Plantita’s Kitchen — a vegan Mexican concept by first-time restaurant owner Aileen Orozco Castaneda — is coming to 1950 W. Willow Street in Long Beach. The plant-based eatery will debut this September, says Castaneda, pending all undertakings unfold as planned.
From the age of 15 to 21, Aileen Castaneda suffered from bulimia, an eating disorder that would ravage her health and self-esteem for six long years. Then, in 2017, Castaneda began her journey to recovery, opting to go vegan as a way of “apologizing” to her body.
After a no-meat challenge against her brother prompted Castaneda to request that her mom whip up vegan birria, she became insatiably curious about what other Mexican dishes could be transformed into meatless delicacies.
Maintaining her grandmother’s authentic recipes, Castaneda was able to recreate handfuls of delicious dishes that not only nourished the body but offered an alternative option for anyone searching for maximum flavor.
Castaneda then took to selling the vegan meals at her sister’s law firm and various Long Beach venues — to much acclaim — before landing her dream location for her first brick-and-mortar.
For now, Plantita’s will serve a delectable vegan menu including tacos, burritos, sopes, pozole, and the like, complimented by beer and wine. Eventually, however, Castaneda hopes to expand the concept to showcase an entire cocktail program.
Dim lights, music, and an inviting social atmosphere are Castaneda’s plans for Plantita’s.
“I want it to be a place where people can come to celebrate their birthday and have a great time. This is my dream building and owning a restaurant has always been my goal; this is a real blessing.”
