LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - While many people enjoyed the traditional pizza, wings and sandwiches this Super Bowl Sunday, others enjoyed a non-traditional version of their game day favorites.
Shambala Mobile Vegan Kitchen and Blue Canoe Brewing Co. hosted a vegan Super Bowl Party at the brewery's warehouse location on East 15th Street in Little Rock.
"It's cruelty-free and that's the best part," attendee Natashia Burch said.
Among vegan items on the menu: four offerings from Blue Canoe Brew Co.; Frito Chili Pie fries, buffalo "chicken" bites made from cauliflower and bratwurst from Shambala.
"We actually fool a lot of people," Shambala owner Phoebe Glass said. "We have a lot of carnivores and omnivores come up to the truck and we don't really tell them it's vegan. We hand them a sloppy joe or fishless taco or something and just let them enjoy it and they don't know the difference."
Daniel Lysk with CentralArkansasVegan.org said this party comes as plant-based diets are gaining popularity in Central Arkansas.
"People are seeking out healthy and humane lifestyles," Lysk said. "People are also realizing the connection that what they eat impacts the health of the planet as well."
Attendees said this Super Bowl party is proof that a vegan lifestyle does not always require giving up food and drink favorites.
"Most of us don't care about the Super Bowl," Burch said. "But it's a time to spend time with your friends, make new friends, enjoy vegan food, and that's what's so amazing about it."
CentralArkansasVegan.org acts as a resource for locals interested in trying out a plant-based diet or vegan lifestyle. The website offers a guide to help find vegan restaurants, and it also includes a list of vegan friendly options at traditional eateries.