Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Magallanes.
Brenda, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
A little over a year ago, my partner Andrew and I made the switch to a plant-based diet. We soon realized the lack of plant-based options offered in our neighborhood, Wanting to see a shift of dietary options in a food desert such as East LA, so sprouted the seed of Mi Vegan Loca. We wanted to be an outlet for the communities in and around East LA and provide plant-based food that is familiar to the Chicano culture. We created a menu offering a variety of options ranging from refreshing cauliflower ceviche to savory jackfruit tamales. Since then, friends and family joined the team and we have set up at several locations in Boyle Heights, Whittier, and Santa Ana. In East LA, you can catch us serving up some stuff at local events!
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has not been very smooth, there have been minor setbacks which sometimes stopped us from posting up at an event. Overall, though we have had a tremendous amount of support from family and friends. My advice would be to make sure you always have needed documents and permits in order because sometimes they can get tricky.
We’d love to hear more about Mi Vegan Loca.
Mi Vegan Loca offers Baja-style mushroom “shrimp” tacos and cauliflower “fish” tacos during the summer season, along with our cauliflower ceviche and refreshing cucumber lemonade. During the winter season, our menu offers a variety of tamales and traditional hot chocolate.
Before beginning this journey, Andrew and I wanted Mi Vegan Loca to stand for more than just a vegan pop-up, but a pop-up that can offer affordable and organic plant-based options, with flavors familiar to the working-class neighborhoods of East LA and other low-income food deserts.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Always do things that challenge everything you think you know about yourself, it will bring you closer to who you truly are.
Pricing:
- Tacos 2.75 of 2 for $5
- Tamales $3 or 2 for $5.50
- Cauliflower Ceviche $3.75
Contact Info:
- Phone: 2135956837
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miveganloca_/
Image Credit:
Mi Vegan Loca
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
