The Herbivorous Butcher, Minneapolis

Not feeling up to cooking tonight? No problem-head over to Aubry Walch’s vegan butcher shop. It might sound like a contradiction in terms, especially since Walch grew up in Guam, where meat and fish are daily staples. But she’s got a mission, and she’ll preach it with the conviction of a firebrand evangelist: eat less meat, slash greenhouse gases, and help dodge an environmental apocalypse.

Years of perfecting meat-free alternatives brought her brother Kale on board, followed by his wife and a friend. The result? A passionate crew that’s all about layering bold flavors and spices into their high-protein, B-vitamin-packed foods.

Aubry’s plant-based creations are designed to “satisfy your hunger so you can feel really good while feeling good about eating well.” And let’s be honest, it’s hard not to feel great when you’re digging into meatless mac-and-cheese or a plant-based filet mignon, all served on imported Swiss plates and paired with sleek Washington State wine glasses.