It's All About the Sides

In the past I have bemoaned the fact that we do not have many restaurants in our area which cater to plant based diets.  I would guess that many people are in the same situation.  We can't all live in Austin, New York City, or any of those other cities which are so hip and on the cutting edge.  That's okay, our little city is really great in other aspects. 

My husband and I have found that we do have some restaurants where we can order off the "sides" menu and put together a decent meal.  We needed lunch a couple of weeks ago and were in an area where there was absolutely nothing available, (so we thought) for plant based diners.  As we walked into a restaurant, I stated that we might just have to go off our eating plan for this meal. 

We have always said we would do that if we needed to do so, or even if we just had a hankering, (Okie lingo), for something not plant based.  It just happens we never seem to be hungry for non plant based foods.  It really is kind of a miracle this early in our journey.  

Anyway, back to the restaurant.  I was able to find braised rosemary white beans, rice pilaf, and  roasted vegetables.  It was delicious.  My husband ordered a veggie pita pizza with a side greek salad.  Was this 100% plant based?  My husband chose to include the mozzarella on his pizza, which meant his meal was actually vegetarian.  I don't know of anything in my meal that was not plant based, but one never knows when eating out.  We were both fine with our choices and enjoyed the meal very much.

Yesterday we once again needed a quick meal close to my work.  There is only one restaurant in the vicinity, and it is definitely not a plant based restaurant.  Ironically, this restaurant is across the street from a hospital and many doctors' offices.  The doctors and employees make up a great deal of their guests. 

In  my mind, I would think a menu with lots of healthy options would work well there.  Their menu includes chicken fried steak with cream gravy, fried chicken, fried fish, barbecue ribs.  I know some people may be thinking, "I've got to find out where that restaurant is located".  I know that stuff can be delicious, (was in my past), but it is certainly not healthy.  I was able to find a meal in the sides again, steamed vegetables, green beans, roasted red potatoes, and a side salad.  My husband had a salad and cup of soup.  It was very good, and I would return for a meal there again.