Native Foods Blog

Coloring for the Little Vegans!

by Mandi Meek 

Native Foods Cafe

 

One of the coolest things about working at Native Foods is meeting all of the great quirky people of Boulder. I absolutely adore the regulars and know many of them by name. The little ones always impress me by how adventurous and brave they are to try new foods. I can only hope that one day my little munchkins will do the same, but I definitely was a picky eater in need of constant entertainment – sorry mom!

  Native Foods Cafe vegan restaurant uses this photo courtesy of Empower Network.

 

Seeing all the happy little faces makes me smile and miss my baby cousins. As artists, they enjoy a good coloring book. So after work yesterday, I decided to look online for a vegan themed coloring book or pages to send to them – it’s all about the subtle messaging, no? My findings weren’t very impressive, and most pages seemed to be themed around vegetarianism and a vegan Thanksgiving.

Regardless, inspiration struck as I was poking around online. I sat down with a drawing pad of my own and drew up some vegan coloring pages to send the kids. They were such a great hit. So, I decided I would share them with y’all. Check ‘em out below!

 

 

Pretty neat, eh? It’s the perfect thing to print out and take with you next time your kiddos are in the mood for a cheesy quesadilla or chicken nuggets – don’t forget the markers!

 

Native foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, vegan coloring book

In the Spotlight: Greer Clement

 

by Native Foods Cafe

 

Greer Clement is a jewelry designer from Michigan who loves to cook, garden, listen to music… oh, and she works at Native Foods Lakeview in her spare time!  Greer is one cool gal, so make sure to say hi next time you are in Lakeview…. and check out her jewelry shop on Etsy!

Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, etsy jewelry

Where are you from? 

Originally Ohio, but I lived most of my life in Michigan so I claim that as my home state.

What is your sign?

 I am a libra. Oct. 8th.

What inspired you to become vegan/vegetarian?

Growing up I didn't really like meat.  Once I had the choice not to eat it I didn't. I had been vegetarian for roughly 10 years before going vegan. My boyfriend had read The China Study and asked me if I wanted to go Vegan with him. It is the best decision I have ever made.

When and why did you start making jewelry?

I started making jewelry 7 years ago when I moved to chicago.  I wanted to wear jewelry, but wanted it to be different from anyone else.  It just made sense that I would make it myself.  I sell my handmade art currently on Etsy.  You can find my work at www.archboldmoss.etsy.com 

Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, etsy jewelry

Do you have a favorite jewelry designer, someone or something that inspires you?

I don't have a favorite jewelry designer.  I draw inspiration from nature and contrasting colors. I love asymmetrical necklaces. I like my work to be bold.  

Who or what do you think has had the most impact on the growing vegetarian/vegan movement?

I think the health issues. especially affecting Americans today, is opening people's eyes to a plant-based diet. Forks Over Knives is a great documentary that explains the health issues related to a meat and dairy diet, but shows how to correct health problems by switching to a plant based diet. 

If you could come back as an animal?

Well I love to swim so I would choose a whale shark.  Just big enough so nothing would bother me.  Also they are such majestic swimmers:)

Native Foods Cafe vegan restaurant uses this photo courtesy of National Geographic: Photograph by Brian J. Skerry

Do you have any pets, if so what are their names?

No pets.  But I walked dogs for four years before working at Native Foods.  I definitely had some favorites.  I created a bond with a bulldog named Turtle, I walked him since he was a puppy.  I also love my sister's dog a pug named Oscar and of course two lab mixes Pepper and Koda who I have dog sat for four years.  I guess they are all my favorites. They have so much personality without ever saying a word.  And the expressions!!  This is Oscar:

Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, etsy jewelry

What do you want to be when you "grow up"? 

Well I think it would be pretty wonderful to support myself from my art, but I will also be happy working and creating art & living a simple life. 

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?

I would love to live in a house someday with a yard. I love gardening and I think it would be so fun to plant a huge garden.  I have learned in life that locations do not always make you happy it is who you are with that matters.  If I had to choose I would say Northern Michigan or the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  Both would be great!!

What is your favorite menu item and dessert at Native Foods?

I like the Caribbean Jerk Kale Salad.  I love the creamy cilantro & jalapeno dressing and the avocado, mango and kale of course.  I eat gluten free so I would have to choose the Peanut Butter Parfait for dessert.

Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, etsy jewelry

Do you have a signature dish you prepare at home?

I fry brussel sprouts in earth balance butter w/ a bit of liquid amino Bragg's.  Served on top a bed of mixed greens with vegetables and fruit with a hummus balsamic vinaigrette. And some nutritional yeast on top ( if we have it:) 

Do you have a favorite band or musician?

 Right now I have been listening to a lot of Iron Horse.  They are a bluegrass cover band.  Picking on Modest Mouse is great and also A Whole Lotta Bluegrass a tribute to Led Zeppelin is what I am listening to now.  Neil Young is my all time favorite. 

Native Foods Cafe vegan restaurant uses this photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

What was your first concert ever?

My sister surprised me with Horde Tour tickets when I was 14. The headlining band was Blues Traveler and I remember being excited to see the Spin Doctors.  While I was saving the lawns seats I heard the very first act.  A guy came out on stage and slammed his metal folding chair down, it echoed loudly.  He softly said into the microphone "Hi I'm Ben Harper."  I didn't know him before that but instantly loved his music. 

Do you like to dance?

If you see me dance it is rare.  Once in a blue moon I dance.  I really enjoy music though. 

Do aliens exist? 

I'm not sure.  It's a real thinking question, one to really ponder.  I haven't actually devoted the time to definitively saying yes or no they exist, it seems possible though. Maybe.  

What do you do in your free time?

I have lots of house plants that I love taking care of. I recently planted some herbs and lettuces and kale on my deck that I love to check the growth of. I cook at least once or twice a day.  I enjoy doing art in all forms and spending time with my boyfriend and good friends. 

 

 Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, etsy jewelry

The Fittest Mayor has spoken…..

by Chef Kendall Huff

Native Foods Cafe

 

 

 

Rahm Emanuel has spoken Chicago. It is time! The fittest mayor was on WGN to support and encourage our fine city to take that vegan challenge and GO PLANT BASED! Check out the WGN piece below.

 

 

 

Standing next to the vegan athlete/author/former fire fighter Rip Esselstyn, the two stood strong and promoted the benefits of a plant-based diet. The Mayor explains how he wants to stress the importance of this diet to Chicago because he believes it will lower our health costs AND allow us Chicagoans to live longer and slim down together, as a city. Man is he great! And he’s my neighbor!!

 

Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, vegan mayor, Rahm Emanuel

The Mediterranean Diet Break Down

by Holladay Allen

Native Foods Cafe

 

The Mediterranean diet has long been heralded as wonderful means to health and longevity.  So much so that Wikipedia refers to is as “a modern nutritional recommendation.”  So what exactly comprises the Mediterranean diet?  Well the staples are:

• legumes
• grains
• fruits
• vegetables
• olive oil

 

Then pepper in some fish, a bit of dairy, a glass or two of wine and meat in small amounts.  So pretty much a vegan diet…. with small amounts of non-vegan foods.  This diet is based on the traditional diets of Italy, Greece and Spain…. and Morocco too.  And of course, there is a nice amount of exercise worked in there too.  And I’m not talking going to the gym and doing an hour of intense physical activity on a machine… but rather walking instead of driving, swimming and other mild, “regular” everyday activities. 

Here is the Vegan Mediterranean Diet Chart I found on One Green Planet: 

So you know someone did a study to measure the effects of this: A 10-year study found that adherence to a Mediterranean diet and healthful lifestyle was associated with more than a 50% lowering of early death rates.  A 5-year study of 7,447 people reported that the Mediterranean diet reduced the risk of heart disease in people at high risk by "about 30 percent" when compared with individuals on just a low fat diet. (Wikipedia)  Wow, that is pretty impressive!  And imagine the increased positive results if you eliminated the meat, dairy and fish.  And it isn’t really that hard.  For instance, when I think Mediterranean diet, I imagine sitting in Greece eating delicious tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh baked bread, maybe some hummus… and I know a lot of folks would be envisioning feta cheese thrown in that mix.  And guess what?  It is super easy to make vegan feta…. Yes!  Vegan feta! 

