Your Local Vegan – Quarry Girl

1.      When and why did you start your journey to become vegan?

I became vegan about 6 years ago, after being a vegetarian for several years. I went vegetarian in the first place because I wanted to help animals, and then finally shifted to veganism when I realized how much cruelty is involved in the dairy and egg industries.

2.      How did Quarry Girl get started?

quarrygirl.com started as a hobby. I love going out to eat, and I thought it would be fun to explore vegan restaurants in LA and document my adventures. I had no idea when I started it that it would become such a huge vegan resource. It wasn’t planned!

3.      What are the best and worst aspects of going vegan?

The best part about being vegan is living a cruelty-free life. I’m not really a vegan for health reasons—it’s all about the animals—so I love knowing that nothing suffered to get on my plate. The worst part about being vegan is dealing with negativity from omnivores. It’s okay though, I know that I’ve made the right choice.

4.   What is your favorite place you have traveled to?

My favorite place I’ve travelled to is London—I love that city so much! It has amazing history and culture, plus countless vegan-friendly restaurants and the best pubs in the world.

5.      What are some trips for vegans who travel abroad?

Check out happycow.net and look for vegan-friendly restaurants near where you are staying. If you need to eat out at a “normal” restaurant, stick with healthy unprocessed foods. Salads, potatoes, roasted vegetables—they are all great options. Also, if you make a mistake and eat something non-vegan, don’t stress out! It happens. Just try your best.

6.      Aside from exploring the world of vegan foods, what other activities do you enjoy?

I love photography, drawing, and watching movies.

7.      What is your favorite vegan resource?

My favorite vegan resource by far is happycow.net. Almost every restaurant that I’ve reviewed, I found from that site. No matter where you are in the world, happycow helps you find vegan-friendly restaurants.

8.   What is your favorite vegan restaurant and dish?

My favorite vegan restaurant is Madeleine bistro in Tarzana. I think we’re so lucky to have it in Los Angeles, and chef David Anderson is a true culinary genius. They have so many amazing dishes, I couldn’t possibly pick a favorite! I’m a huge fan of the chocolate soufflé, warm donuts, beet tartar, lemon-rosemary seitan…I could go on for ages! Their tasting menus are out of this world as well.

9.      Where in the world has the best vegan food?

Of all the places I’ve visited, New York City has the best vegan food. Manhattan is relatively small, and has hundreds of vegan-friendly restaurants. It’s pretty incredible.

Visit QuarryGirl.com for more yummy reviews!

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