From burgers to doughnuts, Bay Area chefs redefine vegan food

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Veganism is the latest diet trend sweeping the nation. Millions of people are finding creative ways to cut meat, dairy and eggs out of their meals completely, without giving up taste and food options.

At Ray's Vegan Soul (169 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street N) in St. Petersburg, owner Ray Milton created dozens of recipes to put a new spin on southern cooking.

"I said I was going to bring the flavor and the soul to the vegan world," said Milton.

The former boxer went vegan six years ago to curb his diabetes. On his quest to find vegan food he enjoyed, he created dishes like the vegan Reuben sandwich, replacing corned beef with corned jack fruit, and his most popular dish, vegan macaroni and cheese -- with cheese made from cashews.

Milton said going vegan does not mean sacrificing taste and nutrients.

"You can get protein through the beans, you can get protein through the vegetables and you can get protein through your protein shakes," explained Milton.

For many people, the most challenging part about switching to a vegan diet is giving up the familiar texture of meat.

At Ciccio Water (1015 South Howard Avenue) in Tampa, the "Impossible Burger" redefines beef.

"The first time I cooked it, I was impressed, because of the way it looks. It looks like ground beef," said Chef Cristian Ruiz.

The restaurant was one of the first in Tampa to begin selling the Impossible Burger a few months ago.

"It is a vegetable burger. Basically what's in it is potatoes, wheat, coconut oil," continued Ruiz.

The burger is praised by customers for not only tasting like beef, but also "bleeding" like beef, thanks to red beets in the recipe.

For vegans with a sweet tooth, there is Farmacy Vegan Kitchen and Bakery in downtown Tampa (803 North Tampa Street).

The baker uses ingredients like avocado to replace animal products like eggs.

"We try to bring all the things that you would love in a traditional cuisine -- donuts and sticky buns and hamburgers -- and just make it all out of plants," said co-owner Charles Rumph.

As with any diet, there are pros and cons. According to doctors, a vegan diet can lack vitamin B-12, which is found in animals. B-12 is used to protect red blood cells. Vegans often take B-12 supplements to make up for the loss.

Ditching a meaty diet can benefit people by lowering the risk of heart disease, lowering cholesterol, and lowering the risk of some cancers.