Compassionate Action for Animals is holding its fifth Vegan Chef Challenge across the Twin Cities this month. Restaurants, including six in Southwest Minneapolis, are highlighting new vegan menu items that diners can vote on. The top vegan chef creation will be announced at the Twin Cities Veg Fest in September.

Hi Flora!, Namaste Cafe, Barbette, Book Club, Pat’s Tap, and Pinoli are participating in the Southwest area. A full list of restaurants and menu items are available on the Twin Cities Chef Challenge website.  

Diners who vote in the Vegan Chef Challenge are entered into a drawing for restaurant gift certificates and merchandise. Each vote is a new entry. The winner of the challenge is based on diner votes. Last year’s champion was Reverie Cafe + Bar located in South Minneapolis.

People can participate by trying one vegan dish, visiting a few spots, or doing the full tour of vegan meals.

“The Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge is a chance for people curious about plant-based eating to have fun trying and rating new dishes, Laura Matanah, executive director of Compassionate Action for Animals said. “Here in the Twin Cities, our restaurants are taking the lead in creating plant-based food everyone can enjoy.”

Compassionate Action for Animals’ mission is to encourage people to embrace their empathy for farmed animals and move toward a plant-based diet.