Quick! Name all the restaurants you can that donate all their profits to non-profit organizations?
Sublime does just that.
Sublime's owner, Nanci Alexander, is number five on our Tastemaker countdown. She founded the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF). The creation of Sublime is an extension of her efforts to reduce animal cruelty. She wanted to show the world that a plant-based diet can be delicious and that a restaurant that serves all vegetarian food can be sophisticated.
Alexander believes that the world's greatest source of animal cruelty is "animal agriculture," and that the most significant step any one can do to reduce animal abuse is to adopt a vegetarian diet.
Alexander's vision is working so far with a celebrity clientele that includes Alec Baldwin, Alicia Silverstone, Bob Barker, and Sir Paul McCartney.
Additionally, 100% of Sublime's profits will go to organizations that promote animal welfare and a vegan lifestyle. That's good karma. In fact, you could say her work (and her restaurant) is sublime.
The most influential person in my career has been...
Ingrid Newkirk, the president and founder of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
When I'm alone and in need of comfort (and no one is there to watch or judge), the one food or drink I turn to is...
Vegan mac 'n cheese.
What does the Broward/Palm Beach food scene need more of?
Vegan cuisine.
You get to vote one food or beverage trend off the island forever -- what is it?
Foie gras.
You have unlimited funds to open a restaurant or bar -- what's the name, and what do you serve?
Sublime Sin City, serving vegan cuisine in Vegas.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Fort Lauderdale at Sublime and and at the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF).
Dream dinner party for six: Who (living or dead) are you inviting?
Bill Clinton, Steve Wynn, Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi, Dr. Benjamin Spock, and Joaquin Phoenix.
New Times' Best Of Broward-Palm Beach 2013 issue arrives June 13. To celebrate, Clean Plate Charlie is serving up 30 of our favorite tastemakers -- restaurateurs, chefs, bartenders, and other foodies who make the South Florida food scene what it is. We'll start with number 30 and lead up to South Florida's number one. All previous 2013 Tastemakers are listed below.
30. Robyn Almodovar of Palate Party Food Truck
29. Chris and Jordan Bellus of Laser Wolf
28. Fulvio Sardelli of Sardelli's Italian Steakhouse
27. Brett Chiavari of BC Tacos
26. Mike Halker of Due South Brewing
25. Chrissy Benoit of the Little House Boynton Beach
24. Dean Max of DJM Restaurants
22. Vaughan Lazar of Kapow!
21. Eric Guerro, Mark Fee, and Jeff Evans of Angry Union Brewing
20. Ben Lubin of The Blind Monk
18. Julieta Bocos of Casa Frida
16. Frank Coniglio of E.R. Bradley's Saloon
15. Iliya Dimitrov of Valentino's Cucina Italiana
14 Tim Lipman of Coolinary Cafe
13. Lauren DeShields of Market 17
12. Cleve Mash of Dirty Martini
10. David Sabin of Brickhouse PR
9. Lindsay Autry of Sundy House
8. Tom Moynihan of d.b.a./cafe
7. Steve Martorano of Martorano's Cafe
6. Tim Petrillo of the Restaurant People
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