Native Foods Blog: Dad, You're Rad... and Vegan too!

by Christopher Arnett

Native Foods Cafe

Fathers Day is here, and so we should take some time to show dear ol’ dad just how much we love and appreciate him. We admire our fathers, and we especially admire them if they’re vegan! The following is a list of some special dads who are committed to a cruelty-free and healthful way of eating:

Nathan Kozuskanich: Better known as Vegan Dad, Mr. Kozuskanich is a popular blogger in the vegan world who posts on the real dishes his family eats. As with our own families, he is often constrained by time and so his recipes range from incredibly inventive to quick and easy family favorites. Some of his most popular creations are his faux meats, which include such delicious carnivore favorites such as buffalo “wings” and “turkey” roast. The recipes listed on his blog are easy to make and convenient enough for any workday at-home meal. His culinary creations also draw inspiration from other cultures, and he has recently delved into baking. His blog follows the responses of his children to his meals and shows the meals he’s cooked up, daily. Those are some lucky kids!

Toby Maguire: Mild-mannered actor and father of two by day, and super-vegan by— well, all other times! Toby has been a dad since 2007 and a vegan since 2009 (though he was vegetarian since 1992). This cruelty-free father has gone so far as to remove the leather interior of his car, remove all leather items from his house, and even insists that guests remove leather items like shoes and belts upon entering! Tobey truly stands up for his beliefs, just like his on-screen Spider-Man persona. So have a happy Fathers Day and keep it up, Mr. Maguire!

Anthony Kiedis: The stylin’ and morally-conscious frontman of the Red Hot Chili Peppers has been a dad since 2007. A vegetarian since the 80’s, Anthony became a full- fledged vegan in 2008, and that same year won the Sexiest Vegetarian Man award from PETA! Learning about the worldwide depletion of ocean fish populations and receiving a recommendation from his doctor for a healthy vegan diet for his son helped to seal the deal for Anthony. May he always make music and always be vegan!

Jarid Manos: Father, athlete, speaker, founder of the Great Plains Restoration Council, and author of Ghetto Plainsman. In his book, he chronicles his journey as a broken man who finds meaning in life by seeing his connection to all forms of life. He has also helped to found the new Ecological Health movement, which helps young people heal themselves by healing the damaged prairies and plains of America’s heartland. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Black Vegetarian Society of Texas. Whew! Is there anything this vegan dad can’t do?

And don't forget to swing by your nearest Native Foods Cafe for Chef Tanya's latest creation, The Big Daddy Dagwood. And don't forget to bring your dad! Available on Father's Day only.

Thinly sliced original seitan, caramelized onions, melted cheddar, avocado, tomatoes, pickles, mustard & creamy horseradish on grilled marble rye. Comes with a mound of fresh garlic fries!