Herbed Vegan Feta 

Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, vegan recipe, vegan feta cheese

1 pk firm tofu (not silken, I love Wildwood)

¼ cup olive oil

¼ cup lemon juice

½ cup red wine vinegar

1 TBSP dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

 

Crumble tofu in to small pieces and place in bowl.  (Sometimes I let the tofu sit in a some vinegar or lemon juice for a few hours, then drain and add the marinade.... I think it helps curdle it a bit more... for a cheesy effect... and sometimes I just marinate it with the dressing below.  Depends on my mood.)

Place remainder of ingredients in blender and buzz.  Add more salt, pepper and oregano if needed.  Pour over tofu and let marinate at least overnight…. But the longer the better! Should keep nicely for up to 2 weeks.

 

Update:  A guest shared with us an article by Dr. Dean Ornish that refutes some of the findings in the study mentioned on Wikipedia.  Here is the link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-dean-ornish/mediterranean-diet_b_2755940.html

 

Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, vegan recipe, vegan feta cheese

The Soda Ban & Vegetarian School Lunches

by Arabella Watters

Native Foods Cafe

 

I don’t really have a notable problem with soda, but that’s probably because I didn’t grow up drinking it. Even before half of my family pledged their veganism, my parents were the kind of health freaks that imposed rules on us like: only whole wheat bread, no chips, no soda, no cereal with added sugar. We ate oatmeal for breakfast nearly every day with a weird undying enthusiasm. I remember freaking out when we got to have Lucky Charms when we went skiing one winter. People always laugh when I tell them this, but my deprivation of normal kid food (read: processed) wasn’t really a problem because I never knew anything different. I liked what I ate. Although peanut butter and honey on whole wheat toast wrapped in silver foil day in and day out got a little bit repetitive. Same with the carrots and hummus. Sorry Mom, the secrets out.

Anyways I digress from my point, which was to say that, New York’s Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s proposition to ban big (no larger than 16 oz.) sodas last summer didn’t get me up and arms the way that it did for a lot of people. Incensed might be the right way to describe it. In fact, I really support the idea. Not all of Coke’s products are even vegan. Lilt, Kia, Schweppes, and Five Alive all have trace amounts of fish gelatin to stabilize the beta-carotene color in the drinks. Aside from the fact that freaks me out just a little bit, I thought the soda ban was a much needed regulatory wake up call.

Native Foods Cafe vegan restaurant uses this photo courtesy of CS Monitor: Andrew Burton/Reuters

The latest in Mayor Bloomberg’s health overhaul for the city is an announcement that a school in Flushing, Queens has gone vegetarian.  Public School 244 is the first in the nation to do so, serving only vegetarian meals for breakfast and lunch. The school switched out chicken and other meats for tofu, black beans, falafel and other vegetarian protein options.

Native Foods Cafe vegan restaurant uses this image courtesy of US News: Lalita Kovvuri / NYC Department of Education

The New York Daily News reported that there was even an option of roasted tofu with cacciatore sauce, whole grain pasta, and zucchini. One, that sounds better than a lot of the food that I eat in my dining hall every day, and two I think its awesome that Mayor Bloomberg is incorporating vegetarianism into his overall plan to improve the health of the city. PS 244 is also in a historically diverse, both ethnically and socioeconomically, neighborhood. PS 244 will be able to both educate and allow access to a vegetarian lifestyle to a whole new generation and I think that is truly valuable.

 

Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, nys soda ban, vegetarian school lunch

What is your Brain Really Telling You?

by Chef Kendall Huff

Native Foods Cafe

 

 

Native Foods Cafe vegan restaurant uses this photo courtesy of  Digital Storm via Shutterstock)

 

The human body is an amazing machine.  It contains a nervous system, organs, bones, cells, and a complex computer much more impressive than the Air Mac, the brain. Your brain needs a large variety of nutrients to function normally and create a happy, healthy mood. If it doesn’t get them or we fill it with sugary junk foods and deep fried fats, it begins to misfire and alter your mood drastically.

 

 

If you are on a low fat diet, you could be starving your brain. This is because 60 % of your brain is fat. Hence the reason why certain fats are so important for developing brains in infants.  It helps maintain thinking and memory through out life. Here are the most important signs to watch for.

 

Native Foods vegan restaurant uses this image courtesy of Friends Eat.

