Meet Gabrielle Gage

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabrielle Gage and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabrielle, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Being in the food industry, most dishes that are highlighted are meat/dairy based. Which is fine, unless you are vegan. Vegan and plant based dishes are mostly considered “healthy alternatives” but that doesn’t always peak a person’s interest or appetite. I think society has brainwashed the public to believe that vegan food isn’t seasoned, delicious or available to try, I want to change the narrative.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I created VeggieBaes to be a voice for those who enjoy plant based and vegan dishes. Not in the home, but where they travel and visit. VeggieBaes aims to be a resource for the vegan community, finding all options available WHEREVER food is sold.

What sets my brand apart is that I understand that vegans go out to eat, go to amusement parks, social events, etc. So, if food is present, shouldn’t we have an option to eat as well? Most times all there is to eat are fries. I saw where establishments were missing a key audience and wanted to help.

I’m currently excited about the Plant Based Food Guide I’m going to release to the public! Working with EatOkra, a food directory app, to promote the black owned restaurants who also serve vegan options.

I started taking pics of my food when I was in college, I majored in Journalism. This was also around the same time I started my vegan journey. From there I became a foodie and that’s when the food influencing blossomed. I started working with full vegan restaurants, promoting their menu. My friends would want to join but sometimes they wanted to eat what they were familiar with. So, I started searching for restaurants who served both meat and vegan options. That way my friends and family could join me. I realized that more vegans like myself would love to have the opportunity to go out to eat with their loved ones, if they knew a vegan option could be found. If there was a place that listed where we could find them, I wanted to be apart. So that’s when I created TheVeggieBaes.com.

It’s not easy admitting you’re a vegan when you go out to eat. The server either looks happy or unsure/disappointed. Most likely it’s the latter. But, when they serve vegan options (and it’s delicious) I just feel like I have to tell someone! It’s like finding a hidden gem, because often times the vegan options on the menu get overlooked by the general public. I want to share with my community that here is a place to dine, which inclusively brings more business to that restaurant.

Another challenge was seeing the reality of vegan restaurants, at least in Los Angeles. Vegan restaurants were either closing down or forced to sell meat. My website keeps an updated list of where you can still find delicious food from restaurants that are vegan friendly.

I have learned that not every restaurant needs to have a vegan option, and nothing is wrong with that. I’ve learned using ingredients that are already on the menu can be used to make a miracle plant based meal. I’ve also learned that it’s not only restaurants who should add to their menu: movie theaters, carnivals, etc, they can too!

I want the world to know about establishments who serve food AND include vegan options, I want them to see it’s growth to the community so that we can all dine and socialize together.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
After leaving LAX, we would want food immediately. If we are talking breakfast, I’m absolutely taking her to Simply Wholesome in Baldwin Hills. They serve full plates and amazing smoothies. Right next door they have a shop that sells everything from herbal teas to frozen dinners.

Later in the evening we would go out to Bar Lis in Hollywood to catch some live music and great drinks.

Next day, we would catch a quick workout at Runyon Canyon so that she could see the whole city and the Hollywood sign. Then I’m taking her to Mimi’s Cafe in Silverlake for breakfast. After walking around the city, we are doing happy hour at Bacari, yes the Silverlake one is the best.

After happy hour, if we aren’t ready for bed then we are headed to Universal Citywalk Cinema to watch a movie.

Next day we are headed to Malibu for a beach day. We stop at a Trader Joe’s to get some snacks and drinks. Once the sun sets, we drive down PCH to see most of the SoCal coastline.

Next morning we do brunch at Mama’s Shelter and then head to the rooftop for a chill vibe with good music. Then off to The Grove for a shopping experience. For dinner, we go up the street to Crossroads, a fine dining vegan restaurant. Then to the Phoenix Bar in Beverly Hills for late night drinks.

We sleep in the next day, but we grab a quick bite at Ubatuba Açaí in North Hollywood. Then we head to The Getty Museum and explore the art and culture. When we leave the museum we go to Yamashiro in Hollywood for an early dinner then Tortuga in West Hollywood for some hookah and drinks.

Next morning we drive down to Long Beach to rent a kayak for a few hours. After being on the water, we head to Wokano’s just in time for happy hour. After we eat we head to The Pike to catch a movie. Dinner we pick up pizza in Downtown LA at Prince Street Pizza and take it home.

Last day we would go to Wi Spa in Koreatown and relax until her flight that evening.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The EatOkra app has allowed me to create a Plant Based Food Guide for Apple Maps and that has been so helpful in allowing me to be a resource for my city. I’m very thankful for them and what they have created for me to be apart of!

Website: TheVeggieBaes.com

Instagram: @veggiebaes

Yelp: Gabrielle G.

Other: Look for VeggieBaes on the Atmosy App and Frankie App