b'F O R E W O R DB Y D O R E E N V I R T U EUnder the Bodhi Tree is one of my favorite restaurants. So Im thrilled that Chef Stephen and his staff have compiled his recipes into this cookbook, to give us access to the signature flavors that he has developed.When I first heeded the call to go vegan in 1996, the options for plant-based meals pretty much consisted of bland hummus, tofu, and salads. What a different world we live in now, where there are vegan restaurants and recipe books such as this one! With the help of Chef Stephens recipes, we can all experience delicious vegan cuisine that is healthful and flavorful.Whether youre a total vegan like me, or you want a flavorful way to eat more vegetables, plant-based eating is good for our health. Countless studies show that veganism is correlated with improvements in our health and longevity. Vegan eating also is good for our planet by reducing the amount of water it takes to produce food, especially if you choose locally-grown and organic fruits and vegetables.Plant-based meals are peaceful, compassionate, and respectful of the rights of our animal friends. No wonder we feel light and uplifted after eating a vegan meal! And with the help of the exciting recipes in this book, youll enjoy a wide variety of flavors and textures and feel good about choosing to eat plant-based meals. 5'