Vegetarian Star

Marco Antonio Regil is a popular Latin TV personality who has hosted Spanish language versions of shows such as The Price is Right, Family Feud, Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader and Miss Mexico. He’s also a vegan and very vocal about animal welfare issues. This is the first of a two-part interview.

Latin food consists of so many diverse cultures. Are there certain regions where the dishes are more vegetarian and vegan-friendly than others?
The original Latin American foods were mostly vegetarian. The Incas, Aztecs, Mayas and other ancient cultures ate corn, pumpkin flower, huitlacoche and many other vegan dishes. It was when the Spaniard Conquistadores came that the culture started changing and more meat was included in their diets. So, actually going vegan or vegetarian is just going back to our roots.

Do you have any favorite traditional Latin dishes, meat-based or not, that you make or enjoy as vegan?
Sure! Sage Vegan Bistro in Culver City has a Mexican Chef from Oaxaca. He is the co-founder of the restaurant with his wife. They cook the most delicious Chilaquiles I’ve ever had, vegan or not vegan. Every time I take fellow Mexican friends there, they love it, although they are not vegan. It just blows their minds!

Is veganism something that you often don’t see in the Latin American community?
Veganism is very small in Latin America but it’s growing fast. There’s a huge movement for animal rights from Argentina and Colombia in South America to Mexico in North America. This year only thirteen states, including Mexico City, have banned the use of animals in circuses. Eighty percent of the country is opposed to the violent practice of bullfighting and, of course, this had a ripple effect. People are realizing that the cruelty to animals in factory farms is greater than in the entertainment world so they are starting to connect the dots. There are more and more vegan restaurants opening in the big cities. In Mexico City, there’s even a taco shop on the streets that is fully vegan – – the first vegan taco shop! Latinos in the USA definitely have more options and the growth is faster thanks to places like “Gracias Madre,” a great Mexican organic vegan food restaurant in West Hollywood. There’s also Sage, The Golden Mean and Cafe Gratitude, which is opening two new locations; one in Downtown L.A. and the other in San Diego (Little Italy). Both areas are packed with Latinos!

You’ve hosted the Spanish language version of The Price is Right. Bob Barker, who hosted the American version for years, is a longtime vegetarian. What an incredible coincidence! What was it like meeting and interacting with him?
Yes, we both hosted The Price is Right, we both hosted beauty pageants; we are both animal lovers and vegan. Also, we are both supporters of PeTA, Sea Shepherd, Mercy for Animals and the Human Society, among other organizations, and we both drive leather free electric cars! Bob Barker is the best! He’s a wonderful role model who I had the honor of meeting back in 1997. He was so kind. He introduced me on his show, wishing us luck in Mexico. I’ve bumped into him a few times at charities and events and he is always super nice, kind and patient with everyone.

Check back with Vegetarian Star soon to learn how Marco is using his popularity to promote the vegan lifestyle, his favorite animal welfare issues and more.

Update: Here is part 2 of Marco’s interview.

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