Q:  What was your inspiration for starting The Herbivore Next Door?

Heather: The first inspiration for the show came as my sister and I were driving to Baton Rouge one day at sunset.  We were passed by an 18 wheeler transporting a group of cows.  I felt so bad for them, and so helpless to do anything to make a difference in the way animals are treated. Moments later it occurred to me that Tim and I could shoot a vegetarian cooking show.

Q: Are you both vegetarians? If so, for how long have you been vegetarians and what’s the driving factor behind your decision?

Heather: I am a vegetarian; Tim will have fish on occasion.  He gave up meat about two years ago, around the same time I gave up fish for good.  I saw the film, Baraka, nearly 16 years ago, that was when I first gave up meat

Q: Heather, you are such a natural…have you done this type of show before?

Heather: Thank you, Ann.  No, I haven’t done this type of show before.  I was pretty nervous, but  I do have a background in both Theatre and Improvisation, which helped.  Tim and I communicate well since we’ve had so much practice after being together for almost ten years. Good direction is key!

Q: What can we expect to come in future episodes? How often do you plan on releasing a new episode?

Heather: Future episodes will include more New Orleans-centric recipes.  We’re so happy to live here and to celebrate the food culture in our own healthful way.  We would love to be able to do an episode a month, even more if we had sponsorship.  Alas, we both have to pay the bills.  For now, we simply enjoy the opportunity to share our skills with each other in a meaningful way.

Alright so with no further ado – here is the first episode of The Herbivore Next Door where Heather shows us how to make Artichoke filled tofutattas served with gluten free, dairy free drop biscuits and a mixed green salad.