Here’s Who Won the Inaugural Princeton Vegan Chef Challenge

PRINCETON, NJ – In September, Princeton hosted the inaugural Vegan Chef Challenge. The chef challenge aimed to highlight the plant-based menu options available at local eateries.

A total of 17 local businesses joined the challenge, and now, the results are in for who won the challenge! The competition was tough and there was also a four-way tie for best entrée.

Here’s the winners list:

• Diners' Favorite - Mushroom Risotto - The Blue Bears Special Meals
• Best Dinner Entrée - Khao Soi Mock Duck - Amazing Thai
• Best Dinner Entrée - Grilled Cauliflower Steak - The Perch at The Peacock Inn
• Best Lunch Entrée - Ricotta Fig Balsamic Flatbread - Lady and the Shallot
• Best Appetizer - Heirloom Bruschetta - Nomad Pizza
• Best Soup - Thai Noodle Soup - Arlee's Raw Blends
• Best Sandwich/Wrap - Jersey Vegan Tomato & Arugula Pie - Jammin' Crepes
• Most Creative Flavors - Royal Gobi Musallam - The Mint
• Best Comfort Food - Korean Cauliflower Tacos - Planted Plate
• Best Value - Multiple items - Whole Earth Center
• Best Dessert - Floral Pie - Contemplate Kitchen
• Best Dessert - Banana Donut & Jumbleberry - Lillipies
• Best Lunch Entrée - Tofu Gyro - Tipple + Rose Tea Parlor and Apothecary
• Best Soup - Squash Soup - Kafe Kreyol Restaurant & Catering
• Best Brunch Option - Lox of Love Bagel Sandwich – Savory Leaf Cafe
• Best Small Plate - Masala Empanada - Say Cheez Cafe
• Super Voter's Choice - Meat Lovers, Mushroom Madness, White Pizzas - Jules Thin Crust

Over 200 people voted for various chefs and dishes. There were also six “super voters,”— diners who ate at three or more Vegan Chef Challenge restaurants in September.

Voters were vegan, vegetarian, and meat-eaters, according to organizers. An awards ceremony was held on Oct. 20 at the Blue Bears Special meals.

Vegans want more options, and restaurants want more customers, making the challenge a win-win for all.

“If a group of friends is planning a dinner out on the town, and one of them is vegan, the entire group will skip a restaurant without good vegan options,” said former chef Alex Bury, also Vice President of Development at Vegan Outreach.

The Vegan Chef Challenge invites diners to explore the many benefits of a plant-based diet by signing up for the free 10 Weeks to Vegan program. To learn more, visit www.10weeks.org.