By: Alexandra Samirsakci for The Dirt
In a college town full of fast-casual eateries, one group of “planet-friendly” diners have formed a coalition to seek out plant-based dining options and cultivate community. Their mission is many-fold—and you don’t have to be vegan or vegetarian to join.
“We are a welcoming community where you can come to dine, make new friends, and try new food that’s lower on the food chain,” founder Anya McCann told The Dirt.
When McCann first moved to Davis, she expected a plant-based paradise. To her disappointment, she found few options for dining out and no restaurants that were wholly plant-based. She had a hunch it wasn’t due to a lack of demand, so she and a group of like-minded eaters took action. She introduced herself to restaurant owners in town, and if they had at least three plant-based options—bring an event to them.
“We go and spend our money to show them there is money to be made if they have more vegan food,” McCann explained.
This ‘vote with your wallet’ approach simultaneously introduces people to unexpected plant-based dishes and supports local businesses. COOL Cuisine’s impact on the community isn’t just theoretical; there are notable success stories.
“I worked with the Sunday Sunrise Rotary Club to add a vegan sausage to their Oktoberfest event. In the first year they offered it, 15% of the people who attended ordered the vegan option.” The vegan sausage is now a permanent Oktoberfest menu item.
Many people dismiss plant-based eating because they think it would be too expensive or there isn’t enough protein—neither of which is true, according to McCann.
If your concern is price, McCann argues it’s simply a matter of knowing where to look:
“Fresh vegetables can be expensive, but there are a lot of options in Davis like the night market, and if you go at the end of the farmers market they drop the prices.”
The idea that a plant-based diet isn’t a good enough source of protein has long been debunked. In fact, research shows red meat might actually slow or block the absorption of important nutrients.
Another barrier to entry is the belief that plant-based eating is all or nothing. It doesn’t have to be. Even small changes like eating less red meat or picking one day a week to eat plant-based can make a difference in your health and the environment.
“Often members will try something new that happens to be plant-based [and] realize, ‘Oh, this is food I eat anyway, and I could include it a little more in my diet.’”
COOL Davis has created a master list of partner-restaurants that serve a variety of cuisine options for the plant-based minded. If you’re craving Asian, Davis Noodle City or My Burma are safe bets. If Mexican is more your speed, Guads has a whole vegan/vegetarian section on their menu. Craving something comforting (and perhaps a little greasy)? Try Burgers and Brew’s Impossible Patty, or the multitude of vegan options available at Ike’s Love & Sandwiches. Go to coolcuisine.net for the full list.
