Last month, I had the privilege of shooting Marie, an amazing vegan chef and a good friend who runs a nifty little outfit called Kitchen Revolution. Now Marie has always been gifted in the culinary arts, long before she discovered herself as a vegan. After the transformation however, she was a bit disappointed to find that in this meat-loving country, there aren't that many vegan-friendly establishments. And I quote:
She started Kitchen Revolution in 2008 when she was a new-born vegan and found herself in a conundrum: where can she find yummy vegan food in Manila? Unfortunately (or fortunately), in her own kitchen. Disappointed with lackluster vegetarian options offered in local food establishments, she launched Kitchen Revolution as the Philippines’ first vegan baking business because she realized that if she was craving for cake, she’d have to bake it herself. She worked for the corporate world by day and frosted desserts by night. After a year and a half of this tango, she finally hiked up her pants, temporarily closed the business, and went to culinary school.
While living and studying in New York, she was amazed at how easy breezy it was to be vegan. The lifestyle was embraced and accepted by many. The plethora of produce and vegan options in restaurants amazed her. The city was teeming with vegetarian cafes, pizzerias, fine dining restaurants, fast food restaurants, and even vegan ice cream parlors — being enjoyed by both vegans and non-vegans alike! She finally found her calling in life.
For you vegans or vegan-curious people out there, go check her out. She makes a mean plate of Asian Noodles, and although I don't think it's officially on the menu try and ask her for the fried mushrooms. Tell her Chris sent you, you won't regret it.
