Born and raised in Maine, AJ Smith always dreamt of making a healthier, delicious, plant based Veenie.
His mother will tell you that he was born inconsolable unless given a fresh stalk of broccoli on which to suckle. As a youth, he preferred eggplant to ice cream, changed costumes on Halloween to trick or treat repeat the houses handing out apples, and packed whole jackfruits in his lunch boxes for middle school. Mocked by children who loved animal products and refined sugars, AJ tried to bury his deep love of all things plant.
AJ attended college, served in the US Army, deployed to Afghanistan, graduated culinary school and traveled the world. His love of veggies continued to burn deep, yet he pushed it down- cooking in everything from fine hotels, to Michelin starred restaurants, to those small, local meat-centric bars. In 2018, AJ could no longer continue to deny his vegetable calling and finally made the moves to live his calling. Crafting and creating a variety of delectable, satisfying, vegan and veggie Veenies. (Which are also gluten and soy free!)
AJ lives in Washington DC, is absolutely adored by his wife, family and furry, four-legged daughter.
He thoroughly looks forward to sharing his beloved Veenies with you.