Restaurants and Places to Eat
So many people who attempt to live a lifestyle of a macrobiotic/vegetarian/vegan/raw-food diet find it difficult to navigate the public sector of fast food and restaurants who knowingly serve less than desirable, less healthy foods. Well, we are experimenting! We found that if you call ahead to a target resturant, many will accommodate and even excel with a meal presentation that is not on the menu! Maybe it will be a variation or a whole new presentation. You never know who the chef is or what genius they may posses!
We will attempt to list the best of our experiments with public dining. Hopefully this will encourage you to experiment and let us know your results so we can post them here. In the meantime, we are charging ahead===>
Raphsodic Pastry Shop
| Hold on to your hats folks - if Orlando has a MUST VISIT gourmet establishment, this is it. No matter it is Vegan; don't be put off. Everything is absolutely Scrumptious! Owned and managed by a most delightful proprietress dedicated to all things delicious (and sweet!). Of course you can take loads of deserts home with you too! |
| Pastries and More! 710 N. Mills Ave. Orlando, FL 32803 407.704.8615 |
| Raphsodic is owned and run by vegans, who believe in healthy options that are beyond amazing in the taste and quality department. They love making the most delicious & good-for-you desserts, that taste better and are filled with happiness, positive energy, and of course, love. |
The Dandelion Cafe
| Dandelion Communitea Cafe is a beloved organic cafe located in the heart of Orlando, Florida which serves healthy vegetarian fare and premium loose leaf tea. Established in March 2006, Dandelion is a landmark establishment attracting loyal locals as well as a must-visit destination for health conscious tourists. |
We had dinner at this delightful cafe (just south of HWY50/Colonial Drive) in Orlando. Although it is difficult to find a Vegan restaurant, these folks were able to provide a delicious vegan dinner. We enjoyed the Giddyup - with spring greens, crumbled blue corn chips, our famous chili, fresh diced tomatoes and scallions. Served with vegan queso.
The rest of the menu also looks inviting by make sure you ask about Soy content and Vegan criteria. Many of the items were soy based, but in general a lovely place for vegetarian eating. The service was excellent and the people there pleasant and helpful.
Bahama Breeze - Island Grille
| On a recent foray into the public resturant with friends, we discovered Bahama Breeze. Not that we hadn't eaten there in the past, but never really thought much about our diet back then. Now, with our new dietary lifestyle, we called ahead, checked out their web site (http://www.bahamabreeze.com) and found that not only was their menu offerings healthy, they even published their pantry contents: http://www.bahamabreeze.com/recipes/ck_pantry.asp. What a marvelous idea! |
Upon entering the resturant, we asked the waitress about the possibility of the chef preparing a vegan meal for my wife and I. Bam! She got the manager right over and we explained our request. He was more than happy to make a variety of suggestions based on their existing menu with modifications to remove dairy or other non-vegan items and add enhancements. Well, were were EXTREMELY pleased with the results. As a matter of fact, our dinner companions were a bit jealous of our feast which consisted of a delicious (and huge) sandwich of Roasted Cuban Bread portabello mushroom, peppers, onions, asparagus and other fresh vegetables grilled lightly (to perfection). This was accompanied by a huge and magnificent fresh salad with greens, assorted fruits, nuts, vegetables and a dressing to die for! Unbelievably delicious!
After the meal the Manger (and Chef) came out to see if his masterpiece(s) were acceptable. You BET THEY WERE!
Needless to say, we will return to enjoy this and other adventures in gourmet/vegan dining.
You CAN eat healthy in a fast food world. It just takes a bit of research and perseverance! Try Bahama Breeze!
Bahama Breeze Island Grille ~ 8849 International Drive ~ Orlando, FL. 32819 ~ (407) 248-2499