Picture perfect grill marks are pressed onto two hot patties before being hugged by a thick blanket of cheddar cheese and topped with a generous amount of creamy sauce.

It’s the Big MACinnes - a new take on a classic burger- and it's making its big debut at the annual London Ribfest.

The catch? It’s completely meat-free, dairy-free and animal byproduct-free.

Inspired the infamous McDonald's Big Mac, the Big MACinnes' patties are made from chickpeas, onions and breadcrumbs and held together with flax flour.. The sauce is also vegan, along with vegan cheddar cheese, lettuce, cucumber and organic onions for toppings.

It's the brainchild of James McInnes, a local entrepreneur and the founder of Globally Local, which sells organic and locally sourced produce, and vegan products such as meat, dairy, and egg replacements.

“There is nothing sacred anymore," said McInnes. Anything you can make with animal products, we can make with plants that is better tasting, better for your health and better for the environment."

While selling a meat-free burger in the heart of London's meatiest festival may strike some as odd, MacInnes said he's sold more than 500 burgers in two days and he expects to double that by the end of the long weekend.

McInnes transitioned to veganism about three years ago and said it has had a huge impact on his life.

“I’ve never felt better. I’ve never had more energy. I lost a bunch of weight. I got off high blood pressure medication. It’s been a huge change of my life for the better.”

Though this is Globally Local's first year at Ribfest, it isn't the first year a meat-free vendor has been at the festival.

For the past three years the Animal Liberation Alliance, an organization that promotes the abolition of animal use and exploitation, has had a booth to educate Londoners about the benefits of veganism and hand out free food samples.

“Veganism is the basic level of decency that we should be extending to all…We do not consume or use animals in any way,” said Jason King, co-founder of the the association. “We need to stop treating animals as if they’re property, as if they have no worth.”

For Londoners not familiar with vegan diets, the trend is quickly catching on.

“Before people didn’t know what it was, and now it’s becoming much more (popular),” said McInnes. “It’s a new concept that’s mainstream.”

hghonaim@postmedia.com

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