In a recent Vice
article, New York City restaurateur Ravi DeRossi discusses his switch to all-vegan
menus.
DeRossi, who is working to turn nearly all of his 15
restaurants and bars vegan, says food sales at cocktail bar Mother of Pearl have
doubled since it went vegan.
In a candid interview with the Village
Voice, DeRossi said he was inspired to make the transition after losing
his beloved cat.
DeRossi had been a lifelong animal lover and on-and-off
vegan, yet when he broke into the restaurant industry nearly a decade ago, he
felt like he had to serve meat to be successful. “I got sucked into that world.
I sort of lost my conscience along the way.
Although the double in sales is a great sign, DeRossi is
just happy others share his ethical vegan beliefs. “I’m more worried about my
conscience and living with the weight on my shoulders of the damage I’m doing,
and the suffering of animals, DeRossi told Vice.
Thankfully, restaurateurs like DeRossi no longer need to
serve meat to succeed. The world
is changing and new vegan restaurants and products are coming out every
day.
For delicious meal ideas and tips on transitioning to a
vegan diet, check out ChooseVeg.com.