Highland Park: An Environmental Spicy Turn to a Meat Market

Plant based breakfast (Photo – @maciels.plant.butcher)

Friday, July 8 marked the grand opening of Los Angeles’ first vegan butcher shop and deli in Highland Park.

By Briony James

Specializing in all plant-based deli choices, Bañales Luna, husband Joe Egender and partner Dustin Lancaster have worked to create a shop offering nutritional and environmentally sound alternatives to the usual processed cold cuts and butcher’s favorites. Sandwiches combine Bañales Luna’s meats and cheeses with breads from Rockenwagner Bakery. For the morning crowd, there’s a breakfast sandwich made with vegan eggs, and a choice of bacon or chorizo, on a brioche bun.

Luna, raised in rural Durango, Mexico, brings a spicy turn to the concept of a meat market. She was greatly influenced by forward-thinking parents and her own dedication to environmental causes and plant-based alternative protein choices. Serving in-house meatless subs and sandwiches, along with all the trimmings,

Maciel’s Plant-based Butcher and Deli is located at 5933 York Blvd, Los Angeles, 90042. Open Tuesday-Sunday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.