Name: Fanny Fuentes-Phalon
Where do you live? Montclair
When did you move there? 1994
Where did you grow up? Union City, Hudson County
How do you make a living? OR What is your everyday passion?
My wife and I are fortunate enough to own the one and only, Mundo Vegan. You can find me in the kitchen cooking up some yummy Latin-inspired non-GMO vegan eats like picadillo or our handmade tortillas.
Coffee, tea or … ? Hands down — coffee, dark roast with soy creamer or pea milk/creamer. Or espresso — sweet. However, since a recent visit to Seattle, I have been on an Earl Grey tea kick!
What’s your idea of a perfect weekend day?
Sleeping in, for sure! Then a few of my favorite activities would be fab. Maybe a yoga class or a ride to our favorite antique/upcycled shop Scranberry Coop in Andover, NJ or The Red Barn in New Paltz, NY. I’d include stopping by Lagusta’s Luscious for some artisanal handmade, blow-your-mind vegan chocolate, or finally volunteering at a farmed animal sanctuary.
What’s your favorite local restaurant?
Well…. besides Mundo Vegan (especially at one of our SO Tasty Vegan monthly pop-up dinners), I love Blaze Pizza at Willowbrook Mall. They have some great vegan options, gluten-free too! Java Love has an amazing almond latte that I love, and they sell delicious gluten-free vegan muffins from Om Sweet Om.
What’s on your nightstand? H2O, essential oils, Cherry Bombe magazine, and a cat.
What are you listening to? The Chill station on Apple Music, and podcasts like Cherry Bombe, Democracy Now! and Our Hen House, for my vegan feminist lowdown. I’m also hooked on the Coco soundtrack right now.
What are your current indulgences? Reusable containers and bottles (and you would love my tote bag collection!). Also Sweet Maresa’s macarons. They are vegan, gluten free and $2.50 each. I can eat two dozen easily.
What talent you would most like to have? I would love to be able to play an instrument and DJ, dropping some sick beats and passing out vegan treats!
What’s the best-kept secret about Montclair?
The Avis Campbell garden behind the United Way building. The flowers are amazing and I love the roses; they are breathtaking, and I’m always in awe of them! I am also a big fan of our wonderful library system.
What do you hope they say about you at your funeral?
“She was a bit of a know-it-all, but she was usually right. And because of her I went vegan!” #goveganitseasy