Vegan restaurant in Los Angeles expands menu to include animal products

Los Angeles Vegan Restaurant Faces Backlash After Adding Animal Products to Menu

In a surprising move that has sparked controversy among the vegan community, Sage Plant Based Bistro, a popular vegan restaurant in Los Angeles, announced that it will be incorporating animal products into its menu. The decision, which was revealed on Monday, has left many longtime patrons and supporters of the restaurant feeling betrayed and disappointed.

Sage Plant Based Bistro, known for its delicious plant-based dishes and commitment to sustainability, will now be adding dishes made with animal products raised through regenerative farming practices. Regenerative farming is an agricultural method that aims to reduce the use of chemicals and promote biodiversity in crop and livestock production.

The restaurant will also be changing its name to Sage Regenerative Kitchen and Brewery to reflect this shift in focus. Chef-owner Mollie Engelhart explained her decision in an open letter, stating, “I no longer feel that a vegan lifestyle for all is a viable solution for the planet and its soil, which is one of our most precious resources.”

However, not everyone is on board with this change. The announcement has received backlash on social media, with many former customers expressing their disappointment and vowing to no longer support the business. Critics argue that by serving meat, Sage Bistro is contradicting its environmental values and alienating its vegan customer base.

Amber Canavan, a vegan campaigns project manager for PETA, criticized the restaurant’s decision, stating, “Sage Bistro is trying to rebrand itself as a champion of the environment while serving meat, and it’s like a firefighter spraying fuel on the flames and saying they’re doing something to help.”

Despite the backlash, Engelhart defended her decision as a necessary evolution in her thinking on how best to protect the planet. She pointed to the challenges faced by the restaurant industry during the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing popularity of vegan options as factors that influenced her choice to incorporate animal products.

Engelhart emphasized that the restaurant will still offer vegan options and highlighted the potential of regenerative farming to bring people with different dietary preferences together. She believes that regenerative farming, with its focus on sustainability and natural processes, can provide a common ground for individuals with varying beliefs about food.

As the debate continues to unfold, many are left wondering about the future of Sage Plant Based Bistro and the impact of its decision on the vegan community. Will the restaurant be able to regain the trust of its former patrons, or will this move mark the end of an era for one of Los Angeles’ most beloved vegan establishments?

Only time will tell how this controversial decision will ultimately shape the future of Sage Plant Based Bistro and its place in the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable dining in Los Angeles.