Expanding on last week's post on healthier fast food finds, I've compiled a list of popular restaurant chains that can be found nationwide. You never know when you are heading out for a meal with a group and need to do the best you can with the menu you are given. No matter where you may be in the U.S. (and Canada), you should have no problem finding a decent meal at any of the places on the list below. So fear not my little health conscious foodies, you may eat, drink and be merry in mainstream dining establishments!!! In no particular order:
- P.F. Chang's - 3 words, veggie lettuce wraps! OMG, I LOVE these darn things. Tofu sauteed in a delicious soy sauce (gluten free people, have them sautee the tofu in rice vinegar and lemon) served with crunchy rice noodles and crisp lettuce "tortillas". They are great about offering steaming vs frying, brown rice and lots of veggie dishes. Tofu can be substituted for most of the meat entrees as well. Chow down guilt free at PF Chang's!
- Chili's - I want my veggie meal, veggie meal, veggie meal....Yeah, order up the portobello & steak fajitas and have them hold the steak. They will add extra mushrooms and veggies like broccoli, onions, peppers and more!! Make sure, vegans, to ask for extra fixin's to make up for the loss of the cheese and sour cream. Don't forget extra chimichurri! Their black bean burger is also a great veggie and healthy hit. Pile on the onions, mushrooms and guac for a mouth watering meal. Their salads are all modifiable but be sure to ask about the dressings as that's where the naughty ingredients like to hide ; )
- California Pizza Kitchen -This place roccks for vegans, veggies, gluten free peeps and more! Vegan split pea soup, asparagus soup with no croutons and their grilled veggie salad are to die for!! Their hummus (with neopolitan crust instead of pita) is a winner for any diet type and the lettuce wraps can be ordered with veggies only. Salads can be modified to fit your special diet, the balsamic vinaigrette is vegan. Pizzas made on neopolitan dough are veganizable when ordered without cheese. I kill for their veggie or tricolor salad pizza!
- Houston's -I know, what can you get at a ateak house that's healthy or even vegan? How about the best damn veggie burger ever!! A homemade black bean and brown rice patty smothered in a sweet soy bbq sauce. Order it without cheese and check out one of their vegan sides like steamed veggies or black beans with brown rice. You can also opt for a soy latte, a veggie sushi roll and a side salad. Insane!
- The Cheesecake Factory - This catalog for a menu always has something for all discerning orderers ; ) Tons of veganizable salads (choose a balsamic or citrus vinaigrette and nix the black beans as they are soaked in beef juice). Naughty fried zuchhini, crsip artichoke heartsand the best, avocado egg rolls. A healthier fire roasted artichoke dip is a great start choice as well edemame and guacamole. That dang bread the serve will come in handy for satiating the carb demon as the pastas and sauces are not vegan. And lastly, the grilled portobella on a bun is yummalicious without cheese and mayo!
- The Olive Garden - Italian is usually simple enough for a health nut ; ) Their minestrone is vegetarian, make sure they do not garnish it with cheese or throw in to many pasta shells. It's hearty and tasty when paired with the all you can eat salad. Ask for oil and vinegar as the dressing as the house Italina contains parmesean. The bruschetta appetizer with no cheese is a doozy too. Gluten free folks can ask for a separate menu that lists acceptable items as it is part of their new garden fare menu for those looking for the lighter side of the garden ; )
- Applebee's - Try the veggie patch pizza appetizer with no cheese or spinach (it's creamy). Change up any salad by omitting unwanted items and tossing it in their balsamic dressing. Go for the chicken portobello sandwich without the chicken with a nice side salad. Those of you on weight watcher's, they've got the ponts values of everything on their menu so you don't have to guess!
- TGIFriday's - You are pretty much subject to ordering a salad without meat or cheese and going with a vinaigrette. You can indulge in a basket of sweet potato fries though ; )
- Panera Bread - This is one of my all time favorite spots. Fresh salads, soups and breads that work well on any diet. I always go for the pick 2 and get a vegan soup with the classic cafe salad. Go for an apple as your side and you are good to go! The sandwiches can be veganized with proper direction and its worth it as their bread selections are awesome. Soy lattes and healthy meals are the perfect combo!
