Iron Chef Michael Symon: ‘Vegan Food Can Be Completely Delicious; I’ve Overcome My Fears’
Celebrity chef Michael Symon is famous for his carnivorous leanings, but the culinarian professed his newfound love for vegan eats on Friday’s episode of ABC’s The Chew.
The chef bubbled over with praise for By Chloe, Chef Chloe Coscarelli’s uber-popular NYC eatery. He raved about the burger, the shitake bacon, and the ice cream — among other goodies.
The whole cast of The Chew (which includes Mario Batali, Daphne Oz, Chef Carla Hall, and Clinton Kelly) started the show’s segment by biting into a By Chloe burger — before Symon revealed it was vegan. Then, he and his vegetarian wife, Liz, sat down with Coscarelli over a vegan feast. “We’re here to learn the secrets of a restaurant that changed my mind about vegan food forever,” Symon said.
“We’re just trying to make healthy vegan food accessible, and super flavorful, and fun,” said Coscarelli.
“It’s not just that it’s delicious vegan food — it’s just delicious food,” added Symon’s wife, Liz.
“This is the first veggie sandwich that I am comfortable still calling a burger,” Symon said of Chloe’s sweet potato burger. “The things that you can do without animal fat — it blows my mind.”
Throughout the segment, the Iron Chef had nothing but accolades for Chloe’s eatery. This is the same man, who, last week, told Miami.com that he could never be vegan.
“You’ve continued to reinforce that vegan food can be delicious,” he told Coscarelli. “I’ve overcome my fears.”
By Chloe is clearly winning hearts, minds — and stomachs.
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Oh I love veggie Burger please have it here in Surrey Canada why don’t you guys sell them to Wendy Macdonald and everywhere them people can switch to veggie Bugers more easily
Oooooh, the times, they are a-changing. So happy to see the mainstream food shows, albeit inane as they are, promote real, whole plant-based and delicious food!
So many celebs becoming vegan recently. Has to be good as they are role models. Times are hopefully changing for the better for mankind, our beautiful planet and respect for our fellow animals.
Hi, I was watching this clip and was wondering if “by Cloe” has got a cook book out because I live in Australia and won’t be able to just pop into her restaurant. I am desperate to try some of her recipes. Thanks in advance
Hi Phoebe! There’s no By Chloe cookbook in particular, but Chloe Coscarelli has several cookbooks of her own. Check them out on her website: http://chefchloe.com/. Hope that helps!
Michael spoke of his wife Liz’s delicious vegan cake today on the Chew………I want the recipe!!! I have just started a ‘complete plant based life-style’ and LOVE IT…….I am learning to ‘substitute’………and they have helped me a lot………but I WANT CAKE!!! HELP! Ps, I’m 65 years young and have just dropped 15 lbs, in less than 3 months! I can once again eat pasta…….potatoes……..bread….something I have been fighting for years………for fear of gaining too much! Starch Solution is working for me!