Categories: Business NewsNewsRestaurantWellness

Bazaaro’s Deli Expands Vegan Offerings in Williamsburg

Exciting new vegan dishes introduced by Bazaaro's Deli in Williamsburg.

News Summary

Chef Soul collaborates with Bazaaro’s Deli to enhance plant-based dining options at Williamsburg Premium Outlets. The deli introduces two new vegan dishes to meet the rising demand for healthier, plant-based meals. This initiative not only caters to vegans but also supports health-conscious diners with delicious, unprocessed ingredients. Future menu additions aim to include more nutritious choices, reflecting a commitment to promoting healthy living within the community.

Williamsburg – Vegan chef David Alexander, known as “Chef Soul,” has partnered with Bazaaro’s Deli at the Williamsburg Premium Outlets to expand plant-based dining options in the area. This collaboration aims to promote healthy living by introducing vegan menu items that cater to a growing demand for plant-based meals among customers.

This spring, Bazaaro’s Deli added two new vegan dishes to its menu, with plans for additional vegan options in the near future. The dishes focus on providing diverse dining choices for vegan and health-conscious customers. Among the new offerings is a bean burger crafted from organic beans, mushrooms, and sunflower seeds, as well as a plant-based faux fish burger made with chickpeas, seaweed, and a unique blend of spices. The aim is to use heart-healthy and unprocessed ingredients, aligning with the health-conscious values of many diners today.

Mel Gray Sr., the co-owner of Bazaaro’s Deli, emphasized the desire to enhance the deli’s menu to cater to a global vegan clientele and to elevate the culinary experience for all customers. Upcoming additions to the menu are expected to include prepackaged salads featuring nutritious ingredients such as kale and broccoli, complemented by Alexander’s homemade dressings.

David Alexander has been a dedicated vegan since 2008, drawing inspiration from his family’s culinary traditions. As a third-generation chef, he developed his culinary skills from a young age while growing up in Philadelphia. Before his venture into the vegan scene, he was part of an R&B group known as XL in the 1990s and also worked in various chain restaurants.

In 2012, Alexander opened East Eden Vegan Catering, one of Philadelphia’s pioneering vegan soul food restaurants, which showcased his innovative approach to plant-based cuisine. His catering prowess has attracted attention from various professional sports teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Phillies, and Eagles, and even the Cincinnati Bengals. Notably, he has also cooked for prominent musicians, preparing a vegan birthday cake for singer Erykah Badu and impressing Paul McCartney, a long-time vegan, with his black bean patty.

In recent years, Alexander’s focus has expanded to include public health initiatives. In 2020, he collaborated with a cardiologist in Houston, Texas, to establish a vegan kitchen aimed at helping patients with chronic health conditions improve their diet and health outcomes. This commitment to health is reflected in his culinary work in Williamsburg, where he relocated last year to be closer to family.

In addition to his work at Bazaaro’s Deli, Alexander collaborates with the culinary team at Williamsburg Landing, a senior living community. His efforts include educating residents about veganism and healthy eating habits, which he believes can significantly improve their quality of life. Alexander enjoys interacting with the elderly and sharing their life stories while providing them with nutritious food options.

Alexander’s partnership with Bazaaro’s Deli marks a significant step for the Williamsburg area as it embraces the growing trend of plant-based dining, catering to an audience increasingly conscious of health and nutrition. As the demand for vegan options continues to rise, collaborations like this demonstrate a commitment to providing diverse and healthy dining experiences.