Vegan Panini Wins Contest

Last Thursday, the vegan entry at Coral Tree Café’s “Panini-Off,” submitted by Chloe Coscarelli, blew past the meat and dairy options to claim first prize at the Los Angeles eatery. Coscarelli’s Mango Masala Panini, a combination of spiced chickpea masala, roasted cauliflower curry, and tamarind-mango chutney, beat out four other finalists. Entries were chosen based on taste, visual presentation, creativity, and “panini practicality”—how easy it was to eat. A graduate of UC Berkeley, 22-year-old Coscarelli also studied at The Natural Gourmet Institute before becoming a vegan chef. Coscarelli’s winning sandwich will be added to Coral Tree Café’s menu, which previously did not offer a vegan panini option. She is currently in talks with the restaurant about developing and expanding its vegan selection.