Meatless in the Midwest: A Tale of Survival
IN an ideal world, vegetarians would be built like camels. Not humpbacked, of course, but able to sustain themselves through long stretches by tapping stored energy reserves, like previously consumed soy products.
But after the first three dinners in my new hometown, where I moved from New York to cover the Midwest for this newspaper, even this veteran vegetarian was flagging.
This city, after all, is celebrated as a Mecca of meat. And any newcomer should expect to start with a tour of the most venerable purveyors of cows, pigs and chickens in what I’ve been told are their most delicious forms.

Aaron 9:32 am on January 12, 2012 Permalink |
Someone points out a problem, you accuse them of whining. I see how it is.
kris 9:39 am on January 12, 2012 Permalink |
Nah, they’re whining. I looked up KC restaurants on Open Table and the best restaurant in KC, for example, has plenty of vegetarian options, including delicious sounding Seared Polenta Cake and Vegetable Wellington.
Whining is going to a BBQ joint and expecting vegetarian options galore. It’s like going to a vegetarian joint and bitching about the lack of steak.
kris 9:41 am on January 12, 2012 Permalink |
And these chickpea fritters sound great:
Chickpea Fritters
Pickled Carrot, Tomato Chutney, and Harissa
kris 9:43 am on January 12, 2012 Permalink |
And look – a spinach salad sans bacon!!
Spinach Salad
Spinach with Crispy Goat Cheese, Seasonal Fruit, Red Onion, and Mint-Balsamic Vinaigrette
Aaron 9:44 am on January 12, 2012 Permalink |
You need to leave the Midwest more often.
kris 9:47 am on January 12, 2012 Permalink |
Sounds like something a coastie would say