The Vegiterranean

On Saturday, my husband and I decided to take a drive up to Akron, Ohio, to have dinner at a wonderful vegan restaurant, called "The Vegiterranean." It was absolutely delicious and worth the 2 hour drive northeast of Columbus, Ohio. The restaurant is owned by Chrissie Hynde, lead singer of the Pretenders. The walls of the restaurant are lined up with portraits of famous vegetarians such as Joaquin Pheonix, Paul McCartney, and Shania Twain.

These are the dishes we sampled and loved!

• Frito Misto - Cauliflower tempura battered served with Lemon drizzle and Sweet Chili sauce
• Sarah’s Smoked Tuscan White Bean and Potato Soup with Aged Balsamic drizzle
• Baked Polenta Triangoli - with Wild Mushroom Bolognaise and Braised Escarole
• Risotto with Grilled Artichokes - Roasted Tomatoes, Wild Mushrooms and Fire Grilled Red Pepper, Saffron and fresh Thyme with vegan italian sausage

I recommend you try it. Our waitress was wonderful as well. She was proud to tell us how the restaurant was recently voted one of the Top 8 Vegetarian Restaurants in America by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)

For more information, visit: www.thevegiterranean.com

Great Restaurant Options for Vegetarians in Columbus

I thought it would be a good idea to share some delicious vegetarian dining options in Columbus. Finding these restaurants were a big help when I first moved here, and I am sure a lot of you could benefit from this information. By dining at these restaurants, you are contributing to our local economy in a healthier way.

Another wonderful thing about vegetarian meals is that you get to explore different ethnic foods. I pretty much eat a different ethnic food every day. Need ideas? Try these foods: Indian, Chinese, Thai, Greek, Mexican, Ethiopian, Japanese, and Middle Eastern. There are so many options. Enjoy!!!

My Favorites:

Northstar Cafe, www.thenorthstarcafe.com

Locations in Clintonville and the Short North

Favorites: Veggie burger and Korma Bowl

Benevolence Cafe, 614-221-9330

41 W Swan St., Columbus, OH 43215

Favorites: Sambar Lentil Soup with Goddess bread

Dragonfly, www.neo-vevents.com

247 King Ave., Columbus, OH 43201

Favorites: Menu changes every season

Taj Palace, www.tajpalacecolumbus.com

3794 Fishinger Blvd., Hilliard, OH 43026

Favorites: The lunch buffet

Chipotle Mexican Grille, www.chipotle.com

Various locations in Columbus

Favorites: Vegetarian Burrito Bowl

Another Good Reason to Avoid Eating Meat

As some of you may know, I am a big advocate for a vegetarian lifestyle. One of my friends recently shared this link with me, which further proves why vegetarianism is a more compassionate and healthier way to go. Please view this information and think twice before preparing your next meal.

http://consumerist.com/5051927/genetically-engineered-foods-edge-closer-to-dinner-plate-fda-to-develop-ge-rules