Andrew Ridout

Food Reporter

Andrew Ridout, has a degree in software engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington and is currently living in Dallas. He has written articles for The Daily Texan newspaper and numerous other personal essays both for school and work.

He is a strong advocate of a wholly plant-based diet. He's the founder of Frankly Good, a vegan baking company. Contact him at fridout106@gmail.com.

By Andrew Ridout

Jun 16 2020, ANDREW RIDOUT

Veg cafe expands its Mid-Cities digs

The Healthy Hippie Cafe, a plant-based venue in Watauga, expanded its space during quarantine, adding a bar and live music. Owners Kelli and Darrell Myatt doubled the venue's size to 3,000 square feet and introduced new menu items, outdoor seating, and special events.

Apr 08 2020, ANDREW RIDOUT

Local veg cafes offering plant-based takeout

Local vegan and vegetarian eateries have adapted to the pandemic by offering takeout and delivery options. Favorites like V-Eats, Nature’s Plate, Spiral Diner, Kalachandji’s, Reverie Bakeshop, The Healthy Hippie, Boulevard of Greens, and Righteous Foods are providing creative solutions to continue serving plant-based meals while encouraging community support.

Nov 21 2019, ANDREW RIDOUT

Pick up some plant-based holiday fare for T-Day

With the holiday season right around the corner, it can be a busy and hectic time – so eating out or picking up ready-made meals is worth exploring. This Thanksgiving - why not try some delicious local plant-based options that will make even carnivore Uncle Bob’s mouth water?

Oct 21 2019, ANDREW RIDOUT

Veggie Fair moves to Dallas Farmers Market

The Texas Veggie Fair, now at Dallas Farmers Market on Nov. 2, features plant-based foods, vegan vendors, and live music. Expect over 15,000 visitors and highlights like speakers, cruelty-free products, and food from vendors like El Palote and Beyond Meat. Parking and transit options are available.

Oct 02 2019, ANDREW RIDOUT

New vegan restaurant pops up in Plano

Viridescent Kitchen, a new vegan café in Plano, offers a plant-based, largely gluten-free menu. Founded by Laura Thornthwaite, Gabrielle Reyes, and Brooke Ali, it features dishes like Monster Nachos and Beyond Beef Figgy Burger. The restaurant prioritizes taste, environmental friendliness, and caters to dietary needs.

Mar 08 2019, ANDREW RIDOUT

Veggie burger quest spans North Texas

A mother-son team sampled plant-based veggie burgers in Dallas-Fort Worth, highlighting the vegan and vegetarian options available. Many seek vegan diets for animal welfare, health, and environmental reasons. Companies like Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat have created realistic meat alternatives, with Righteous Foods topping their list for the best vegan burger.

Feb 05 2019, ANDREW RIDOUT

Vegan Mexican cafe opens on UTA campus

Down to Earth Vegan Kitchen, a new plant-based Mexican cafe by Alma Rangel, opened on the University of Texas at Arlington campus. Known for her vegetarian food truck, Rangel now offers vegan favorites like Spicy Sweet Potato Tacos and Grilled Nopalitos Cactus Tacos. Feedback encourages menu expansion.

Feb 13 2017, ANDREW RIDOUT

V-Eats in Dallas offers plant-based versions of Texas classics

No self-respecting Texan would believe that a Southern barbecue sandwich, tortilla-encrusted fried chicken or chili-Frito pie could be made without meat; but boy howdy, they sure can be - and right here in Dallas. V-Eats incorporates an entirely vegan and eco-friendly lifestyle into its Oak Cliff-chic persona, from the paint on the walls to the meticulously hand-picked wine list, while creating a fine-dining experience like no other plant-based restaurant in Dallas.

Nov 28 2016, ANDREW RIDOUT

Tips for vegging up for the holidays

Switching to a plant-based diet offers health benefits and helps preserve the environment. Embrace vegan holidays by trying meat and dairy alternatives, finding vegan recipes, exploring local vegan venues, and slowly altering your diet. Seek support from a friend and avoid junk food to enhance your vegan journey.