 

#1- Mood swings is a good one. Some people can be happy at one moment and 5 minutes later, be in a very dark place. These can be hard to deal with, especially since they are so unpredictable. Mood swings are often linked to low blood sugar. With that being said, a diet high in protein and low in starch and sugar can stabilize your mood. B-Complex vitamins can also boost those vitamins that are being lost.

 

 

#2- Anger is another message from your brain. There are far too many people out there with a chip on their shoulder, that often take their anger out on helpless victims or situations around them. This is a good sign of a low Zinc and high Copper amount in the body. A great way to help this is by eating a balanced diet that is low in sugar. A zinc supplement many assist as well.

 

Native Foods Cafe uses this photo courtesy of The Brain Bank.

 

#3- Depression affects over 20 million American at some time in their lives. This is the most service and intense sign that your brain can give you. There are so many things that can bring people down. A long-term depression can actually change the brains chemistry and can be extremely difficult to treat. Again, the complex B- Vitamin can often help to brighten up ones day, or St. Johns Wart as well.  If you get the cabin blues in the wintertime in Chicago, try some Vitamin D also.

 

Native Foods Cafe vegan restaurant uses this photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

 

# 4- Drinking too much caffeine, which makes the body produce more adrenaline, often brings on anxiety and stress.  It’s like being a ball of stress that just waiting to explode. Since the 1940’s, B vitamins have been used as an anti-stress aid. Also omega- 3’s help as well. Vegan omega 3 can be found in flax seed, walnuts and algae.

 

 

Check out the anxiety circle below. Does that third cup of coffee really look worth it?

 

 

So, those random moments that you may have during the day, or the extreme happiness to sadness that you get once in while may not be just random freak-outs. Your body may be trying to tell you something. My advice is to listen to it.

 

 Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restraurant, brain health

Vegans from Down Under

by Chef Kendall Huff

Native Foods Cafe

 

Today is Hug an Australian Day and as an early 80’s baby, I started liking Australia after Mick Dundee showed me what was going on.  I would definitely give Mick a hug today!

 

 

 

I have never been to the continent, but I have heard that vegetarians and vegans are a huge population over there.  So this sheila starting doing a little research on the vegan cuisine and found a few trends. I noticed a lot of recipes using capsicums (red peppers), sweet potatoes and bean burgers. So in honor of this intriguing place, I have made a pretty ace lunch for myself!

 

A Proper Australian Vegan Lunch

Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, vegan recipe, veggie burger recipe

 

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad

 

2 each sweet potatoes

1 TBSP safflower oil

2 cups chopped romaine lettuce

4 each cherry tomatoes, halved, or 1 Roma tomato diced

¼ cup chopped, raw almonds

1/8 tsp sea salt

a drizzle of balsamic glaze

a pinch chopped parsley

 

1. First preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

2. Rub the sweet potatoes with the safflower oil and place then on  baking sheet.

 

Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, vegan recipe, veggie burger recipe

 

3. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes. The larger sweet potatoes will take longer. Use the toothpick method to make sure they are done. Once they are, allow them to cool before peeling.

4. Once the potatoes are cool, peel off the “wilted” /roasted skin and dice into cubes.

 

Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, vegan recipe, veggie burger recipe

 

5. Arrange the romaine on the plate, add the tomatoes, cubes potatoes and chopped almonds. Drizzle with a little olive oil and the balsamic glaze.

 

 

Bonzer Bean Burger :

Makes 2 burgers

 

1.5 cups cooked and cooled beans (kidney or adzuki work best)

½ cup red onions, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

¼ cup scallions, sliced

1 tsp soy sauce

1 cup breadcrumbs

1 tsp poultry spice

1 TBSP unbleached flour (any flour will work)

1 TBSP safflower oil

Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, vegan recipe, veggie burger recipe

1. After the beans are cooked (you can used organic canned also- I like Eden’s brand), place the beans in a bowl and mash them with a potato masher or whisk. Set them aside.

 

Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, vegan recipe, veggie burger recipe

 

2. Heat the oil in a sauté pan and add the red onions and garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes are until the are translucent. Add them to the beans bowl.

 

3. Add the scallions, soy sauce, breadcrumbs, poultry spice and flour. Mix well with clean hands.

 

Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, vegan recipe, veggie burger recipe

 

4. Form patties using your hands or ring mold. Heat up another sauté pan with 1 TBSP of safflower oil. Place the patty in the pan and sear on both sides.

