The Subtle Vegetarian

In my endless quest to locate veggie-friendly options, I’ve searched the web sites of many restaurants to find out what they have to say on the subject. Unfortunately, the following restaurants have nothing at all to say on the subject – the word, “vegetarian”, simply does not appear on their web site!

• Applebee’s (no surprise)
• Taco Bell (really!)
• Burger King (Mickey-D’s does…)
• Wendy’s (too bad!)
• Ruby Tuesday (yeah, whatever)
• Bertucci’s (a Massachusetts chain!)
• Starbucks (seriously!)

I guess I’ll eat somewhere else, then…

As mentioned yesterday, McDonald’s is a rare restaurant to address the issue of vegetarian entrees. KFC, of all places, also has a FAQ for vegetarians, pointing out a number of foods that are acceptable and even showing some sensitivity to the issue of shared frying oil.

Since the FAQ is down the page, here’s the summary. Corn on the cob, cole slaw, garden salad, three bean salad, and seasond rice contain no meat, eggs, or dairy. Mashed potatoes (without gravy) and biscuits contain dairy, while pasta and potato salad contain eggs. The potato wedges are fried in the same oil as the chicken.

Too bad they overcook all their veggies (Southern style, I’m told) or it would make a nice veggie side dish plate.

I got a laugh out of this one. Unlike most restaurants, which don’t even mention the word, “vegetarian” on their menus, McDonald’s actually has a special FAQ for vegetarians on their site! It basically says “you’re on your own.” But at least they address the issue, and at least they’re honest…

Why is it that kids’ menus are so much more veggie-friendly than adult menus? Is it because they’re so picky?

My kids love grilled cheese and macaroni and cheese, so they’re set just about everywhere. Even notoriously meaty places like Applebee’s and Outback Steakhouse offer grilled cheese or mac-n-cheez to the kids, but they won’t serve it to an adult!

What’s the harm? Friendly’s has had grilled cheese on the adult menu for ever, and I hope it stays. Even though it’s evolved (to sourdough instead of white bread), and been pushed to the “and we also serve” part, it’s nice to have a veggie option at a family favorite place like that.

I’m just glad I’m not vegan, or I’d be in real trouble! If beef is the American dinner staple, cheese is the indispensable alternative!