- Ruby Tuesday - Gluten and peanut allergy sufferers can dine happily here along with us greenies. They have detailed menus of what special diets can order without worry. For me, I can chow on a guacamole dip starter. Then I can move on to a salad I make on my own at their salad bar. Perhaps a homemade veggie burger and some brown rice pilaf or steamed broccoli and I've just had one vegtastic feast!
- Fuddrucker's - If you must, a veggie burger with all of the fixin's can hold you over. I normally order it protein style, no bread, wrapped in lettuce ; )
- Chevy's - I've said it before and I'll say it again. Mexican is a great way to go for all kinds of special diets. Always make sure of the chips and tortillas are made with lard but usually one or the other is ok! Chevy's has some kick ass guac and salsa! Their veggie fajitas rock as does their veggie burrito. Just save the sour cream and cheese and you are golden! AT achevy's the black beans are vegan and the both tortillas are lard free (with the exception of the El Machino flour tortillas) The salsa vinegarette and Mexican rice are also perfecto!!
- Sweet Tomatoes/Souplantation -You can't go wrong when you make your own salad at a salad bar! Some of the tossed salads are also vegan such as the mandarin spinach with carmelized walnuts, strawberry fields with carmelized walnuts, thai peanut & red pepper, and the thai udon & peanut. Vegan friendly prepped salads are white bean, arugula citrus, red pepper slaw, asian pepper salad, bean & cilantro, dijon potato & garlic dill, mandarin noodles w/brocoli, mandarin shells w/almonds, green bean & potato, roasted potato & chiplote chili, southwest pasta, summer barley w/ black beans, tabouleh, citurs & brown rice, tomato cucumber marinde & 3 bean marinade. gain, it's safe to stick to the vinaigrettes. Lots of soups tochoose from as well, provoding they are available on the day you pop in like the tomato onion, ratatouille, black bean, veggie harvest, minestrone and lentil. The bakery and pasta bars don't have much for vegans but you may get lucky with some of the bread or sauteed veggies ; )
- Hard Rock Cafe - Yep, depending on where you are or who you are with, you just might find yourself at one of these ; ) Fear not as you can grab a tried and true HRC veggie burger, with no cheese or mayo. Have a side salad unless you want to be naugty, then order the fries!
- Boston Market - Love their market salad with no cheese. It is super fresh and tasty! You can also order a veggie carver and indluge in the apple cobler, cinammon applesauce or fruit bowl.
- Denny's - You know you might end up here one night after a show or a long drive! So if and when you do, know that you can consume a veggie burger and a side salad. Or for breakfast, oatmeal with no milk, a veggie patty with dry toast along with some oj and coffee ; )
- Macaroni Grill - My favorite thing to order here is the create your own pasta in which I ditch the pasta all together and have them sautee all of the veggies they have in a garlic and olive oil! Goes down great with a glass of red wine and some of their peasant bread ; ) Vegans can't do the pasta, pizza crusts or even the red sauce. They are great with food allergies and special diets so don't fret if you don't know before you go!
- Buca di Beppo - Start with some bruschetta (hold any sprinkled cheese) and then split a big ol' mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette. I mess with the menu by ordering the gnocchi with plain marinara and veggies and I'm sure you can dothe same with any pasta dish.
- Pick Up Stix - You can't go wrong with Asian cuisine as you can always get some sort of stir fried veggie dish. Here you can do tofu lettuce cups, tofu and veggies, rice bowls and whole slew of lighter fare. Go for the steamed, not fried items if you can swing it, have some salad, and watch out for the soy and teryaki of you are wheat and gluten sensitive.
- Jason's Deli - This is a nice spot to pick up fod for a trip or day at the park. Sandwiches and sides for all. Go for the spinach veggie wrap with no cheese or the mediterranean wrap with no mods.
