Stevie Wonder-Inspired Vegan Salad Bar Hits Seattle

Last month, chef/restaurateur Makini Howell—owner of the popular vegan restaurant Plum Bistro—“soft” opened vegan salad bar Chop’t in Seattle, WA. In 2015, Howell ended up on vegan musician Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life” tour for 45 days, after his visit to Plum Bistro prompted him to hire her as his personal chef. Each salad at Chop’t is a tribute to some part of that tour—or to the singer himself. Options include the Travelin’ Thru Memphis (featuring barbecue baked beans), Take Me on Tour (with fried chickpeas and vegan parmesan), and Red Blooded Vegan (served with plant-based bacon). Howell runs a veritable vegan empire in Seattle, including the food truck Plum Burgers, diner Quickie Too, ice cream shop Sugar Plum, and restaurant Plum Pantry—which is located in Seattle Center, the city’s tourism hub.