Get to know Jackie Akerberg:
At The Getaway Co., we love connecting with amazing people who inspire us to live life to the fullest, explore new places, and savor every experience. One of those incredible people is Jackie, the founder of Jackfruitful Kitchen—a vegan haven known for its delicious, plant-based dishes. We recently had the pleasure of chatting with Jackie about her most unforgettable travel memories, her favorite spots for plant-based eats, and of course, her upcoming adventure to Morocco with us! Keep reading to learn more about Jackie’s journey, her passion for food, and what she’s most excited about on her next getaway.
What is your favourite travel memory?
Biking around Paris, wine tasting, and having a plant-based picnic beneath the Eiffel Tower might just take the crown as my favorite travel memory of all time. I mean, come on, if you’re going to romanticize life, might as well do it in Paris with a baguette in one hand and a glass of natural wine in the other. There’s something about cruising through a new city on foot or on a bike that makes everything feel extra magical. (And I cannot wait to explore Morocco in this way!!) It’s the best way to see the city. Wind in your hair, bellies full of local cuisine, and feeling every cobblestone beneath your feet as it leads you to something beautiful.
Favorite place you’ve traveled and why?
Traveling around the island of Corsica has to be one of my all-time favourite travel memories, and honestly, it still feels a little unreal. It’s like someone mashed up the best parts of France and Italy, dropped it in the middle of the Mediterranean, added a few wild pigs, a whole lot of wine and pasta, and said, ‘Voilà. Here’s paradise.’
I started in Porto-Vecchio, where the beaches are so clear it’s like every photo you take has been edited. The water is warm, calm, and beautiful—perfect for sunbathing, diving, and boating. The evenings were all about long dinners outside—simple grilled veggies, creamy chestnut flour polenta, lots of vegan pizza and pasta, and endless pours of Corsican rosé.
The middle of the island is filled with winding mountain roads, charming sleepy villages, and misty green hills where waterfalls and hiking trails seem to appear out of nowhere. I would hike, get completely sweaty and exhausted, and then cool off in a waterfall before finding the coziest little local spot to refuel—always with bread, olives, veggies, and some rustic red wine.
The reason it’s my favourite memory is that it provided a full sensory experience—sea breeze, lots of animals, mountain air, fresh figs, warm bread, chilled wine, salty swims, and sunset hikes.
What was the first solo trip you ever took?
My first solo trip was to New York City shortly after high school. I was fresh out of the Midwest, wide-eyed, had never used public transportation, and was suddenly dropped into the wild energy of a vibrant city. I navigated the subway solo (with a few wrong turns), wandered into every museum and park I could find, ate very overpriced avocado toast, and felt so grown-up ordering coffee like a local. It was the moment I realized I love exploring new places, following my own curiosity, and figuring things out on the fly.
What’s your favorite meal to eat after coming home from a trip?
After a trip, there’s nothing quite like coming home to a comforting, home-cooked meal that’s simple and satisfying. I love preparing a warm, hearty plant-based bowl—maybe a roasted veggie medley with quinoa, hummus, and avocado. It’s filling, nutritious, and reminds me of the fresh, vibrant ingredients I love to seek out while traveling.
What are your top 3 vegan restaurants?
My top three favorite vegan restaurants? Easy:
Eleven Madison Park: This restaurant is a full-on experience—elevated, intentional, and somehow completely plant-based without ever feeling like it’s ‘missing’ anything. Every dish is a piece of art. It’s creative, detailed, and just incredible to see fine dining spotlight plants so beautifully.
Crossroads Kitchen: This is my favorite place to take non-vegans because it’s so blow-your-mind good that even the staunchest meat-eaters will be impressed. The pasta, the artichoke oysters, the cocktails… every time I go, I leave wondering how soon is too soon to come back. It’s comfort food, but elevated.
Avant Garden: This cozy, intimate spot has seasonal simplicity at its finest. The toasts alone are worth the reservation, and the overall vibes makes it feel like the chef really cares about every aspect—from the ingredients to the plating. It’s effortlessly good.
Do you have any pets? What are their names and what are their additional nicknames you call them?
Yes, I have BENSON, aka Benny, aka B, aka BB, aka Benny Blanco. He’s the cutest and goodest boy ever. A 1.5-year-old English Creme Goldie who is the actual love of my life. He makes regular appearances on Jackfruitful and probably accounts for at least 10% of my followers, hehe. He’s a big snuggler, always smiling, and loves everyone. His favorite vegetable is cabbage, and his favorite activity is playing ball and going on hikes.
What’s your favorite recipe of your own to make?
One of my favorite recipes is this Maple Sriracha Tofu Bowl—it’s easy, flavorful, and packed with protein. The maple sriracha sauce is to die for, offering the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, and it coats each piece of crispy tofu perfectly. I always get rave reviews when I make this!”
Next Stop: Morocco with Jackie!
We couldn’t be more excited to have Jackie joining us on an upcoming adventure to Morocco! Her love for exploring new places, immersing herself in local cultures, and discovering unique vegan flavours makes her the perfect travel companion. We’re eager to see Morocco through Jackie’s eyes—whether she’s exploring vibrant markets or soaking in the breathtaking landscapes. Her passion for travel and plant-based living is sure to inspire everyone she meets along the way. Come with us on an unforgettable journey with Jackie and The Getaway Co.!
A huge thank you to Jackie for taking the time to share her story and passion with us! If you’re craving more delicious recipes and travel inspiration, be sure to check out her incredible work at Jackfruitful Kitchen.
Ready for your own adventure? Join Jackie and The Getaway Co. in Morocco for an unforgettable experience! Discover the vibrant medinas of Marrakech, indulge in rooftop plant-based cuisine, and make memories with highlights like a culinary experience with Jackie, a desert sunset dinner, and a day trip to the coastal city of Essaouira. Book your trip today and get ready to explore, taste, and make magical memories in Morocco!
