The Vegetarian Dinner Date

The Vegetarian Dinner Date

Opposites attract, so it's no surprise that many carnivores are pairing off with vegetarians. Since most commercial restaurants are designed to appeal to the reigning carnivore, it may be a bit of a challenge to find suitable dining options for the carn-veg couple. But it's not impossible.

Vegetarians come in a rainbow variety. There are lacto-ovo vegetarians, who eat dairy and eggs; lacto vegetarians, who eat dairy but not eggs; ovo vegetarians, who eat eggs but not dairy; and vegans, who eat no animal products whatsoever. Although not as common, there are raw vegans, who eat only fresh, uncooked vegan foods, and fruitarians, who eat only fruit, nuts and seeds.

Some vegetarians have eliminated meat from their diet for health reasons. Others have ethical concerns about cruelty to animals, and/or the environment. Still others follow vegetarianism as a part of their religious/spiritual path.

Many mainstream restaurants are not vegetarian-friendly. They have salad, but it comes with bacon bits or chicken. They have broccoli soup, but it's simmered in beef or chicken broth. They have veggie burgers, but they're cooked on a grill that's tainted with greasy hamburger drippings.

Some vegetarians are unable to digest meat, even in small amounts. For these folks, an accidental ingestion can lead to serious medical repercussions! Vegetarians must use caution whenever eating at a restaurant where cross-contamination could occur. A night in the ER with a saline drip and a spit-up bucket is not a very romantic way to end a date!

So, what to do? Indian cuisine, though not completely vegetarian, includes a scrumptious variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Some Mexican restaurants use vegetarian refried beans and rennet-free cheese (ask) in their nachos, burritos and quesadillas. There are a variety of pizzas to please the lacto-ovo vegetarian. And many restaurants will specially prepare a dish—or even create a new dish—for diners who specify their needs.

Taking a vegetarian to dinner can be an eye-opening experience for the carnivore. Vegetarian meals are often fresher and healthier, deriving their goodness from an array of yummy spices and seasonings. Vegetarian meals are lighter, too—leaving more room in your stomach for all that fake-buttered popcorn at the movies.

Yum!

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