessert, as the diner serves mustblueberry fried pies—because is there try sweets, like their award-winning such a thing as too much dessert? We vegan milkshakes! think not! vegan-friendly

Amitabul

Ground Control

Blue Sushi Sake Grill vegan-friendly

Take a short train ride from Chicago to the Naperville area, where you’ll find Blue Sushi Sake Grill, an Asian fusion restaurant that offers a separate vegan menu filled with plant-based options. Vegan-friendly dishes include Unami (BBQ eggplant eel and sweet soy sauce), Ahimi (tomato tuna), and unique rolls like the Cowgirl (pickle vegan tempura, sriracha-fried onion rings, BBQ paper, vegan mayo, and tonkatsu sauce). Accompany your sushi with a refreshing cocktail, beer, wine, or sake flight—cheers!

Check out our new look!

Vegan Tacos The best

a c i r e m in a

By Debbie Morales

When most people think of tacos, their minds immediately fixate on what goes inside the taco. Al pastor or asada? Shrimp or barbacoa? Unfortunately for us vegans, tacos are, of course, traditionally filled with meat. Fortunately for us though, amazing plant-based reinventions of our favorite Mexican street food have cropped up all over the country. Who said tacos are only for meat-eaters—or Tuesdays? These 11 restaurants serve up some of the best vegan tacos you can find, on any night of the week!

#1 Los Angeles, CA

CENA VEGAN

WINNER 2021 vegout awards - best tacos Cena Vegan uses generations-old recipes to create delicious plant-based Mexican food that doesn’t sacrifice taste or authenticity. They have amazing burritos, nachos, tortas, and even pozole, but the traditional-style tacos are the real stars here. Be sure to pair your choice of taco with horchata and finish your meal off with some flan!

Vegan #2 Chicago, IL 52 | VEGOUT MAGAZINE

street food

Vegan Street Food is a pop-up test kitchen that operates in Chicago. Their specialties are the elote (Mexican street corn) and, of course, the classic tacos. The Taquiza Box comes with tacos, nopales (grilled cactus), aguas frescas, and more, making it the perfect meal for two. The pop-up is also available for special events, business lunches, dinners, cocktail receptions, and more.

el cocinero #3 Los Angeles, CA

El Cocinero is a brick-and-mortar all-vegan restaurant opened by Alex Vargas, the co-founder and head chef of the famous (now-defunct) pop-up Vegatinos. Though the restaurant has been operating for less than a year, it has already made a big name for itself in a city well known for its Mexican food. This spot offers special fillings like chicharrón and birria, and even serves tacos dorados (fried tacos)!

gracias madre TACO PARTY Gracias Madre serves up scrumptious plant-based Mexican food while prioritizing sustainability and the use of locally grown organic foods. All three of their locations have amazing menus and some great taco options, including birria, coconut, and mole verde. If you’re looking to try out a few of these, order the taco flight at their Newport location, which comes with three tacos of your choosing.

#4 San Francisco, Los Angeles, & Newport Beach, CA

Quesa

La Reina dilla Del Sur

#6 Chicago, IL

Quesadilla La Reina Del Sur is a local favorite among vegetarian and flexitarian Chicagoans. But alongside their great vegetarian options, like the quesadillas and huaraches, they also offer an extensive portfolio of vegan-friendly dishes as well, including delicious tacos! Their taco menu includes great substitutes for traditionally pork-based meats, like chicharrón and carnitas.

#5 Somerville, MA

Taco Party, which used to operate out of a food truck, opened a brickand-mortar restaurant in Somerville in 2015. Since then, they’ve been serving up some really great options that you don’t see often, including jackfruit tinga, chimichurri tempeh, and even a yummy Japanese fusion taco made with sweet potatoes, pickled cabbage, and an okonomi sauce!

vegan #7 TIE Costa Mesa, CA

by el zamorano

The Vegan by El Zamorano crew’s mission is to provide Orange County with authentic vegan Mexican food at an affordable cost, and they are definitely successful in that mission! This spot offers some great taco plate options, deals on combination meals, and Taco Tuesday specials. They also boast some super interesting taco options, including a taco made with hibiscus!

La Taquiza Vegana

jajaja

#7 TIE

Portland, OR

With a menu crafted in part by a former Oaxaca resident, La Taquiza Vegana in Portland delivers some of the best authentic vegan tacos you can find in the Pacific Northwest. Their menu includes a delicious chorizo and potato combination taco that you can easily level up to a taco plate with some rice and beans. This spot also offers vegan champurrado (a delicious chocolate-based atole, and a perfect post-taco treat).

New York City, NY

After opening in the Lower East Side on Cinco de Mayo in 2017, Jajaja swiftly took the NYC vegan food scene by storm. Their menu offers great and unique taco options like mezcal mushroom, barbacoa, and crispy chayote fish. Don’t leave without trying the nachos or one of their delicious cocktails while you’re at it!

TACOS TU MADRE

the vegan nom

#10

Los Angeles, CA

Tacos Tu Madre has multiple locations throughout Los Angeles, each serving up great vegan-friendly options. The original shop in West Hollywood offers a separate plant-based menu, including a delicious fried avocado taco and Vietnamese fusion banh mi taco!

The Vegan Nom dishes yummy TexMex food out of its Austin-based food truck. They offer amazing innovative options, including a Korean barbecue taco. The daily menu also includes a great selection of breakfast tacos (which are available until 4pm!).

Austin, TX VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 53

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The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, and the weather is perfect for a plant-based picnic. Whether you’ve planned an afternoon in the park with the crew or a romantic dinner by the lake, be sure to pack all these vegan faves! From deli slices to snacks and wine, these brands have everything you need to create a picnic perfect day. Written by Tammie Ortlieb Photos by Kimberly Tran 54 | VEGOUT MAGAZINE

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P e r fe c t

Follow Your Heart followyourheart.com Follow Your Heart’s Vegenaise is the classic, must-spread for all your sandwich needs. Check out their other condiments while you’re at it. We suggest the vegan ranch and cheese slices. Vegan turkey subs, anyone?

Food for Life foodforlife.com This organic, sprouted, flourless, healthier-for-you bread makes for the perfect picnic sandwiches. Just add some vegan deli and cheese slices and you’ve got yourself a handheld.

GAEA gaeaolive.com GAEA’s olive snack packs and olive spreads meet your picnicking needs. Pair with cheese and crackers for an on-the-go charcuterie board. The brand also offers vinegars and dressings for your bread dipping and salad needs.

Treeline Cheese treelinecheese.com Treeline’s aged artisanal cheese wheels and Frenchstyle cheeses make for a picture-perfect cheeseboard in the park. Feeling fancy? Pair with crackers and a bit of jam. VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 55

Lark Ellen Farm larkellenfarm.com Lark Ellen’s almond pâtés come in Original, Jalapeño, and Rosemary Lemon. Grab them all (because options!) for the ultimate spread. Smear on sandwiches or crackers, or switch it up and try their trail mix instead for a more casual, sweet and salty add to your basket.

Mary’s Gone Crackers marysgonecrackers.com gaea kalamata olive spread

lark ellen rosemary lemon almond pâté

lark ellen original almond pâté

Give a vegan some cheese, they’re going to need some crackers. Mary’s Gone Crackers offers gluten-free crisps packed with all good stuff, like organic brown rice, quinoa, and seeds. No hard-to-pronounce ingredients here!

Wholly Wholesome whollywholesome.com

mary’s gone crackers original crackers

Nothing says summer like a fresh-baked pie— or one of Wholly Wholesome’s vegan fruit pies that come in Cherry, Blueberry, and Apple. They’re made with clean, simple ingredients, and taste just like those that Grandma used to bake. Just heat and enjoy!

Wonderful Wine wonderfulwine.com Sometimes we prefer our grapes in a bottle. This 100% vegan wine brand offers the options you need to accompany that romantic picnic for two ... or one (because you’re worth it!). Check out the starter packs for a sampling of their popular wines.

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wholly wholesome cherry pie

dirt kitchen air-dried zucchini, roasted chickpeas, and pistachios

Dirt Kitchen Snacks dirtkitchensnacks.com Dirt Kitchen offers a great way to get your veggies in on the go! Their air-dried veggie crisps come in convenient pouches, perfect for snacking. Add them to your cheese and crackers for an extra crunch, or enjoy them straight from the bag.

lark ellen chocolate chipotle trail mix

food for life ezekiel sesame bread

Green Slice greenslicefoods.com Gone are the days of PB&J being the only vegan sandwich option! Green Slice offers plant-based Veggeroni and Mixed Garden slices. Can’t decide? Go with their Vegan Charcuterie Board, which comes with 5 packs of each.

follow your heart ranch dressing lark ellen sweet & salty trail mix

Organicville organicville.com

green slice veggeroni

vegan rob’s oat butter popcorn

Vegan Rob’s veganrobs.com

Organicville is our go-to mustard for squirting on sandwiches or dipping chips (yes, that’s a thing!). Try their stoneground, dijon, or classic yellow. Absolutely do not leave home without this allorganic, no-weirdadditives added, must-have condiment.

You know them for their cauliflower puffs, but you’ll love them for their picnic-perfect popcorn. The Oat Butter and Curcumin flavors are must-trys. Take along a bag of each! Or go for their Sweet & Salty flavor to satisfy your sweet tooth.

