10 Questions: An Interview with Patti Gandolfo of VegOut TV
This post is part of an interview series in which I’ll be asking fellow bloggers and vegan business owners ten questions, with the goal being to share both a little about each of them and also their top advice when it comes to things like veganism, blogging, and overall happiness.
Back in the day when we had cable – okay, so it was more like last year – I used to watch quite a bit of the Travel Channel and cooking shows. Top Chef, Anthony Bordain, Cupcake Wars…there was a lot of Food Network and BravoTV happening. The shows were very rarely vegan or even vegetarian-friendly, and when they were, I was excited and always a little nervous too, because I so wanted the veggie recipe to turn out well. Almost like, “See, you don’t need animal products! Look how amazing vegetables and fruits are! They can be fancy too!” Oh, how I rooted for those dishes.
I mostly stick to Netflix these days, but I still love the occasional travel and foodie show. It’s even better when the two are combined and I can imagine myself going on a vacation to another city or small town, taking in the sights and of course, the food. And now, that food is going to be all vegan! Thanks to creators Patti Gandolfo and Adam Peditto, vegetable/animal lovers will soon have our very own vegan travel show: VegOut.
I was fortunate to be able to chat with Patti about the new show she’s hosting and working to fund, which I think is much-needed and long-overdue. Patti’s story is also really compelling. She’s had about every major change that can happen in the last year, from selling her house and moving, to changing relationships and getting a new job, all with a three-year-old. Essentially, Patti decided to go after what brings her joy, and that is food, traveling, and talking.
1. VegOut is a relatively new endeavor for you. What inspired you to create it?
I had a lot of life changes over the last year. As a Mom to a very curious, spirited three year old, I feel a huge responsibility to be an example for her. There is a Carl Jung quote, that I’ve thought about often:
“Nothing has a stronger influence psychologically on their environment and especially on their children than the unlived life of the parent.”
It is easy to tell our children and friends to dream big, take a leap, try something new, but scary to take our own advice.
2. Could you tell us a little about what is in store for the first season of VegOut?
The first season, the audience will come with me as I discover vegan restaurants as well as vegan options in places that aren’t exclusively vegan. I will also explore unique attractions and local legends. We will visit six cities, Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Austin.
3. If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering a similar, big life change, what would it be?
Oh, it is interesting and new being the one giving advice. I guess really strip it down to what do you really like doing. What are you doing when you lose track of time? As basic as that is, that is what I did. I thought if nothing mattered, money, education, skill, experience, height, etc, what would I do? Well, I love to eat, travel, and talk. Anyone who knows me knows, I definitely have the gift of gab. I attribute that to my Dad’s Irish sense of humor. My Mom is Sicilian, most of my fondest memories include food, my Pop Pop could make a feast with next to nothing in the pantry.
4. What is your top advice for eating well as a vegan when traveling?
Check menus online so you know if there are any vegan or vegetarian dishes available, if there aren’t any obvious options see what ingredients are in other dishes. Being prepared is the best advice, no one wants to be annoying when you eat out. If you are prepared you can order clearly, I want this with no cheese, or avocado instead of mayo, etc.
5. Is there a location we might be surprised to hear has awesome vegan food?
Yes, lots of gastropubs now offer vegan bar food. You know the heavy stuff you only eat when you are out – vegan steak sandwiches, nachos, and wings.
6. What has been your most memorable meal to date?
Oh that is tough, I love eating. I’d have to say when Adam and I met for the first time at Vge, in Bryn Mawr, PA. I had a tofu Reuben, it is when I told him my idea for VegOut. He had been developing a vegan travel show and was looking for a host. Serendipitous, right?
7. What is your idea of happiness?
I’m still working on that. I know for sure connections are vital to my happiness. Stay tuned…
8. What makes you unhappy?
Being late, I am a very punctual person. If I am 10 minutes early, I have major anxiety, I like being at least 15 minutes ahead of schedule.
9. If money did not matter, how would you spend your days?
I already start most days snuggling with my daughter, that is pretty awesome. After that, I’d love to do something active, yoga, jog, or walk. Then lunch with family or a friend, a nap (more snuggle time with Sunny), in the evening again eat with someone special and enjoy where we are, walk in the city, see a movie, have a few drinks, or just relax.
10. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you most like to travel next?
People keep telling me I would love Thailand, it is definitely on my list. Apparently, it is very affordable and vegan friendly. My girlfriend and I have been scheming on how we could go this December, fingers crossed!
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Patti Gandolfo is the co-creator and host of VegOut, a vegan travel show that will venture to different cities highlighting what surprising vegan options cities have to offer. The main goal is to uncover how diverse vegan cuisine can be, and VegOut will be scouring the globe to bring you the best.
Want to follow Patti’s journey to discover vegan gems in unexpected places? You can find VegOut on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and at VegOutTV.com.
