Restaurant Meals

Many restaurants now have vegetarian sections on their menus. Most will have at least one vegetarian dish. If you see a non vegetarian dish that appeals, they will generally be able to prepare it without the flesh. Chinese, Indian, Thai, and Middle Eastern restaurants usually have a good selection. Buffets are also a good bet for vegetarians, with lots of salads and other vegetable dishes. If you have been invited to a restaurant that you think may not have vegetarian selections (a steak house, for example), call in advance - they will usually be quite willing to accommodate you. When you find a restaurant with good vegetarian dishes, it is a good idea to compliment the chef. It could encourage him or her to add more selections.

Fast Foods

• Veggie burgers or dogs
• Veggie sub sandwiches
• Pizza without pepperoni or other meat
• French fries (you can indulge yourself)
• Nachos

Weddings, Parties

Most companies that cater weddings or large parties are prepared to provide vegetarian meals. Ask your host in advance if it can be arranged. At a less formal party, there are usually veggie snacks or finger foods available.

Vacations

Major airlines will provide vegetarian meals, if ordered in advance. Air Canada, for example, has a number of vegetarian selections, including ovo lacto vegetarian, strict vegetarian (vegan), fruit plate, and Asian vegetarian. Cruise ships, noted for their food, have some wonderful vegetarian selections and will cook almost anything you want, with a day's notice.

What if your partner is not vegetarian ?

Y ou can always prepare a vegetarian meal for yourself and then add whatever your partner wants. Pasta dishes, in particular, are good for this.