T C UN

L A N O I

L I A T Y E K TUR

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C H AG A C h a g a i s n at i ve to Si beri a, wh ere it i s kn own as t h e “ Gi f t o f Go d .” H eale rs i n R us s i a, C h i n a, an d Eg y pt h ave use d t h e m us h ro o m fo r t h o us an d s o f yea rs a s a to n i c to s uppo r t overal l h eal t h an d we llbei n g . In TC M , C h a g a i s t h o ug h t to bal a n ce th e bo d y ’s C h i ( l i fe en erg y ) . Th e m us h ro o m is pa cke d wi t h v i t am i n s , m i n eral s , an d an t i ox i d an ts, wh ich g i ve i t an ed g e wh en d eal i n g w i t h co n d ition s like i n f l am m at i o n , h i g h ch o l es tero l , an d even ca n ce r. ; NITY MMU ESS I G N IN ELL OST : BO ERAL W R O EN D F GOO EVING G I H AC

58 | VEGOUT MAGAZINE

In t h e Wes t , C h a g a i s m o s t reco g n i zed for its pro m i s i n g earl y res ul t s i n preven t i n g ca n ce r, f i g h t i n g i n f l am m at i o n , an d a ch i ev i n g a ba la n ce d i m m un e sys tem . M uch o f t h i s c an be cre dite d to t h e vari o us an t i ox i d an t s i n t h e m ush room, w h i ch h el p preven t cel l d am a g e . Ad d i t i o n al l y, earl y s t ud i es s h ow th a t C h a g a m ay h el p reg ul ate t h e pro d uc t i o n o f cy to ki n es , w h i ch are i m perat i ve fo r f i g h t i n g i n fec t i o n s .

MUSHROO

B Y C AY L A MMuusshhro rooom mss hhaa vv eecc om m o eeaalolonngg ww y aa fr y froom mth theeddaays ys oof fbbeeining ppicic kk eeddooffffflflim im c ss yyppizizzzaasslilice g cooldldddeelili sa c s sannddwwicic hhees. ww, thes aanndd aannddpp , thee aacc aggeeddaas vs. NNoo y eeddriried kk a s veeggaannjejerk y’r’r ed ininvv eeggaannfrfr y rk , ie b y , d ie b aatttt d “c kk redd eere ee vv ”ssaannddwic eenn eennlilinneedd up “chhicic ” wichheess, a up oonnth theessuupp pplelem meennt tsshe, anndd ppoo helvlv d ww e reddfo dere eessinin form rm. . AA ssidideefrfr mbbeeining oom g nnuutrtr sstrtr ititioiouuss (a aaininssoof fm muusshhro rooom mssaalslso b(annddddeeliliccioiouuss!)!), ,ssev o g cc ognnititiviv o beenneefifit im e eral l e h e hee aaltlth, muunnee funvera rodduucctitivitt imm funcctitioonn, , “f“fuunncctitioonnal”h, aannddppro y v ity. .TThheessee are al” m rooom a uusseeddininTTradmuusshhro th yy’v’ve a re ccaalllleedd radititioionnaal C mss, ,aannddth e allllbbeeeenn l Chhinineessee M ee thoouussaand th M ed ndssoof fyy ee aarsrs to eeat edicicininee(T(T CCMM) fo aannddaaililm at vv meenntsts, w to trtr aaririoouussilillnlnes) for r rannggining fr , witithhddooccuum ra mented b essseess g froom msslolo d beenneefifitsts wininggddowente w ccaanncc ownnth theeggro eer rcc eellllssto ro totrtr thoof wwth e a ti eatinngg chro HHeere reaare ressoom nnicicfafatitigguue. f meeoof f thechro e. the m moosst tppop funncctitioona fu opuulalar r nal lm muusshhro rooom mssaannd theeirirbben d th eneefifitsts. .

W H IT E

R E IS H I I n TC M , Rei s h i h a s b een u s ed for t h ous an d s o f yea rs to t rea t va ri o u s a i l m e n t s like c an cer, hi g h b l oo d p res s u re , a n d h ea r t con d it ions . Th e mushroo m i s a pa r t o f a g ro u p o f h erb s c alled Fu Z h e n g , wh i ch t ra d i t i o n a l C h i n es e h erbalis t s be l i eve a re i n s t r u m en t a l i n a ch i evin g s t ren g t h, h ea l t h , a n d l o n g ev i ty. From a Wes tern l e n s , R ei s h i m us hroom s have be e n stud i e d fo r t h ei r a b i l i ty to pos it ively affec t i mmun e f u n c t i o n by a l teri n g i nflam m at ion pa thways i n w h i te b l o o d cel l s . Th ey als o conta i n p o l ys a cch a ri d es , wh i ch have b een o bs e r ved to f i gh t o f f i n fec tions an d v i r u s es by s t i m u l a t i n g t h e im m un e sys te m .

GOOD FOR: B O O S T IN IM M U N G E FUN C T IO N

VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 59

S P E C Y D R CO

Co rdyceps supplem ents a re al l t h e ra g e in th e f itn ess wo rld , as t h e mu s hroo m’s a bility to in c rea se th e bo d y ’s p ro du c t io n o f AT P a ssists in brin gi n g m o re en e rg y to t h e muscles. S evera l studi es h ave a ls o s h ow n a n in c rea se in VO2 ma x l evel s ( a m eas u re m e nt to d etermin e f itn ess) af ter t aki n g Co rdyce p s s upplem ents. As if a ll o f t h at i s n o t en o u g h, t h e m ushro o m is a lso th o ugh t to h ave a p o s it ive impa c t o n sta mina a n d sex d ri ve.

Th e s t re n g t h e ni n g ben ef its o f Co rd yceps were f i rs t reco g nize d by na tive Tibeta n a n d N epal i h erd ers , wh o b e g an co nsumin g th e mushro o m af ter obs e r vin g an in crea se in stren gth in t h e s h eep an d g oat s tha t gra zed o n th e mus h ro o m . Sin ce t hat tim e, th e use o f Co rdyceps has b een d o c um ented to in clu d e t reat m e nt o f c a n cer a n d lun g d is eas e, p rom o tio n o f gen era l vita lity, an d e nh a n cem ent o f sex d rive.

U R A L LY O R : N AT ERGY GOOD F M IN A , E N E A T S G IN X D R IV BOOST , AND SE LEVELS

E N A M S ’ N LIO

As we g et o l d er, o ur brai n’s abi l i ty to fo rm n ew co n n ec t i o n s d ecl i n es , w h i ch c an l ea d to d ec reas ed m en t al f un c t i o n i n g . L i o n’s M an e m us h ro o m s are f ull o f co m po un d s t h at en co ura g e t h e g row t h of brai n cel l s , an d i t ’s t h eo ri zed t h at t h i s c an h elp pro tec t t h e brai n f ro m d eg en erat i ve d i s eas e s l i ke A l z h ei m er ’s an d d em en t i a. A n d , w h i l e m ore res earch s t i l l n eed s to be d o n e, earl y s t ud i es also s h ow pro m i s i n g res ul t s us i n g t h e m us h ro o m to t reat d epres s i o n an d an x i ety.

GOOD F OR: PRO TE H E A LT H ; B R IN G IN C T IN G B R A IN G BA L A N IN T E R N A CE TO L ORGAN S

L i o n’s M an e i s c al l ed H o u To u Gu i n TC M an d h a s been pres c ri bed by t ra d i t i o n al h erbal i s t s to s uppo r t brai n f un c t i o n as wel l as to pro m o te h eal t h i n f i ve i m po r t an t i n tern al o rg an s ( t h e h ear t , l un g s , s pl een , l i ver, an d ki d n eys ) . It s ef fec t s are s o po s i t i ve a c ro s s t h e board t h at i t c an be us ed fo r a vari ety o f ai l m en t s , as wel l as s i m pl e m ai n ten an ce o f h eal t h .

DISCLOSURE: THIS ARTICLE IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT SERVE AS MEDICAL ADVICE. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE CONSUMING ANY FUNCTIONAL MUSHROOMS.

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vegoutmag.com VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 63

THE

10 BEST VEGAN BURGERS Before veganism swept the nation, you could only really find veggie burgers on the menus of a few restaurants in big cities. You were lucky if the burgers were 100% vegan (darn those sneaky dairy ingredients!). But now, plant-based burgers are popping up on menus across the country. And while these handhelds are considered an American classic, the word “classic” has been revolutionized by the vegan scene. Here’s a list of the 10 best spots to grab a vegan burger across the US.

CHICAGO, IL

Herbivore

BY ALLIE MITCHELL

LOS ANGELES, CA

Monty’s Good Burger @MONTYSGOODBURGER

Coming in first place is Monty’s Good Burger! This spot may be known as the vegan In-NOut, but it’s much more than your average burger joint. Aside from their juicy handhelds, perfectly crisped tots, and drool-worthy milkshakes, this iconic plant-based hot spot has one of the most mind-blowing secret menu items. Their super popular not-so-secret order is the Dog Pile–a tray of fries or tots (or a combination of both) topped with two Impossible patties, two slices of American cheese, grilled onions, and five different sauces. Yeah, it’s pretty freaking epic!

@HERBIVORE_CHICAGO

Next up is this burger-slinging pop-up from the Windy City. Herbivore is famed for its indulgent plant-based dishes that range from burgers and fries to Frito pies and fried Oreos. Our go-to order is the The Big Max–because everyone knows two patties are better than one! Pair it with a side of their Truffle Fries and you’ve got yourself a meal. 64 | VEGOUT MAGAZINE

IN THE US

3 3 4 5 6 8 7 9 10 These two spots are so good, they

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

ATLANTA, GA

Plant Power Fast Food

Slutty Vegan

@PLANTPOWERFASTFOOD

@SLUTTYVEGANATL

Slutty Vegan is Atlanta’s plant-based comfort food mecca. This Black-owned spot is known for its many burger variations, dope branding, and welcoming environment. Whether you want a beefy handheld filled with guac, jerk plantains, shrimp, or bacon, Slutty Vegan has you covered!

And as for Plant Power Fast Food, they’ve paved the way for the future of on-the-go vegan eats. Their burger offerings cover the classic single and double varieties as well as those layered with bacon, onions rings, and BBQ sauce. Also, most of their locations are drive-thrus which automatically makes the experience so much cooler. MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

LOS ANGELES, CA

Next Level Burger

Burgerlords

@NEXTLEVELBURGER

@BURGERLORDS

While we love the accessibility of Beyond and Impossible burgers, sometimes it’s nice to try something different. Burgerlords has perfected their own housemade vegan burger patty using a combination of 30 different vegetables, grains, nuts, and spices. They’re made fresh daily and taste glorious with a dollop of the restaurant’s 2,000 Island Sauce. Enjoy with a side of tofu nuggets and a swig of their tahini milkshake, and you’ll be in vegan fast food heaven!

