The other day I went out to a new restaurant with a friend. I had researched the menu ahead of time, just to check about vegan options. The online menu had adorable icons to help with food allergies/sensitivities/choices. Pictures of milk cartons & nuts & eggs. Fish & wheat. Great! It seemed to be a conscientious place. Across the top of the menu it says:
“Please note that many of our dishes can be specially made to accommodate your dietary needs. Ask your server for more information!”
When we get to the restaurant, however, the menu looked different - no icons. I couldn’t remember which items were veg, so I asked our very attentive server to help me out. This is how our conversation went:
Me: Could you please tell me if any of these curries arevegan?
Or vegetarian?
Server: Well, all of them can be made vegetarian, but none of them are vegan. They all have shrimp paste.
(beat. confused look on my face.)
Me: So, none of them are vegetarian?
(beat. confused look on servers face)
If they all have shrimp, then they are not even vegetarian.
(beat.)
Server: Yes, that’s right.
For the love of lobster! What’s up with servers and sea creatures?!
After thinking for a moment, she suggested a vegetable stir fry with brown rice. Spicy. Simple. Good. Vegan. Glad I asked.
