Newbie Questions - Restaurants Suggestions - Taco Bell Extra info

[Guest guest]

I wanted to add that at Taco Bell, they will substitute beans for beef on all

items on the menu. Just ask them to hit the substitute key, so they won't charge

you for beans, like it will if they hit ADD(key) beans. I get Mexican Pizza,

Chalupas, Nacho Bellgranda, tacos, etc... all with beans and no meat. Taco Bell

is used to this, everyone I have ever traveled. BTW, we love the Beans and Rice

Burrito they have. Yummm. My daughter loves the 7 layer Burrito, which also

has no meat.

 

See note about Taco Bell below.

Judy

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wwjd

Friday, June 16, 2006 10:51 AM

Re: Newbie Questions - Restaurants Suggestions

 

 

I've been a Vegetarian all my life and I'm not intimidated at all about asking

certain things about menu items and the preparation. It is just part of the life

of a vegetarian. I've asked them to check the contents of an item on the box it

came in, to make sure it doesn't contain meat products. This always includes

stock too.

 

When we eat at places, where a grill is used to prepare the food, whether it

is a grill cheese sandwich, veggie burgers or grilled veggies, I always ask them

to clean that part of the grill prior to cooking my food. I always ask them to

wash off the knife they cut the pizza with, before cutting my pizza and I have

them change their gloves and wash the knife at the Sub shop. I tell them I am

vegetarian and haven't gotten any grief for this request. I think it makes them

actually think maybe. At a salad buffet, sometimes they put chopped up meat

behind the chopped Veggies and some meat invariably drops in the Veggies. I

always ask for a fresh container of Veggies and let them know I am vegetarian. I

suggest they move the meat in the front, where this won't be a problem. Most

have never even thought about it, but it has been changed several times, after

my requesting it. I always ask at Mexican Restaurants if they cook the rice with

a meat stock or meat or if the Refried beans have lard. Don't forget to ask

about the flour tortilla's too. If you aren't sure if they understand you, then

don't order anything that possibly might. In Chinese Restaurants ask them not to

put oyster sauce or other meat stock on your Veggies. Most will.

 

Taco Bell does NOT contain lard in their beans or flour tortillas. I confirmed

this again this morning on the phone with them, since someone posted on her the

other day that they did have lard. Pizza places will make pizza's without

cheese, upon request. When Pizza Hut has the Buffet out, I always ask for them

to prepare a Thin Crust Veggie Lovers Pizza with Pinapple. It is not problem.

They all will, especially once you let them know you are vegetarian and others

in your group want it also. Many times they have brought the whole pizza to our

table instead of the Buffet, so we could have our fill.

 

Don't be afraid to ask if they can prepare something special if you don't find

what you want on the menu. At the Olive Garden, their Alfredo sauce, DOES NOT

have a meat stock, so I get that and ask them for a medley of steamed veggies to

be added to it. No problem and they don't even charge extra for it. Their

Minestrone Soup is vegetarian and they have several pasta dishes that are vegan

too. We love middle eastern restaurants. You can get falafels, spinach and

cheese stuffed pastries, lentil soups, Greek salads, etc. Indian Rest. usually

have a wonderful selection of Vegetarian items. We like Buffets, like Golden

Corral, Fire Mountain or Barnhill's. Always ask which veggies are cooked in meat

stock though. The folk behind the counter usually know or can find out. There is

always plenty to eat at those places. Hope this helps you.

 

Judy

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Vicki Becker

Friday, June 16, 2006 9:24 AM

Newbie Questions

 

I have only been a vegetarian a short time with an occasional slip

when nothing else was available to eat. Apple B's has nothing

vegetarian that I could see and that's where everyone wanted to eat so

I choose the grilled salmon I need some restaurant tips for sure!

 

We ate out at a very nice Japanese restaurant a week or so ago and I

had a very nice meal. I felt almost attacked by the other people

around the table, however. I didn't make an issue of what I ordered

but was questioned by people. One lady asked " So you don't eat ANY

meat? " I said no I don't..... and then she said " So you just ate

vegetables grilled on the same grill as meat was cooked! " I really

didn't know what to say as I am a fairly new vegetarian and haven't

read up enough yet I guess????? I said to her I was eating vegetarian

for health reasons not political reasons. My vegetable were actually

grilled almost first. The chef cooked the shrimp and then my

vegetables. I really didn't know what to say..... I have actually

decided to go Vegan after reading The China Study recently. This same

lady also stated she didn't eat meat that had 4 legs.... she eats fish

and chicken.

 

My question is or request actually..... Can anyone recommend any good

books for becoming a vegan? How to respond to people, recipes, ect.... People

(including relatives)are making me feel like I am doing something

strange and they are making this very difficult for me.

 

I joined this list because I think I need some education on the life

style that I have choosen.

 

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Best regards,

Vicki vickisdesigns