COSTA MESA, CA

Nice Guys

Eden Burger

There are burgers and then there are charbroiled burgers! Nice Guys Vegan is one of the only spots in the US that serves a vegan version of the grilled American classic. And they don’t just serve one or two different variations– they’ve got 12! For those of you who are obsessed with breakfast foods, we’d recommend ordering the Breakfast Burger. It’s made with a burger patty, cheese, bacon, eggs, tater tots, and ketchup. And yes, it’s 100% vegan!

Arlo’s

@ARLOSCURBSIDE

Arlo’s was one of the first vegan businesses to join the food trailer trend–and they became a household name in the Austin food scene with the snap of a finger! Now, foodies travel from all over to try their famed vegan burgers. C’mon what’s not to love about a bacon-filled, BBQ-flavored, or chililoaded burger?

COLUMBUS, OH @EDENBURGERCBUS

Midwestern vegans, where are you at? Probably in line at Eden Burger for a bite to eat. This locally owned vegan fast food restaurant serves up craveable menu items in eco-friendly packaging. If you want to stray from the traditional burger route, we’d recommend the Hawaiian. This bun-bound bite contains a patty and slice of cheese layered with tempeh bacon, grilled pineapple, BBQ sauce, lettuce, and tomato. It’s the perfect combination of savory and sweet.

@NICEGUYSVEGAN

AUSTIN, TX

tied!

You could visit Next Level Burger 20 times and still not try everything on the menu. Yeah, it’s that monstrous! If you’re craving a burger, you’ve got quite a few different patty options to choose from– Black Bean & Veggie, Mushroom Quinoa, Beefy-Style, and House-Seasoned Beyond. Slathered in sauces like Garlic Thyme Mayo, Bleu Cheese, Hickory BBQ, and Special Sauce, they’re tough to resist. LOS ANGELES, CA

Veggietize Me @VEGGIETIZEME

Scroll through any LA vegan influencer’s Instagram page, and you’re bound to stumble across a picture of Veggietize Me’s burgers. This LA-based pop-up has quite the vast menu, showcasing single and double patty burgers, loaded fries and tots, hot dogs, milkshakes, and more! Take your pick and get ready for an unforgettable experience of flavorful plant-based goodness. LOS ANGELES, CA

VOWburger @VOWBURGER

VOWburger is a missiondriven burger shop with a menu that wins over the taste buds of herbivores, omnivores, and everyone in between! Some of their highlights include burgers laced in house-made Peruvian sauce, golden curly fries, and decadent milkshakes. As if you need another reason to support VOWburger, wait until you hear one of their three vows– for every meal purchased, they donate a meal to someone in need. A burger that’s delicious and charitable? We’re in!

Where to Find

the Best Vegan

Mac & Cheese Whether you like your mac saucy or baked, with elbow or rigatoni, simple or packed with add-ins, there’s a bowl of comfort waiting for you in this list of the best vegan mac ‘n’ cheese across the country.

By Lisa Tran

Chicago Diner

by CHLOE. CHICAGO, CHICAGO, IL IL

It’s impossible to beat a no-frills, yet incredibly gratifying, bowl of mac ‘n’ cheese, which is probably why Chicago Diner’s Macaroni & Teeze won Best Mac ‘n’ Cheese in this year’s VegOut Awards. It comes as a side but can take center stage—a supporting actor who will totally steal the show from the lead.

66 | VEGOUT MAGAZINE

NYC, NYC, BOSTON, BOSTON, LA, LA, & & PROVIDENCE, PROVIDENCE, RI RI

The mac ‘n’ cheese at by CHLOE. features a smooth and silky sweet potato-cashew cheese sauce that is nothing short of incredible. What makes the dish out-of-this-world tasty is the addition of crispy bits of marinated shiitake bacon placed on top with a dusting of sweet smoked paprika. Be sure to order extra shiitake bacon. Thank us later!

Avocadamama

PORTLAND, PORTLAND, OR OR & & LOS LOS ANGELES, ANGELES, CA CA

Avocadamama focuses solely on vegan mac ‘n’ cheese. Their house-made almond milk-based cheese is the foundation of all of the macs, from Crispy Chick’n Pesto Mac to Shredded BBQ Jackfruit Mac. Even with so many to choose from, you can’t go wrong with the OG Mac—made with rigatoni pasta and topped with seasoned bread crumbs.

Ste Martaen

CHICAGO, CHICAGO, IL IL

Ste Martaen—a family-run vegan business crafting dishes using their own sunflower seed-based artisan cheeses—has built a loyal fan base around Chicago. The baked mac ‘n’ cheese tastes like an entire vegan cheeseboard packed into one dish. This pop-up occasionally offers variations with vegan lobster or BBQ chik’n at its events. When that happens, drop everything, and run get that mac!

Compton Vegan

Vtopia Cheese Shop

This shop’s standard mac ‘n’ cheese bowl boasts noodles in a cashew cheese sauce topped with crunchy breadcrumbs, fresh chopped green onion, and … you guessed it! ... more cheese. Take it up a notch with add-ons like avocado, Thai chili paste, fried buffalo tofu, or soy curl bacon. Pro tip: Order a block of their aged vegan cheese to carry home.

LOS LOS ANGELES, ANGELES, CA CA

There are many good reasons to pay a visit to Compton Vegan—from the wickedly delicious Jackfruit Ribz Sandwich to the ultra-moist cornbread—but what draws us in is the mac ‘n’ cheese bowl. Try the BBQ Chik’n & Mac, topped with scratch-made vegan chik’n and a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, or order up the Buffalo Chik’n & Mac with its spicy buffalo saucedrenched chik’n and a generous drizzle of vegan ranch.

Photo: Seabirds Kitchen

PORTLAND, PORTLAND, OR OR

Voodoo Vegan

LOS LOS ANGELES, ANGELES, CA CA

Seabirds Kitchen

Voodoo Vegan’s “Who Dat?! Mac” is the ultimate prescription for our comfort food needs. Enjoy large macaroni noodles coated in a Mornay sauce and garnished with a special blend of herbs and spices. Now that’s what we’re talking about!

COSTA COSTA MESA MESA & & LONG LONG BEACH, BEACH, CA CA

Seabirds Kitchen’s version of our favorite side dish is crafted with cheese, cheese, and more cheese baked together with spiral pasta noodles and then garnished with shavings of vegan Parmesan. It screams creamy, and we’re all for that!

Little Pine

Souley Vegan

# LOS LOS ANGELES, ANGELES, CA CA

This Silver Lake joint’s vegan and gluten-free mac keeps it classic with elbow noodles tossed with house-made cheese sauce and topped with toasted breadcrumbs. Do not pass on ordering it with Italian sausage for an extra burst of flavor.

LA, LA, SAN SAN FRANCISCO, FRANCISCO, & & OAKLAND, OAKLAND, CA CA

Souley Vegan—one of our favorite Bay Areabased vegan restaurants that recently expanded to LA—has captured our macaroni-loving hearts. They show off their skills with their Sizzlin’ Skillet Mac & Cheeze that features a pesto cheese sauce, jalapeños, and large rigatoni noodles. No wonder they’re a crowd favorite!

Mac & cheese Mac & cheese Mac & cheese

Mac & cheese Mac & cheese

VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 67

HOT FOR FOOD

BY TANYA FLINK

AN INTERVIEW WITH

LAUREN TOYOTA

PHOTO CREDIT: VANESSA HEINS (PORTRAITS) LAUREN TOYOTA (FOOD)

WARNING: DO NOT READ IF YOU’RE HUNGRY.

Media personality, cookbook author, and YouTuber Lauren Toyota will make you hot for food (the title of her plantbased blog). This vegan Canadian cooking maven is one to follow for her guiltless vegan photos and captivating authenticity. As the woman behind the popular hot for food brand, she’s not afraid to pose with a stray noodle protruding from her mouth or send cooking utensils accidentally flying in a video. Lauren is one hundred percent real, and her recipes are one hundred percent delicious (and easily replicated at home). She carved out time from promoting her new cookbook—hot for food all day— to chat with us. VegOut (VO): Most vegans know your work via your blog, cookbook, and hot for food YouTube channel, but you were a national Canadian television host beforehand. How did that help you launch your own videos? Lauren Toyota (LT): That experience was nearly 10 years of working in broadcasting. It gave me the on-camera confidence (and technical confidence) to move into creating my own show. I also got into social media by being a TV host. I had so much time to learn and experiment with the platforms, I think that helped with building another brand—which of course is hot for food— from the ground up. VO: You were vegetarian for a time and then returned to an omnivorous diet before attempting veganism. Can you explain this transition, and share with us what planted the vegan seed? LT: The seed was planted by watching the documentary Food Inc. From there, I became intrigued with Michael Pollan. His book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma, helped further my decision to go vegan. I also read Skinny Bitch. That book is great, because it gets to the point—no BS! I transitioned over a few months, eliminating one thing at a time and experimenting with new ways of creating foods I loved as an omnivore. For me, it was a physical health and well-being decision that grew into a [more-encompassing] lifestyle choice. VO: How has cooking—from childhood to present day—been a part of your life? LT: I was into baking and cooking from a young age, especially because I went vegetarian pretty [early in life]. I baked with my grandma and my mom. It came very naturally to me. Growing up, I looked at recipes in magazines and got inspiration. I think it’s always been in my bones—in my family lineage. There are no professional chefs in the family, but the idea of cooking to nourish and share was always present in my life. VO: What was one of the first dishes you successfully veganized? LT: Probably a cashew cream sauce, likely Alfredo. It’s one of the early posts on hotforfoodblog.com, created well before I published thorough recipes online!

