Montgomery, AL – Plant Bae, Montgomery’s beloved plant-based restaurant, won top honors at this year’s Lions Club Chili Cookout, held on Saturday at Riverwalk Stadium. Competing against 15 teams offering traditional meat-based chilis featuring poultry, chicken, beef, and pork, Plant Bae’s vegan chili wowed the judges and underscored the versatility and depth of plant-based cuisine.
Dr. Quebe Merritt-Giles, owner of Plant Bae, shared her excitement following the victory. “This win means so much to us because it proves that plant-based food can stand toe-to-toe with traditional recipes and truly satisfy. We’re grateful for the opportunity to elevate vegan cuisine in our community and show people just how flavorful it can be,” she said.
Plant Bae’s winning chili blended woodear mushrooms, garlic, and cumin, creating a bold and hearty flavor that resonated with both judges and attendees. The annual Lions Club event welcomed chefs and teams from across the community, each bringing their own unique flair to this classic dish.
However, the celebration comes amid significant challenges for Plant Bae. The restaurant has faced equipment failures and increased costs due to its aging building, leading to setbacks that threaten its continued operation. Despite these hurdles, Plant Bae remains committed to serving Montgomery, and its non-profit arm, Granny’s Baeby, has continued to provide nutritious, plant-based meals to elderly residents and children in need, as well as to offer plant-based education to the broader community.
In response to these challenges, Plant Bae recently launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $30,000 to repair critical equipment and continue its mission. “We are incredibly thankful for the support we’ve received so far, and this win is a reminder of why we’re fighting to keep our doors open,” said Dr. Merritt-Giles. “It’s about more than just Plant Bae; it’s about showing that plant-based options are here to stay and making a lasting impact through Granny’s Baeby.”
For those who want to support Plant Bae in its mission to bring vegan cuisine and community service to Montgomery, donations to the GoFundMe campaign are welcomed and appreciated. Every contribution goes directly toward keeping Plant Bae operational, so it can continue providing nutritious meals and supporting Granny’s Baeby’s community outreach programs. To donate, please visit https://gofund.me/421a3ca0.
For more information on Plant Bae, the GoFundMe campaign, or Granny’s Baeby, please contact [email protected]
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