As a lifelong vegan, Makini Howell left her job in the fashion business to pursue her passion for creating delicious plant-based food. She is owner of Plum Restaurants in Seattle and author of Plum: Gratifying Vegan Dishes from Seattle’s Plum Bistro. Plum restaurants in Seattle include: Plum Burgers (food truck—the nationals only vegan burger truck run by a girl!), Plum Pantry (a quick-lunch spot that offers fresh pressed juices, acai bowls, warm crockpot meals, among others. It also has an open kitchen where they hold cooking classes) , Plum Café (vegan sandwich shop specializing in vegan burgers, hot sandwiches, crepes, paninis, and a full selection of desserts, beverages, and seasonal specials.), and Plum Bistro specializing in vegan food that infuses bright colors, bold spices, texture and creativity into of their dishes. India Arie has been quoted to say Plum Bistro as “One of my favorite vegan restaurants in the world”
I recently had a chance to chat with Makini, so without further ado, here she is!
Chic Vegan – You’ve been a vegan for your whole life. Was it difficult growing up eating a diet that most people weren’t familiar with?
Makini Howell – Yes we got a lot of blank stares or “can you eat this?” Or “oh I have some carrots for you”
CV – When people learn that you are vegan, what is the #1 question they ask and what is your response?
MH – How do you get your protein? Protein and animal flesh are not mutually exclusive.
CV – You left your job in the fashion industry to pursue your passion for vegan food. Was it a difficult decision to make?
MH – Not at all there is so much color and creativity in food I don’t miss much.
CV – What motivated you to open Plum Restaurants?
MH – The lack of a plum in the market. And I wanted something for my type of vegan. Something fun warm and welcoming.
CV – Tell me a little bit about your new cookbook Plum: Gratifying Vegan Dishes from Seattle’s Plum Bistro and what inspired you to write it?
MH – It’s a book that makes vegan easy for the whole family. I really wanted to reach that 15yr old girl in middle America that wants to be vegan and her family is at a loss as to what to feed her. It covers every meal and mood.
CV – Do you have any favorite recipes from the cookbook?
MH – The plum pesto pizza
CV –Do have any advice for budding vegan entrepreneurs who would like to start their own business?
MH – It’s a very tough business. Keep in mind your creating a new space in the market so you will meet a lot of resistance.
CV – What is your favorite vegan indulgence?
MH – Coconut bliss ice cream.
CV –What vegan product could you not live without?
MH – That’s a hard one…I’m a chef – I can make a lot :0).
CV – What can we expect from you and Plum restaurants next?
MH – World domination ;0).
