Local vegetarians and vegans saw some culinary love with the summer 2011 arrival of Radical Eats. The Mexican food venture uses locally-grown produce and cooking creativity, instead of animal products, hydrogenated fats and preservatives.

Owner and Chef Staci Davis, who held cooking posts at Austin’s Kerby Lane Café and Basil’s, started her vegetarian move in the late eighties, catering to vegetarian rock stars (Psychedelic Furs, 10,000 Maniacs, among others) that stopped through town for concerts. But it wasn’t until her 1997 battle with cancer that Davis became more interested in the correlation between health and nutrition—an interest that eventually led to her vegan lifestyle.

Today, she shares her passion at her Northside Village-set Mexican restaurant, known for its top-notch tamales, tacos and enchiladas. Don't be deterred by the ramshackle exterior, it’s what’s on the inside of Radial Eats that counts. Go for lunch and dinner or Sunday brunch, where Chef Davis is turning out tasty scrambled tofu, cheese gritz, stuffed chayote squash and rice pudding, among other outstanding offerings.

Radical Eats is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday and brunch on Sunday.