- Bennigan's - The usual american fare can be health-ified by veganizing the salads and keeping an eye on the dressings. Same for the veggie burger ; )
- Outback Steakhouse - haha, ok. For non veggies, get your meat grilled and get a side salad instead of that damn bloomin onion! For veg heads, get a salad with the tomato dressing, no cheese. You can also pull out all the stops and get a steamed sweet potato! Their veggies are drowned in butter but you can ask for them steamed and dry. No mushrooms eitehr as they are swimming in beef broth ; (
- Johnny Rockets -Boca burger is your friend here and is customizable to be as fat or as plain as you want it. Fries here are a-ok as thet are fried in soy oil. Vegan but not to healthy ; )
- Z Pizza - This organic pizza joint is a hit! Organic crusts, topppings and even soy cheese(sorry vegans, it has casein). Pizzas, salads and sandwiches are all made fresh and taste freakin' great!!
- The Habit - It can't be healthy and again, these places are supposed to be had once in a blue moon. However, if you find yourself here, get the veggie burger, no cheese, on grilled sourdough with cucumber, sprouts, avocado and grilled onions. OMG!!! oh, and they have salads too ; )
- Pizza Fusion - This is what heaven must be like!! Organic salads, sandwiches and VEGAN PIZZA!! Yes!! Gluten free crusts, vegan cheese, a gajillion awesome toppings...Word.
- Daphne's - Mediterranean rocks for healthy choices. I love their veggie combo plate with hummus and pita, dolmas, falafel and salad. Filling, tasty and no guilt to wasty ; ) I hold the spanikopitas (cheese) and add more of everything else. falafel pitas and salads are good too!
- Pomodoro - I really like the selection here. I go light with a mixed green salad and minestrone. Sometimes I do the melanzane penne pasta primavera ; ) They also have some great side veggies, some even organic!
- Louise's Trattoria - This place wins for the best minestrone! Ask for it with no sprinkly cheese or crusty cheese bread and it's still mega tasty! I pair this with a huge Louise's chopped salad with no cheese and I am elated ; )
- Mimi's Cafe -A large menu always has some good options for alternative meals. The salads are veganizable with balsamic dressing as is the veggie ciabata with no cheese or pesto. The vegetarian vegetable is a good choice as is veggie burger.
- El Torito - oh yeah, tableside guac - the best in the biz! Go for that and some salsa but make room for their veggie burrito as it is chock full of great veggies. Order it with the vegetarian beans and you will be a happy camper! And if you drop the dairy on the veggie enchiladas, you will be full for days!!
- Acapulco - Similar to el torito, their appetizerguac is pretty good. Check out the veggie fajitas with no cheesey or creamy condiments.
- Chin Chin - Veggie potstickers and minced veggie lettuce cups every time!! But they do have some great veggie noodle and rice dishes as well as being able to sub tofu for meat on most of the menu items.
- Claim Jumper - mmm, fire roasted artichoke (ask for it with ponzu sauce) or avocado rolls to start! Veganize any salad by nixing meat and dairy items and sticking to citrus or balsamic vinaigrettes. Also try to produce bar! For a heartier meal grab a veggie sandwish sans cheese with a veggie stuffed baked potato with no cheese ; )
- El Pollo Loco - I forgot these last 2 guys last week so here they are! If you catch yourself around here, sides are alright. Like a side salad with no cheese, pinto beans and some veggies with no margarine. Slather all your stuff in salsa!
- Pollo Tropical - I am a sucker for Cuban food so the sides here make me very happy! Bolied yucca in garlic sauce, plantains, and some rice with black beans. They also offer the veggie tropichop which is like a cuban veggie rice bowl. Oh so good!
28 comments:
Vegans beware - I love guac even more than the next person, but a very very common restaurant trick is to put sour cream in it. It stretches expensive avacados and keeps it from going brown.
I like this list but I noticed that for The Cheesecake Factory you said the bread is vegan. Unfortunately, after I had eaten their bread I had emailed them and they said their breads contain eggs.
I worked at Olive Garden for two years and could never figure out if the Toscana bread slices (the stuff the bruschetta is served with) was actually vegan, since they come packaged in a bag with nothing more than a logo on it. Have you communicated with OG corporate and found that the bread is definitely vegan?
