Dining out can be a challenge for even the most seasoned vegetarians. For those new to the meat-free lifestyle, it can be particularly daunting. How often do we hear our veggie friends, especially the more recent converts bemoaning the fact that they are tired of always eating at the same familiar places? Or lamenting that they do not even bother to go out because they are afraid they will not be able to find a meal that is as exciting and fun as it is healthy and filling? There was a point in time when these complaints were justified. But with the explosion in the adoption and acceptance of vegetarian lifestyles in recent years, anyone who is still singing these old dirges is selling him or herself short. Vegetarians, this is our time. All we have to do is employ a little veggie street smarts and make some intelligent choices.
As the world has become more health conscious, eco-conscious, and yes, I dare say, more sympathetic to the plight of the other sentient species with whom we share this plant, vegetarian and even vegan lifestyles have become much more common. Restaurants looking to grow their clienteles and survive these shaky economic times have been tripping over each other to accommodate the new dining choices. Even the fast food restaurants have gotten in on the act. My friends, choices are more abundant than many of us might expect. In fact, eateries are eager to hear from their meatless diners in crafting menus and dishes that meet our needs. The street smarts and intelligent choices that I mention above are three-fold and easy enough to employ. Instead of staying in and feeling like a culinary pariah, try putting these tips into action:
1. Do Your Homework:
Whether you are planning a meal out for yourself or with a group of friends, don’t wonder whether veggie options will be available when you get there. Find out before you even leave the house. Most restaurants these days post their menus online. Take a few moments to look them up. Sites like Discover Veggie make it even easier to find out if there is a great meatless dish for you while your friends are downing their burgers or mignons. Knowing before you go (and using what you have learned to influence restaurant choices) will help you avoid any unpleasant, embarrassing, or even depressing situations later. It’s carpe diem, folks, so carpe those menus ahead of time. There are even apps for your smartphones that let you do this on the fly. After all, the only surprise we want is how good the food is . . . not that the restaurant did not have anything for us!
2. Speak Up:
Can’t find what you are looking for online? That is why the great vegetarian in the sky gave us cell phones. Call that restaurant up. If there is no time for that, do not hesitate to ask the host or a server upon entry. A simple “Do you serve anything suitable for vegetarians?” can go a long, long way. Restaurants are often even happy to prepare traditional meat dishes without the flesh if you just ask. When I was a kid, I was often shy when dining out. That was endearing for the first 10 years of my life. It doesn’t suit me now as an adult and a practicing vegetarian. Do not be afraid to ask your server how something is prepared. Speak to the chef is you need to. This is your money, your tummy, and your conscience…and the customer is always right. There is nothing worse than having a wonderful veggie burger experience ruined by learning that the fries you also inhaled were cooked in animal fat. Trust me…
3. Kindly Educate:
Many times, eateries really do want to please veggie diners. They just are either not used to doing so or really do not know how. My fry example above comes from an actual experience. If I had not asked, I would not have known. The poor cooks thought they were doing a good thing and, since they did not see any actual meat, did not stop to think about the origin of the frying medium. I have found that chefs are often very receptive to suggestions from vegetarian patrons on how to do things better or differently. They like the challenge and appreciate the chance to create a truly satisfied customer. My partner and I recently had a local Italian chef craft an entirely vegetarian meal for our anniversary that pleased both us and our meat-loving friends. It was fun for us and for him. They key here is being gentle in your approach and vocal in your appreciation. Chefs and their bosses like to know that their stepping outside of their comfort zones was not an exercise in veggie vanity.
Dining out as a vegetarian has never been easier or more satisfying. In fact, this greater availability of meat-free options has gone along way to helping us promote and promulgate this lifestyle. In flexing our muscles as consumers and setting examples for others who may be veggie-curious, we do ourselves and our planet a huge favor. Of course, there is still no rivaling a truly wonderful home-cooked meal. But we cannot cook in all the time. Nor should we. Do yourself and the rest of us a favor; get out there and dine once in awhile. In fact, take a few friends with you. Walk the talk as they say and help us keep this great, big, beautiful veggie wave rolling.