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Who are the most influential vegetarian chefs of our time?

Monroe Labrum

Well, speaking as a vegetarian myself, I have to say there are quite a few chefs who have made significant contributions to the movement. Let me share some of my favorites.

First and foremost, there's Yotam Ottolenghi. With bestselling cookbooks and a string of successful restaurants, Ottolenghi has brought Middle Eastern flavors to the forefront of vegetarian cuisine. His focus on fresh produce and bold spices has inspired countless home cooks and professional chefs alike.

Another standout is Ana Sortun, the chef-owner of Oleana in Cambridge, MA. Sortun's style is rooted in Turkish and Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, and her dishes are always complex and flavorful. She's been recognized by the James Beard Foundation and has mentored a number of up-and-coming chefs.

Then there's Amanda Cohen, who's been at the helm of Dirt Candy in NYC since 2008. Cohen's mission is to create vegetable-based dishes that are every bit as satisfying as meat-based ones. She's not afraid to experiment with ingredients and techniques, and her playful approach to cooking has earned her a loyal following.

I would also be remiss not to mention Isa Chandra Moskowitz, who's written over a dozen cookbooks and owns a vegan bakery in Omaha, NE. Moskowitz's recipes are approachable and practical, and she has a knack for veganizing classic comfort food dishes. She's been a stalwart advocate for veganism and animal rights for years.

Lastly, I have to give a shoutout to Bryant Terry, a chef and food justice activist based in Oakland, CA. Terry's cooking is deeply rooted in African American heritage, and he's written several cookbooks that explore the intersection of food and social justice. He's also an advocate for sustainable agriculture and has worked with organizations like Food First and Urban Tilth.

Of course, there are many other chefs who could be considered influential in the vegetarian world. But I think these five are particularly noteworthy for their contributions to the movement and their unique approaches to cooking. As a vegetarian, it's inspiring to see so many talented chefs embracing plant-based cuisine and helping to make it more accessible and delicious than ever before.