VO: What inspired the name hot for food ? LT: I honestly don’t remember. It was just how I felt about food. I came up with [the name], it sounded right, and it stuck from the start. VO: Your second book just came out—congrats! Name one or two gateway recipes, and share another more adventurous one. LT: Thank you! I feel this book has a lot of good beginner recipes. The tofu or mung bean scrambles for breakfast are simple to prep ahead and [enjoy] throughout the week. Another [easy] one is the One-Pot Mac n’ Cheese. [It’s important to start with plant-based versions of familiar foods.] If mac n’ cheese is a frequent comfort food (which it is for me!), get used to the idea of making a vegan version. I also share five ways to level it up, such as Buffalo Chicken Mac n’ Cheese, Tex Mex Mac n’ Cheese, Pizza Mac n’ Cheese, and more! One of the more adventurous recipes I’d love for people to try is the Chocolate Chip Corn Cookies. This recipe is a sophisticated twist on a chocolate chip cookie that incorporates frozen corn kernels, corn meal, and a hint of lime zest. I love them! VO: Give us a reason to cook (or bake) something for ourselves today. LT: I think cooking for yourself and sharing those creations with others is a gift for the soul. Food has so much emotion, nostalgia, joy, and pleasure attached to it. It’s important to not only nourish yourself throughout the day, but to [do] so with intention. That’s self-care. If you haven’t connected with that in a while, do it today. To learn more about Lauren Toyota and her new book, hot for food all day, visit hotforfoodblog.com and follow her on Instagram at @hotforfood.

THE

T S E B

V EGA N D E I R F N E K C I CH IN THE U.S. The votes are in—we asked your opinion on the best vegan fried chicken across the country, and you delivered. Whether you prefer yours on a bun or dipped in tangy buffalo sauce, you’ll be sure to find exactly what you need to satisfy those midday or late-night chicken cravings. Come along as we explore the eateries offering the best vegan fried chicken from coast to coast!

By: Kayla Pasko

LOS ANGELES, CA

FIRST PLACE

LETTUCE FEAST

Don’t let the name fool you! This LA food truck offers much more than lettuce, including—you guessed it—vegan fried chicken sandwiches and tenders. Feast on the Triple OG Sando (Southern chick'n patty, hand-breaded, cooked in 100% refined peanut oil, and served on a toasted, buttered bun with cheeze, butter pickle chips, lettuce, tomato, and ranch dressing), or the 4-piece chick’n tender basket with a side of Cajun fries. Add some tang to your sandwich or tenders with Lettuce Feast’s secret sauce or ranch dressing.

LOS ANGELES, CA

SECOND PLACE

LOS ANGELES, CA

THIRD PLACE

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

FIFTH PLACE

Impress your carnivorous friend with the vegan fried chicken from Original Herbivore, an LA-based eatery that offers chicken buckets, sandwiches, and more! Get your brunch on with a plate of sweet and savory chick’n & waffles, or satisfy your fried food cravings with the chick’n bucket XXL, which comes in original, BBQ lime, buffalo, spicy Korean, jerk, and lemon pepper flavors.

WOLFIE’S

Ever have fried chicken in a waffle cone? Well, you can get it at Wolfie’s! Their signature Nashville hot chicken & waffle cone combines house-made spiced honee butter, creamy mashed potatoes, and vegan fried chicken, making for one unique and savory tasting experience. If you prefer your chicken on a bun, opt for one of their tasty handhelds, like the bourbon BBQ fried chicken sandwich topped with creamy slaw, bread & butter pickles, and chili garlic aioli.

LOS ANGELES, CA

FOURTH PLACE

ORIGINAL HERBIVORE

DOOMIE’S HOME COOKIN’ While Doomie’s offers delicious plant-based burgers, shrimp po’boys, and mac ‘n’ cheese, we’re here to talk about fried chicken, and this vegan spot has some of the best in town! Choose from buffalo legs (four spicy drumsticks with ranch on the side), the fried chicken basket served with mac ‘n’ cheese and fries, or sandwiches like the chicken parm sub topped with marinara and cheese.

ATLAS MONROE

Fried chicken on pizza? Yes, please! Atlas Monroe offers extra crispy fried chick’n popcorn, which you can order online. Pick some up for that homemade pizza, or check out their extra-crispy chick’n sandos, fried chick’n breasts and thighs, and more. You can find Atlas Monroe’s fried chicken at select California-based vegan restaurants or place your order online (they ship nationwide!). VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 71

LOS ANGELES, SAN FRANCISCO, & OAKLAND, CA

SIXTH PLACE

SOULEY VEGAN

A taste of Louisiana Creole flavor on the West Coast, Souley Vegan is a must-try for vegan fried chicken. Take, for example, the chick’n seitan po’boy, which combines house-made seitan battered in the restaurant’s very own blend of spices and is fried to a golden crisp. The sandwich also comes topped with onions, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and house-made garlic aioli for a finishing touch. For those who prefer their fried chicken bun-free, the eatery offers buffalo seitan strips served with creamy ranch dressing, carrots, celery, and hot sauce on the side.

PORTLAND, OR

SEVENTH PLACE

COLOMA, MI

NINTH PLACE

VEGAN MOB

The premier spot for plant-based soul food on the West Coast, Vegan Mob offers spicy fried chicken that’s made inhouse and is served with a choice of sides like Smackaroni (creamy baked macaroni and cheese), potato salad, and Mob Fries (BBQ seasoned fries). Accompany your fried chicken meal with one of the eatery’s desserts, such as the Peach Mobbler (peach cobbler) or the sweet potato pie.

WATER & WHEAT

A vegan gem in the Midwest, Water & Wheat offers a fried chickun dinner, and uses simple ingredients like mushrooms, parsnips, celery root, and wheat to create their tasty fried chicken recipe. The dinner includes six pieces of chickun, green beans almondine, biscuits with maple butter, and coleslaw.

HARTBREAKERS NEW YORK CITY, NY

TENTH PLACE

72 | VEGOUT MAGAZINE

Dirty Lettuce specializes in down-home Southern cooking with a plant-based twist. Their vegan fried chicken is prepared in a brightly colored purple truck (located at Shady Pines Vegan Food Court), where the chefs serve dishes like the Infamous Bowl (crispy-fried chicken nuggets with Cajun corn and cheddar cheese, served over mashed potatoes and covered in gravy) and Hunny BBQ Fried Chicken. Pair your crispy chicken with sides like warm Cajun Cornbread Mini Muffins or Southern-Fried Cauliflower Bites.

OAKLAND, CA

EIGHTH

DIRTY LETTUCE

Hartbreakers is a ‘70s-inspired fast-casual spot that boasts a rotating menu of scratch-made plant-based offerings— including house-made chik’n and vibrant fry plates (think waffle fries covered in cheese, grilled onions, and mondo sauce). Get your fried chicken fix with the Picnic Basket (fried chik’n, seitan bacon, cheddar, creamy slaw, and pickled red onion with mondo sauce on a sesame seed bun) and the Thunderbird (fried chik’n, tangy slaw, and pickles with cilantro-jalapeño aioli on a sesame seed bun). You can also enjoy the Brooklyn eatery’s fried chicken in a 3- or 6-piece bucket, which comes with waffle fries, slaw, and your choice of sauce.

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THE

BEST VEGAN

S T U N DO IN A C I R E AM

74 | VEGOUT MAGAZINE

BY LISA TRAN

We’re nothing if not committed to doughnuts. We’ve been known to enjoy them for breakfast with our coffee, for a late-night treat, and for office gatherings. Lucky for us, there are a number of great vegan and vegan-friendly doughnut shops to be found. So, whether you’re in the mood for a classic round or one with sprinkles and frills, here’s your list of the 10 best spots for vegan doughnuts across the US.

VOODOO DOUGHNUT

Doe Donuts

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS // VEGAN-FRIENDLY

PORTLAND, OR // ALL-VEGAN

We can’t say we haven’t claimed a box of Voodoo doughnuts as our carry-on when flying out of Portland, so it’s no surprise this popular shop made #1 on our list. Grab a box of their Vegan Voodoo Dozen Doughnuts that comes with 13 of their famous flavors, including the Voodoo Doll!

If gourmet doughnuts with a side of ice cream is what you desire, Doe Donuts is a must-try. Order the Portland Fog—a raised doughnut coated in an Earl Grey glaze and topped with fresh vegan cream. Enjoy your treat while you wait for a soft serve cone to-go. We won’t judge! PHOTO CREDIT: @JODIESVEGANTREAS

DONUT FRIEND

DUN-WELL DOUGHNUTS

LOS ANGELES, CA // ALL-VEGAN

At Donut Friend, you’ll find classics like chocolate-glazed vanilla cake with rainbow sprinkles as well as specialty creations such as the Strawberry Lab (vegan whipped cream and fresh strawberries sandwiched between two halves of a raised doughnut). Try the Compassion Fruit—topped with passion fruit glaze and cacao nibs (half its proceeds go to a different charity each month).

NEW YORK CITY, NY // ALL-VEGAN

You can’t really miss when it comes to selecting from this Brooklyn shop’s allvegan assortment of doughnuts, but we suggest trying the Strawberry Sprinkles. It’s like a breakfast dessert from your childhood dreams. Every single bite is pillowy perfection. PHOTO CREDIT: @JENDODARO

PHOTO CREDIT: TIPSTREATS.COM

LIBERATION DONUTS CHICAGO, IL // ALL-VEGAN

PEACEFUL PROVISIONS

As a recent newcomer to the scene, Liberation Donuts has quickly garnered buzz for its vegan sweets such as The Sanctuary, which boasts a mound of pineapple and brûléed sugar sitting atop a cake doughnut. Bonus points to Liberation Donuts for offering a fully nut-free menu.

