Why Isa Chandra Moskowitz Is Done With Restaurants—and Turning Focus to Sandwiches and Tim Robinson

From vegnews.com

By Charlotte Pointing

Isa Chandra Moskowitz is back with The 29-Minute Vegan. The cookbook icon opens up about quick recipes, fresh starts, and life after restaurants

For Isa Chandra Moskowitz, there’s nothing quite like cooking. “As a kid, flipping through a box of recipe cards was just as fun as rollerskating,” she writes on her vegan recipe blog, Post Punk Kitchen.

Cooking has long been Moskowitz’s love language, and her passion for veganism and food has taken her in many directions. She hosted her own cooking show in the early 2000s and opened two vegan restaurants under the Modern Love banner—one in her native Brooklyn and another in Nebraska—but sharing food through the written word may be her truest calling. Alongside her blog, Moskowitz has authored multiple cookbooks. In fact, the vegan chef is now on her 12th title: The 29-Minute Vegan: Real Food, Real Vibes, Anytime.

For Moskowitz, the new cookbook is about more than quick, easy, and delicious plant-based recipes (though it certainly delivers plenty of those). It also reflects a new chapter in her life. Like many restaurant owners, the vegan chef has faced challenges in recent years. Modern Love’s Nebraska location closed in 2024, followed by the Brooklyn restaurant in 2025.

                                     The 29-Minute Vegan: Real Food, Real Vibes, Anytime is out and available to purchase now

Moskowitz had seen the signs for some time. Before the closures, she joined other vegan business owners in speaking with VegNews about the difficulties of keeping a vegan restaurant afloat in the current economic climate. “I don’t think the storm is over,” she said at the time. “What are these tariffs going to do to us? Where does the avocado come from? Where does the tofu come from? Will we have to raise prices?”

Modern Love isn’t alone. Oakland’s Millennium recently announced its closure after more than three decades in business, while Brooklyn favourite Toad Style shuttered suddenly in May.

But Moskowitz isn’t dwelling on the past. Quite the opposite, in fact. She’s embracing a newfound freedom away from restaurant ownership and focusing on The 29-Minute Vegan. Below, she shares more about the new book, including the recipes she makes on repeat, why she wants to cook for Tim Robinson, and why she’s feeling content in this latest chapter of her life.

                                                                 Moskowitz’s new cookbook is full of easy, quick recipes

VegNews: What inspired you to focus on quick, under-30-minute meals for this book?

Isa Chandra Moskowitz: It was basically life deciding for me. I had a very busy and stressful few years (was I the only one?), and I still wanted really delicious food, so it was this natural process of figuring out how to get there. It happened very naturally, and I hope that it’s what makes the book really work, because it worked for me. 

VegNews: Do you have a personal favourite recipe from the book right now? 

Moskowitz: I am loving the sandwich section, maybe it’s this transitional spring weather, but a sandwich manages to be both warm-weather and cold-weather food. So I love the first recipe in the book, the Stacked Tofu Deli Sammy, with all the thinly sliced tofu slices and balsamic mayo and the usual sandwich suspects. I also make the Chickpea Salad BLT a lot because it has tons of protein and my favourite flavours: dilly chickpea salad and smoky tempeh bacon. 

Okay, and just one last thing, the Pad Thai from the Pasta & Noodles chapter. I know I have Pad Thai in every book, but somehow this is my favourite yet. I have been on a yuba kick.

VegNews: Many people associate vegan cooking with time or complexity. How does this book challenge that perception?

Moskowitz: As Yoda said, there is no try, there is only do. Once you make the recipes, you will understand that it’s not that deep. Vegan cooking can be as easy as you let it be. I think vegans like to have fun and make seitan roasts and cashew cheese sometimes, but these are not for those times. Even though there are a few quick cashew cheeses in the book. 

VegNews: If you could cook a 29-minute meal for anyone (past or present), who would it be and what would you make?

