Five Rules: Eddie Garza of Dallas Vegan

Our favorite vegan shares his top picks for local veg-heads

By LISA PETTY

Updated 12:06 PM CST, Wed, Oct 7, 2009

Print Email Share TWITTER FACEBOOK

Walk into any local veg-friendly hang with Eddie Garza, and you’re sure to make ten new friends. This outgoing author of the popular blog Dallas Vegan recently raised his public profile by teaming up with the non-profit group Mercy for Animals. Nobody knows Big D better from a meat-free point of view, and today Garza will guide us on a virtual tour through a few of his top veggie hotspots.

Five Rules for Dallas Veg-Heads

1. "Just say OM."
Garza’s crazy about Karmany Yoga, a donation-based Dallas studio. “It was founded on the principle that yoga should be available to everyone, regardless of financial means or skill level,” he explains. Karmany is also one of only two studios in Texas to offer Jivamukti Yoga, a fave of celebs like Sting and Christy Turlington.

2. "Freshen up."
Many soaps and lotions contain vegan no-no’s like milk and beeswax. Our expert steers clear of mass-market brands in favor of lines like Signature Scentsations and Lush. “Signature Scentsations' Patchouli Vanilla Soap is perfect for a quick rinse after yoga,” he says. “But occasionally I like to take a dip in the tub with Lush's Avobath Bath Bomb.“

3. "Dress the part."
Known for his sharp personal style (and rarely without a vest and tie), Garza has a few tricks up his sleeve when it comes to veg-friendly fashion. His favorite source? “ECOCHICC makes uber-hot accessories out of recycled and sustainable materials. My soda pop top belt is my favorite accessory!” He’s also not afraid to kick it old school. Garza boasts, “I have a pair of Vans for every occasion.”

Garza hearts Signature Scentsations bath products.

We hear this ECOCHICC clutch also goes great with, um, clothes.

Spiral Diner's delicious dishes aren't just for vegans.

4. "Grab a bite."
For lunch on-the-go, Garza loves the Chopped BBQ “San’ich” from Spiral Diner. With outposts in Fort Worth and Oak Cliff, Spiral’s also a great place to meet other vegans, vegetarians and folks who just love a great meat-free meal. (P.S. We like the Spiral Diner, too. Check out our feature on them here.)

5. "Make friends."
Did you know that Dallas has its own chapter of VeganDrinks.org? The group meets only in select cities, and we’re lucky enough to be one of ‘em. Head to the Idle Rich Pub the second Thursday of every month (hint: that's tomorrow nite!) for happy hour and networking with Garza and lots of other cool local veg-heads.