Celebrity chef Mark Anthony toured the Pacific Northwest this summer to present free, live vegan cooking shows.
"His presentation was high energy, professional, with lots of laughter. The time went by quickly," says Wayne Hurley, from Bonney Lake, Wash. "He packed a lot of information — about disease prevention, the food industry, food packaging deceptions and how plant-based meals benefit health — into 90 minutes of his 'one-man show.'"
Anthony prepared vegan culinary treats while sharing transforming health secrets at Lacey, Yelm, Bonney Lake, Tacoma Central, Tacoma South Side, Auburn City, Kent, Forest Park (Everett, Wash.), Breath of Life (Seattle, Wash.), Sequim, Forks, Port Angeles and Port Townsend churches and other locations in July and August.
Anthony, who personally adopted a plant-strong lifestyle to lose significant weight and lower his cholesterol, encouraged participants to take small, positive steps while making food and nutrition changes. "The ultimate reason to foster optimal health is to better serve our Maker plus other people," he says.
Churches enjoyed interacting with community guests who were attracted by local advertisements for a free meal by a celebrity chef. Guests went back for refills of the freshly made healthy food while teenagers in the audience raved about gluten "steaks."
"His recipes are healthy and tasty," says Mirna Selby, Lacey Church member, "but his love and fire for the Lord [are] the best part."
Celebrity chef Mark Anthony tours the country giving live vegan cooking shows. He was recently in western Washington. (Heidi Baumgartner)
