Get to Know Elle, Our Austin City Leader

Y’all 😉, Elle is one badass babe who’s here to help you navigate through Austin’s infinite number of delicious plant-based food options. She created her own vegan event company VeganWonder, connecting communities to a cruelty-free, sustainable and healthy lifestyle. She also works with some of Austin’s best brands: Nadamoo, Luna Fixa, Juiceland, and Superseed Well. Your go to for all things local, plant-based, and healthy in ATX!

How long have you been plant-based?

Since August 2017.

What made you commit to a plant-based lifestyle?

Health first!!

What are you most looking forward to in the plant-based market?

The elimination of sugar in products!!

Which innovations in the plant-based industry interest you most?

Egg replacements 🍳

I used to love eggs before going vegan and sadly I really am not into the tofu or any other egg replacement, they just don't cut it for me! HOWEVER, this morning I tried the @sperofoods scramblit and seriously it's a winner. Easy to make, texture and taste is on point and the ingredients are SO clean! I am so happy about this y'all, Spero is changing the game!

164 Likes, 20 Comments - elle / austin, texas (@eatingwelle) on Instagram: "I used to love eggs before going vegan and sadly I really am not into the tofu or any other egg..."

Who is the most inspirational plant-based person in your life?

Rachel, founder of Curcuma in Austin

WE'RE BACK | Our trailer is back open for business and we can't wait to see you! We're back to our normal hours and now open 7 days a week! We'll also be back at the Mueller Farmers Market on Sunday. ⠀ ⠀ 📝 Personal note: I spent the holiday break reflecting on this year and making even BIGGER plans for 2019. It's taken literal blood, sweat (oh-so-much sweat), tears, and sacrifice to turn this daydream of mine into a fully operational and sustainable business. I could write a book (and maybe I will..) about the experience, but to sum it up: Curcuma has given my life purpose. It is an honor and a pleasure to serve this community delicious, plant-based food and to share the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda by using food as medicine. Thanks for all the support in 2018 that made these milestones possible: ⠀ - Week by week saw steady growth, loyal customers, and expanded the menu⠀ - Partnered with cafes to serve Curcuma Golden Mylk at 20+ locations in Austin including @souppeddler @caffemedici @buzzmillcoffee @blendersandbowls @skullandcakebones @hotlcoffee ⠀ - Joined the @texasfarmersmarket fam with our booth at the Sunday Mueller market ⠀ - Taught Ayurveda workshops hosted by @urbanoutfitters @space24twenty⠀ - Staffed a stellar crew of plant-loving, creative, funny, and hard-working individuals that remind me daily how FUN it is to do what you love⠀ - Pop-up markets including @crafthermarket, @wanderingveganatx, @txvegfest, @veganwonder⠀ - Catered retreats hosted by @rootedmethod, @blackswanyoga @blackswanyogaretreats, @sukhayogaaustin ⠀ - Shared my entrepreneurial journey with City of Austin Women's Entrepreneur Lunch, @bossbabesatx CrafttHER makers, and #workingwomanstoolbox hosted by @ninaberenato ⠀ - Co-produced the Rewild Festival @rootedmethod⠀ - Recognized by @austinchronicle (100 Restaurants Defining Austin, Top 10 Vegan Food Trucks), @eateraustin @austinfit @eastsideatxmag @esquire @eateraustin - Made friendships with both collaborators and customers that will last a lifetime ⠀ Cheers to a new year of growth, challenges, and a whole lotta Golden Mylk! ✨⠀ ⠀ ⠀ 📷: @eastsideatx from the feature on Golden Mylk in this month's issue!⠀

292 Likes, 55 Comments - Curcuma (@eatcurcuma) on Instagram: "WE'RE BACK | Our trailer is back open for business and we can't wait to see you! We're back to our..."

Which plant-based product can you not live without?

