NOURISH YOUR 2026 with GRAZING ELEVATED
Excerpt from The Star-Advertiser’s CRAVE January 21, 2026.
Story by Lillian Cumic.
As we step into the new year, Veganuary invites us to explore plant-based eating, focus on nourishment, and start 2026 with intention. It’s not about perfection or restriction- small changes today lead to a healthier tomorrow. January is the perfect time to experiment, try new flavors, and celebrate the power of plants.
One inspiring example of this in action is Ukrainian-born Analea Manakai, founder of Eat Plants Elevate. She is redefining the catering experience with “Graze Elevated”, a fully vegan grazing cart for private events on Oahu.
Her inspiration came from mobile charcuterie carts on social media and envisioning a fully plant-based version.“I’ve always loved bringing small bites to friends’ gatherings and celebrations,” Analea explains. “I enjoy being present at special events, interacting with guests, and creating thoughtful appetizers. I also noticed that traditional grazing boards rarely offer satisfying vegan options beyond vegetables, hummus, and fruit. That’s when I knew I wanted to transform the grazing experience into something entirely plant-based, elevated, and inclusive.”
The mobile cart features handcrafted vegan cheeses, including cashew mozzarella Caprese bites, Greek-style tofu “feta”, savory cashew cheese balls, and marinated soy curl “chicken” skewers. Seasonal fruits and veggies, artisanal jams, pickles, crackers, and North Shore raw honey complete the menu.
Guests are invited to assemble their own mini grazing boxes or charcuterie-style plates while Analea guides them through the selections, making the experience both interactive and personal. The mobile cart is equipped with a built-in cooling system to keep all items fresh throughout the event and is continuously replenished, offering two hours of unlimited grazing so guests can return as often as they like.
For a fun and nostalgic twist, Graze Elevated also offers a Vegan S’mores Cart, where marshmallows are roasted on the spot and paired with chocolate and graham crackers- a hit with both adults and children.
Beyond the cart, Graze Elevated also offers grazing boards for events featuring signature dips, artisanal jams, crudité platters, fruit boards, and gourmet vegan blinis with seaweed caviar and vegan “salmon,” served with vegan cream cheese, crackers, and crisp vegetables.
Reach out to Analea for pricing and to book an unforgettable, interactive experience.
Plant-Based Personal Chef | Holistic Health Coach
+1.646.207.3730 | eatplantselevate@gmail.com
I was featured on this morning’s Hawaii News Now Sunrise with Grace Lee, where I transformed simple tofu into delicious, cholesterol-free egg-style dishes in a segment called “Nourishing Paradise”. Find the replay at lilliancumic.com. Then join me in person this Saturday, January 24, at Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana Center, from 2:00 p.m. for a lively discussion and book signing. I’ll be sharing my Nourishing Paradise Top Tips for Eating Smarter and Living Better, answering your questions, and giving a small thank-you gift to everyone who attends.
Photo courtesy of Analea Manakai:
Garden on Wheels