 

5. Dress up your bun with whatever you like. I used arugula (for my bitter), vegenaise and avocado (for my creaminess) and alfalfa sprouts for a crunch. And serve it with the Sweet Potato Salad.

 

 

 

Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, vegan recipe, veggie burger recipe 

 

 

 

Zuperb Zucchini Bread

by Holladay Allen

Native Foods Cafe

 

Someone must realllly like Zucchini Bread…. So much so that they created a whole day to celebrate it.  Now that is some zucchini bread passion.  Well if they were using this recipe, I really can’t blame them…. It is incredibly delicious and moist, and well, practically perfect.  People sometimes complain that they have too much zucchini growing in their gardens, or under their porch… So get out your graters friends, and let’s make some zucchini bread!  I modified this recipe just a tad from this recipe here on Dairy Free Cooking.  Happy National Zucchini Bread Day!

 

Zuperb Zucchini Bread

 

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

¾ tsp baking powder

2 tsp ground cinnamon

2 cups organic sugar

¼ cups safflower oil

½ cup non-dairy creamer (I used MimiCreme)

¼ cup almond milk

2 tsp vanilla extract

3 ½ cups grated zucchini

1 Recipe Crumble Topping (recipe below)

  Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, vegan recipe, vegan zucchini bread recipe

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Lightly grease 2 loaf pans, or 4 mini-loaf pans, or muffin tins, or whatever you would like….

2. Prepare the batter. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and ground cinnamon until well mixed. Set aside.

3.  In another mixing bowl whisk together the sugar, oil, cream, milk, and vanilla extract for a minute or two or until the mixture is syrupy and comes together. (It will still separate slightly.) Add the wet ingredients to the dry, along with half of the grated zucchini. Mix until well combined, then fold in the remaining grate zucchini.

Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, vegan recipe, vegan zucchini bread recipe

4. Portion the batter into the prepared loaf pans, filling the pans about 3/4 of the way full. If using the option crumble topping (recipe below): sprinkle the topping evenly over the surface of the batter.  Now, in the this recipe fell slightly short of 2 loaf pans, so I used a mini muffin tin and one loaf pan.

Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, vegan recipe, vegan zucchini bread recipe

5. Bake at mini loaves and muffins 350 F for about 35-45 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and a toothpick or knife inserted into the center of a loaf emerges clean. For regular loaves, bake at 325 F. for 70-80 minutes, or until a toothpick/ knife comes out clean.

Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, vegan recipe, vegan zucchini bread recipe

 

Crumble Topping

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup quick-cooking oats

1/4 t. ground cinnamon

1/4 cup vegan butter

 

1.In a small bowl, combine the sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon until well mixed. Use your fingers to cut in the butter until the mixture resembles large crumbs. Use to top vegan zucchini loaves before baking!

Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, vegan recipe, vegan zucchini bread recipe

 

Ode to Allium Sativum (Garlic)

by Chef Kendall Huff

Native Foods Cafe

 

In honor of today, National Garlic Day, this is dedicated to Mrs. Becker (My 1^st Grade Teacher)....

 

My love for garlic cannot be expressed in words,

Those of you who agree, are definitely labeled like us culinary nerds.

 

Native Foods Cafe vegan restaurant uses this image of Alton Brown courtesy of thekitchn.com

 

They use to come in that cellophane covered little box where they couldn’t get air,

And now, markets and farmers wouldn’t dare!

 

No more little brown spots, sprouts or powdery mold,

Now we let that beauty unfold.

 

Native Foods Cafe vegan restaurant uses this image courtesy of Wikipedia/ Flickr user Cyclonebill

 

Those strong sulfur compounds turned out to be more than just stinky stuff,

But also antibacterial, antifungal, and antithrombotic sure enough!

 

Having a cholesterol and blood pressure issue I hear?

Add a little of this “stinking rose” to your diet and make them disappear.

 

Please try something new,

Chesnok Red, Georgian Crystal, Music and Siberian are a few.

Toss in some Black Garlic to your next seitan stew.

 

Native Foods Cafe uses this photo courtesy of Wikipedia

 

Mature cloves should be hard and firm,

The taste of bruised cloves will be off and can be composed for the armyworm.

 

Native Foods Cafe vegan restaurant found this pic HERE!