Moskowitz: Well, off the top of my head, and if I am being totally honest, it would be Tim Robinson (I Think You Should Leave). First of all, it seems like he has been leaning vegan lately, and maybe that will be the final straw. He will say, “It’s simply TOO GOOD.” But also, I just need to laugh. And if I were able to make him laugh without making it look fake, that would just carry me through the rest of my life.

VegNews: Since the closure of Modern Love, how has your day-to-day life and creative focus shifted?

Moskowitz: Well, I mean, how hasn’t it?

It’s night and day. It’s kind of impossible to explain, but I am able to be a person again. 

VegNews: What have you learned from stepping away from the restaurant world?

Moskowitz: That there are sunsets, and I can call my mother and spend time with my cats, and go to the movies, and that it’s okay to just breathe and exist. 

                                                                               Moskowitz’s go-to? The sandwich section

VegNews: Do you see yourself returning to restaurants in the future, or are you excited to focus on other avenues?

Moskowitz: I don’t see myself returning to restaurants in the future. It would have to be the exact right situation, and I don’t see that happening in our current climate. I’m excited to focus on other things. I am still healing from the psychological trauma of the whole situation. 

VegNews: How does this new cookbook reflect where you are in your life right now?

Moskowitz: I think it’s bright and happy, and I hope that my future is that way, too. I am in my fifties now and starting everything over, so that is a pretty wild place to be. I think a lot of women are in that same position. I hope that these quick, yummy meals help everyone get a little more time back in their day to do what they want with the time we have. And have fun doing it.

Want more of Moskowitz’s recipes? Find some of our favourites below:

• Isa Chandra Moskowitz’s Irish Stout Stew With Fluffy Potato Biscuits
• Isa Chandra Moskowitz’s Famous Banana French Toast
• Isa Chandra Moskowitz’s Tempeh and Broccoli Stir-Fry
• Vegan Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
• Crispy Baked Vegan Fish Sticks With Tartar Sauce

https://vegnews.com/why-isa-chandra-moskowitz-is-done-with-restaurants 

Must-Have Cookbooks for the Vegan and Gluten-Free Kitchen

From vegnews.com

Packed with flavourful, easy-to-follow recipes, these vegan and gluten-free cookbooks are perfect for anyone looking to cook delicious food while staying true to their dietary needs

f you’re looking to sharpen your vegan cooking skills, you’re in luck—there’s no shortage of cookbooks to guide and inspire you. The (virtual) shelves are packed with a wide variety of options, ranging from Mediterranean-inspired plant-based dishes to specialized collections focused entirely on vegan meats, cheeses, and desserts.

And if you’re gluten-free, we’ve got even more good news: you’re not left out. Many vegan cookbooks now cater specifically to gluten-free diets, offering creative and satisfying recipes that are both plant-based and wheat-free. Whether you’re whipping up a hearty main course or a decadent treat, there’s a resource out there for every dietary need and culinary ambition.

Vegan gluten-free cookbooks to add to your collection

Intrigued? Check out some of our top picks below.

1The Complete Gluten-Free Vegan Cookbook

Justin Weber’s cookbook offers 125 recipes, making it a vegan and gluten-free bible. Dishes like Buffalo Chickpea Sliders and Tofu Tikka Masala are about to become your new favourites. The book also includes nut-free and soy-free options, too. “Justin’s knowledge of vegan and gluten-free foods amazes me,” says Allie Hancock of Chef Allie’s Kitchen about The Complete Gluten-Free Vegan Cookbook. “He makes you feel less intimidated when it comes to making vegan and gluten-free meals. He has such a creative mind, and his love for his family’s food background warms my heart. I cannot wait to start making these fantastic recipes!”
Find it here

