Vegan Options?

**notail** · 12-17-2007, 02:44 PM

Any recommendations on eating out as a vegan on 30A? (For those who don't know, a vegan is a vegetarian that eats no animal products at all. No eggs, milk, cheese, butter, etc.) Any suggestions or recommendations would be appreciated. I'll be visiting for a month in January.

**Allifunn** · 12-17-2007, 03:39 PM

Hibiscus is a vegetarian breakfast establishment, I am sure they have some vegan offerings as well. Most places offer some sort of vegetarian dishes, that could also be considered vegan. You just have to ask specifically for no animal products at all.(some chefs truly do not know the difference....

) For The Health Of It has protein smoothies (Blue Mountain Beach)
I am sure you will get additional ideas...from locals.

**Smiling JOe** · 12-17-2007, 04:17 PM

I've cooked a few Vegan meals, but I don't think you will have much choice, eating at local restaurants. Hibiscus is Vegetarian, but other than maybe a smoothie or a bowl of fruit, I cannot think of any vegan items they have. Your best bet is to ask for a plate of steamed veggies cooked with no meat nor butter, and explain that you are Vegan. (note- not all cooks at restaurants know what Vegan means.) I have some Vegan friends, and am always discovering little things which they don't use, that I never think about, like Burt's Bees chapstick, which contains both Bee wax and Lanolin. Wish I had a recommendation for you.

**notail** · 12-17-2007, 04:35 PM

Thanks for the replies. I imagined my options would be limited...thought I would see if any local vegans had a favorite dish at a nearby restaurant or other suggestions.

Good thing I'll be prepared to do a lot of cooking. My rice cooker, wok, and food processor will be making the trip south with me.

As for restaurants, I have had luck at some Mexican places. Corn tortillas with beans, rice, veggies, and guacamole can work for me. Or Asian places with stir fry or currys that use coconut milk and no yogurt. Or Sushi with only veggies. Or Italian with pasta and a tomato based sauce.

**Smiling JOe** · 12-17-2007, 04:41 PM

Being a Vegan, I'd guess you are up on your ingredients, but be aware that plenty of pastas contain eggs. I make my dough from flour, eggs, and olive oil.

**notail** · 12-17-2007, 05:12 PM

Yes, you're right. You always have to ask! Does the pasta have eggs in it? Is the oatmeal made with milk? Is there butter in the rice? Lard in the beans? Chicken stock in the soup? And so on...

I'm a vegan primarily for health reasons, so I can let a few things slide on special occasions. But it's amazing what a plant based diet will do for your cholesterol, weight, blood sugar, etc. and with ZERO drugs.

**Smiling JOe** · 12-17-2007, 05:18 PM

If you are going to ask about butter in the rice, you probably know to ask if it was cooked with a stock other than vegetable. Many restaurants cook rice using chicken stock, to add flavor.

**beachmouse** · 12-17-2007, 05:33 PM

Gravel Road says they'll work with people looking for vegetarian menu options. Seems like they might be able to make vegan work as well.

**Jdarg** · 12-17-2007, 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by notail

Yes, you're right. You always have to ask! Does the pasta have eggs in it? Is the oatmeal made with milk? Is there butter in the rice? Lard in the beans? Chicken stock in the soup? And so on...

I'm a vegan primarily for health reasons, so I can let a few things slide on special occasions. But it's amazing what a plant based diet will do for your cholesterol, weight, blood sugar, etc. and with ZERO drugs.

A couple years ago, we were able to lower cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight easily with out going the vegan route. I'm sure we will have to do it again soon!

I'm just curious- what do you eat? Give us an idea of a typical vegan day.

**cherijean** · 12-17-2007, 07:32 PM

Hibiscus has a vegan waffle, topped with crunchy peanut butter, fresh fruit. coconut, pecans and honey (is honey vegan?)...we also can make our oatmeal with soy and topped with fresh fruit, brown sugar & pecans served with or without the 3 seed toast..then ofcourse our fresh fruit smoothies.

Stop by while you are here for breakfast and we will happy to accomodate you.

Oh yes...our food is also cooked and served with Love!

**notail** · 12-17-2007, 07:34 PM

I'd be happy to share my typical day. Here's today...

Breakfast:
Muesli with Soy Milk
Grapefruit

Lunch:
Pea Soup made with Lentils, Brown Rice, Squash, Red Peppers, and Tomatoes
Kiwi Fruit

Dinner:
Black-eyed Pea-Sweet Potato Masala over Quinoa
Roasted Beet Salad w/Curry Dressing

Snacks:
Frozen Black Grapes
Veggies with eggplant dip

**SWGB** · 12-17-2007, 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by notail

I'd be happy to share my typical day. Here's today...