Jake & Jubi’s Granola Butter

Since I've cut gluten and sugar I have missed pb&js so much! I've worked diligently on a solid healthy peanut butter and jelly: @breadsrsly toasted, @jakeandjubis granola butter (#1 fan) and organic blackberries that I mashed! SO GOOD 🤩

310 Likes, 56 Comments - elle / austin, texas (@eatingwelle) on Instagram: "Since I've cut gluten and sugar I have missed pb&js so much! I've worked diligently on a solid..."

What is your best advice for someone who wants to commit to a plant-based lifestyle?

Do your research!

Your dream day of plant-based food from anywhere in the World:

Breakfast

ATX Food Co. Chickpea Omelette
Austin, TX

I was hesitant about straying from my normal @atxfoodco order but @raadmansour told me he'd make me the best chickpea omelet and HE DID (of course)!!! Filled with fresh veggies and spicy salsa and the chickpea omelet part was perfectly cooked. Very much recommend getting this!

269 Likes, 41 Comments - elle / austin, texas (@eatingwelle) on Instagram: "I was hesitant about straying from my normal @atxfoodco order but @raadmansour told me he'd make me..."

Lunch

Curcuma Kitchari Bowl
Austin, TX

I'm so excited to be working with @eatcurcuma this weekend (and maybe more 😏) at SXSW Wellness Expo! Come find me inside to try the besty golden turmeric paste, perfect for lattes, smoothies, soups, etc. ⚡️ Pictured are @eatcurcuma kitchari bowls that I probably have three times a week! This is my favorite meal in Austin- so nourishing

252 Likes, 35 Comments - elle / austin, texas (@eatingwelle) on Instagram: "I'm so excited to be working with @eatcurcuma this weekend (and maybe more 😏) at SXSW Wellness..."

Dinner

Cornucopia Sushi
Dublin, Ireland

How to Friday: sushi edition

153 Likes, 6 Comments - elle / austin, texas (@eatingwelle) on Instagram: "How to Friday: sushi edition"

Dessert

Alchemy Ubud’s Vegan Cheesecake
Bali, Indonesia

This RAW raspberry cheesecake was the bestest

107 Likes, 7 Comments - elle / austin, texas (@eatingwelle) on Instagram: "This RAW raspberry cheesecake was the bestest"

Your Top 10 Plant-Based Friendly Austin Spots?

Okay, fine, more than 10…

Curcuma
🥗 100% plant-based, ayurvedic, gluten-free, organic cafe featuring elixirs, smoothies, bowls, and superfood treats

Bouldin Creek Cafe
🍳 Hearty vegan breakfast options, plus lunch & dinner

The Vegan Nom
🌮 100% plant-based, the most rockin' tacos, quesadillas, queso y mas on the planet.

ATX Food Co
🥑 100% natural / sugar-free / soy-free bowls, tacos, and desserts

Beer Plant
🍺 100% plant-based gastropub with craft beer, wine, and cocktails

Arlo’s
🍔 100% plant-based burgers, tacos, mac n cheese, frito pie (!!), tots — just go already. Featured on the cover of VegNews ’20 Vegan Burgers To Eat Before You Die’

Plow Burger
🍔 Ridiculously delicious vegan (Beyond Meat) burgers piled high with flavor, and must have Nada Moo shakes 🍦

Bistro Vonish
🍞 Elevated vegan cuisine — plz get the French Toast

Juiceland
🍏 Fresh juices, smoothies, bowls, salads, sandwiches, and more!

Doggie Style
🌭 100% plant-based hot dogs, fries, quest, wings, mac & cheese, and more!

Lucky Robot
🍱 Japanese fare with plant-based options

Taco Deli
🌮 Tacos & salads with plant-based options

Lil Nonnas
🍕 100% plant-based pizza inside a bar

Via 313
🍕 Pizza, salads, and cocktails with plant-based options

Cheer Up Charlie’s
🍻 100% vegan bar

Capital City Bakery
🍰 Drool-worthy vegan sweets

You are a rockstar, Elle! Thank you for bringing so much joy into this world through plant-based food! 🌱💚

Be sure to follow Elle @eatingwelle for her latest and greatest food finds!

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