2Simple and Delicious Vegan

In 2023, Michaela Vais, the founder of popular food blog Elavegan, released her first cookbook to the excitement of all her devoted fans. Inside, you’ll find 100 delicious recipes—all made without gluten or animal products, and most without nuts, soy, or corn—spanning from sweet indulgent desserts to hearty stews and so much more. “I have been following Ela for years and love everything she creates,” says Francesca Bonadonna, a recipe developer and author of the cookbook Plantiful. “Her recipes and photography are just beautiful. I love the visual imagery in this book, it is a must-have for anyone looking to incorporate more vegan meals.”
Find it here

3Gluten-Free Vegan Baking for Every Occasion

Most sweet treats you’ll find in stores and bakeries are not vegan or gluten-free. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Enter: Sara McGlothin’s Gluten-Free Vegan Baking for Every Occasion. Learn how to whip up everything from sticky buns to cupcakes to fudgy brownies with simple, plant-based ingredients. “Gluten-free and vegan baking can be a challenge for even the most seasoned baker, but Sara makes it easy and approachable,” says Elizabeth Thomson of recipe blog I Heart Vegetables. “Her delicious collection of recipes will be a valuable resource for anyone looking to create tasty dishes regardless of dietary restrictions.”
Find it here

4Sesame, Soy, Spice

In Sesame, Soy, Spice, Remy Morimoto Park is full of comforting, easy-to-make gluten-free vegan recipes inspired by her family and friends, which combine Korean, Japanese, Taiwanese, Brazilian, Thai, and French cultures, so you can expect plenty of flavour. According to Park, the book is not just about food, but it’s also a love letter to her family and herself. “This book doesn’t just provide a glimpse of the three building blocks to the author’s cuisine—it gives readers an intimate look into how food can connect us to our past, our future, and most importantly, each other,” says bestselling cookbook author Joanne Lee Molinaro of recipe blog The Korean Vegan.
Find it here

5Minimalist Baker’s Everyday Cooking

Dana Shultz is the force behind the popular recipe blog Minimalist Baker, so you know her cookbook is going to be worth the spend. It features more than 100 recipes, most of which are gluten-free and all of which are vegan. On top of this, each is made with 10 ingredients or fewer, so you don’t need to worry about long, complicated ingredient lists. “The love for delicious and exciting food shines from these pages, and it all happens to be vegan and (mostly) gluten-free,” says Laura Wright of food blog The First Mess. “Dana has carefully considered time, ease, flavour, accessibility, and any possible occasion with these colourful recipes. Comforting and beautiful food for all!”
Find it here

https://vegnews.com/vegan-gluten-free-cookbooks 

The Essential Cookbooks for Making Your Own Vegan Meat

From vegnews.com

These cookbooks will help you explore the art of homemade vegan meat with recipes for burgers, ribs, wings, and much more

In recent years, the plant-based meat market has skyrocketed. Today, most grocery stores carry meatless burgers, nuggets, sausages, and tenders—just about any meaty option you’re craving. According to Statista, the global plant-based meat market was valued at over $10.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to more than $14.3 billion by 2028.

Vegan meat products are great for days when you want something quick, easy, and satisfying. But if you’ve got a little extra time, making your own plant-based meat from scratch can be a healthier, less processed, and just as tasty alternative.

The best vegan cookbooks to help you make plant-based meat from scratch

Want to give it a try? Here are some of our favourite vegan meat cookbooks to get you started.

1Fake Meat: Real Food for Vegan Appetites

Isa Chandra Moskowitz understands that for many, meat is tied to comfort and nostalgia. That’s exactly why she wrote this cookbook—to help recreate those familiar flavours and textures, minus the animal products. Inside, you’ll find plant-based versions of everything from Irish beef stew to wings to bacon. “I remember all the tastes and sensations from my omnivore days, even though they were so long ago,” Moskowitz writes in the introduction. “These are the moments you could say I miss. Maybe you do, too. But we don’t have to.”
Find it here

