HOW TO DINE OUT PLANT BASED
The prospect of dining out can seem daunting when you’ve made the lifestyle switch to eating real, healthy, whole foods, but it absolutely can be done and done easily as well.
Let’s say it is “Taco Tuesday” and you’re in the mood for Mexican food. At Mexican restaurants you can find rice, beans and veggies. If it’s Thai or Indian food that you’re in the mood for, you can be sure they will have rice, rice noodles, beans/lentils and veggies. Ordering Chinese food for a cozy night in? I go with brown rice and steamed veggies and some all-veggie spring rolls. See the theme here? Rice, beans and veggies can be found at so many restaurants.
Most restaurants have fresh veggies in the kitchen. Don’t be afraid to request an all veggie salad. I’ve done that at many restaurants. Sometimes I’ll read their menu and see 8 salads listed, but none of them are made with just veggies, so I’ve made a polite request asking that they put one together for me using the veggies they mention on the other salads. I’ve said things like, “Would it be possible to take the veggies from the other salads and make an all veggie salad? I only want veggies, please. I’d really appreciate it.” When I made that request at The Cheesecake Factory, I was so pleasantly surprised to see the most beautiful all veggie salad appear in front of me with a rose carved out of an avocado on top. It made my day.
Most chefs will be happy to accommodate you, and a simple request like more veggies, is an easy one. Also, “May I please” and “Thank you so much” goes a long way. Don’t forget your manners. Always treat wait staff with the utmost respect. In addition, always mention any food allergies you may have to your server as well.
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Review the restaurant menu online before you head out. See what options they have. Do they have healthy side dishes? Sometimes the healthiest items can be found in the list of side dishes. I’ve gone to restaurants before and ordered 4 side dishes of grilled or steamed veggies. Ask for a side of hummus. Ask for a side of beans, quinoa or rice.
Headed out to have Italian food? This can be a little trickier as Italian cuisine can be full of cheese, butter and creamy sauces. Ask for a plate of pasta with Pomodoro sauce. A classic Pomodoro sauce recipe is vegetarian, vegan even. There are no meat ingredients in Pomodoro. Let them know up front that you are avoiding dairy, and ask them to be sure to prepare your meal without butter, dairy or cheese. A dish of pasta with a pomodoro should be an easy one for them. You can also get a tomato pie with veggies on it (a lot of places make the crust without butter so it’s vegan), or have a salad. Italian restaurants usually have a good list of salads and sides of veggies that you can choose from, but if you’re not sure, check the menu online in advance or call ahead.
It’s wonderful that we now live in a world where you can find plant based restaurants. Here in Philadelphia, PA we have Vedge, Hip City Veg, The Volstead by Unity, Charlie Was A Sinner and others. If you don’t live in an area that has broadened its restaurant scene to include vegan and plant based restaurants, use the tips above to navigate the restaurant options that you do have. Then, when you get a chance, do a Google search for vegan restaurants in your nearest city and take a drive. It’s such a treat to dine at a plant based or vegan restaurant and be able to try different things and see how other people are getting creative with veggies. Your taste buds will be amazed. I tried to bring you that same amazement in the recipes included in this plan, but definitely get out and explore the world of plant based cuisine when you get a chance. t’s an eye opening delight.
Don’t be afraid to speak up and make a request. They are usually more than happy to accommodate. You don’t have to give up your social life just because you are living a healthy lifestyle. Plan ahead, check out the restaurant menu online before you go and politely ask for what you want. Relax and enjoy your time out with family and friends.
