Vegan Cafe & Bakery in Sicily

Hi everyone! This is Tonia Brauer. Some of you may know me from my blog - Napa Valley Vegan. My husband Steve & I have spent the past 12 years promoting veganism and animal rights. It all began in Raleigh, North Carolina, our next move took us to Napa Valley, where I founded my blog in 2013. Our next big step took us to Berlin, Germany, where we were able to immerse ourselves in the vegan movement. And finally, you will find us on the island of Sicily, Italy.  

Throughout our travels across Europe, we fell in love with this ancient island. Located on the Mediterranean, the small Italian island has mountains and beaches, ancient ruins, thriving wine regions, and friendly people. We were delighted to find that many of its traditional meals were already accidentally vegan too. It didn't take us long to realize that Sicily offers the perfect opportunity to spread the vegan message. Our plans are to open the first vegan cafe and Bed & Breakfast in the Medieval city of Mussomeli.

Six months before Steve and I moved to Berlin, he was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor and Parkinson's Disease. Any sane couple probably would have canceled the move. But for those of you who know us, that really wasn't an option. We had dreamed of becoming ex-pats and talked about it often in the 19 years we have been together. And opening a small cafe and B&B was something we hoped would be in our future too. So instead of being deterred by this diagnosis, it was clear that if we wanted to live our dream, we had to do it right now. 

I won't lie and tell you that it has been all sunshine and rainbows, it has had its challenges. But it is a move that neither of us will ever regret. The old cliche that there is no time like the present has become very clear to us. We have been forced to live in the moment, and that has been an extraordinary lesson. 

We both thank you for taking the next leg of this journey with us. Your donation will go toward the cafe's renovation costs and finally make this dream a reality. And remember that no amount that you give is too small! 

Your funding will help the animals, our planet, and let us share the joys of veganism with Sicily. And please be sure to share this with everyone you know! From email to social media, please get the word out! 

We invite you to visit us in Mussomeli and as always…eat drink and be vegan. Arrivederci!