Meet Chef Babette, vegan Chef and owner of the Stuff I Eat restaurant in Inglewood, CA! Learn about her vegan journey, tips to get started and how she keeps her vibrant positive outlook on life.

YP: What inspired you to go vegan?

CB: In 1990 I met my current husband, and he prepared the most delicious vegan meal. It was my first time and I had no idea what it was on the plate, but it was amazing. I was intrigued, and at that moment I knew I wanted to know more and began learning how to prepare meals this way.

YP: Opening a restaurant is a huge undertaking during the best of times. Your restaurant, Stuff I Eat opened in 2008, in the middle of the recession. What inspired you to choose that moment to begin your journey as a restaurateur?

CB: We originally had a food cart at the Agape International  Center and with long line every Sunday, we quickly out grew the space. And with my love for sharing this food I didn’t have a choice but to take a leap of faith and open a restaurant.

YP: What easy cooking advice do you have for new vegans?

CB: Don’t step too far away from foods you are accustomed to eat. Just omit the animal products. Eat foods like (for instance) if you’re making tacos, use tempeh or sautéed mushrooms (instead of meat).

YP: There’s a Voltaire quote on your website, stuffieat.com, that says: I have chosen to be HAPPY because it is good for my health.” What an inspiring message for your customers! On a day that feels less than perfect, what techniques help you shift your mood?

CB: I remind myself to stay in the moment, because the only thing that really matters is the here and now. Sometimes we get too far ahead of ourselves or go back to things that don’t matter any longer.

Thanks to Chef Babette for sharing her story! What a great reminder to follow our passion :)