PlanJam!From your screen to the scene

So your date says she's a vegetarian, and you're a meat and potatoes kind of guy. Just hearing that term has all these images of boring iceberg lettuce salads and weird chunks of tofu swimming through your head, like some kind of bad 50's horror movie. To make matters worse, you have already reserved at booth at the fanciest steak house in town! Oh no! What now? So, feeling rather sullen, you breathe a heavy sigh, and you blurt out the most obvious question that comes to mind:
"So what can you eat?"

It doesn't help that her answer is, "Whatever I want!" That doesn't really answer the question, now does it? What you meant (or even wanted) to ask was, "Do you just munch on carrot sticks, or is spaghetti still okay?"

When it comes to these types of mixed relationships, picking a restaurant can be really challenging! No steaks, no barbecue pits, no hot dog stands, no burger joints. However, by taking a second look at the menu of some of your favorite restaurants, you'll be rest assured there will be plenty of options for you and your date, even if she happens to be a "Level 5 Vegan".

Italian: It is very rare to come across a person who does not like Italian food, especially pasta. Just be sure to inquire they offer marinara sauce that was not made with any chicken or beef broth, since it pretty much defeats the purpose of having a meat-free diet. If your date is vegan, also be sure to request nothing be prepared with eggs or dairy, including the bread sticks. She will be very impressed you put that extra amount of thought into it!

Mexican: Just about anything at these types of restaurants can be prepared vegetarian. However, along with the egg and dairy issue for vegans, authentic refried beans are cooked in lard. Find a spot that uses vegetable oil instead.

Chinese and Thai: Again, another great idea for accommodating a veg diet, but there is again a slight challenge. If you get it to go, make sure her meal isn't cooked with seafood or fish sauce, since neither are vegetarian.

Indian: Okay, so this definitely sounds like a safe bet, since she can easily order right off the menu. If you two are going on the cheap and hitting their buffet, remember the dairy issue for vegans and call ahead.

Sweets: Going out for dessert afterwards? If she's vegan, order an Italian ice or a dairy-free sorbet. Also, go with dark chocolate instead of milk. Also, some of those items on the menu, like chocolate dipped strawberries and many torts, are on the must have list!