Daily Inspiration: Meet Tarah Elhardan and Satya Pillay

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tarah Elhardan and Satya Pillay.

Hi Tarah and Satya, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My husband, Satya, and I always thought that it would be fun to have a space to share our love for plant-based food. When the spot we are in became available we immediately knew it was the right time to take that next step and open a restaurant. We combined our love for delicious, simple, whole-food, and plant-based eats with my husband’s heritage as Indian and created Zest Plant-Based Kitchen. Our menu is entirely vegan and gluten-free, with a few items having Indian influence. We believe that our plant-based menu has something for everyone, whether they eat plant-based or not. Satya and I think that eating a plant-focused diet has a positive effect on one’s physical health, energy levels, and mind. We hope that Zest Plant-Based Kitchen can be a space where one get some healthy plant-based eats on the go, with some inspiration to be creative in their own kitchen. We are also glad to provide a space to enjoy a meal out for those with unique dietary needs and/or restrictions. Our menu is loaded with superfood smoothies, gourmet toasts, açai bowls with house-made peanut butter granola, delicious salads, wraps, and more. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Since we are both new to the restaurant industry, it has definitely been a journey with a lot to learning! There have been so many welcoming and supportive individuals in the community that have helped us along the way, and for that, we are thankful. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My husband is a practicing physician, and I was a mental health therapist prior to opening the restaurant. Those aspects of our lives and passion for healthy and balanced living have definitely influenced the restaurant. Currently. We are the only vegan and gluten-free restaurant in the area. Also, offering Indian food makes Zest Plant-Based Kitchen unique as well. 

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Determination and the ability to change. The only constant in life is change, and in order to move forward, you have to adapt to the constantly changing circumstances that are provided. We have had to pivot and change with how we thought the business may unfold, and that has been a strength. 

Contact Info:

• Website: zesttc.com
• Instagram: zestplantbasedkitchen

Image Credits
Lauren Russell