7 Plant-Based Chefs We Love this Valentine’s Day

Love is in the air! In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we’re doing something a little bit different around here: giving love to some of our favorite chefs from coast to coast. Whether you’re looking for new inspiration for your next go-to recipes, or looking for some serious #eeeeats in your Instagram feed, you’ll find that and more with our top seven chefs below.

Lauren Toyota is a former MuchMusic VJ and MTV Canada host and a YouTube sensation. Her channel and blog, hot for food, attract  people curious about how to make plant-based food fast and fun.

We’re Sweet On: Lauren’s vegan Baked Blueberry Cheesecake, excerpted from her book hot for food Vegan Comfort Classics.

Tal Ronnen, founder and chef of Crossroads (aka, the restaurant from our OMD book launch party!) and author of the New York Times Bestseller, The Conscious Cook, is known nationwide as the chef who prepared the meals for Oprah Winfrey’s 21-day cleanse. We’re big fans of his fresh ingredients and creative take on plant-based dishes that can win over anyone. Stop by his restaurant in West Hollywood for a refreshing cocktail and seasonal eats and maybe indulge in a celebrity sighting while you’re at it!

We’re Sweet On: Tal’s Oven-Roasted Dumpling Squash

Isa Chandra is the bestselling author or coauthor of the hit books, Isa Does It, Veganomicon, Vegan with a Vengeance, and many others. Isa’s accessible, comforting recipes hit the spot for friends and family (OMD staffer, Jessica vouches for her killer Mango BBQ Beans and Scallion Cornbread), and her restaurant, Modern Love, has locations in Omaha and Brooklyn.

We’re Sweet On: Isa’s Sesame Cold Noodle Bundles

Eddie Garza is the Senior Manager of Food and Nutrition for the Humane Society of the United States, a vegan chef, cookbook author, and leading figure in the movement to reform food systems in Latinx communities. Growing up in the border town of Brownsville, Texas, a region plagued by childhood obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, Eddie, like many of his peers, struggled with serious weight problems until he transitioned to a plant-based diet. He’s just one of the chefs giving us all the feels this Valentine’s Day.

We’re Sweet On: Eddie’s Mushroom Spinach Enchiladas

Laura is the blogger behind the Saveur award-winning blog, The First Mess. Her debut cookbook, featuring more than 125 beautifully prepared seasonal ingredients dishes up delicious, accessible plant-based wellness.

We’re Sweet On: Laura’s Banana Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies

Renée Loux has been a champion in the sustainable food movement for nearly 20 years, whipping up recipes and plant-based musings to a wide audience. Her recipes are clean, blanched, delicious, and come with a side of tips for living green.

We’re Sweet On: Renee’s Renée’s Salted Almond Butter Chocolate Cups

Founded by Safiya Robinson, sisterwoman vegan is a plant-based kitchen serving up delicious soul food. But it’s much more than a kitchen, sisterwoman vegan also acts a project described as an “anti-racist, decolonial, anti-capitalist, trans-inclusive, queer-friendly and a fat positive space.” Intersectional plant-based eating at it’s finest!

We’re Sweet On: Safiya’s Stew Peas