Indulge in The Rogue Panda, a new plant-based Chinese restaurant concept, that opened its first location in Time Out Market Miami. This restaurant combines regional Chinese favorites with a plant-based menu. It is on a mission to save the planet one insanely delicious meal at a time.

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The restaurant's team, entrepreneurs Michael Laverty and George Ruan, understand that protecting the planet from climate change requires reducing the world's reliance on animal agriculture and replacing it with sustainable foods on a large scale. But, as foodies, the idea of giving up eating the world's diverse, mouth-watering dishes, so many of which rely on animal meat, seems incomprehensible.

They wondered if it was possible for the food they loved to be both delicious and good for the environment. The Rogue Panda responds emphatically, "Yes!" The restaurant demonstrates that sustainable, plant-based eating can be even tastier than eating food with animal meat by serving a menu that does not sacrifice flavor or "craveability." Convincing millions of people, let alone themselves, to give up their favorite dishes is impractical, so Michael and George are launching this concept to make it simple for all eaters to participate in the necessary and inevitable transition to eating more plant-based meals.

Laverty is a serial entrepreneur who grew up in the restaurant industry, first as a toddler eating cherries at his father's restaurant, then for over a decade working in front of house, back of house, and restaurant management. Ruan is a tech entrepreneur and investor who grew up eating his mother's cooking based on Sichuan dishes and spices. Laverty and Ruan are combining their creativity and curiosity to solve the problem of sustainable and delicious eating.

"We're at this really exciting moment where there's been incredible innovation in the alternative proteins space, and this gives us the ingredients we need to push the world to sustainable eating," said Laverty. "We're so excited to offer a menu that we think stands head-to-head on deliciousness with any options out there, and with the added bonus that it's better for the planet and for your health."

The Rogue Panda's menu is inspired by regional Chinese favorites and classic Chinese American dishes, embracing Miami's fusion culture. Tien Ho and Josh Cameron, both Momofuku and Eleven Madison Park alumni designed the menu to create dishes that everyone will enjoy. With the opening of The Rogue Panda's first location in Miami, Executive Chef Nelson Maldonado, a Miami native and seasoned chef with experience in fine dining, corporate dining, and scaled, multi-unit operations, is bringing this menu to life.

Menu highlights include Slippery Dumplings with Napa cabbage, ImpossibleTM Pork, and pickled daikon, topped with spicy Sichuan sauce; Dan Dan Noodles, a Sichuan street noodle with ImpossibleTM Pork ragu, bok choy, and onion crisps; Kung Pao Brussels with crispy brussels sprouts, peanuts, scallions, and Kung Pao sauce; and Rogue "Egg."

The Rogue Panda is located in the heart of South Beach at Time Out Market Miami, 1601 Drexel Ave. Time Out Market is the world's first editorially curated food and cultural market, bringing together under one roof the best of the city's top chefs, restaurateurs and unique cultural experiences. Time Out Market captures and celebrates the best of the city, from cooking classes with top chefs to installations by local artists and live entertainment.

For more information visit the website, and for the latest company news follow The Rogue Panda on Instagram (@the.rogue.panda).