Bad Vegan The Scandalous Story Behind Netflix’s True Crime

The electrifying new documentary by called bad vegan and brings the story of , a chef located in New York. We follow Melngailis and her reputation from being a great cook and restaurant owner to a criminal accused of fraud, theft and other major crimes.

And that’s the theme of LIVE IS DEAD! of the week. Before the video (at the end of the article), how about a background?

THE QUEEN OF VEGAN CUISINE

Known as the Queen of Vegan Cuisine, Sarma gained fame by launching her restaurant Pure Food and Wine, focusing on natural foods and vegan cuisine. Some famous artists like, and were patrons of the restaurant, which was described as “a fine, vegan experience.” However, Melngailis’ success was short-lived. The chef was arrested alongside her husband, accused of stealing more than $2 million from the restaurant itself to pay off debts caused by Anthony’s gambling addiction and to support a lavish lifestyle.

BAD WEDDING

From the beginning of Sarma’s relationship with Anthony, problems arose. The young man, who has already been accused of theft and misrepresentation, would have control over all aspects of the chef’s life, using techniques known as gaslighting and depriving her of hours of sleep. As their marriage progressed, Strangis became more controlling, taking care of her finances.

FAKE VEGAN?

In addition to the theft allegations, Sarma Melngailis was also accused of not being vegan after all. Some police officers, while investigating a hotel where the couple stayed for more than a month, claimed that they ate pizza with cheese and chicken wings. Sarma denied this, saying she only ate vegan bowls at the nearby Chipotle.

THE CRIMES

Melngailis embezzled approximately one million dollars from the restaurant’s security fund, failing to pay employees, investors and fees. The general public remains in doubt whether Sarma Melngailis was really a victim of an abusive relationship, manipulated into extorting from the restaurant. Others suspect the chef is looking for a reason to get rid of the theft charges and generate empathy.

THE PRISON

After the couple was caught red-handed as they tried to flee the country, they were charged with money laundering, tax fraud, corruption schemes and violation of labor laws. The chef spent 4 months in jail and 6 months doing community work, while her husband spent 1 year in prison and had to pay $48,000 in damages.

It’s the worst nightmare anyone could imagine. If I had cancer, it would be better than what I’m going through because at least I didn’t cause it.

After his arrest, Melngailis declared that if he could, he would return to the cooking business…

If I had some magical opportunity to open the same restaurant, in the same place, I would do it in a heartbeat. I think New York would hug me back.

Currently, the chef has a blog called Sarma Raw, where she tells her story and shares vegan recipes, while Anthony Strangis continues to work to pay off his debt.