 

Two to three cloves a day will help prevent a cold,

Eating too much garlic irritates you digestive system so HAVE SOME CONTROL!

 

Need a salad idea for a health, hearty garlicky crowd pleaser?

Here you go…Dive into this Caesar!

 

Garlicky Good Caesar Salad

Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, vegan recipe, garlic recipe, vegan caesar salad

 

Dressing:

10 cloves garlic

½ cup firm tofu

2 TBSP fresh lemon juice

¼ cup capers

2 tsp agave

1 TBSP yellow mustard

½ cup olive oil

½ tsp sea salt

½ tsp ground black pepper

¾ cup water

¾ cup vegan mayo

 

*Place all goodies is and blender and let it rip!

 

For the Salad:

4 cups chopped romaine

¼ cup vegan Parmesan cheese

½ cup chopped veggies- broccoli, carrots, cauliflower you name it!

½ cup croutons of your choice

3 ounces Caesar dressing

2 TBSP red pepper, diced for garnish

 

Toss everything thing together and destroy!

 

Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, vegan recipe, garlic recipe, national garlic day, vegan caesar salad

 

 

 

 

Test Tube Burgers: Are they the future, Or just freaky?

by Cassie Younger

Native Foods Cafe

 

There are so many reasons why people go vegan; for health, for animals rights, and for the earth. All of these are sound and dignified reasons to switch up your diet. The production of factory farmed meat is unethical, environmentally destructive and completely inefficient. But there can be a lot of hurdles to making the vegan plunge. For those of us raised in meat-eating homes, one might still crave the tastes and textures of burgers, chicken and fish that kale and quinoa simply cannot satisfy. (Sorry kale, I do love you!)

Luckily, restaurants like Native Foods Café have fixed many of these problems by creating delicious sandwiches like the “Chicken” Run Ranch Burger and the Portobello and “Sausage” Burger  that are made from soy and gluten but taste freakishly true to their animal counterpart. These meals make going vegan a seamless transition that satisfies your chicken-wing craving without compromising your ethics.

Portobello & sausage Burger at Native Foods Cafe vegan restaurant.

But what if you didn’t have to compromise? What if you could have your meat and eat it too? A new wave of animal products is in development that could change the way we eat and think about meat. Newly developed “in-vitro meat” takes animal cells and grows their muscle tissue in a lab, with the end product being the same animals parts we cook for food, without any animal having to die or suffer in the process.  It’s real meat, but without the animals. It’s a test-tube burger, baby.

Native Foods Cafe vegan restaurant uses this article courtesy of Jezebel.

 

Not only does this new meat eliminate animal suffering, it’s also insanely more efficient than its natural counterpart. It uses 99% less land (laboratories are way smaller than cattle farms!) and uses 45% less energy, by some estimates (Walsh, TIME). There are clearly economic benefits to this system, and PETA has even endorsed it as a ethical meat- replacement! Many are hailing this as a huge part of the solution to the growing demand for animal products in our current unsustainable food system.  

Native Foods Cafe vegan restaurant uses this image courtesy of In Vitro Meat.

 

Although the facts and numbers sound very convincing to gather my support for this in-vitro meat, part of me a bit skeptical.  My belief that science can actually keep up with the world demand for meat as it is now, and what it will be in the future, remains doubtful. Also, in its current stage of development, an in vitro hamburger would cost over $100. Technology would have to advance pretty rapidly and cost-effectively for this to be considered a truly viable and realistic replacement. 

Something also disturbs me about relying solely on science and men in white lab coats to feed the world. Call me a romantic, but I like to imagine a my food coming from a farmer working with the land, getting his hands dirty and providing society with the bounty that earth has provided for us through fruits and vegetables. A scientist in a lab coat experimenting with muscle-cells and creating some sort of franken-burger isn’t exactly what I had in mind in our food revolution. This disconnect with nature is kind of what started all this trouble in the first place, right?

What do YOU think? Is in-vitro meat ethical? Sustainable? Realistic? Would YOU eat it??

Native Foods Cafe vegan restaurant uses this photo courtesy of Jerrod Litwinenko and Blogto.com.

 

Cassie works at our Lakeview location in Chicago and loves Scorpion Burgers. 

Native Foods cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, test tube meat, in vitro meat