It’s been nearly a year since we started social distancing, staying home to make mountains of sourdough, Korean whipped coffees, and focaccia bread art. But for all the at-home deliciousness we’ve mastered, we’re ready for our favorite restaurants! So although travel is still off the table, we’re celebrating with a mouthwatering tour of the stories—and recipes—from some of the best-loved, Black-owned vegan restaurants in America. From soul food in Detroit to Ethiopian eats in Brooklyn to a stoner-inspired burger joint in Wisconsin, get ready, because it’s time to eat.
From NYC to the PNW
In the land of rain and coffee, comforting vegan grub is practically a way of life. From a hot dog truck to a family-run Thai spot to the country’s oldest vegan pizzeria, there’s no shortage of indulgences in Seattle. But when lifelong vegan Makini Howell left her New York City fashion designer job to return home to Washington—where she grew up working at Quickie Too, her mother’s all-veg diner in Tacoma—she set out to create the restaurant she’d longed for but hadn’t yet found. The result, Plum Bistro, is a fine-dining institution that’s been drawing customers, both locally and internationally, since 2009.
On the menu
Howell wasn’t named one of The New York Times’ “16 Black Chefs Changing Food in America” for no reason, and her customers know why. Among guest favorites is the Mama Africa Salad—a bed of baby greens topped with avocado, seasonal fruit from local farms, tempeh, almonds, and seasoned quinoa all drizzled in mustard aioli and lemon vinaigrette—a masterpiece of contrasting textures and flavors. For brunch, the Peaches & Cream French Toast (a breakfast classic reimagined with a generous helping of grilled peaches, caramel sauce, coconut whipped cream, maple syrup, and an ingenious whipped coconut cheesecake butter) is another can’t-miss.
Why we love Plum Bistro
Born into a family of restaurateurs and food-industry pros, Howell’s resumé is enough to make anyone salivate. When she’s not hosting “Makini’s Kitchen”—a monthly cooking segment on local Seattle station King 5—Howell keeps busy with not one or two, but five food concepts under her booming Plum empire. Keeping it fresh and healthy? Visit Plum Chopped for an array of hearty, filling salads. Looking for lunch? Stop by for a burrito or sandwich at Pantry by Plum, and don’t forget a dessert from Sugar Plum. And when out exploring the Emerald City, keep your eyes peeled for the Plum Bistro Truck to refuel with burgers, wraps, and tacos.
Read the entire Great American Black Vegan Restaurant Tour feature in the newest issue of VegNews on newsstands now! For even more of the stories behind Black-owned vegan restaurants nationwide, follow our Black-owned restaurant web series. Don’t miss our coverage on Seasoned Vegan, Mattie’s Foods, Chi Chi Vegan, Vurger Guyz, Souley Vegan, Ras Plant Based, Spoiled Vegans, and Dirty Lettuce.
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