2Making Vegan Meat

If you’re intrigued by the science behind plant-based cooking, you’ll love this inventive cookbook by Mark Thompson, also known as Sauce Stache on YouTube and social media. He breaks down how to transform simple, everyday ingredients into incredibly realistic meaty textures—think barbecue ribs, fried chicken, and juicy beef burgers. As recipe developer Rose Lee of Cheap Lazy Vegan puts it: “Mark is an absolute wizard—he can turn the most unexpected ingredients into vegan meat! You will not be disappointed.”
Find it here

3The Vegan Meat Cookbook

You can always count on Miyoko Schinner for incredible plant-based food. As the founder of Miyoko’s Creamery, she helped redefine vegan cheese. While she’s no longer with the brand, her passion for flavour lives on—just take this cookbook, for example. It features recipes for everything from indulgent sausage calzones to spicy garlic prawns. Yes, really. You have to taste it to believe it.
Find it here

4The Herbivorous Butcher Cookbook

If you can’t make it to The Herbivorous Butcher’s vegan restaurant and butcher shop in Minneapolis, MN don’t worry. With this cookbook, you can recreate Aubry and Kale Walch’s recipes from scratch in your own kitchen. The siblings put the book together during the pandemic while their shop was temporarily closed. “My greatest hope is that readers can feel the joy that I first felt when I realized the unlimited possibilities seitan had to offer,” Kale Walch previously told VegNews. “To me, it was a puzzle: how to use different juices, herbs, spices, binders, and cooking methods to turn a high-protein flour into everything from a steak to a sausage.”
Find it here

5The Vegan Butcher

If you need proof of how impressive Zacchary Bird’s food is, start with his recipe for Vegan Beer-Battered Banana Blossom Fish Fillets—one bite, and you’ll be hooked. The good news? The Vegan Butcher cookbook is packed with even more bold, creative recipes, from watermelon ham to mushroom steaks. “If you like a kitchen project, this book is definitely for you,” reads a review from British chef Nigella Lawson. 
Find it here

 

6Vegan Soul Food Cookbook

Traditionally, soul food is rich in meat-centric dishes like fried chicken and gumbo. But with Nadira Jenkins-El’s Vegan Soul Food Cookbook, you can recreate all the bold flavours and comforting textures you love—using only plant-based ingredients.
Find it here

7BOSH! Meat

BOSH! founders Henry Firth and Ian Theasby have several cookbooks under their belt, but if you’re a meat lover, this is the one to reach for. It features over 100 vegan recipes for dishes like duck pancakes, pork gyozas, chicken wings, and more. Still need convincing? The Times once dubbed Firth and Theasby the ”vegan Jamie Olivers.”
Find it here

https://vegnews.com/cookbooks-vegan-meat

These Vegan Cookbooks Are Worth Every Penny—And They’re On Sale Right Now

From vegnews.com 

Whether you’re looking for high-protein meals, easy-to-make snacks, or flavourful international dishes, these vegan cookbooks will inspire your next culinary adventure, and they’re all on sale right now

We simply can’t get enough of cookbooks. While there’s no shortage of recipes available online (including in our very own extensive recipe database), there’s something uniquely special about holding a beautiful cookbook in your hands. A well-designed book, filled with detailed, engaging recipes, captivating stories, and stunning images, has a way of drawing us in every single time. It’s not just about the recipes—it’s the experience of flipping through its pages, discovering new flavours, and being inspired by the art of cooking.

These cookbooks are on sale on Amazon right now

Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting your plant-based journey, these books will inspire your next culinary adventure.

1Plant Protein

Amazon limited time deal: Was $30, now $23.12 (23% off)

If you want more protein in your meals, but you’re not show how to do it, let Gigi Grassia be your guide. In her book Plant Protein, the nutrition coach, personal trainer, and recipe developer will walk you through how to make protein-packed, flavour-filled recipes that taste as good as they look. Each dish is inspired by her Italian heritage, her passion for nutrition, and her love for vegan food. One Amazon reviewer wrote of Grassia’s book: “I have a large collection of vegan cookbooks and this one is my favourite! It is a high-protein, high-fiber cookbook.” Another added: “I transitioned to plant-based last year, and all [of Grassia’s] recipes helped me when I missed eating Italian food and needed it to align with my gym goals.”
Find it here

