7 Tips to Enjoy Eating Out As A Vegan (VIDEO)

Eating out should be fun but sometimes as a vegan, it’s just stressful. Don’t use this lifestyle as an excuse to not eat out or socialize.

Here are some tips on how to eat out as a vegan:

*Check the menu online to give you a head start on what’s available-This will help you start thinking about what the server can modify for you. Sometimes you may get stuck with just a salad and fries but it’s good to know that ahead of time.

*Seek out local/no-chain restaurant- They tend to more accommodating and have vegan options already on the menu (Asian restaurants come to mind)

*Get comfortable with your server-Get specific with what you don’t want on you plate. Saying you’re vegan isn’t enough because some people don’t know exactly what that means.

*Look at side dishes for ideas-steamed vegetables, French fries, applesauce, baked potatoes

*If you’re going to party, eat before you leave.

*You can also bring a dish to share with the group to guarantee that you will have something to eat

*Happycow.net is an awesome resource to locate vegan restaurants near your home or while traveling. Simply enter your zip code to start exploring your options.

Vegan While Out: The Mill on MacArthur-Richmond, VA

I headed down to Richmond last weekend and had lunch with my friend Michelle at this cute spot.  Since becoming a vegan I prefer locally owned restaurants over chains because they tend to have more vegan options, and are more likely to accommodate my requests.

We started off with a vegan chilli.  It was okay but I prefer more beans in mine.

 Roasted Veggie Sandwich-roasted veggie medley, baby spinach, red onions on warm focaccia, drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. 

We added the Daiya instead of dairy cheese for an additional $1. It wasn't worth it though because I couldn't even taste it. lol 

The sandwich was yummy but this meal was all about the fries.  I don't usually like broadwalk fries but these were so tasty.

The Mill on MacArthur

Another reason I prefer local restaurants is because the environment is more relaxed. Michelle and I talked for a while and I never felt like they wanted to fill our table with the next patrons.

Good food.

Great service.

I will be back. :-)

Vegan While Out: Chop't (Washington, DC)

I was very hungry and a bit overwhelmed by the menu, so I settled for the Vegetarian Powerhouse-broccoli, edamame, carrots, sunflower seeds, walnuts, craisins and apples chop’t with spinach and romaine lettuce and spa balsamic vinaigrette.

The dressings have:

"No sugar. No high-fructose corn syrup. Our dressings that are sweetened are made with honey or organic agave nectar." Sweet!

I appreciate that a fresh cutting board is used for every salad to protect those with food allergies and special diets.

After eating, I took a moment to look at the menu again and realized I should have chosen the Create Your Own option with tofu, beets, carrots, black beans and avocado. I know all of those ingredients don't sound like they go well together, but I like to throw a little bit of everything into my salads.

Great salad and the company is committed to the health of children by offering donations, equipment and recipes to Wellness in the Schools.

Extra bonus: Sort your trash for recycling

Chop it up next time you're in the DC area!

Vegan While Out: Karyn's Raw Cafe (Chicago)

After talking to Christa about Karyn Calabrese's raw vegan restaurant, I made it my first stop when I landed in Chicago last week.

The title of Karyn's book is so comical to me. LOL

I haven't read it yet, but based on the description, she talks a lot about eating a raw diet rich in fruit, vegetables, seeds, and nuts.  Karyn is 64 years old and credits her over thirty years of healthy eating and detoxification for maintaining her youthful appearance and energy. Go Karyn!

I liked how intimate and relaxing the decor was.  The sitting area was for about 15 and there was a separate health food store with mostly Karyn’s products next door.

I started off with a shot of wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is beneficial in lowering blood pressure,  has a high concentration of chlorophyll, and is said to have anti-aging properties.

Appetizer- Raw, vegan nachos - Delicious!  Crispy corn tortilla chips with guacamole, sweetened sour cream, black olives, marinated red onions, caramelized jalapeños

This dish made me consider getting a Excalibur Dehydrator and making my own nachos at home.

Main Entree~Empanadas - made from flax and corn masa pastry dough stuffed with three pepper chorizo and house blend chili spice

Served with a side of authentic raw chocolate mole and a salsa verde

Dessert - coconut ice cream with strawberries and coconut wafers-Yummy!

Great service and a nice date spot. I visited this restaurant with my male cousin who has never considered a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle and he enjoyed all of the dishes.

Vegan food isn't meant to make your life restrictive, but is a way to eat what you want in a healthier way.

Happy eating!

Vegan While Out: Molly's Cupcakes (Chicago)

I had a bit of a sweet tooth while in Chicago. After my sister and cousin stuffed their faces with popcorn at Garrett, I was on a mission to find vegan cupcakes. Sprinkles was my first choice (because it was closer to where we were) but when I checked their menu on my BlackBerry, I only saw a red velvet option and I wanted chocolate.


We caught the bus to North Clark St and I headed to the counter for this.....



I don't have much experience with vegan cupcakes but this one was quite dense.  I think I went there with an unrealistic expectation of a fluffy cupcake like the conventional ones (with eggs) typically are.  I spoke to an employee who said she didn't have an ingredient list but ensured me there were no animal byproducts.  I only wanted to know the ingredients to make sure I used the opposite of what they did for when I experiment with a few recipes on my own. LOL  I personally thought the $3 wasn't worth it.

Off to look for cupcake recipes...wish me luck!



Sign outside of the bakery

What are your vegan cupcake experiences?