Answers to frequently asked questions
What is a vegan?
A vegan is one who does not consume any animal or animal by-products (such as dairy or honey).
Vegans enjoy varying degrees of strictness. For instance, Sebian Vegans only consume foods that are alkaline and non-hybrid; while Raw Vegans only consume foods that are plant-based and uncooked, in an effort to avoid processed foods.
Why become a vegan?
I believe that veganism is a personal choice, and the reasons for becoming so, vary. Some become vegan because they strongly defend an animal's right to live, while others believe that the human body was not meant to consume animal. Still, others have had health issues that prohibit them from eating certain foods, or found that the vegan diet assisted with shedding unwanted pounds. Regardless of one's reason for becoming vegan, it is their choice!
Who was Eliza?
The name of our café on wheels pays homage to my grandmother, Ms. Eliza Jenkins (1916 – 2001), who was a (multi-business) entrepreneur and OUTSTANDING cook! I simply created a "veganized" version of Grandma Eliza’s popular entrees and sandwiches. Grandma was not vegan, but she was a huge fan of healthy eating and exercise!
How long have you been vegan?
Though I began eliminating animal from my diet as early as 1992, I became a full vegan effective January 1, 2001. That's a little over twenty years (at the time of this writing) , and far longer than it has been envogue. :-)
How does your café differ?
We utilize organic fruits and vegetables when possible, and purchase locally, when possible. Most of our food is prepared without soy, unless otherwise noted (with an asterisk *). In the event an item is fried, it is done so using 100% organic grapeseed oil.
Our facility does NOT handle meat or meat by-products, which eliminates the threat of animal cross-contamination. Though fast-food chains may offer a vegan option, it is often prepared next to (if not fried alongside), meat. Remember - you are consuming meat enzymes whenever you eat food that has been fried in the same oil as meat, or has been prepared utilizing bouillon or meat/poultry stock.
While we understand some vegans have more disciplined eating habits than others, we try to include those who are just transforming to the vegan lifestyle, by offering comfort foods they still crave. Our menu attempts to appeal to all types of plant-based foodies, and will evolve over the course of time.
For those of you who have been practicing this lifestyle for quite some time - or have mastered a strict approach to veganism - I humbly ask that you do not bully those who are not as disciplined as you. Remember - we all had to begin somewhere! Plus, I don't subscribe to vegan snobbery! :-) Let's help newcomers adjust and evolve.....and eat some great food, in the process!
If you want to get my attention when you stop by the food truck, simply yell "AND YOU THOUGHT VEGANS ONLY ATE SALAD?" That'll certainly get a smile from me! :-)
Disclaimer: Though we embrace wholistic health, we do NOT promulgate medical experience! Please seek medical advice from a medical professional! This facility utilizes nuts in some dishes.
Eliza Jenkins