Brick Alley Pub, NPT HealthWorks team up for plant-based event

Newport Daily News, January 10, 2019
By Rachael Thatcher Daily News Staff writer

Pub-style and vegan aren’t words often associated with one another. Dan Hatch, owner of NPT Healthworks, and Matt Plumb, manager of Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant, intend to change that — at least for one night.

NEWPORT — Pub-style and vegan aren’t words often associated with one another, but Dan Hatch, owner of NPT Healthworks, and Matt Plumb, manager of Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant, intend to change that — at least for one night.

The two friends are coming together for “Plant-Based Everything Night” at the Brick Alley Pub on Thursday, Jan. 17, from 6-9 p.m.

“Doing this event, we want to showcase what healthy eating can be,” Hatch said. “Matt already has a reputation for awesome food, so it’s a great way to show plant-based has a lot of flavor.”

There will be two halves in the event, each consisting of four vegan dishes served at stations. Choices include tomato basil bisque, sweet potato quesadillas, quinoa veggie sliders, assorted pizzas and more.

There will also be a dessert option, and throughout the evening there will be sample-sized, plant-based beers, wines, bourbon and vodka cocktails. Full size cocktails also will be available.

Overall health and wellness is something Hatch takes seriously. When he founded his business, he opened as Newport Physical Therapy. The named has been changed to NPT Healthworks to encompass all aspects of health, including nutrition.

Hatch has eaten a plant-based diet for the past two years and has found great success with clients who make the switch.

“The challenge for people is knowing what to eat in the plant-based world,” Hatch said. “Matt has put some options on the [Brick Alley Pub] menu that my clients enjoy being able to find.”

Plumb, an admitted omnivore, has been successful in incorporating plant-based dishes — such as the pan-fried chickpeas that will be featured at the event — on the everyday menu.

So why is the event called “plant-based” and not simply vegan? “It’s more approachable,” Hatch said. “We’re not here to be preachy. We just want to make them aware that healthy food tastes good.”

Because of the ties to health and wellness, Hatch and Plumb figured this event would be a great way to give back to someone in the community. With the sale of each ticket — which costs $54 — $10 will go to Newport resident Erin Coonan, a local yoga teacher and friend of NPT Healthworks who is battling Stage 4 breast cancer.

This is the first event of its kind, Plumb said, but it may not be the last. “We love doing special events,” he said. If all goes well, expect more “Plant-Based Everything” parties.

“Tickets are going fast,” Plumb said, but they’re not sold out yet. They can be purchased at eventbrite.com/e/plant-based-everything-party-tickets-54030154647.