Author: Jorge Perez
Food is a fundamental part of our lives, providing the energy we need and delighting our taste buds with a variety of flavors. Among the numerous dietary choices available, one that stands out is veganism. According to a simple Google search, a vegan is “a person who does not eat any food derived from animals and who typically does not use other animal products.” While this lifestyle can be seen as complex, it is often misunderstood and, unfortunately, sometimes looked down upon by the general populace.
Enter Chef Charity Morgan, a culinary expert, vegan lifestyle advocate, and best-selling author of Unbelievably Vegan. With a degree from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts and over 15 years of professional cooking experience, Chef Morgan has dedicated her career to showcasing the richness and variety of a plant-based lifestyle. Known for preparing vegan meals for NFL players and educating the public on the benefits of veganism, she is now taking her mission to a broader audience.
Unbelievably Vegan with Chef Charity is a new and unique series on Max where Chef Morgan sets out to help Germantown Pub, a beloved Nashville sports bar, integrate vegan options into their menu. However, this mission isn’t without its challenges. The head chef at Germantown Pub is firmly rooted in his meat-centric ways, resisting the idea of offering vegan dishes. Through her “Three R’s” system—“Replace, Replicate, and Revel” that she reveals in the show—Chef Morgan aims to demonstrate that introducing vegan options can enhance the menu and appeal to a broader clientele.
The show offers a fresh perspective on veganism, which is often reduced to the notion of simply avoiding animal products. This lack of understanding can lead to negative judgments, whether from vegans toward meat-eaters or vice versa. Fortunately, Unbelievably Vegan showcases how open communication and understanding can lead to new, exciting food choices.
In a conversation about her show, I asked Chef Morgan, “What does it mean to be vegan?” She responded, “I honestly like to say plegan. What it means to be vegan for me is it’s a more plant-based approach. I like to be a part of an environment that is very inclusive.” Despite facing judgment for her vegan lifestyle, Chef Morgan found strength in her supportive family. “My dad always says all streams lead to the same river. No matter what your purpose and why you do what you do and why you don’t eat it, don’t eat it as much; we’re achieving the same goal.”
The creativity showcased in Unbelievably Vegan challenges the stereotypical view that vegans only eat vegetables and salads. The reality is that vegans enjoy a diverse range of foods. Chef Morgan’s goal is to spread this message far and wide. “The inspiration is just always being able to get the message out, and no matter what platform that we take it, some people like to do it on social media, some people like to do it in person, and for me, my goal is to go as far and wide as I can.”
Of course, resistance is a common theme in any discussion about veganism. “I love the one-on-one conversations and the inspiration that happens by collectively getting together because what people want to see is pushback,” Chef Morgan shared. “You know, people don’t want to see me come in and just make you vegan food. No, they gave me the spunkiest rebel of a chef that’s like arms crossed, like no way. You’re not taking my meat away from me. And I’m like, I’m not here to take it away. I’m just here to show you another way, and I think people need to see that.”
Introducing vegan options, despite resistance, can be mentally exhausting. To recharge after difficult interactions, Chef Morgan turns to nature. “I spend a lot of time in nature because that’s where I recharge. I don’t recharge through people. I’m a weirdo, and I have to have my feet touching the earth. I call it, you know, grounding that’s important for me.”
Chef Morgan’s journey to veganism began when she realized her body needed a change. “I needed something more than when I’m on this hamster wheel of eating the same things. My body needed a reset. I would sit with a cheese board for lunch and just eat it. That was my lunch. I was just eating cheese, some fruit, and some crackers, and I noticed that I had a lot of mental brain fog. When my husband was doing it, I was like, I’ll try it. But again, I was not trying to be vegan. I was trying it because I just wanted a reset. Then I never went back.”
Unbelievably Vegan not only introduces viewers to plant-based alternatives but also emphasizes that it’s not about pushing a vegan agenda. It’s about expanding our culinary horizons. Even as a non-vegan, I found the dishes featured in the show incredibly appetizing.
As Chef Morgan put it, “Plants aren’t limited.” One standout dish from the show is her oyster mushroom trifecta, a brilliant alternative to chicken wings. Prepared with the same seasonings and techniques as traditional wings, the mushroom dish was a hit with customers. Chef Morgan’s message is clear: whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, there’s always a new way to prepare and enjoy food.
Unbelievably Vegan with Chef Charity successfully opens up a new world of flavors and possibilities for anyone who simply loves food. Whether you’re a lifelong vegan or someone curious about plant-based cuisine, this show is a must-watch.
Ready to explore the vibrant world of plant-based cooking? Tune in to Unbelievably Vegan with Chef Charity on Max, which premieres today, August 22nd, and discover delicious vegan alternatives that could become your new favorites. Don’t forget to grab a copy of Unbelievably Vegan to try Chef Morgan’s mouth-watering recipes at home. Let’s embrace the diversity of food and see how a little vegan twist can spice up your kitchen!
