Tropicaleo has partnered with Zero Egg to bring delicious egg-free meals to Birmingham during a Veganuary pop-up dinner event on January 13. They’re the first restaurant in Alabama to do it. No, I’m not yolking with you! Read on for all the deets.

So, what is Zero Egg?

Zero Egg launched in the US in 2020 as the first egg replacement that tastes, looks and functions like an ordinary egg, but is entirely made from plants.

Based on a unique blend of plant proteins from soy, potato, pea and chickpea, Zero Egg has no cholesterol and is low in both fat and calories. While real eggs have an average of 68 calories each, Zero Egg only has 15 calories per egg substitute.

Gabriel and Isabel Marrero opened Tropicaleo in Birmingham’s Avondale area in 2016. Their goal—to offer Puerto Rican and Latin American-inspired dishes while catering to the growing number of diners seeking healthy, sustainable and ethnic dining options.

One way they do this is by participating in Veganuary—a 30-day challenge that asks participants to eat only plant-based foods during the month of January. Vegan + January = Veganuary… you get it? The movement started in 2014 with participation growing every year.

As a mostly vegan restaurant, Tropicaleo regularly tries to find substitutes for meats, eggs and cheeses. While it’s something Marrero said they have successfully been able to accomplish for meats and cheeses, finding replacements for eggs has always been a challenge. So, when Zero Egg approached Tropicaleo about using their product, it was an EGGcellent match.

“When Zero Egg approached me with the product, I was very excited to try it. We spent a month and a half trying different dishes with it and learning how to use it. Then had the idea for a small pop-up to show how diverse this product can be and to showcase a couple dishes from different countries.”
Gabe Marrero, Owner, Tropicaleo

Don’t give a cluck at the pop-up Jan. 13

The pop-up event takes place at Tropicaleo on Wednesday, January 13 from 5-9PM and will feature curated dishes made with the egg substitute.

Some of the items highlighted during the event include:

A Callabo: a Spanish-inspired rice bowl with Zero Egg scramble, Beyond Sausage and sweet plantains
Breakfast Sandwich: a take on the classic egg sandwich, using Melinda’s biscuits with Zero Egg, Brandon’s cheese, Beyond sausage and vegan butter

Not only will you be able to try cool new eats from Tropicaleo, but you’ll also be helping a good cause. For every order made during the event, Zero Egg will donate $5 to the Cahaba River Society.

“We’ve had a lot of fun with it, people have had a lot of fun with it. Zero Egg is featured in almost every dish. It’s going to be a fun experience.”
Gabe Marrero, Owner, Tropicaleo

Fun experience? More like fun EGGperience!

Visit Tropicaleo at 4426 4th Ave South, Birmingham, Alabama 35222.