#288 – Sarma Melngailis: Bad Vegan

17 snips

May 23, 2022

Sarma Melngailis, a renowned chef and restaurateur known for her vegan raw food restaurants and the Netflix documentary 'Bad Vegan,' shares her tumultuous story. She discusses the pressures that led to her legal troubles and the emotional complexities surrounding her experience. The conversation dives into the challenges faced while launching her restaurant, the joy of creating unique vegan desserts, and the intricate dynamics of personal identity and relationships amidst turmoil. Sarma's candid reflections on love, ambition, and self-discovery are both insightful and engaging.

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ANECDOTE

Restaurant Reopening

Sarma Melngailis reopened Pure Food and Wine after its initial closure, raising significant funds.
She made tax payments before disappearing, contradicting the narrative of running off with money.

ANECDOTE

Childhood Displacement

Sarma Melngailis felt like a loner growing up, finding solace in books like "Party of One".
This book helped her understand her feelings of displacement, even within her family.

ANECDOTE

Unconventional Appearance

Sarma Melngailis sported unconventional hair colors like green and blue in high school.
Despite her shy nature, this act drew attention, but her family accepted it.

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