2Vegan Street Eats

Amazon limited time deal: Was $22.99, now $15.90 (31% off)

As many foodies will tell you, the most unforgettable meals often come from the streets—think food trucks and vibrant market stalls. In this book, Will Edmond shows you how to bring the magic of vegan street food into your kitchen, guiding you through the creation of everything from smoky vegan barbecue ribs to indulgent slaw dogs and crispy mozzarella sticks. “I’ve been exploring plant-based cooking for a while, but this vegan cookbook has truly transformed my kitchen,” reads one glowing Amazon review.
Find it here

3Epic Vegan Quick and Easy

Amazon limited time deal: Was $26.99, now $20.60 (24% off)

Life is too short to spend hours cleaning up after dinner. That’s why Dustin Harder created this cookbook, which is filled with delicious one-pot, one-pan recipes, like mac and cheese, pizza cups, and even sheet-pan pancakes. Fellow vegan chef and recipe developer Chloe Coscarelli said of the cookbook: “Dustin’s latest book is truly quick and easy with huge taste and an explosion of flavour! This is the one cookbook you will be using over and over again!”
Find it here

4Vegan Baking Made Simple

Amazon limited time deal: Was $22.99, now $15.75 (31% off)

Let’s be honest, baking can be a frustrating process. It is an exact science, after all. If you struggle to produce top-quality bakes, then Saloni Mehta is here to help with her book Vegan Baking Made Simple. The recipes are easy, low-cost, and most importantly, they taste divine. Fellow baker Sasha Nary said of Mehta’s book: “From the easy-to-follow recipes and gorgeous photos to the ‘I can’t believe this is vegan!’ responses from my family while trying the Coconut & Pineapple Layer Cake, this cookbook has earned its place as a new staple in our kitchen!”
Find it here

5Vegan Richa’s Indian Kitchen

Amazon limited time deal: Was $27.95, now $21.42 (23% off)

If you want to impress, a rich, flavour-packed, creamy curry is always a winning choice. In this cookbook, Richa Hingle shares a collection of mouth-watering Indian recipes. It’s not just about curries—there are also wraps, roasted cauliflower, naan bread, and even desserts like cardamom squares. “Richa delivers stunningly delicious vegan Indian recipes in an easy-to-follow format. Just follow the steps and customize with the options provided to suit your needs and tastes, and you’ll look like a genius,” reads one rave Amazon review.
Find it here

https://vegnews.com/vegan-cookbooks-amazon-sale

Dr. Angela Crawford’s “The Vegan Transformation” Explores the Emotional and Entrepreneurial Impact of Veganism

From vegconomist.com 

Released today, Dr. Angela Crawford’s new book explores the emotional, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of adopting a vegan lifestyle, while also documenting how this transition has influenced individuals to launch businesses aligned with their values.

© Angela Crawford, Ph.D

The Vegan Transformation: A Journey to Heal Yourself and the World is based on a mixed-methods study involving 345 survey participants and 75 in-depth interviews. The book examines how shifting to a plant-based lifestyle has affected participants’ sense of purpose, mental well-being, and professional paths.

Dr. Crawford, who holds a PhD in psychology and has worked as a psychotherapist for over two decades, conducted the research to investigate how lifestyle changes linked to veganism may extend beyond physical health outcomes. “Less is known about the psychological benefits of a plant-based diet compared to the physical health benefits. Based on revealing research with vegans, my book shows how a vegan lifestyle can transform you in mind, body, and spirit,” said Crawford.

© The Vegan Transformation

The role of veganism in shaping business ventures

A notable section of the book focuses on individuals who started vegan-oriented enterprises after adopting a plant-based lifestyle. Marketing consultant Kathleen Gage, who previously worked in non-vegan industries, shifted her business focus after completing a plant-based nutrition certification.

