Show 519, April 1, 2023: Maciel’s Plant-Based Butcher and Deli with Proprietors Chef Maciel Banales Luna and Joe Egender

Luna and Joe Egender of Maciel's Plant-Based Butcher

“By opening a plant-based butcher and deli in Highland Park, Maciel Banales Luna is combining her education in nutrition, passion for health, concern for animals and the environment, and pride in her Mexican heritage. Born and raised in Durango, Mexico, Maciel grew up with parents who were ahead of their time: her father was environmentally-conscious long before Maciel was born and her mother made extra efforts to cook healthy meals and seek out the rare vegetarian workshop in town.”

“Maciel received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition. She then obtained her Master’s Degree in Health Sciences, studying certain natural components of food that can potentially improve health. She continued down this path by receiving her PhD in Medical Sciences, focusing on obesity and energy metabolism. Upon receiving her PhD, Maciel took a post-doctoral research fellow position at The Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York where she focused on the molecular effects and potential benefits of fasting.”

“Maciel has been making plant-based meats and cheeses for many years and can’t imagine a better location than Highland Park, a predominantly Latino, vegan-friendly neighborhood in Los Angeles, to open up her shop (along with her husband, Joe Egender) and begin sharing her delicious, healthy food with her guests.”

You don’t have to be vegan to enjoy the food at Maciel’s. No less an authority than Bill Addison, the Food Critic for The Los Angeles Times, has rated Maciel’s French Philly Sandwich as one of the top sandwiches in Los Angeles! The French Philly is steak (plant-based,) melted provolone, grilled onions, mushrooms, jalapenos, and herbed butter served in a baguette.

Proprietors Chef Maciel Banales Luna and Joe Egender are our guests with the Breakfast Burrito at the ready.