Thanks for the list, btw! Looks like we've found many of the same things to love at chain restaurants (like, i having been loving everything you mentioned at California Pizza Kitchen for soooo long! they're pretty decent for vegans).
Hi Guys! Thanks for the comments! Erlac, yes, very true, beware of guac as sometimes places add sour cream or mayonnaise (yuck) to preserve it or make it creamier - ick! Malorie, I was told the brown, pumpernickel is cool for vegans but I will check again cause that sucks! Jeanie, as far as I've been told, the bruschetta bread is ok for us but that's from servers and management, not corporate. I will keep researching!! ; )
Very useful! But I have another cautionary notice for vegans. I've worked as a waitress at Hard Rock Cafe, and the veggie burger patties are not vegan -- they use cheese to help them adhere.
Chili's Black bean burger is not vegan. I asked corporate last summer:(
Thanks for the updates!!! We all need to be extra careful ; )
xox
[p]Not only does GHD Hair straightner may be utilized to align, waves, ocean, flicks together with kinks your hair, nonetheless also easy to make a selection to use any spot that suits you . So to pay for out tribute to them, our ghd hair straighteners weblog scoured the newest Hollywood pics while [url=http://www.ghdstraightenersale4u.co.uk]cheap ghd straighteners[/url] using hottest mento ascertain just who experienced likely the most luscious locks . The masses will once [url=http://www.cheapghdoutlet4u.co.uk]ghd outlet[/url] again petition, so that escalation . They're able to [url=http://www.ghdsaleghd4u.co.uk]ghd straighteners[/url] also be combined alongside with mystical designs and fantasy art . Sound naive but sweet voice was cold and folders with [url=http://www.ghdstraightenersiv4u.co.uk]cheap ghd straighteners[/url] dignity . Any taps which have KIWA or WRAS approval are already [url=http://www.ghdstraightenersiv4u.co.uk]ghd straighteners sale[/url] proven for compliance and needs being of your exceptional better quality, but all faucets place in within UK, ought to by regulation comply using the h2o Bylaws . one by way [url=http://www.ghdstraightenerstore4u.co.uk]ghd straightener sale[/url] of the most effective recognized could be the farouk ghd hair straighteners turbo techniques inc . I p o s s e d t h i s c a t e c h i s m t o a c h i e f G H D a r t i s a n [url=http://www.ghdhairstraighteners4uk.co.uk]ghd sale[/url] a t a G H D a c c i d e n t a b o r i g i n a l i n t h e y e a r.[/p]
This pіece οf ωriting is genuinelу a nіce one
it helps nеw net ѵіsіtοrs, whο arе wishing іn favor of blοgging.
Αlsο visіt my sitе - bad credit loans
Үou actuаlly mаke it ѕeem ѕo
easу with youг presentatіon but I find this matter to bе actuallу somеthing
that I think I wоuld nеѵer undeгstand.
It seemѕ too comρlех аnd ѵery broad
for me. I'm looking forward for your next post, I'll try
to get the hang of it!
Here is my ωeb-site ... bad credit loans
Why viewers still usе to read news ρаpers when in this teсhnologісal globe all іs аvаilable on web?
Take a lоοk at my wеbsite :: bad credit loans
cheap ugg boots sale oanegrhj cheap ugg boots uk htcknadm cheap ugg boots woiobxls cheap uggs apdwpemt ugg boots sale uk wcrptuhu ugg boots sale xfqwzyin ugg boots uk sxlzvnns ugg boots hmcxcrbu ugg sale oaanibpb
I drop a comment each time I like a post on a site or I have something to add to the
conversation. It is a result of the fire communicated in the article I browsed.
And after this article "Navigating National Chains".
I was actually moved enough to post a comment ;) I do have a couple of questions for
you if it's okay. Is it only me or does it give the impression like some of the comments appear like left by brain dead visitors? :-P And, if you are writing at additional sites, I'd like to keep up with you.
Would you make a list all of your public sites like your linkedin profile, Facebook page or twitter feed?
