A Vegan from Age 12: Tara’s Culinary Awakening
At just ten years old, Tara Punzone saw a slaughterhouse video that changed her life forever. By twelve, she was vegan. Growing up in a big Italian-American family in New York, food was always at the heart of gatherings. Instead of giving up her heritage, Tara began creating plant-based versions of her family’s traditional meals. This early dedication shaped her path as a chef and her dream to open a vegan Italian restaurant.
Pura Vita: Bringing NYC Italian Energy to LA
Today, Tara is the chef and owner of Pura Vita, the first 100% vegan Italian restaurant and wine bar in the USA, located in West Hollywood, Los Angeles. Since opening in 2018, Pura Vita has become a favorite spot for locals and visitors. Tara designed the restaurant to feel like an old New York Italian eatery—with cozy lighting, brick walls, and lively music. The menu is full of shareable dishes, encouraging a sense of community and joy around the table.
Vegana Italiana: The Cookbook Sharing Family Secrets
Tara’s love for Italian cooking doesn’t stop at the restaurant. Her debut cookbook, Vegana Italiana, offers more than 100 vegan Italian recipes. It includes family favorites, classics from Pura Vita, and personal stories from her journey. With beautiful photos and easy-to-follow recipes, it makes Italian cooking fun and accessible for everyone at home.
Beyond Meatballs: The Art of Veganizing Italian Classics
The Mushroom & Lentil Meatball Breakthrough
One of Tara’s biggest kitchen challenges was recreating her mother’s iconic meatballs. Instead of using fake meat, she crafted them from mushrooms and lentils, achieving the same flavor and texture.
Why Calabrian Pasta is Her Ultimate Comfort Food
Tara’s favorite dish right now is a pasta inspired by her grandmother’s roots in Calabria. Comforting, flavorful, and plant-based, it’s a dish that brings her family history to life.
She also highlights vegan desserts like her popular vegan tiramisu, showing that no tradition is too hard to veganize with creativity and care.
Surviving Crisis: How Pura Vita Weathered LA’s Storms
Running a restaurant in Los Angeles isn’t easy. Tara faced the pandemic, entertainment strikes, and even wildfires. Many restaurants closed, but Pura Vita survived thanks to strong community support and Tara’s resilience. She credits her team and loyal customers for keeping the dream alive.
LA’s Vegan Gems: Tara’s Picks for Thai & Mexican
When she’s not at Pura Vita, Tara loves exploring LA’s diverse vegan food scene. Her top recommendations include:
- Love Organic Thai Vegan in West Hollywood
- Satdha in Santa Monica
- El Cocinero in Van Nuys for vegan Mexican food
These spots, along with Pura Vita, showcase the variety and creativity of vegan dining in Los Angeles.
Tradition Meets Compassion
Tara’s story shows that vegan food can keep tradition alive while embracing compassion. From her childhood conviction to her award-winning restaurant and cookbook, she proves that plant-based food is not just possible—it’s delicious, meaningful, and rooted in love.
Bring Pura Vita to Your Table
✨ Get Tara’s cookbook Vegana Italiana and bring her family’s recipes into your own kitchen.
🍝 Planning a trip to Los Angeles? Make a reservation at Pura Vita and experience vegan Italian dining at its best.
Learn More About What is Discussed on the Podcast
- 🌱 Tara’s journey from growing up in New York to opening Pura Vita, the first 100% vegan Italian restaurant and wine bar in the USA.
- 🍝 How she creates plant-based versions of Italian classics like meatballs, pasta, and tiramisu without losing tradition or flavor.
- 📖 The story behind her cookbook Vegana Italiana and how it brings family recipes into home kitchens everywhere.
- 💪 The challenges of running a vegan restaurant in Los Angeles through the pandemic, strikes, and wildfires.
- 🍴 Tara’s favorite vegan spots in LA, including Love Organic Thai Vegan, Satdha, and El Cocinero
Other World Vegan Travel Content Connected With This Episode
- Vegan Travel in San Diego | Food, Culture & Coastal Adventures
- Vegan Budget Travel with Calen Otto | 200th Episode
- Vegan Miami Uncovered | Culture, Cuisine & Hidden Gems
