The long wait is over! We now know which restaurants got awards in the Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge. 

The ceremony was held at the Twin Cities Veg Fest on September 18.  Twenty nine restaurants participated in the challenge and there was a special award for each one based on comments made by diners.  The ratings of diners determined the top three spots. 

Winners of the Vegan Chef Challenge: 

1. Reverie Cafe + Bar  — Korean BBQ Mock Duck Tacos 

2. French Meadow on Grand — Mediterranean Kebab 

3. Insane Vegan — Brisket on Texas Toast 

Our first place winner is no stranger to winning the challenge. Two years ago they won the top prize for their Long Haul Burger. This year Reverie Cafe + Bar’s  Korean BBQ Mock Duck Tacos were the hands down favorite dish in the challenge. These tacos feature Gochujang BBQ Mock Duck, Pickled Veggies, Radish + Cilantro on Warm Flour Tortillas. There are rumors this new dish will stay around for a while longer so be sure to go try them!

The second place winner has gotten an award at a past challenge but this is their first year in the winner’s circle. French Meadow on Grand got the second highest score for their new Mediterranean Kebab. The dish featured: Marinated Vegetable Kebab, Fried Button Mushrooms, Harissa and Tahini Sauces, Tabbouleh, Grilled Peaches and Olive Focaccia. 

Our third place winner is new to the Challenge! Insane Vegan’s entry was a BBQ Brisket. This new all-vegan St. Paul eatery also brought this dish to the Twin Cities Veg Fest and saw long lines all day from those anxious to snag it!  This Vegan brisket cooked on traditional grills with coleslaw on Texas toast proved a favorite.

There were enthusiastic diners for all of the dishes in the challenge and each had a particular aspect that diners highlighted. To recognize this, we awarded prizes to the other participating restaurants. These can be seen in our blog. 

Many of these dishes are still available – and most places feature other wonderful vegan meals. Be sure to check them all out and let them know you appreciated their participation in the challenge.