Welcome to The Friendly Feast!
I’m Kate Veltkamp, a plant-based chef, photographer, and lifelong food enthusiast based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Nearly sixteen years ago, I chose to embrace vegan cooking, and since then, I’ve dedicated myself to making food that’s both deeply flavorful and entirely free of meat and dairy.
My husband, Scott, and our kids, Emery and Finn, are my daily taste-testers and partners in this adventure. Together, we’ve built a kitchen and a life centered around curiosity, good food, and shared meals.
My Philosophy
I don’t believe perfection should ever be the goal. Most people won’t go fully vegan, and that’s okay. There’s room for everyone at the table. What matters to me is progress, mindfulness, and doing the least harm we can. Food is one of the most powerful ways we connect with each other and the world around us, and I want to show that plant-based cooking can be both joyful and deeply satisfying.
Through my recipes, I hope to help you rely less on animal products, celebrate seasonal ingredients, and discover that flavor and compassion can coexist beautifully. My aim isn’t to convert anyone. It’s to make sure you never feel like you’re missing anything when you eat plant-based.
Beyond the Blog
In my community, I am available for hire as a personal chef. I also host ticketed gatherings and teach cooking classes that bring people together through food. Connection is everything, and I’ve found that sharing good meals with open-minded, kind people is what truly makes all the difference.
So pull up a chair and stay awhile. I’m glad you’re here.