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Articles and Information
Putting The 'Rest' Back In Restaurant Dining
by DJ Bills
For a vegan, dining out can be a frustrating experience. Lack of knowledge on the part of restaurant employees is a big part of the annoyance. A little preparation on your part can enlighten them and enhance your dining experience. When dining out, here are a few things to bear in mind.
1. Change your mindset. One restaurant meal does not have to contribute to all of your nutritional needs. This is entertainment-you'll most likely pay more and get less than you do at home. This trend applies to people of all dietary persuasions. Relax (and keep a granola bar handy)!
2. Pick a likely target. Chain restaurants do not give out their nutritional information as freely as do independently owned establishments. Often, their sauces and condiments are made up in another location, and they may not be clearly marked with ingredients. Ask others for recommendations. Choose a place with a good atmosphere-one where you feel comfortable.
3. Call ahead. Ask to speak to a manager, and get information on vegan menu items ahead of time. The management can alert chefs and wait staff to your needs. Your dining experience will be much more pleasant if the restaurant can prepare for you.
4. Be prepared. Sometimes it is possible to bring your own items to be cooked, such as seitan in a stir-fry or tofu in vegetable lasagna. Feel free to bring small items like margarine, salad dressing and soy cheese to enhance your food. It is a common practice in the age of diet-conscious America.
4. Graze. Delicious items from different entrees and appetizers can often be combined to make a stellar dish. Try the Portabella mushrooms from a steak dish with the asparagus from a pasta dish and a side of legumes. New preparation techniques can enhance familiar items. For example, a restaurant's wood-fired oven can give tomatoes, artichokes, peppers and onions a wonderful smoky taste that's perfect over pasta. At a fast food place, a plain baked potato can be enhanced with steamed broccoli, tomatoes and chives.
5. Show your appreciation. You are a representative of the vegan lifestyle, and your attitudes may influence the chef's choice of entree items in the future. One seed often bears surprising fruit-your name may be the title of the chef's latest entrée item!
6. Keep going. Patronizing a restaurant is the very best way to get it to cater to your dietary guidelines. When the staff knows your needs and wants, they can work to provide you with the best vegan dining experience possible.
7. Educate the establishment. It's easy to find literature on good vegan food choices. Print out a flyer and take it with you. If you encounter a restaurant that needs to improve vegan options, write a note on the back of a leaflet and give it to the management personally. Include contact information and convey willingness to answer questions that may arise later.
You are an equal partner with the owner, chef, wait staff, and management when eating out. When you communicate clearly, most restaurants will be happy to accommodate your life choices and you can provide information to guide their menu towards more positive offerings. A small amount of legwork can pay off in many healthy dividends!
Deborah Bills is a Vegan author and photographer living in Western Kentucky. She enjoys travel, history and fine dining experiences and is a lifelong kitchen explorer.
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