I understand the argument of vegans only providing vegan businesses with their business, but sometimes, when you are the only vegan, that doesn’t fly. For instance, some that I am close to have always been a huge fan of Not Your Average Joes and it is a popular dinner location on the fly. If you look at their menu, it is not vegan friendly, at all. Since that is a preferred location, when I first went vegan I emailed to find out what was in their menu items. Come to find out (although not shocking) their potatoes are mixed with butter, their veggies are cooked in butter, their rice is cooked in chicken broth etc.
So, when recently it was decided that it would be our dinner location, I emailed to see what could be made vegan. I was directed to the chef at the location we were planning on dining at and he asked me if I liked a few ingredients. From there, he created a very delicious and filling meal. It was tofu marinated in orange juice and then grilled with teriyaki sauce and served over brown rice (cooked in water) surrounded by sautéed vegetables. It was great. My meal was easily the best, tastiest and healthiest. The chef came out to explain everything that was in the meal and then again later to make sure that I enjoyed it. Before we left, he informed me that any time I was planning to come to his restaurant, if I provided him with advanced notice, he would whip up the same or something similar.
Just ask and ye shall receive. If you are going to a location which you know is clearly not vegan friendly and have some advanced notice, it doesn’t hurt to contact the location and find out your options. NYAJ is a medium sized chain and I think that the chef there was happy to try something more creative than the few standards he usually makes. Unfortunately, you are not supporting a vegan business, but you are also not sitting out on the event which friends and loved ones are at. Next time, try and get everyone to go vegan!
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