I'm pretty sure you've encountered situations wherein you say "This is meant to happen." or make you say "Today, the stars aligned."
Before our province was hit by a strong typhoon, I went to Cebu City with the intention to get my weekly Plant Based Whooper from Burger King. I hopped from the bus near Golden Peak and decided to walk to all the way to Ayala. While walking, I remembered, there's a Vegan Restaurant just opened near Wellcome Hotel which was just along Ayala. My intention was just to see where it is located exactly and just go back next time but I was welcomed by a very familiar face.
I met Reza 3 years ago during the first ever Vegan Festival in Cebu (that unfortunately never get a 2nd time). I was so surprised that she recognized me. We didn't spoke that much on the event but I remember her because I followed her IG account. I was so happy that she recognized me after all these years.
VGN has been in the business for a while now but this is the first store that they opened. After some chit-chats, Reza let me order some food then you spoke about business. Im genuinely happy to hear that she is expanding her brand and people are franchising it. I'm just as excited as her to know there will be more Vegan restaurants not around the city, but around the country.
For the food I ordered, I had Sveghetti with VeeganJoy and Gravy and Mushroom Ginabot. She also gave me a complimentary Kombucha Shot. Before going Vegan, I was never a fan of Ginabot or any foods from internal organs or excotic food in general. But this Mushroom Ginabot is a Winner.
The Sveghetti and VeeganJoy is supposed to replicate the usual spaghetti and fried chicken we usually get from fast food chain only its made from plant. The VeeganJoy is made of oyster mushroom. At first, I thought it was chicken but once I eat it, I can tell its mushroom.
They are still on soft opening and they have limited menu options. When I came, I was the only guest because it was past lunch time already. But they have lots of deliveries.
Reza and I spoke more about the business and future plans. I don't want to jinx anything yet, so I'll announce once everything is set in stone. For now, I hope you will check this VGN Wholefoods Cafe located in Molave Street, road going to Wellcome Hotel. The cafe is open from 10am to 8pm. They have alfresco dining which can accommodate 10 people and 12 people for the airconditioned dining space.
That is it for now guys, I'm so grateful for this additional place I can visit anytime without any worries if I'm eating vegan or not. See you on my next blog.
PS As of this writing the cafe is closed until further notice due to the effects of Typhoon Odette. Hopefully they'll be back to business once electricity and water supply in the city is back to normal.