I’ve been going to Republic of V, East Bay’s best stocked Vegan grocery, since they opened last year. It’s on University Ave. in Berkeley. Joe, one of the two owners (other is Noelle), is usually behind the counter on weekends, and I recommend chatting him up because he always knows about the next best East Bay Vegan event. He also seems to know the makers of most of the local products, so ask him questions.
Yes, you can get Field Roast and Daiya cheese at most Bay Area grocery stores, but Republic of V, aside from stocking specialty products you can’t get anywhere else (including—no kidding—Vegan Smoked Salmon), gives you the magical experience of being able to walk through a store, pick anything up, and already know that it is vegan. No eggs, no milk, no whey, no crushed up bugs used as food coloring, but like the term boutique implies, tons of specialty and even super fancy items. Ask yourself, can you live without trying vegan chipotle facon caramel chocolates?
Republic of V’s commitment to local businesses is downright impressive. I see something new there every time I go. They are the only grocery to carry S&M vegan Fromagerie Esseme cultured creamy cashew spread (so good but it’s being discontinued :/), and they were stocking the stunning Miyoko cheeses at launch. Since we’re on the subject, ohh man that cheese fridge. Republic of V keeps it packed from top to bottom with an always-alternating selection of the best and weirdest cheese substitutes available. In addition to the Mikoyo and S&M vegan, V carries products from The Cultured Kitchen and Vtopian Artisan Cheeses, pricey but worth it for a special treat. Not to mention, Joe’s own recommendation, the Field Roast Chao slices—unbelievably good texture for grilled cheese anything. If I
haven’t been clear enough yet, go there for the cheese.
…AND Republic of V is celebrating their 1st year Anniversary this coming Sunday 2/22 at their store from 12-6PM. RSVP! The amazing Hella Vegan Eats food truck will be there, and Miyoko’s Kitchen will be debuting a flavor, Double Cream Garlic. Those two are reason enough to attend, but the Facebook event page promises more samples, sales, freebies, animal charity stuff, and fun. And vegan fun is the best fun. It’s definitely worth paying them a visit. Who knows – your old favorite could be hanging out on a shelf, all veganized just for you.
This is a guest post by Nicole Hall. Originally from Buffalo, by way
of Pittsburgh, Nicole Hall landed in the Bay Area in 2012 where she
manages an art studio for adults with intellectual developmental
disabilities. Nicole enjoys writing
fiction, playing with her pet rats, and being vegan.