Shane & Simple

Who is Shane Martin? I’m just your average, ordinary guy who makes plant-based cooking casual, easy, and delicious. I don’t use fancy equipment and I don’t use fancy “chef speak” Why? Because I’m not a chef and I probably wouldn’t understand those words anyway. I’m a normal dude who loves to cook and eat good food that happens to be completely plant-based.

The recipes I share with you were never made for this blog, the blog was made for the recipes. I’m passionate about sharing things that have changed my life. Everything you see on Shane & Simple is what I make in my own kitchen for my wife and my five kids – I’m pretty passionate about them as well.

You’re NOT going to find any recipes showing you how to cook things like chocolate balsamic glazed beets with wild shiitake mushrooms in some kind of fancy rhubarb and strawberry glaze. What you will find are recipes that are straight-up easy and delicious. And, the fact everything is completely plant-based and healthy is like winning the lottery.

Many call themselves “recipe developers”, but I prefer to call myself a “recipe adaptor.” I don’t make vegan food – I make food vegan. I’m a guy who takes the complicated and makes it easy, healthy and accessible for you. ~Shane Martin

Healthy food shouldn’t suck or be complicated! I use ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen or can get at the grocery store. From there, it’s just a few simple steps and BOOM! There are tons of food blogs out there with much fancier recipes with fancier names, using fancier ingredients, cooking on fancier equipment and that’s cool. But, that ain’t me. Shane & Simple is a food blog for “the rest of us.”

The Food

The recipes on this blog are 100% plant-based. I try to use food and ingredients in their most natural and unrefined state as humanly possible. And, I NEVER, EVER cook with any oil. PERIOD!

If you read this far maybe you’re willing to waste a little more time. You can read my full story HERE and find out why this former lover of all things deep fried and drive-thru went plant crazy.

A Few Of My Favorite Things

Favorite Food: Thai, Indian

Favorite Restaurants in Charlotte: First things first, eating out should ALWAYS be the exception and NEVER, EVER the rule because you can never eat completely WFPB (whole foods, plant-based) while you’re out. But, on occasion it’s nice to know there are some viable, “plant friendly” options whenever friends or family are in town. These are some of our favorite places here in Charlotte, N.C.

Raw Vegan: Living Kitchen

Coffee & Pastries: Sunlfour Baking Company (not a vegan store, but provides great vegan options)

Fresh, Hand-Crafted, Local: Fern, Flavors From the Garden

Thai: Thai Orchid

Vegan Comfort Food: Bean Vegan Cuisine

Favorite Meal: Breakfast, without question!

Favorite Breakfast: My Damn Good Tofu Scramble with Spicy Vegan Breakfast Sausage. I also love my Wicked Blueberry Pancakes.

Favorite Party Food: Game Day Cheese Dip

Favorite Thing To Make: Avocado Chocolate Mousse