Eats: Vegan fare that’s worth time and interest

MAYRA PARRILLA GUERRERO | THE CHARLOTTE POST

A menu at Love in Action Café on Tuckaseegee Road. The restaurant specializes in vegan cuisine.

Veganism is still misunderstood.

Some think the vegan diet is as boring as raw salad or fruit for breakfast, lunch and dinner but that is incorrect. I am not a vegan and truth be told I do not consider anything a meal without meat somewhere in it.

However, people often underestimate the power of culinary arts and how talented chefs can make magic by turning a vegetable or fruit into something not just delicious but familiar.

That’s what I found at Love in Action Café at Tuckaseegee Road.

This Black-owned vegan spot’s menu includes dishes we all have heard of.

The scary thing about cultural dishes, like tacos and even soul food is that if they do not have the ingredients we know and love about them, then they aren’t real. Well, not in this place.

When I walked in, the ambiance wasn’t what I expected. It was a bit dull and hot, and I thought to myself “This may not be a positive review,” but one should never judge a book by its cover.

As a devoted meat eater, nothing in the menu sounded appetizing. The menu included bowls filled with an option of beyond meat, jackfruit and mushrooms but that was just too adventurous for me. Finally, upon further inspection, I settled for something I know – mushroom tacos.

My expectations? Plain seasoned mushrooms with lettuce and onions. The reality: fried mushrooms, vegan cheese, lettuce, bell peppers and onions with a side of well-seasoned fries.

A simple dish, but a blast of flavor.

The portions were generous, with a good handful of fries and three tacos.

The vegetables brought what is to be expected to the dish, a crunch and flavor but the mushrooms exceed my expectations.

I tried identifying what kind of mushrooms were used but it didn’t matter because they were tasty. They were lightly coded in batter and well-seasoned, which seems to be the word for the whole meal.
As for the vegan cheese, I did not care for it, as I am a big fan of real cheese, but this did not take away from or affect the dish.

I also ordered a fresh homemade juice, which changes daily.

Overall, my experience was beyond what I thought.

If you are looking to start your vegan journey, this may be the place to start.

They also have sandwiches and sides as well as desserts.

According to their website, the cafe also offers catering, meal prep services and private event rentals.

On the Net:

www.loveinactioncafe.com/company

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