Plant-Based Corner

Let’s talk…plant-based eating.

Not in a preachy, “you should do this” kind of way—but more like we’re sitting in the living room, plates in hand, swapping stories and figuring it out together.

My first brush with plant-based eating goes way back to 1980, during a study program in London. I was young, curious, and—if I’m being honest—hungry most of the time. I met a kind couple who took me in on weekends like I was family. He had a habit of befriending visiting students, and she? She was the kind of person who teaches you how to bake bread and makes sure you never leave the table hungry.

They followed a plant-based diet—partly for religious reasons, partly for health. At the time, I couldn’t imagine a life without ribs, pork chops, burgers…you name it. Their explanations about health benefits? Went right over my head. But their food? I ate every bite.

They even met me halfway—adding a little chicken or cheese here and there—and introduced me to a dish that tasted just like curried goat (I didn’t ask questions, I just enjoyed it!). Looking back, that might have been my first real taste of how creative and satisfying plant-based cooking could be…even if I didn’t fully appreciate it at the time.

Life moved on, and so did my eating habits. I met people who skipped beef or pork, a few vegetarians here and there—but fully vegan? That felt like a stretch. Honestly, I just assumed it would be too hard…or not nearly as good.

Then came a few moments that made me pause.

One day on a lunch break downtown, I ran into a couple experimenting with early virtual reality (think old-school Viewmaster vibes). What I saw through those lenses—the reality of how animals are raised for food—stuck with me. Not enough to change me overnight, but enough to plant a seed.

Later, a cousin shared her own turning point: standing face-to-face with a lamb at Maymont and deciding, right then and there, she was done with meat. And she’s never looked back.

Fast forward to today—and wow, things have changed. Plant-based eating isn’t nearly as limiting as I once imagined. In fact, it can be pretty exciting. I’ve started choosing vegan options more often—at conferences, out and about—and I’m always surprised. Instead of a sad plate of vegetables, I get something creative, flavorful…sometimes even better than what everyone else is eating.

So now, I’m taking a closer look. Not perfect. Not all-in (yet). But curious, open, and learning.

And that’s where you come in.

If you’re on a plant-based journey—whether you’re just starting, fully committed, or somewhere in between—I’d love to hear your story.

What inspired you?
What were the hardest parts in the beginning?
What made it easier?
What are you cooking these days? And where are you finding great options when you eat out (besides Cheddar Jackson, of course 😉)?

Let’s build this together—recipes, tips, wins, challenges, all of it.

Send your thoughts to cheddarjackson@edgewoodhospitality.com. Your story might be just what someone else needs to hear.