Dining Out

~Why does Sea World have a seafood restaurant??

I’m halfway through my fish burger and I realize, Oh my God....I could be eating a slow learner.~

-Lyndon B. Johnson

We used to think that going out to eat together would end up in unhappy compromises where I force down a side salad straight from the Dole Classic bag (but costs 3 times as much) while he enjoys a nice steak, or other times when I savor every bite of a vegan BLT while he pretends to swallow "meat"balls and other healthy versions of his favorites. This no longer is the case.  We have compiled a large list of restaurants that are vegan and carnivore friendly, where both of us leave satisfied (and without a chip on our shoulder!) However, don't think for a second that I don't go running to Cafe Seed, and he to Oklahoma Joe's, the second one of us works late or eats out with friends!

Tip: If vegan gets a meal that has meat included in the price, never say "without." Instead, ask for the meat on the side, take it home, and carnivore can make a sandwich for lunch the next day. If you're paying for it anyways, don't go giving it away for free! (bet you've heard that before ;) in this case, being aggressive is encouraged)

A few restaurant ideas... (I will only include a vegan option or two, since most places are very carnivore-friendly) Some are local to Kansas City, but most are nationwide chains:

Blue Bird Bistro (KC)-- An organic restaurant with menu items consisting of vegan tofu fries to pork chops, and everything in between.

Boston Market has several vegan options, including the steamed vegetables, zucchini marinara, tossed salad (without the croutons and dressing), apple cobbler, chunky cinnamon applesauce, cranberry walnut relish, and fruit salad. Go for the 3 sides meal, but pass the cornbread off to carnivore.

Chipotle-- Everyone has their own recipe, just like at Starbucks... My vegan meal goes a little something like this~ Veggie Burrito Bowl, no rice, double black beans, two scoops of mild salsa, one scoop of medium salsa verde, two scoops of corn salsa, guac, and lettuce. Yummmm (the rice is made with cilantro, citrus and salt, therefore is vegetarian... but I leave it off because it is so filling.)

Chili's-- Vegans can have tostada chips and salsa as an appetizer, veggie quesadillas—replacing the cheese and sour cream with extra vegetables—or the Cadillac Fajitas without the meat. The Black Bean Burger has egg and dairy in it, so it is vegetarian, but not vegan.

Dairy Queen-- offers a vegan "ice cream" bar called Star Kiss. Dairy Queen also has vegan slushes in cherry, grape, blue raspberry, lemon lime, watermelon, and kiwi strawberry flavors.

Houston’s-- offers a veggie plate and the Vegetarian Burger. Just be sure to order the burger on vegan bread.

Jason’s Deli-- The Garden Po’ Boy, the Portobello Wrapini, and the Spinach Veggie Wrap are your vegan options, but be sure to ask about the vegan status of each of these dishes—it varies by location.

Little Caesars and Papa John's-- both pizza joints have vegan dough and sauce, so design a pizza full of veggies, sans cheese, and you'll be one of the guys watching the football game in no time!

Macaroni Grill-- One of my favorite restaurants! It has several vegan options, including all the pastas with garlic and oil and its Capellini Pomodoro. Also, split an appetizer, such as the Tomato Bruschetta and Penne Arrabbiata, but leave the cheese off. When opting for a salad, choose the house or garden without the cheese and top it with the restaurant’s balsamic vinaigrette, Italian dressing, or roasted-garlic vinaigrette.

P.F. Chang’s-- one of the most vegan-friendly restaurant chains around. Its vegetarian menu is terrific, and everything can be made vegan, from appetizers such as Tofu Lettuce Wraps to entrées like Orange Peel Tofu and Ma Po Tofu. (However, don't look at the fat grams in the Ma Po... I guarantee it'll scare you away forever... tofu and broccoli.. who knew!!)

Subway’s Veggie Delite-- Get it on Italian bread and without cheese or mayo (go for spicy mustard for a kick). I take my subway home, stick some fake lunch meat on it, and smile at carnivore because, for once, our meals look alike. Romantic.

Taco Bell-- dishes can be veganized simply by omitting a few ingredients. The 7-Layer Burrito can be vegan with five layers—just forgo the cheese and sour cream. The tacos, nachos, and Mexican pizzas are vegan when you ask to hold the meat, cheese, and sour cream. Or stick with the bean burrito without the cheese.  However, you've just eaten Taco Bell... so don't count on that fresh feeling you might get from Subway!

Waldo Pizza (KC)-- Best Vegan Pizza! They will make you "cheese" breadsticks, any pizza, and a cupcake for dessert--all vegan and tasty! My favorite!! (go on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday... these are the nights they have specials.. otherwise it's pretty expensive. "They sure are proud of their pizza" carnivore likes to say!)

Bon Appétit!!