Gage explained, “Like many people, when I went plant-based, I realized, this is the holy grail of living and eating. I got my plant-based nutrition certificate from Cornell University and thought I was going to be a nutrition coach. I then realised that I have very little patience for that. That is not my wheelhouse at all.” She now runs Vegan Visibility, a consulting business supporting vegan entrepreneurs and authors.

Sandra Nomoto, another case profiled in the book, described how becoming vegan in 2018 altered both her personal and professional direction. “Being vegan has been the missing puzzle piece in my life without me realising it. Since I was young, I’ve wanted to live in a socially and environmentally conscious way and I knew subconsciously that eating vegan was one way to do it,” Nomoto said. Her firm provides marketing and coaching services tailored to vegan businesses, and she is also the author of Vegan Marketing Success Stories.

Veganism as a catalyst for ethics in business

The book spotlights how these individuals and others have aligned their professional lives with their values, a trend seen across the growing vegan business sector. Many participants in Dr. Crawford’s study found that veganism not only improved their personal well-being but also served as a catalyst for creating and supporting ethical businesses.

https://vegconomist.com/marketing-and-media/dr-angela-crawfords-vegan-transformation-explores-emotional-entrepreneurial-impact-veganism/

Beyond Meat and National Basketball Players Association Announce Vegan Cookbook

From plantbasednews.org

The new plant-based recipe book features meals from some of the NBA's biggest stars

Beyond Meat and the union representing NBA basketball players have announced a plant-based cookbook with recipes from some of the basketball league’s top athletes and stars.

Titled Go Beyond The Buzzer: A Plant-Based Cookbook Inspired By NBPA Members, the recipe book is a landmark collaboration between a global leader in alternative meat products and the National Basketball Players Association.

                                                Beyond Meat has unveiled a new cookbook - Media Credit: Beyond Meat

The vegan cookbook’s front cover shows three of the NBA’s top stars and vegan players, including DeAndre Jordan, decorated with a three-time All-NBA and two-time NBA All-Defensive Team member, and a gold medal winner with the U.S. Olympic basketball team. Another gold medallist and NBA All-Star Cade Cunningham is a cover star. Also on the front cover is Kyrie Irving, who eats a 100 percent plant-based diet and is widely considered one of the best ball-handlers of all time. 

Plant-based recipes for pre-game, recovery, and everyday cooking

Beyond MeatRecipes include Jalen Brunson’s Steak Teriyaki Bowl

The USP of this book in a very busy market of plant-based recipe books is that it focuses on the players’ favourite pre-game and post-game meals, which are crafted with high-protein ingredients geared towards performance at the highest level and recovery.

Beyond Meat has established a market dominance internationally for vegan burgers and other vegan meat replacement products, most of all for the Beyond Burger, designed to be as close as possible to a meat burger in taste and texture. 

“These dishes are designed to inspire your own culinary journey — whether you’re a professional athlete or just looking to eat healthier, Beyond Meat makes it easy to craft meals that satisfy without compromise,” the company said.

The USP of this book in a very busy market of plant-based recipe books is that it focuses on the players’ favourite pre-game and post-game meals, which are crafted with high-protein ingredients geared towards performance at the highest level and recovery.

Beyond Meat has established a market dominance internationally for vegan burgers and other vegan meat replacement products, most of all for the Beyond Burger, designed to be as close as possible to a meat burger in taste and texture. 

“These dishes are designed to inspire your own culinary journey — whether you’re a professional athlete or just looking to eat healthier, Beyond Meat makes it easy to craft meals that satisfy without compromise,” the company said.

The cookbook is now available to read online and download on the Beyond Meat website here. And for those wanting a hard copy collectible version of the plant-based recipes book, there will be physical copies of the book available at the NBPA Brotherhood Deli-themed food truck during All-Star Weekend at SPARK Social SF in San Francisco’s Mission Bay neighbourhood.

https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/food/beyond-meat-nbpa-announce-vegan-cookbook/