Before the end of 2019, I was able to experience what I like to call the “Vegan Trifecta” to kick off my holidays. Woke Junk Food Vegan, Taco Queen, and bakEd came together for the perfect Vegan Pop-up Shop that took place at Mandela Effect. I’ve had the pleasure of tasting these ladies’ food separately on different occasions, but the cliché is true, things are better in 3’s!
Over the last decade Pop-up Shops are becoming more and more popular. So much so, that they are no longer just for clothes but have ventured into the food and beverage world. “pop-up shop” is ‘a short-term, temporary retail event that is "here today, gone tomorrow". Pop-up retail is the temporary use of physical space to create a long term, lasting impression with potential customers.’
I like the pop-up shop experience because it entices me in wanting to go because I never know when the next one will be. Each pop-up usually offers something different, and being that I’ve had these women’s food before, it was nothing short of a treat to try some of their new offerings.
I’ve featured Anetra Polk, owner of Woke Junk Food Vegan several times when she pops up at Wild Fig Bookstore. At Wild Fig I’ve had her delicious Mexican street corn, Vegan salad, Buffalo Chik’n Baked Potato, and Philly Cheese-'steak' Loaded Baked Potato a few times. And it’s all vegan! I know it’s hard to believe but you’ll have to stop by @thesitinandsavor_ to check it out. At this particular pop up she had a Vegan Chili Bar with Cornbread…..of course I got almost every topping. I loved how spicy and hearty it was. Paired with the corn chips, guacamole, and cheese made it a full meal in the cup. I loved the consistency of the cornbread. Sometimes with vegan breads they tend to be too crumbly but the texture and savory paired with the sweetness made it the perfect asset to the chili. Check below to see how it was.
Chef Indego, owner of Taco Queen Catering. I had a chance to taste her amazing tacos at the 2019 Vegfest this past September. She stayed true to her name with a Vegan Taco Bar. It’s amazing because I really felt like I was eating meat. I loved that the Tacos were prepared right then and there. She even melted the vegan cheese! (If you know you know lol) The Tacos were topped with vegan cheese, lettuce, mango salsa, and a homemade sauce. The tacos were paired with an amazing fresh mango salsa and corn tortilla chips. Of course, I had to get her vegan chocolate chip cookies to complete the meal.
Ejaun Ashanti, owner of bakEd has all your classic dessert favorites with a vegan spin . She’s had several pop-up shops in Lexington where she has featured ‘twinkies’, ‘honey buns’, ‘oatmeal cream pies’ and more. At this pop up she had Lemon Pound Cake and Coconut Pound Cake. The lemon pound cake was moist, the right amount of sweetness, and perfect portion to wrap up my Vegan experience.
These 3 ladies are clearly making their mark not only in the vegan arena but the overall food experience in the Kentucky area. I appreciate the fact that even though they’re thriving in their sole proprietorship that they were able to come together for the ultimate “Vegan Trifecta” and prove that we’re stronger and better together. Make sure to follow their business pages so you’re in the know of where they will pop up next!
Woke Junk Food Vegan
Instagram: @wokejunkfoodvegan
Facebook: @wokejunkfoodvegan
Email: wokejunkfoodvegan@gmail.com
Taco Queen Catering
Instagram: @tacoqueencatering
Facebook: @TacoQueenCatering
Email: tacoqueencatering@gmail.com
bakEd
Instagram: @baked.sweetslex
Facebook: @bakEd.sweetslex
Email: baked.sweetslex@gmail.com
Written By: Martina Barksdale
Blogger, Speaker, Actress, & Host
Instagram: @thesitinandsavor_
