About Me
I’m Shannon, Welcome to Vanguard of Hollywood.
My passions for good food and Classic Hollywood have followed me around the world.
From my first step in Europe, I knew I wanted to not only enjoy delicious food, but create my own recipes. Since going plant-based nearly a decade ago, recipe creation is at the center of my day. Developing vegetarian and vegan recipes keeps me excited about food, and my family happily fed.
My near-obsession with Classic Hollywood began in third grade after glimpsing a Marilyn Monroe Barbie ad in a Toys R Us magazine. I’ve since had the great privilege to meet and interview some of the silver screen’s luminaries. I’ve talked with Doris Day on the phone, corresponded with Brigitte Bardot, and grown a collection of Lana Turner owned jewelry.
After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in history, I expanded my culinary palette and film knowledge abroad while working for an NGO in Brussels, Belgium. The research, writing, and creative influences of my time in Europe greatly inform my work at Vanguard of Hollywood.
I publish and photograph a new plant-based recipe weekly. Sometimes my recipes are healthy, sometimes they’re not. But my creations are always easy to prepare, and always delicious.
I write and publish scholarly, yet approachable articles about Hollywood’s Golden Age monthly: it’s not just the classic films that fascinate me, it’s the inspiring stories behind the films, of the stars and people who made them.
With my husband, I produce a feel-good Classic Hollywood podcast, which ranks among the top 5% of podcasts globally.
At Vanguard of Hollywood, I share the recipes and Classic Hollywood stories that inspire me everyday. If you’re not particularly interested in one or the other of these things, stick around. You may find yourself making a plant-based recipe, or inspired by a Classic Hollywood story yet.
I’m so excited to follow along and learn delicious plant-based recipes, as well as get to know more about the Hollywood stars that set the stage for entertainment as we know it!!
Thank you so much! They are two of my greatest passions. (: Always fun to have people to share them with!
Enjoyed your website very much. Shannon. Great to know we have two wonderful things in common, classic movies and Prague!
And the food looks great, too. My wife Ruby will enjoy learning about your recipes.
Thanks Uncle Sid! So awesome to have a fellow old movie fan and Prague-lover to chat with! I hope Ruby enjoys the recipes too!
Shannon
I’m so excited to see what you have created here!!
I’m going to try the pasta recipe!!
You have a talent in writing also!!!
Awww thank you so so much!!!! What a wonderful compliment, you are too kind!! Yay!!! That is so excellent thank you, and please let me know how you like it! So happy you’re here!! ❤️
What a wonderful blog! Couldn’t stop reading! So many fun things!
Thank you so much Sarah! You just made my day! Thank you for reading, and hope you have a lovely day! ❤️
I’m excited to try your recipes, Shannon – listen to your podcast and read the backstory on all my old Hollywood favorites! My love for the oldies but goodies all started with my mother watching afternoon movies hosted by Pippa Scott. Those black and white classics hooked me! Nothing better!
Can’t wait to dig in to everything you have to offer. A question , do you also have podcasts hosted by sweet Mary ????
Thank so much Susie! Awww what sweet memories, and what a beautiful introduction to classic films. ♥️. Haha Mary Jeanne actually warms up the mic for me each week. She’ll have to do her own episode one of these days!