First Look: The St. Louis Center for Plant-Based Living in Kirkwood

Caryn Dugan has been running STL Veg Girl for more than a decade, and as of Tuesday, Aug. 13, she’s officially settled into a brick-and-mortar. The St. Louis Center for Plant-Based Living at 131 W. Jefferson Ave., in Kirkwood, is not only the first organization of its kind in St. Louis – Dugan said it’s the first in the entire country. 

The Center for Plant-Based Living aims to support clients who are interested in learning about whole-food, plant-based lifestyles, as well those already leading them. The core of The Center for Plant-Based Living is centered around Dugan’s demos and hands-on culinary classes, which will happen in-house. 

Read More // What I Do: Caryn Dugan of STL Veg Girl

The space has a fully operational kitchen, complete with an island featuring an overhead camera that displays the countertop action on a large-screen TV. Dugan also aims to offer a series of chef events, featuring local chefs like Rex Hale, formerly of Bakers & Hale, and Natasha Kwan of Frida’s and the imminent Diego’s. 

Another thing that makes The Center for Plant-Based Living unique is Dugan’s immersion in the plant-based health community. Not only is the center recognized as an official Forks Over Knives education program, but Dugan also offers certified diabetes initiative classes and support programs, as well as Continuing Medical Education classes.

Dugan likened the center to a yoga studio: It will be open during classes and events, but otherwise closed, and people can sign up for classes via the website. Take a first look at the St. Louis' first plant-based education center:  

Adam Rothbarth is a staff writer at Sauce Magazine.