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

Hi Tara, how does your business help the community or the world?
Pura Vita is a 100% plant-based vegan Italian restaurant. We make everything from scratch, in house, from organic ingredients. We use sustainable packaging for all take away and always do our absolute best to leave the smallest footprints within our environment. Pura Vita is always striving to do our best to be a positive influence in our community by providing clean ingredient, healthy, plant-based food that is good for you, for the animals and the environment. Everything we do is with the animals and the environment in our mind and hearts.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I am a vegan Chef. I make no exceptions. I am a voice for the animals as they cannot speak for themselves. This made being a successful chef quite limited. I am a female chef. I have always been one of the very few females in any kitchen Ive ever worked. It was not easy, but nothing easy is ever as satisfying as owning and operating a successful Italian restaurant in LA! I am very proud to have accomplished this much thus far and have intentions of so much more! I have learned to stop listening to the people who tell you that you cannot do something simply because they think it is out of the ordinary. I have learned that I can do anything and everything as long as I feel the passion and truly mean it!!!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First I would take my best friend to Pura Vita! We would start with a beautiful glass of natural Italian wine and some pizza and pasta for dinner (and more wine). Then I would take them across the street to The Woods to show off the stunning back garden and all of its tropical beauty. In the morning we can visit Griffith park to admire the 360′ views of Los Angeles. In the evening I would attempt to find a live music venue that’s suits our tastes. LA has so many wonderful music venues that are not to be missed!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to Nadia, partner and Director of Operations, Serafin, partner and Chef and Jay, partner. Without these amazing individuals I could never have accomplished as much as we have so far and will continue to do so for as long as we can! They are my motivation and support team, day in and day out. Together, we are Pura Vita!

Website: www.puravitalosangeles.com

Instagram: @puravita_la @cheftarapunzone

Twitter: Puravita_la

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PuraVitaLosAngeles.com

Other: Redondo Beach location IG : @puravitaredondo My Chef Page IG : @cheftarapunzone TikTok : Puravitalosangeles

Image Credits
Photo of myself: by Heidi Calvert Photos by Oliver Barth LAfoodphotography

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