Los Angeles vegan restaurant introduces meat dishes, acknowledges lifestyle may not be suitable for everyone

Sage Plant Based Bistro, a popular vegan restaurant in Los Angeles, made waves in the culinary world when it announced its decision to incorporate animal products into its menu. The restaurant, known for its plant-based dishes, will now offer dishes made with animal products raised through regenerative farming practices starting on May 29. This move comes as a surprise to many loyal customers and has sparked a heated debate within the vegan community.

Chef-owner Mollie Engelhart explained the decision in an open letter, stating that she no longer believes a vegan lifestyle is the best solution for the planet and its soil. She emphasized the importance of regenerative farming practices, which aim to reduce the use of chemicals and promote biodiversity in agriculture. Engelhart’s decision to transition to a more sustainable farming method reflects her commitment to protecting the environment and ensuring the longevity of the restaurant.

However, not everyone is on board with Sage’s new direction. The announcement received backlash on social media, with many former patrons expressing their disappointment and vowing to no longer support the business. Vegan campaigns project manager for PETA, Amber Canavan, criticized the restaurant’s decision, likening it to “a firefighter spraying fuel on the flames and saying they’re doing something to help.”

In response to the criticism, Engelhart defended her decision as a necessary evolution in her thinking on environmental sustainability. She acknowledged the changing landscape of the restaurant industry post-COVID-19 and the increasing availability of vegan options as factors that influenced her decision to incorporate animal products. Engelhart hopes that her openness about changing her beliefs will inspire others to be more receptive to new ideas and perspectives.

Despite the controversy, Engelhart reassured customers that Sage will continue to offer vegan options alongside the new animal-based dishes. She believes that regenerative farming practices can serve as a unifying cause for people with different dietary preferences, emphasizing the importance of consuming foods with fewer chemicals and supporting sustainable agriculture.

Regenerative farming, as defined by the Regenerative Farmers of America, prioritizes soil health, biodiversity, and natural processes in agriculture. By implementing practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, reduced tillage, and integrating livestock, regenerative farmers aim to improve soil health, conserve water, and promote biodiversity. These practices result in nutrient-dense produce, improved yields, and drought-resistant soil, making regenerative farming a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to agriculture.

As Sage Plant Based Bistro transitions to Sage Regenerative Kitchen and Brewery, the restaurant is poised to lead the way in promoting sustainable farming practices and offering a diverse menu that caters to a variety of dietary preferences. While the decision to incorporate animal products may have sparked controversy, Engelhart’s commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation sets Sage apart as a trailblazer in the culinary world.