by Native Foods Cafe
We were super stoked to interview Pro BMX Rider and Coffee Roaster Kevin Porter for our December Native Newsletter. He shared his thoughts on veganism, aliens, missing spleens and so much more! Kevin is rad. Follow him on Twitter @tierraKP or you may see him riding in Chicago... or at Native Foods Cafe... be sure to say hi! Here is the full, uncut interview...
photo credit: David Leep, Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, Kevin Porter BMX
1. Where are you from?
I’m from Chicago Il, born and raised. I have spent a lot of time in other cities as well.
2. What is your sign?
I’m a Taurus, born on April 22nd.
3. What inspired you to become vegan?
My mother and father made me a very compassionate person. I have always felt guilty for using other life to fuel mine. I have a different view on dairy and eggs. If I could provide a source of nourishment for other animals I would. My high school cafeteria really inspired me to stop eating meat. The place had terrible looking conditions and did not make me feel good at all.
photo credit: thelunchbox.org, Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, Kevin Porter BMX
To be correct, I am not vegan. I try to be as much as possible, but I am not. I feel that the word vegan gets used to describe a type of diet. In fact, I know its wrong but I may use the term “vegan” to help me clarify an order at a non-vegan establishment. I’m currently a strict vegetarian, which is part of being in a vegan lifestyle. I would say that 98% of my life right here and now is vegan. But, because I don’t know for sure I really try hard to not claim vegan. An example of what I am talking about, I’ve been sponsored by shoe companies that have had no vegan shoes for me to wear in the process of building a vegan shoe for them. I was a strict vegetarian for 6 and half years and decided one day to see how eggs affect my diet. I spent 6 months experimenting with them and decided I felt to guilty and the cholesterol in them was scaring me. I’m now 6 months back at being on a completely plant based diet.
4. How did you get started in the world of BMX?
My brother, he and his friends started riding bikes. I followed everything my brother did. One day him and his friends stopped riding and I didn’t. Here I am 21 years later, still on a BMX bike. I’m showing no signs of slowing down what so ever.
photo credit: David Leep, Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, Kevin Porter BMX
5. Do you have a favorite place to ride?
I love Wilson Skatepark, it is and has been my favorite place on earth to ride a bike. I also, really enjoy riding cement bowls, trails, and anything that has a crazy shape to it.
6. How do you think a vegan diet affects your performance?
I think that being on a plant based diet helps me more then it hurts me. Foods I consume daily are softer, so I believe it softens my arteries. Because of that I believe that my body will process the food much quicker. I consume more calories then an average diet and I burn those calories twice or even three times as quick. That is the only down fall, I eat all the time more then your typical three square meals a day. I also use the bathroom a lot. Because of doing this I feel I have a faster recovery time after working out my body.
7. If you were to come back as an animal what would you like it to be?
A squirrel, they are sweet little creatures.
Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, Kevin Porter BMX
8. Who or what do you think has had the most impact on the growing vegan/ vegetarian movement?
Places like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, small independent grocery stores, vegan food restaurants, the vegan community, co-ops and farmers markets have all played a huge roll in educating the world on vegetarianism. It’s important to stop pushing and just set an example quietly. If people want to join in on the decision to become animal free they will on their own terms. I have watched this happen to so many of my close friends and family. I just cook and eat, and live with positive out looks. Never looking down at people, no judging, and no persecution. I do realize there are animals suffering, but I feel the same about humans. If we do it peacefully it will happen with nature and time.
9. Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what are their names?
I have two wonderful dogs named Tetris and Zazzer. Tetris is named after my favorite video game; he is a Lhasa Apso poodle mix. Tetris is 6 years old and has very sensitive skin. I have to be very careful towards his diet because of his skin allergy. Zazzer is named after a Dr Seuss quote “Zizzer, Zazzer, Zooooo.” He is a Havanese poodle mix that is 5 years old. They are wonderful little pups and I’m proud to have them.
10. What do you want to be when you “grow-up”?
I have been a pro bike rider for 13 years. I have had vegan shoes with my name on it, Flybikes has put out 6 of my signature frames called the Tierra line, even a little toy tierra by flick trix with my name on it. I have traveled to 26 different countries. I have been married and divorced. Owned, operated, and sold a vegan coffee shop called Delicious café in Chicago. Lost a body part (my spleen.) Now helping develop Bowtruss Coffee Roaster in Chicago. All I have ever done was do things because I was happy doing them. What I want to be when I grow up is exactly what I have been since I can remember “happy!”
11. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
I am where I want to be currently, Chicago. I do want to spend more time in New Zealand at some point.
12. What is your favorite current menu item at Native Foods Café?
Classic Deli Reuben, with sweet potato fries.
Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, Kevin Porter BMX
13. Favorite Native Foods dessert?
Not a huge sweets guy, but anything with peanut butter will get me... so the Peanut Butter Parfait.
14. Do you have a signature dish you make at home?
I love making Chicago Style un-beef sandwiches for people. It’s awesome people get all messy eating them with forearms on the table. Dripping with red sauce.
15. What are your favorite bands?
Johnny Cash, the Animals, Woody Guthrie, and The Band.
16. What was your first concert ever?
Cheap Trick at a Midwest festival.
17. Do you like to dance?
Oh yes!
18. Do aliens exist?
We are all Aliens.
19. What do you do in your free time?
I ride, I work on wood projects, I blog (@TIERRAKP), hang with friends, and pretty much chase fun.
20. If you could have a nice vegan lunch with any one person, living or dead, and pick their brain for a couple of hours…. Who would it be?
Leonardo da Vinci, he was a very conscious human.
Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, Kevin Porter BMX
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