Tripp Engel, longtime chef with the Circa Restaurant Group, is launching a new food truck, Vital Seen. The all-vegan, gluten-free truck is set to offer healthy, homemade options packed full of flavor.

Engel said that years of working in fast-paced kitchens had taken a toll on him and he was ready to do something on his own.

“I was intrigued by the ideal of being mobile and small to start,” he said.

Engel said he has long been interested in the connection between food and health, and said he views food as medicine for the body.

“I want to promote that in the food I serve,” Engel said. “The more I learn, the more I want my food to evolve and reflect those learnings.”

Engel also said he’s a strong believer in the old adage, “You are what you eat.”

Vital Seen will offer beverages such as green juice, sea moss and spirulina smoothies, and chilled hibiscus tea. Food will include falafel, quinoa tabbouleh, okra chaat masala, and stews such as pumpkin curry, berbere lentil and garbanzo avocado served with injera, a porous bread made from teff, a high-calcium ancient grain from Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Having worked in the area for many years, Engel has developed close relationships with many area farmers and looks forward to working with them as much as possible to use fresh, locally grown ingredients.

Pending final inspections, Engel hopes to have Vital Seen on the road this spring.

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