Breakfast:
Muesli with Soy Milk
Grapefruit

Lunch:
Pea Soup made with Lentils, Brown Rice, Squash, Red Peppers, and Tomatoes
Kiwi Fruit

Dinner:
Black-eyed Pea-Sweet Potato Masala over Quinoa
Roasted Beet Salad w/Curry Dressing

Snacks:
Frozen Black Grapes
Veggies with eggplant dip

Me and my sister called it Moose Lips growing up.

**kurt** · 12-17-2007, 08:20 PM

What? You don't eat meat?!!

So'K - you can have the lamb.

**Smiling JOe** · 12-17-2007, 08:29 PM

Cheri Jean, to answer your question, you will have to leave off the honey for true Vegans.

**Allifunn** · 12-17-2007, 08:31 PM

Originally Posted by notail

Thanks for the replies. I imagined my options would be limited...thought I would see if any local vegans had a favorite dish at a nearby restaurant or other suggestions.

Good thing I'll be prepared to do a lot of cooking. My rice cooker, wok, and food processor will be making the trip south with me.

As for restaurants, I have had luck at some Mexican places. Corn tortillas with beans, rice, veggies, and guacamole can work for me. Or Asian places with stir fry or currys that use coconut milk and no yogurt. Or Sushi with only veggies. Or Italian with pasta and a tomato based sauce.

make sure the beans are not made with animal fat.

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

Being a Vegan, I'd guess you are up on your ingredients, but be aware that plenty of pastas contain eggs. I make my dough from flour, eggs, and olive oil.

Most pastas are NOT made with eggs! Most whole wheat breads are not made with eggs either. I cooked for a vegan for a year at the sorority house...I learned so much...and always had special ingredients available for her. I should write a vegan cook book...my assistant always said I was Caroline's personal chef...but I took it as a challenge! It is amazing how much wonderful food you can make with substitutes and fresh ingredients!
Good luck and have funn the month of Jan.!!!

**Romeosmydog** · 12-17-2007, 09:14 PM

I have been a vegetarian and have lived in SoWal most of my life. If you PM me I can tell you where NOT to eat; some restaurants around here offer nothing for us...

I will give you a list.

Here are your best options for a healthy, hearty meal in SoWal.

For the Health of It in Blue Mountain Beach has the best groceries. Everything you need to cook a gourmet Vegan meal, or just pop one in the oven/microwave. They use to have a vegetarian restaurant...all organic...God I miss those days!

Hibiscus is great for breakfast, The waffle without honey rocks my socks.
Angelina's in Seagrove will do Pasta/Marinara (ask them to hold the cheese). Yummy bread sticks and salad too.

Fire, has a Tri Dip offered with endive, chips and pita bread. They have vegan dips such as Spicy roasted red peppers with cilantro and peanuts, Hummus and Olive Spread. This is the best food I have eaten in along time!

Gravel Road in Grayton Beach will do anything you ask. They are very accommodating to Vegans.

Cantina Laredo, La Paz, and Don Pedro's all are Mexican restaurants that do not use lard in their beans.

Tropical Smoothie (in Destin) has a yummy Veggie, Veggie wrap (ask them to hold the cheese)

Bud and Alley's in Seaside can do a veggie plate, haven't been there in ages but ask for Dave and plead your case.

Rolly Polly in Seaside had 6 veggie sandwiches/wraps. The California Hummer is the best!

Sushi Siam in Destin Commons has many vegan options they offer Thia food and sushi. The red curry is yummmmmmy. Get it spicy, but have them put the spice on the side. mmmmm.

I think that may be it, if I remember more I will let you know.

**SWGB** · 12-17-2007, 09:51 PM

I would think any place that does sushi would be able to do something for you. If you explained the concept first?

**TableFiveChef** · 12-17-2007, 09:53 PM

If you are having trouble finding a restaurant to prepare a vegan/vegetarian meal try calling Table Five Personal Chef Service. As a professional chef I love creating menus for my clients based on local seasonal produce. We have done several coursed vegan dinners in the home and have great access to local farmers. Check out our menus and details of our sevices online at www.tablefivechef.com Happy Holidays.

**StinkysFishCamp** · 12-18-2007, 10:52 AM

Come to Stinky's one of our chefs would love to cook you dinner!!

**NoHall** · 12-18-2007, 11:01 AM

Originally Posted by notail

Yes, you're right. You always have to ask! Does the pasta have eggs in it? Is the oatmeal made with milk? Is there butter in the rice? Lard in the beans? Chicken stock in the soup? And so on...

I'm a vegan primarily for health reasons, so I can let a few things slide on special occasions. But it's amazing what a plant based diet will do for your cholesterol, weight, blood sugar, etc. and with ZERO drugs.

I only eat vegan animals because they seem to be much healthier.

Seriously, God help you and good luck in your food-finding. I hope that we will all learn to understand what we eat someday.