Need some help from Vegetarians please

anonymous · April 2005

I know there are quite a few Vegetarians on this list and I have friends coming in from out of town. One said they were a Vegetarian and the other said she was Vegan. Can you tell me the difference? And can you offer some nice recipes/web site so I can make a few dishes for them while they are here?

Thanks

Stacey

anonymous · April 2005

It seems that the definition of "vegetarian" varies wildly. Some people apply it to folks who eschew red meat, but will eat chicken and turkey. Others take it to mean not eating any meat, while fish and dairy are OK. The list goes on. It's best to talk to the individual and determine how they define it. "Vegan" is more specific, meaning someone who does not eat any animal products or by-products (e.g. meat, fish, or dairy). The ultra-strict types won't even eat honey (solidarity with the bees) or certain faux cheeses, because they contain an animal product called casein.

Regarding recipes, there are a ton of 'em on the web. If you google "vegan recipes" you should be able to get started. Also, be sure to visit Isa's post-punk kitchen. As I've said in the past, her vegetarian matzoh ball soup is out of this world.

For neighborhood dining, the only restaurant that comes to mind is Vegetarian Palate, on Flatbush. But I'm not sure that can be classified as vegan, as some veggie Chinese restaurants use fish-base.

Best of luck!

anonymous · April 2005

Thanks Jack - you brought up a good point - I wasn't thinking about milk, cheese, etc. I guess to be on the safe side I will get some soy milk and cheese and will check out Isa's web site.

Thanks again

Stacey

isa · April 2005

If you plan on cooking for them I would suggest to keep with food that are already familiar to you, like beans, grains and veggies. No need to learn how to make tofu; vegetarians, vegans and omnivores all appreciate a good chili with guacamole. Also, pastas with fresh marinara sauce and veggies or just olive oil and a ton of garlic with fresh parmesan for the veggies and omnivores. Pesto is always a hit (I can give you a recipe if you'd like). Curries are always loved and easy to prepare. Soy cheese is often not vegan as it has a milk protein called casein.

As far as neighborhood eats it's slim pickins' but here is what I eat around the hood:
-Veggie Patties from any of the Caribbean take out joints
-There's a nice big veggie platter at Tavern on Dean (overpriced but still good)
-Pizza w/ no cheese and lots of toppings at Cucina Rustica
-The potato pierogis (boiled) at Soda are vegan (w/ a side of apple sauce), I believe the veggie burger is as well but I haven't had it. The fries I believe are fried in the same oil as the fish, though.
-Cafe Shane has a veggie sammich, it's not so great but it's vegan
-Vegetarian Palate has lots of veggie options
-Mango Thai has a lot of veggie options (just specify no egg or fish sauce)
-Second Helpings on 9th street in Park Slope has a great vegan brunch plus lots of vegan baked goods that are incredibly yummy
-Apparantly Beast Bar has been serving some vegan option, I haven't been there yet but I will try it soon
-I forgot what it's called but the Italian Place on Vanderbilt off Park Place has delicious vegan pastas, you may need to sepcify no dairy when ordering though, they are very accomodating
-New Prospect Cafe has a tempeh burger that is great. I always order it with a side of green mole, no mayo and no cheese

That's all off the top of my head. Good luck! And kudos for being such a great host to your veggie friends.

anonymous · April 2005

Thanks Isa

I followed Jack's advice and checked out your website its fantastic and the recipies sound delicious even to this carnivore

and I can't wait to try them!!

Thanks for the great places to eat!!

Stacey

anonymous · April 2005

Dear Stacey,

Vegetarians are somewhat reasonable in not eating meat due to reasonable dietary agendas.

Vegans are freaks and require a lot of attention, which is why they are not vegetarians

isa · April 2005

Stacey S wrote: Thanks Isa

I followed Jack's advice and checked out your website its fantastic and the recipies sound delicious even to this carnivore and I can't wait to try them!!

Thanks for the great places to eat!!

Stacey

Cool! I will post some of my favorites in a bit.

anonymous · April 2005

I tried Imhotep, {Caribbean Vegan, don't cha know} located at 734 Nostrand between Park Pl and Prospect Pl. this afternoon. Delish! I'm not vegan, so I usually stay away from stuff like that, as I like flavor.

This had it! Nicely spiced and very good. It's also a health food store, with lots of items I buy on a regular basis. The owner's also super nice. Highly recommended!

Need some help from Vegetarians please

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