World Wide Vegan

This trip was great fun. I went to Washington with two friends - no men - so we were able to eat and shop to our heart's content.

We started out in Seattle Washington where we stopped just long enough to rent a car and get some lunch before heading off to Birch Bay, our first destination, on the northern coast of the state. My two friends are not vegans and so, once again, I needed to eat in places that a vegan might not think to eat. But as usual, I was able to find ways to be healthy and satiated regardless of the menu limitations. Red Robin was my friends choice for lunch. I had never been before and thought it was a Seattle based eatery. As many of you already know, it is a national restaurant, and so I am including it here in this blog.

I ordered Red Robin's French Onion Soup without cheese as well a half, Asian Salad without chicken. Instead of chicken I asked for a sliced avocado. I would have ordered a side of kidney beans if they had had any but they didn't, so I just figured I'd fill my protein quota at dinner. Both the salad and the soup were delicious and filling.

Tip: When eating out, don't be afraid to order a dish that traditionally comes with meat or cheese. Just make it clear that you cannot eat animal products and have them make your dish without the traditional ingredients. Remember, you are paying for their product and it is up to you how it is served.

I discovered that Red Robin is a very "meat intensive" eatery which made finding something other than a "garden salad" a little challenging. But I am never shy about asking for just what I want. As long as the restaurant is willing to attend to my desires I put them on my list of places to recommend to my vegan friends. Red Robin fit that bill and so I will go back again if the opportunity arises.


We stopped at a farmers market in Seattle (pictured above) to pick up some things for dinner. I was stunned at the beauty and out-of-this-world flavor of the huge, red raspberries we bought for a fruit salad. California's berries are wonderful, but none hold a candle to those we bought in Washington that day. I also bought fresh herbs and veggies to make a vegan spaghetti, as well as salad greens and even some garlic and a loaf of fresh bread.



Tip: When traveling it always pays to visit a farmers markets or produce stands before thinking about finding a restaurant. You may be surprised to discover the wide variety of fresh, organic and even precooked foods that are available. Even if you are not able to cook in your room you will find sufficient fresh foods and healthy, cooked foods to make a satisfying, healthy meal.

One of my two friends is a graduate of California Culinary Institute and so I was a little nervous about making a vegan dinner for her. But as it turned out she was very impressed. The fresh herbs and vegetables combined with the refreshing fruit salad was just the right way to end a day of traveling. Check back tomorrow for the recipes for both.

Labels: raspberries, Red Robin, restaurant, Spaghetti, Vegan