You’re so well known on the Lower East Side. How did this collaboration come to be?
Vashtie— I’ve known Roman for probably 20 years. We’ve come up together in many different ways, as well as a lot of our other friends who have businesses on this block. It’s really fascinating to think about because we used to be these dirtbag kids who didn’t have much money. We were trying to figure out our lives, our businesses, and now we’re establishing ourselves – which is really cool.
Why Regina's?
Vashtie— Roman is my friend. It’s an extension of him and his brand, his family, his culture, all of the things that are important to him – which I also support and think is really important. The landscape of New York is constantly evolving, and I think with all of these big businesses moving into these communities, it’s important to really support local businesses. These are businesses that really add culture to the city that we love. Corporations aren’t adding culture to the city, so to me it’s a representation of New York; the community, the culture, of why I moved here a hundred years ago. I hope that it continues to thrive, which I know it will.
What ingredients of The Vash stand out most to you and why did you choose them?
Vashtie— Firstly, it’s vegan mozzarella, which is important because I’m vegan. It’s essentially the first vegan sandwich at Regina’s. I’ve been vegan for a very long time, so it was important for me to find the right ingredients that would be delicious, but also fit in with the DNA of Regina’s. Another ingredient that’s imperative is the olive tapenade. I’m obsessed with olives. Any kind of olive out there is my thing. There’s also a chickpea mayo. I feel like for me, chickpeas are a main ingredient in a lot of dishes I eat, so it came together quite naturally.