Food truck offers vegan takeaways
Is there such thing as a healthy Friday night takeaway?
Canterbury couple Nolan and Julz McGaw are aiming to prove there is through their new vegan food truck called Planted, which launches on Friday evening in Woodend, North Canterbury.
The McGaws are passionate vegans, but that hasn’t always been the case. Julz was a dairy farmer and Nolan was once a meatfuelled bodybuilder. Both said they explored veganism about two years ago and were ‘‘shocked’’ to discover how unhealthy they ate previously. They wanted to help others come to the same realisation.
Pies, cakes, hot dogs and burgers are all on the McGaws’ food truck menu, but with a healthier vegan twist. Old Kiwi favourites feature throughout their menu: roast meals, a meatless meat loaf, vegan curries, and desserts like cakes and biscuits are among the options.
The idea for Planted came about three months ago when the couple identified a gap in their local market. Vegan options were few and far between in North Canterbury and, because it was a niche market, vegan vendors could charge whatever they want, Nolan said.
‘‘That’s not what we want to do,’’ he said. ‘‘I used to throw stones at people like me, but now I see how much better you can feel from a vegan diet.’’
The couple would prepare about 230 meals this week before the launch at 4pm on Friday.
The final menu went through a democratic process – the McGraws’ extended family voted on contentious decisions – including whether to leave the skin on roast spuds or not, and whether pumpkin pie should be offered.
Their 5-year-old grandson turned out to be the swing vote in favour of the pumpkin pie.
The McGraws’ daughter, Courtney, runs the social media and marketing side of Planted, rounding it off as a fully-fledged family business.
All ingredients used were non-GMO, fully vegan, and locally sourced. Everything was nut-free, and the McGaws were happy to accommodate any allergy requests people had.
The food truck would officially open at 73 Main North Rd on Friday from 4pm to 9pm. It would be open at the same location every Thursday and Friday onwards from 4pm to 9pm.
All meals cost $10 to $15, or $5 for children.