A Natural Fit in 2020
Against the Grain in 1980
Words by Marissa Merkt Photos by Eric Morales
Amidst the bustling streets of East Cesar Chavez and Chicon sits a neighborhood icon, Mr. Natural, where, instead of big screen TVs, plants fill every corner. Instead of butter-filled meat and cheese dishes, plates topple over with meals rich in vitamins prone to make your mama proud.
Since 1988, Mr. Natural has been showing Austin that meat isn’t a necessity in order to get the protein the body needs. Though Austin has a variety of dishes for vegetarians and vegans nowadays, this family-owned business has put their own spin on tasty vegetable options by integrating their Mexican roots—literally.
Co-owner Maria Luisa Mendoza first stumbled upon the vegetarian lifestyle in the 1970s. The appeal of health benefits intrigued Maria, and her eating habits began to evolve into a holistic approach.
Overbrimming with a new-found love for vegetarianism, Maria left her job as an elementary school teacher to instead teach people across Mexico wholesome practices for taking care of their health. Along with her husband, Jesus, Maria organized retreats centered around living better: physically, mentally, and spiritually. The retreats included classes in vegetarian cooking, yoga, meditation, Kung Fu, and alternative therapies.
Eventually the couple brought their health-centric mindfulness from Mexico to Austin. When Maria and Jesus opened Mr. Natural, she remembers how money was limited, “My only investment was my energy.” But wielding her flaming passion, Maria recruited others to join her approach in intentional eating.
Maria raised her children as vegetarians from birth. Since vegetarianism was a new idea at that time, Maria and her family were mistaken as hippies. Her children faced backlash when bringing tofu to school but that did not stop her. She was only doing what she knew was best for her family.
Today, Mr. Natural is a collaborative effort. There’s a synergy between different generations as Maria and Jesus’s children (who are now adults) step up to help with technology and everyday management of the place. The children have also helped with running their vitamin shop next door.
When it comes to their location, Maria says fondly, “The City of Austin is supportive of the Eastside being a corridor of commercial businesses offering a lot of employment on the streets.” And she doesn’t mind the change so much because it only boosts foot traffic, given Mr. Natural’s robust approach on eating fits seamlessly with Austin’s health-conscientious vibe.
Naturally, Mr. Natural offers healthy Mexican meals and pastries free of meat such as their tofu & sunflower seeds tamales and Holy Mole Vegan Enchiladas. Maria recommends ordering her favorite dish, “fish” tacos, which are made in house with wheat protein. Wash it down with a refreshing Agua Fresca. Then for dessert, mosey over to the bakery display case and try the impossible task of picking just one treat to take home.
Through the years, Mr. Natural has had their ups and downs figuring out how to stay ahead of growth and technologies, but they don’t let the setbacks keep them down for long. Maria remarks, “The road is not clean; you have to clean it. Obstacles are opportunities.”
Did You Know?
On the first Sunday of every month, Mr. Natural has an all-you-can-eat buffet, holding true to one of their very first practices.
What’s in a Name?
The name Mr. Natural combines both its English and Spanish cultural background. According to Maria, Mr. is English and Natural is Spanish.
Contact:
(512) 477-5228
1901 E. Cesar Chavez St.
2414A South Lamar Blvd.
mrnatural-austin.com
@MrNaturalAustin