With seasonal menu changes and crowdpleasing flavors, Peaceful Provisions offers one-of-a-kind doughnuts with a plant-based twist. Check out their vanilla bean rice pudding-stuffed option, pretzel shapes coated in raspberry sugar, or kombucha sourdough.

THE DONUTTERY

NEW YORK CITY, NY // ALL-VEGAN

PHOTO CREDIT: MÉLANIE DUAULT MAAADLY.COM

DONATSU

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA // VEGAN-FRIENDLY

LOS ANGELES, CA // ALL-VEGAN

The Donuttery recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, having added vegan raised and cake options about 10 years ago— perfect for when the craving for a classic, no-frills doughnut hits. The Donuttery’s half a century’s worth of experience makes it a master in its field.

If Donatsu’s neon sign outside of its Little Tokyo storefront doesn’t draw you in, the display of colorful doughnuts will. Go for the Royal Dragon, with its dragon fruit glaze adorned by an orchid flower. Another must-order is the ube doughnut blanketed in a glossy, deep purple glaze.

BEACON DOUGHNUTS

CHICAGO, IL // ALL-VEGAN

The doughnuts coming from this Lincoln Park walk-up window are as creative as its storefront covered in a mural of pink flowers and bright green foliage. A 24-hour brioche dough is used for the Chocolate Glazed Brioche, while the Blueberry Pancakes doughnut lets you have the best of all breakfast worlds in one sweet treat.

RONALD’S DONUTS

LAS VEGAS, NV // VEGAN-FRIENDLY

Owners Henry and Janie Kang have mastered the fundamentals of classic doughnuts and added plant-based perfection. This hallmark doughnut shop boasts neither spunky decorations nor extravagant fillings. Instead, you’ll find straightforward sweets and down-to-earth deliciousness. VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 75

Eat Your Vejiis This New All-Vegan Online Marketplace Raises the Bar Meet Vejii, the new all-vegan virtual marketplace! Vejii allows you to shop an extensive plant-based inventory from the comfort of your own home and have products delivered to your door in a timely manner, totally contact-free. It’s a win-win for busy professionals and PJs-all-day individuals alike. By Anja Grommons

Centralized Shopping Experience Co-founded by longtime vegan Kory Zelickson and Darren Gill, Vejii was created as a means to add convenience to plant-based shopping. Why spend an entire day hitting up multiple stores when you can complete your full grocery list in one go? Enter Vejii. This virtual marketplace’s mission is to move the world forward, one plant-based purchase at a time. And with over 3,000 products to choose from, this online retailer might just be your new one-stop shop. Shop from virtual “aisles” filled with grocery favorites, sports nutrition products, personal and home care options, vitamins and supplements, pet supplies, and pediatric items. This site was made for everyone from plant-based families and vegan dog moms to cruelty-free makeup enthusiasts and motivated health influencers. Vejii has all the plant-based goods!

The Products You Want As an integrated marketplace, Vejii sets itself apart from other virtual vegan stores by allowing brands to list, process, and ship their own products directly. This includes bestselling vegan meats, dairy alternatives, and plant-based seafood. Additionally, the e-commerce platform supports vegan startups with nationwide exposure at affordable prices (aka you can stay on top of the newest vegan sensations with a quick scroll through the site!). Vejii also lists local favorites and makes them available to consumers based on regional location. Support your nearby staples as these brands branch out into virtual commerce endeavors.

Sustainability at the Forefront Vejii’s focus remains on bringing quality vegan products to customers while caring for the planet. The market not only eliminates the waste and gas involved in making multiple grocery store trips, it also utilizes eco-friendly packaging as much as possible. The company plans delivery routes to reduce their carbon footprint and seeks brands that use sustainable packaging. As the company grows, the priority of renewable technologies remains at the forefront of all expansion decisions. With an impressive product inventory from which to shop, a nod to eco-conscious consumerism, and one-click access to plant-based staples, Vejii’s promise is to provide anyone and everyone with a safe place to explore a vegan lifestyle—you won’t find any sneaky animal products here. The inclusive platform is intended for vegans and veg-curious eaters alike. In taking plant-based products nationwide, the company feels the exposure has, and will continue to have, a major impact on global meat consumption.

Delivery That Makes Sense In this age of on-the-go living, the shift to virtual shopping was inevitable. With this notion at the heart of the business, the online merchant also offers Vejii Express, a service that guarantees two-businessday shipping for select products. Follow Your Heart Parm, Gardein Chick'n Scallopini, and JUST Egg will be at your door in a flash. Have a little more time to spare before your products reach your kitchen? Items from Vejii partners generally ship from their warehouse within three to seven business days. The platform maintains an excellent customer care team to guide you through the process. While Vejii is not a subscription service, the company offers some serious incentives for return customers. With each purchase they make, shoppers can earn points to later be used as cash on future orders. The company also offers gift cards, so drop a hint to your friends and family that you’d like to check out this vegan-friendly shop. By improving accessibility to certified vegan products, the Canadian-based company is making it easy to shop totally cruelty-free. The site currently ships anywhere in the continental US and Canada. From big cities to small communities with limited access to plant-based goodies, Vejii services your area. We’re looking at you, small-town vegans! With future international expansion planned, the brand's overall goal is to create the world's largest digital vegan marketplace. As the company expands and takes on future international outreach, impressive inventory, competitive prices, and sustainability will remain major players in all decisions moving forward.

Photos: Vejii

shopvejii.com

PRODUCTS WE LOVE

Kindroot

SNOOZE ADAPTOGEMS

Pop one of these tasty lavendervanilla lozenges before bed and doze off into a blissful sleep. Each gem contains 3mg of melatonin and 2mg of ashwagandha.

Nelly’s Organics

Good Foods

DAIRY-FREE QUESO

Dip your chips, pretzels, veggies, and more into Good Foods Dairy-Free Queso. Alternatively, stir into mac ‘n’ cheese or dollop on top of bowls. In a rush? Grab one of their single-serve packets to take your queso on the go!

CHOCOLATE BARS

Our favorite candy bars! Nelly’s offers flavors like German Chocolate, Chunky Almond Butter, and Double Chocolate. They “taste like the good stuff without all the bad stuff.”

JINKA VEGAN TUNA SPREAD

These ready-to-eat sustainable fish-free tuna spreads come in three flavors: Original, Lemon & Dill, and Spicy and contain 14g of protein per serving, plus omega-3 fatty acids. Enjoy them on crackers or a sandwich, or eat straight from the container.

Milkadamia LATTE DA BARISTA MILK

LOVE CORN CORN SNACKS

Crunchy and delicious, these plant-based, gluten-free snacks are great for kids and adults alike! Choose from Smoked BBQ, Salt & Vinegar, Sea Salt, and Habanero Chilli.

Be your own barista at home with milkadamia’s Latte Da macadamia milk! We’re thinking lattes, cappuccinos, iced coffee, and more.

NutraFitz IONIC-ZINC SUPPLEMENT

Belladonna Soaps

This pleasanttasting supplement offers better absorption rates than other brands and contains no added preservatives.

AFFIRMATION SOAPS

Have you seen prettier soaps? Each bar contains a crystal and affirmation, so you can tap into your spiritual side while washing your hands. They’re Leaping Bunny and PETA-certified too!

LeGrand VEGAN BUTTER

Try this spreadable vegan butter that’s made with simple, better-for-you ingredients (like potatoes and carrots!). Use it for baking or slather it on everything.

Mezcla

PLANT PROTEIN BARS

RISE Brewing Co.

OAT MILK LATTE

This nitrogeninfused cold brew latte is delicious and keeps you energized throughout the day. It’s like your favorite coffee shop in a can!

With flavors like Japanese Matcha Vanilla, Mexican Chipotle Hot Chocolate, and Peruvian Cocoa Peanut Butter, these aren’t your average protein bars. Packing 10g of protein each, these are perfect for snacking on the go.

Garden of Flavor COLD-PRESSED ENERGY ELIXIRS

ZenSweet

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE MIX This vegan- and keto-friendly baking mix makes dessert time easy! Prefer to make your treats the old-fashioned way? Be sure to grab their monk fruit sweetener for a zero-calorie sugar swap.

Energize the better way and nourish your body with these good-for-you elixirs. Each bottle contains probiotics and is organic, gluten-free, kosher, and non-GMO.

VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 79

The 10 Best Vegan

BY ANJA GROMMONS

res tau ran ts in the U.S.

We asked, you answered, and the votes are in! From an upscale plant-based eatery in LA to a celebrity chef-inspired restaurant in the windy city to a retro Brooklyn diner serving up comfort food, we’ve got the deets on the best plant-based eateries across the nation. Located in some of our favorite cities, here are the 10 best vegan restaurants across the US.

80 | VEGOUT MAGAZINE

1st

Crossroads LOS ANGELES, CA

This upscale eatery is known for its refined, Mediterranean-inspired vegan fare. With menu offerings like plant-based calamari fritti, stuffed squash blossoms, cannoli, and a variety of fresh, house-made pastas, it’s no wonder Crossroads Kitchen was voted number one!

3rd

el cocinero LOS ANGELES, CA

Located in The Valley, this all-vegan Mexican restaurant is serving up the menu classics we crave like tacos, nachos, burritos, and quesadillas. El Cocinero allows for major customization with their variety of plant-based proteins. Choose from al pastor, oyster mushroom suadero, or jackfruit carnitas for most orders. Oh, and we can’t go without mentioning the vegan flan for dessert!

th 4

monty’s good burger

2nd kitchen 17 CHICAGO, IL

Specializing in comfort food, this all-vegan cafe has the hookup. From fast food-inspired burgers to homemade seitan chicken platters with all the fixings to deep dish pizzas made with housemade vegan cheese, Kitchen 17 has it all! Don’t live nearby? No worries! They ship their frozen pizzas and deep dish cookie pies nationwide.

