Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Punzone.
Hi Tara, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I am an Italian American born and raised in New York. I became vegan at a very early age and learned to cook because of this decision. I love the culture I was raised in and all of our traditions, so I always felt very strongly about not giving any of that part up. It was my mission to have a fully plant-based (vegan) restaurant and wine bar where I could share all my dishes and passions with the community. Opened in 2018, Pura Vita was the First 100% Vegan Organic Italian restaurant and Wine Bar in the USA!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Ummm… no! Covid. Industry Strikes. Inflation. This is one of the most difficult businesses to have on a normal day, but in the past 4 years, just about everything you can think of has been thrown at us (and some things you would never think of), but we are still here!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a female plant-based Chef and restaurant owner. I do not use any ingredients that come from animals, ever. I use only organic products that are clean, good for your body and for our environment. I am from an Italian American family with very strong traditions. My focus has always been to keep these traditions alive and even enhance them without causing any harm to animals, our health, and our planet. I absolutely love to be in the kitchen, and I absolutely LOVE pasta! I always felt the urge to share it with my friends and family, and now it’s better than I could ever have dreamed of, as I get to share it with my community!
What matters most to you?
Family, both blood and chosen. At the end of the day, there is simply nothing more important.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.puravitalosangeles.com
- Instagram: @puravita_la @cheftarapunzone @puravitaredondo
- Facebook: PuraVitaLosAngeles
Image Credits
Chef Tara
Heidi Calvert
Oliver Barth