LOS ANGELES, CA

The people have spoken. Monty’s is the place to be! With several LA locations to choose from, the burger joint is a vegan riff on In-N-Out. This plant-based destination offers cheesy Impossible burgers, Max’d Out Fries (similar to In-N-Out’s Animal Style Fries), tots, house-made sauces, and cool, creamy shakes to wash down your loaded handhelds.

5th 7th althea CHICAGO, IL

Stylish restaurant ALTHEA features vegan fare curated by celebrity chef Matthew Kenney. Menu offerings include globally inspired dishes like hearts of palm crab cakes, artisan plant-based cheese platters, and coconut curry risotto. Oh, and each dish is seriously gorgeous! You won’t want to miss out on an Instagram foodie photo shoot here.

6th

slutty vegan ATLANTA, GA

With several locations in ATL, this Black-owned, all-vegan, counter-service burger joint is bringing the flavor. The menu is loaded with burgers, but not just any burgers—we’re talking edgy plant-based burgers piled high with toppings. Did we mention they’ve got burgers? Our go-to order is the Sloppy Toppy, Slutty Fries, and Sweet Potato Pie.

We had a tie! champs diner NEW YORK CITY, NY

This retro Brooklyn diner and bakery is serving up major comfort food. Coveted breakfast menu items include chicken & waffles and loaded brekkie bagels. The NYC vegan gem also offers a variety of sandwiches, burgers, baked goods, and plantbased shakes. Hello, Girl Scout Cookie Shake! Consider your cravings absolutely crushed.

vedge

PHILADELPHIA, PA Hey Philly, we’re heading to you for this one! Vedge brings creativity to vegetable cuisine with inventive vegan small plates. Each seasonal dish showcases fresh produce straight from the kitchen of a historic mansion. Crave-worthy options include rutabaga fondue, chermoula grilled tofu, and more!

8th

pura vita LOS ANGELES, CA

Pura Vita is the first vegan Italian restaurant and wine bar in the United States—need we say more? The casual restaurant features comforting plant-based classics like baked ricotta, lasagna, and even carbonara made with avocado egg and shiitake bacon. The eatery offers a huge selection of vegan-approved wine for the ultimate treat-yourself experience.

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9th

beyond sushi NEW YORK CITY, NY

With five locations across Manhattan, Beyond Sushi is the city’s leading plant-based chain restaurant. You’ll find creative vegan cuisine with one crack of the menu—the veggie-packed sushi is basically our love language. Keeping to its namesake, Beyond Sushi offers options … how do we say this? … beyond sushi. They’ve got pasta, finger foods, and handhelds, too!

10th

Nic’s on beverly LOS ANGELES, CA

Nic Adler, owner of Monty’s Good Burger, is bringing plant-based California cuisine to Beverly Blvd with this culinary love letter to LA. You’ll find inclusive dishes designed for the carnivore and the long-time vegan alike. Menu options include loaded burgers, drool-worthy chicken sandwiches, and a variety of Detroit-style pizzas to name a few.

Pining for a foodie road trip?

Consider this your plant-based

bucket list and let it guide you across

the nation. Be sure to snap a pic of us on Instagram

@vegoutmagazine (@vegoutmagazine)!

PHOTO: NIC’S ON BEVERLY

your tasty vegan eats and tag

SO WTF IS

REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE? BY CHELSEA WILKINS

When you think of a typical farm, what comes to mind? Probably rows of single crops (such as corn, wheat, or soy) and not much else, right? Well, we’re here to shift your perspective! While industrial agriculture has made food cheaper and more accessible over the last century and a half, many scientists and environmental activists are sounding the alarm when it comes to how these now-standard farming practices affect both planetary and human health. The standard farming practices include tilling the soil, applying loads of pesticides and herbicides, and planting only one crop at a time, leaving the ground barren at other points. If you were to put your hands in the “soil” on a typical farm, you would come up with what looks more like dust and dirt, which lacks nutrients, microorganisms, and biodiversity. By shifting to regenerative farming practices on a global scale, we humans have a massive opportunity to improve human health and nutrition, replenish water cycles, and address climate change, all while becoming more connected to Mother Nature. How great is that?!

READ ON TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE ON AN INDIVIDUAL LEVEL. 84 | VEGOUT MAGAZINE

So, what is regenerative agriculture? When discussing climate change, there is a lot of talk about carbon dioxide, the most abundant greenhouse gas. It’s important to understand that carbon is not the enemy. In fact, everything is made up of carbon! The balance now is just really out of whack. Hundreds, thousands, and even millions of years ago, far more carbon was stored in the soils and forests around the world. Through degrading farming practices, deforestation, and a massive increase in greenhouse gas emissions, there is now an excess of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Regenerative agriculture (along with reforestation) has the ability to help draw down that excess carbon from the atmosphere into healthy soils. Regenerative agriculture is a ground-up approach (pun definitely intended) of using farming practices that build healthy soil and organic matter. Some of these practices include not tilling the soil, eliminating the use of herbicides and pesticides over time, incorporating planned grazing, keeping the land covered by crops at all times, and establishing polycultures (planting different species in the same area). Regenerative farming is a way of working with nature, rather than against it, and it incorporates many of the farming practices used by Indigenous populations.

ELIM I

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By shifting to regenerative farming practices on a global scale, we humans have a massive opportunity to improve human health and nutrition, replenish water cycles, and address climate change, all while becoming more connected to Mother Nature.

Why should we support it?

What can it do for the planet?

So many reasons! The loss of fertile soil and biodiversity poses a huge threat to the future of human survival. Each year, the United States alone loses 1.7 billion tons of topsoil. At the current rate of soil degradation, scientists say that within 50 years there will simply not be enough topsoil to feed ourselves. The food supply will be heavily damaged and lacking nutrients, causing serious risk to global human health.

In terms of climate change, it’s crucial that humans reconsider the way we farm. Regenerative agriculture has the capacity to draw excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in healthy soils. This can help keep the average increase in the earth’s temperature within two degrees Celsius, which is necessary to prevent a global climate catastrophe. Something not often discussed in the mainstream regenerative agriculture scene is that there is also a need for a shift in land usage toward plants and away from animals. Currently, the largest contributor of deforestation (especially in the Amazon) is cattle ranching, including the huge swaths of land needed to grow food for the cattle. Around 90% of soy, for example, is used to feed animals to produce meat and dairy.

Regenerative agriculture has the capacity to improve human health through the elimination of toxic chemicals and production of more nutritious food. Environmentally, healthy soil means carbon dioxide is stored where it belongs—in the ground—and water-holding capacity of the land is drastically improved. This makes the land more resistant to drought, soil loss, wildfires, and flooding. More eco-friendly farming practices also lead to healthier, more nutrient-dense food. Who wouldn’t want that? A tomato grown conventionally does not have the same nutrients as one grown regeneratively. With chronic diseases on the rise around the world, healthier food is a huge win in our book!

A large-scale shift to a plantbased diet, with the incorporation of regenerative farming practices, would lead to improvements in soil health and optimization of land usage, allowing us to feed larger populations of people in a more sustainable way. VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 85

BY TANYA FLINK

ENIENCE PROVING THAT CONV ANDAND VEGANISM GO H TOP HE IN-HAND, HERE ARE T FOOD ST 10 VEGAN-FRIENDLY FA ED FOR! OT RESTAURANTS YOU V

86 | VEGOUT MAGAZINE

When guac is included at no additional cost, there’s no contest. Cheers to Chipotle for stuffing our veggie burritos, tacos, and bowls with mounds of avocado.

Burger King—home of the Impossible Whopper! Order it vegan by asking for no mayo, and grab a side of veganfriendly fries while you’re at it.

Crispy crust, herbed red sauce, unlimited veggie toppings, dairy-free cheese, and vegan meat—this fast-fired pizza chain ticks all the boxes for a proper plant-based pizza.

We love it when no modifications are needed. All vegan options are clearly labeled, and the colossal, seven-layer Epic Beyond Original Mex Burrito is fair game (guac included)!

The potatoes have returned, and with them, our affinity for Taco Bell. Hello, again, bean and potato burrito—we’ve missed you.

No doubt the vegan burrito and taco options are a solid choice here, but the new Impossible Fajita Bowl won over the voters. It’s meaty, fresh, spicy, and filling.

This sandwich shop has 11 vegan options to choose from. Eleven! That’s more than some vegan-only chains. Ike’s is truly a sub above.

This pizza chain has all the vegan options. From custom pizza and salad creations to vegan chicken tenders and desserts, plant-based patrons can order something different every single visit.

How many Impossible sliders can you eat in one sitting? Here’s to this mini-burger chain for always pushing the limits of what’s possible.

Cruise by the drive-thru for this chain’s signature Crisscut Fries and easily veganized Beyond Famous Star Burger. Make it animal-free by asking for no cheese or mayo. Don’t worry, the Special Sauce is vegan!

what we’re

READING, LISTENING TO, AND WATCHING BOOKS • BOOKS • BOOKS • BOOKS • BOOKS

FAST EASY CHEAP VEGAN

PLANT-BASED PROFITS

BY SAM TURNBULL

If you’ve been hesitant to switch to a vegan diet because you’re worried it may be too expensive, intricate, or time consuming, think again! With her newest cookbook, Sam Turnbull shows people just how fast, easy, and cheap cooking vegan can be. The recipes call for 10 ingredients or less, take under 30 minutes to cook, and never cost more than $10. Whether you need breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert, the comfort food dishes in this guide are not to be missed. They’re super customizable, too!

Have you ever wondered what goes into starting your own company? In PlantBased Profits, Vegan entrepreneurs Shawn Stratton and Ronnie Gandiza go in-depth with a plethora of rockin’ business owners to learn about how they formed their company, challenges they’ve faced along the way, and what has led to their success.

BROTHA VEGAN

BY OMOWALE ADEWALE This remarkable read was published as a companion book to Sistah Vegan. Both works open up the conversation about veganism in the Black community—one specifically for Black women, the other for Black men. Brotha Vegan is a compilation of interviews, essays, short stories, poems, and research papers curated by the founder of Black VegFest, Omowale Adewale. The various texts explore the topics of health, sustainability, fatherhood, race, politics, sexuality, gender, health, popular culture, spirituality, and more.

HOT FOR FOOD ALL DAY

THE BEARDED VEGANS This podcast is a great way to stay up-to-date on the happenings of the vegan world! The co-hosts, Andy Tabar and Paul Steller, will fill your brain with the knowledge you need to come up with your own opinion on hot vegan topics like animal rights activism, influencer culture, vegan products offered by large corporations, and lawsuits against plantbased brands. Since it’s a podcast, you can’t see Andy and Paul’s epic beards, but just knowing they have them makes the episodes 10 times cooler.

BY LAUREN TOYOTA

This plant-based blogger gained popularity for her blog and YouTube channel, hot for food. She has a knack for coming up with the most flavorful yet simple vegan recipes for comfort food classics. Her new cookbook features drool-worthy recipes for any meal and craving. Some of the dishes you’ll learn to make include buffalo chicken crunchwraps, stuffed breakfast danishes, zucchini carbonara, coconut pecan biscotti, and Tokyo street fries.

88 | VEGOUT MAGAZINE

PODCASTS • PODCASTS • PODCASTS • PODCASTS • PODCASTS

BY ALLIE MITCHELL THE DIGITAL AGE IS IN FULL SWING, AND WE’VE SCOUTED OUT THE BEST VEGAN CONTENT FOR YOU! HERE’S WHAT WE’VE BEEN READING, LISTENING TO, WATCHING, AND LEARNING FROM THIS SEASON.

THIS MIGHT GET UNCOMFORTABLE We can all agree that life is hard, but this podcast may help ease the struggles you face and lead you to a more vibrant, fulfilled life. The co-hosts, Jason Wrobel and Whitney Lauritsen, are plant-based chefs and wellness coaches who dive into the heavy and necessary subjects of mental health, self-care, social justice, food addiction, toxic masculinity, and more. Their positive, non-judgemental energy will make you feel welcome the second you tune in, and their wisdom will fuel you with the motivation to make impactful decisions for yourself.

MOVIES/TV • MOVIES/TV • MOVIES/TV • MOVIES/TV

BY CHLOE X HALLE

VEGAN 2020

Vegan 2020 is the sixth installment of Plant Based News’s annual documentary series. It zooms in on the obstacles and successes faced by the vegan movement in the past year. We all know 2020 was a WILD year and this film doesn’t shy away from it—pandemics, zoonotic diseases, animal agriculture, and all!

Aside from vegan burgers, our greatest obsession is this plant-based R&B sister duo. Their recent album features the sickest harmonies, most sophisticated beats, and dynamic musicality like no other. Their song, “Do It” has been our anthem this year, and it makes for a great soundtrack to foodie TikToks and Instagram Reels. Oh, and their voices? As smooth as vegan butter!

POST HUMAN: SURVIVAL HORROR

THE BANKER

This film (which is based on a true story) will transport you to Los Angeles in the 1960s to catch a glimpse of what life was like for two revolutionary African-American entrepreneurs. Their talents, struggles, successes, and relationships all unfold with the help of stunning cinematography, exquisite production design, and brilliant storytelling—featuring plantbased actor, Samuel L. Jackson!

BILLIE EILISH: THE WORLD’S A LITTLE BLURRY

We fell in love with her music and, then, we fell in love with—well, her! This captivating documentary offers a sneak peek into the life of Billie Eilish and how she came to be one of the most iconic musicians. It shows everything that went into making her debut album, performing her music on tour, and winning all four top Grammy awards in one year. The film is emotional, raw, impactful, heartbreaking, and oh-so-inspiring.

BY BRING ME THE HORIZON

The lead singer of this British metal band may be a hardcore vegan but his newest album is even more hardcore! It gives off a super apocalyptic ambience with rapid beats, epic guitar riffs, and insane vocals. Honestly, banging our heads to this album is the perfect way to get out our frustrations from the craziness of the past two years. You should try it too!

ZEROS

BY DECLAN MCKENNA This album by British plant-based musician Declan McKenna definitely passes the vibe check with flying colors! The whole soundtrack is set in a dystopian space-themed world and highlights the topics of religion, loneliness, beauty, and the environment. Not only does McKenna’s music make commentary on society, but it serves major ‘70s nostalgia with the style influence of musical artists like John Lennon and David Bowie.

MUSIC • MUSIC • MUSIC • MUSIC • MUSIC • MUSIC • MUSIC

UNGODLY HOUR

MOSTLY A’S How long have you been vegan? A Around 1 year

B 2-3 years Between 5-7 years D 8+ years E Basically since birth

Which dish are you craving the most right now?

A Mmm … fried plantains!

Mac ‘n’ cheese, duh! Creamy mashed potatoes D Fresh strawberries E A juicy plant-based burger B

If you had to choose one movie to watch tonight, what would it be?

Which social media platform are you most addicted to? TikTok is my jam! I get on Instagram once in a while C INSTAGRAM! D I’m all about Twitter! E Ehh, I don’t get on social media A

A The Lion King B Whiplash

The Babadook 13 Going on 30 E Step Brothers

C D

What outfit would you rock for a day out on the town? A

Something coated in diamonds or faux fur, of course! B Joggers, a trendy t-shirt, and basketball sneakers C An oversized sweatsuit with a beanie D A crop top, high-waisted skirt, and thigh-high boots E A pair of jeans with a zip-up hoodie and Converse

What song is your guilty pleasure? “Lose My Breath” by Destiny’s Child B “Seasons of Love” from Rent C Anything by Drake or Tyler the Creator D “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston E “Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles A

90 | VEGOUT MAGAZINE

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Lizzo

We don’t need a DNA test to conclude you’re just like the flute-playing, pool-twerking, energetic musical icon. When she’s not rap-singing about being a bada** female hitting the Billboard charts with her bangin’ bops, or winning awards left and right for revolutionizing the music industry, Lizzo is filming TikToks of her craveable vegan recipes. Biscuits and gravy, jackfruit enchiladas, and spicy chicken sandwiches are just a few of the dishes Lizzo shares with her followers. Beyond her work for the vegan movement, the truth-spitting queen is a key role model for body positivity and self-love. She is unapologetically herself and won’t let anyone get in her way of living her best life! YAAAS!

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Kyrie Irving

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You’re such a baller! No, literally–you’re just like the basketball player, Kyrie Irving. This NBA All-Star is an independent, driven deep thinker known for being a bit mysterious on and off the court. In his words, “You want to keep the defense guessing.” But the key to success for this point guard is all in the discipline. He keeps a journal full of motivational mantras, sets a timeline of goals, and doesn’t skimp when it comes to practicing. He also switched to a vegan diet to improve his health and performance. Slam dunk!

Billie Eilish

Congratulations, you got Billie Eilish! This lovable young singer-songwriter has gained an immense amount of success with her poetic lyricism, unique vocal tone, epic range, and expressive personality. She’s also known for being a hardcore feminist and vegan activist. Her aesthetic is complete with brightly-colored hair, oversized streetwear, and chain necklaces. Aside from singing and writing music, Billie enjoys hanging out with her family, playing with her adorable pitbull puppy, doodling, and eating chips. Same, girl!

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Ariana Grande

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“Bubbly” must be your middle name because you’re the upbeat and lovable whistle tone goddess, Ariana Grande! This quirky and personable pop sensation may have a big vocal range, but she has an even bigger heart. Not only does she touch the souls of fans around the world with her relatable anthems, but Ariana also uses her platform to raise awareness for LGBTQ+ rights, animal rights, anti-bullying, and feminism. She has passion like no other, an adorable pet pig, and the most glorious ponytail known to humankind–we can’t think of a better combination!

Joaquin Phoenix

Looks like you’re no stranger to talent, discipline, or focus because you got Joaquin Phoenix! This award-winning actor may be most popular for his exhilarating performances in Joker, Gladiator, and Walk the Line, but he is also one of Hollywood’s most legendary vegans. On any given day, he can be seen walking his rescue dogs, attending pig vigils, or grilling up plant-based burgers and sausages. Joaquin is determined, practical, down-to-earth, and values in-person conversations over taking selfies. Oh, and did you know he produced the vegan documentary, What the Health? VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 91

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BEETxBEET OFF THE MEAT T-SHIRT (TIE-DYE) $40

UNITED BY BLUE PACKABLE WINDBREAKER (LEAFY GREEN) $128

PUBLIC REC WEEKEND JOGGER (HEATHER CHARCOAL) $88

SUAVS ZILKER GUM SNEAKERS (JET BLACK) $95 UNITED BY BLUE ANYWHERE SHORTS (BLACK) $72

UNITED BY BLUE 320Z INSULATED WATER BOTTLE $38 UNITED BY BLUE WATER BOTTLE SLING (BLUE) $38 92 | VEGOUT MAGAZINE

LO & SONS THE HANOVER DELUXE 2 BACKPACK (ONYX) $248

ADIDAS SAMBA VEGAN SHOES $80

UNITED BY BLUE ECOKNIT RIBBED TANK (BLACK) $28

PUBLIC REC ALL DAY JACKET (VINTAGE NAVY) $118

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BC FOOTWEAR TRIUMPH SANDAL (PASTEL MULTI) $59

UNITED BY BLUE ORGANIC CHAMBRAY BUTTON DOWN (CHAMBRAY) $78

BROMELIA BRASILIA BIKINI BOTTOMS (AMAZONIA) $80

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BOODY ACTIVE MUSCLE TANK (WHITE) $40

GLASS LADDER & CO. SARAH LAPTOP BAG (BLACK) $265 BLOWFISH MALIBU GRANOLA-B SANDALS (SCOTCH FAUX LEATHER) $45

UNITED BY BLUE ORGANIC CHAMBRAY PULL-ON SHORTS $48 VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 93

Have a question? Email it to magazine@vegoutmag.com. Yours might be included in our next mag!

Ask the

Dietitian with Anja Grommons

Whether you’re a plant-based newbie, veg-curious foodie, or seasoned vegan pro, you likely have questions about food and nutrition. Consider those questions answered! This issue, we’re talking budget-friendly proteins, bean bloat, and foods to avoid on a vegan diet.

Disclosure: Material presented here is intended to serve informational purposes regarding the topics of food, nutrition, and wellness. This content is not intended to substitute for medical advice or diagnosis. If therapeutic attention is warranted, alert your care team. 94 | VEGOUT MAGAZINE

Anja Grommons is a registered dietitian who is passionate about plant-centric food and nutrition. She works as a clinical dietitian in West Michigan and offers virtual nutrition coaching to those interested in adopting a plant-based diet.

Q: What are some budget-friendly high-protein foods? It’s beyond tempting to run out and buy a pack of the newest plant-based chicken nuggets and beefless grounds, but saving those for special occasions might be the way to go in the name of budgeting. Instead, shifting your focus to whole food protein sources can help save some coin. Try opting for a variety of beans, lentils, and peas in your dishes. Choosing staples like dried chickpeas, black beans, and split peas is a labor of love when you factor in the soaking and cooking process, but it is monetarily worth it.

It’s beyond tempting to run out and buy a pack of the newest plant-based chicken nuggets and beefless grounds, but saving those for special occasions might be the way to go in the name of budgeting. If you’re able, snagging those dried legumes in bulk can really help you save, too. The frozen aisle can also be your frugal friend—hello frozen peas, lima beans, and edamame. Other soy foods like tofu and tempeh can vary in price, but some varieties have better price points than others. Additionally, cheap nuts and seeds like peanuts and sunflower seeds can be used beyond their traditional trail mix application. Adding them to soups, stews, and stir fries can be a great way to showcase these economical favorites. VEGOUT MAGAZINE | 95

Q: What can I do to combat “bean bloat?” To some degree, gas and bloating are normal bodily functions, aka they mean your digestive system is working. While some dishes cause us to bloat a bit more than others, legumes are one of the top gasproducing foods. The excess gas occurs when the undigested sugars make it to the large intestine. While it’s totally normal to have some gas following the consumption of these protein-rich foods, there are practices we can take to minimize the bloat:

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1. Ensure that you are eating slowly and chewing your food well—this goes for all foods, not just beans. Try not to eat when you are rushed or stressed. Easier said than done, we know.

2. Preparing beans from dried varieties can help. Try to soak them a few times and be sure to toss the leftover cooking water. Prefer to opt for canned beans? Rinse them well before consumption.

3. If you are newer to the plant-based lifestyle, consider easing into legumes.

They contain a ton of fiber, and if you’re coming from a low-fiber Standard American Diet, you’ll need to start slowly. Try out a small amount of legumes at meals—seriously, like a few tablespoons at first. Slowly work up as your tolerance improves.

4. Tried all of the above with no relief? Consider taking a vegan digestive enzyme supplement that contains alpha-galactosidase, which specifically

works to break down those fermenting legume sugars left in the GI tract.

Within the realm of vegan foods, no products need to be excluded. Sure, foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds provide a healthy foundation for putting together balanced meals, but keeping a happy and healthy relationship with food is important. Q: Which vegan products, if any, should be avoided? Within the realm of vegan foods, no products need to be excluded. Sure, foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds provide a healthy foundation for putting together balanced meals, but keeping a happy and healthy relationship with food is important. You can achieve this by allowing purposeful treats into the diet. I’m talking about candy, chips, baked goods, and vegan fast food. These processed products do tend to be higher in sodium, added sugar, and saturated fat, and they come with a long list of ingredients, so I’m not advocating for a diet consisting completely of these foods. These items are high in enjoyment and satisfaction, but keeping them for occasional indulgences may help you feel your best.

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Strawberry Non-Dairy Oat Frozen Dessert Oat-based frozen dessert? We volunteer as tribute. Try it as a sundae, in an ice cream sandwich, or straight from the tub!

Vegan Banana Bread 2020 sharpened our banana bread skills, but sometimes a pre-made loaf hits the spot.

Turkeyless Protein Patties These patties were specifically designed to brown evenly and crisply. Fire up that grill, we’ve got burgers to make!

Cheese-Less “Cheesecakes” You’ll never guess what the custard-like filling is made of—lima beans! Find these treats in the freezer section.

Chicken-less Mandarin Orange Morsels Orange you glad these are ready in minutes? Pair them with frozen broccoli and jasmine rice for an easy dinner combo.

Vegan Kale, Cashew, & Basil Pesto Plain noodles are a problem of the past! This pesto is the besto.

Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend The contents of this humble jar taste good on just about, wait for it ... everything.

Non-Dairy Coconut Whipped Topping Where are the home baristas at? This coconut milk topping was made for your coffee creations. Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing This versatile condiment is ready to spice up salads, buddha bowls, veggie trays, and beyond.

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Chile & Garlic Cashews Who needs chips with snacks like these? Dusted with chile powder and lime, these nuts are packed with vibrant flavor.

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Trader Joe’s If you’re lucky enough to have a Trader Joe’s nearby, consider it your new vegan BFF. The store sources tons of plant-based options, and their inventory is always expanding.

ery Hauls Zevia Cream Soda Sweetened with stevia extract, this zero-calorie cream soda is a big sippin’ deal!

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American Flatbread Vegan Harvest Pizza This freezer staple is loaded with vegetables and vegan cheese. What more do we need?

Food For Life Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Flax English Muffins Crafted with organic sprouted grains, these make for excellent breakfast fuel. Pass the vegan butter and jelly!

Koia Coconut Almond Protein Shake Coconut almond protein shakes FTW! Koia is where it’s at for tasty, portable nutrition.

Violife Just Like Feta Block Everything is betta with feta—vegan feta, that is. This Violife block crumbles and tastes like the real deal!

RightRice Risotto Made from legumes, this plant-based risotto is rich in both protein and flavor!

Emmy’s Organics Chocolate Covered Coconut Cookies These chocolate-dipped cookies are totally grain-free and packed with ingredients like coconut and almond flour. Gardein Saus’ge Gumbo Whether you’re under the weather or craving a warm bowl of comfort, Saus’ge Gumbo packs all the heartiness.

Here at VegOut, we love a good vegan grocery haul. Who can relate? Imagine filling your cart with orange chicken, dreamy protein shakes, veggie-packed queso, and ready-to-bake cookies—all the plant-based goodies you love! We took to the stores to locate tasty options offered at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Kroger and pieced together four vegan-approved grocery hauls for you to recreate. By Anja Grommons

JUST Egg Major brunch goals here! This pourable vegan egg makes a killer plant-based omelet.

Go Macro Cherries + Berries Snack Bar Made with good-for-you ingredients like organic cherries, this is a great on-the-go fuel option.

Whole Foods This supermarket chain sources high-quality, organic foods and supports sustainable agriculture. In doing so, Whole Foods stocks stellar vegan options.

Annie’s Vegan Mac & Cheese We love keeping a box of this creamy mac on hand for a quick walk down memory lane.

Green Slice Veggeroni Deli Slices We’ve got pizza on the mind! Snag these vegan pepperoni slices to enjoy straight from the package or on a DIY pie.

Melt Organic Butter It’s butter, but made from plants. This organic, creamy spread was created for smearing, drizzling, and baking.

Nubocha Dairy-Free Chocolate Gelato Crafted using cacao from Ecuador, this plant-based gelato provides a complex flavor with notes of white flowers, citrus, and banana.

Sprouts Vegan Gummy Bears These gelatin-free gummy snacks are colored with ingredients like apple, pumpkin, spirulina, elderberry, and paprika.

Vegan Rob’s Dragon Crisps Fire-breathing vegans unite! These smoky and spicy puffs are made with serrano peppers from Mexico.

Good Foods Plant-Based Queso Style Dip Made with whole food ingredients, this vegan queso is our go-to dip for game nights.

Starlite Cuisine Chick’n Style Taquitos After-school nostalgic vibes, but all vegan. The adults want in, too!

JOJO’s Chocolate Goes Hawaiian Bites Take an instant vacation with these coconut and macadamia chocolates!

Sprouts

It might be called Sprouts Farmers Market, but this neighborhood grocery store offers more than just produce. The specialty chain has the hookup on our favorite vegan eats.

Beyond Meat Burger Patties Just open, grill, and enjoy—gone are the days of forming your own burgers. Clif Bar Chocolate Chip Energy Bar Whether you’re hitting the trails or running errands, this energizing bar is where it’s at.

Simple Truth Plant-Based Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pass the almond milk, we’ve got melty, hot-from-the-oven vegan cookies to dunk.

Chobani Extra Creamy Oat Milk This extra creamy milk is adding richness to our coffee drinks and savory recipes alike.

Simple Truth Spicy Queso Style Cauliflower Dip Grab a bag of salty tortilla chips and get ready to fall in love. This vegan queso dip is the bomb! Simple Truth Turkey Style Deli Slices Cold cut sandwiches FTW. We’re making vegan clubs on repeat.

Simple Truth Plant-Based Cream Cheese Perfect for loaded bagels and creamy Philadelphia rolls, this plant-based cream cheese is better than the real deal.

Starbucks Mocha Almond Milk Frappuccino We’re livin’ la vida mocha with this tasty bottled Frappuccino from Starbucks.

Ben & Jerry’s P.B. & Cookies Non-Dairy Ice Cream You can’t go wrong with this classic! Peanut butter lovers, this one’s for you!

Kroger ICYMI, this American grocer is where vegan dreams come true. In addition to selling vegan-friendly brands, Kroger’s store brand, Simple Truth, offers a plethora of products to enjoy.

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