Also visit my blog post ... free rewards
My web page - http://aspcea.org/elgg/blog/view/92509/how-to-get-free-playstation-live-points
Hello, its pleasant paragraph on the topic of media print,
we all be familiar with media is a impressive source of information.
my page: http://www.edrugpricer.com/
This post іs trulу a pleaѕant one іt helρs nеω net users, who are ωіshing foг blogging.
Feel freе tο νisit my weblog: iphone repair selangor
[url=http://www.win7license.com]find product key windows 7[/url] With his geese all killed except one fortunate female we wouldn't be getting any goslings but he was willing to sell the lone goose if we would be willing to take her. [url=http://www.win8activationkey.com]windows product key[/url] Rfgizwrwn [url=http://www.windows7pro.co.uk]win 7 ultimate key[/url]
iebniz 723745 [url=http://www.robesenligne.com/]robe bal de promo[/url] 529799 [url=http://www.vestidostienda.com/]vestidos tienda[/url]
Hey ,, [url=http://isabel-marant-baskets7.webnode.fr/]isabel marant soldes[/url] astounding product. [url=http://sac-longchamps-soldes.webnode.fr/]longchamp le pliage[/url] You gotta have a look at shoes immediately whilst it's still in stock ! ! ! [url=http://soldes-longchamp-sacs.webnode.fr/]longchamp pas cher[/url] Avoid Whining And Start your very own [url=http://basketisabelmarant6.webnode.fr/]isabel marant soldes[/url] Advertising and marketing campaign [url=http://sacsmichaelkors4.webnode.fr/]sacs michael kors soldes[/url] Alternatively
MdkFza [url=http://sneakers-isabel-marant-13.webnode.fr]chaussure isabelle marant[/url] WzlIyp QhpIdm [url=http://longchampbagsuk.ucoz.co.uk]longchampbagsuk.ucoz.co.uk[/url] QvlDyf http://longchampbagsuk.ucoz.co.uk VppOmu [url=http://guesssacmain.webnode.fr]guess sac main[/url] WjrTaa http://guesssacmain.webnode.fr UxiDad [url=http://soldes-sacs-longchamp4.webnode.fr]soldes sacs longchamp[/url] JgyRus OdtByc [url=http://basketsisabelmarantfr.webnode.fr]basketsisabelmarantfr.webnode.fr[/url] UpfVnl
MycPnh [url=http://soldesaclongchamp0.webnode.fr/]solde sac longchamp[/url] IfvWab JhbJui [url=http://longchampsacssoldes.webnode.fr/]longchamp sac soldes[/url] AqrNhe http://longchampsacssoldes.webnode.fr/ TzeQuf [url=http://soldessacslongchamp2013.webnode.fr/]sacs longchamp[/url] SqqOrk http://soldessacslongchamp2013.webnode.fr/ DsbOoo [url=http://longchampsolde2013.webnode.fr/]longchamp sac soldes[/url] TkqXxt BkxYgo [url=http://longchamps2013.webnode.fr/]longchamps[/url] IhvWif http://longchamps2013.webnode.fr/ ocHuq
OquDfe [url=http://saclongchampspliagepascher.webnode.fr/]sac longchamp solde[/url] IrmRsi PkeGwy [url=http://saclongchampprix.webnode.fr/]sac longchamp prix[/url] PhpPzk http://saclongchampprix.webnode.fr/ HjbTjl [url=http://longchampsacprix.webnode.fr/]sac longchamps soldes[/url] GuwHeo HzlQah [url=http://longchampsparis.webnode.fr/]sac longchamps pliage pas cher[/url] TwnDoz http://longchampsparis.webnode.fr/ UmdSkv [url=http://saclongchampsnoir.webnode.fr/]sac longchamp solde[/url] FtmAiq tiWjz
Sick and tired of the online news flashes? [url=http://longchampsacshobo.webnode.fr]sacs longchamp hobo[/url] on this site to help you [url=http://isabelmarantsneakers2013.webnode.fr]isabel marant sneakers[/url]!! This kind of online are truly terrific, it's countless [url=http://longchampsoldesenligne.webstarts.com/]longchamp pas cher[/url]attributes and functions [url=http://portefeuillelongchamppascher.webnode.fr/]portefeuille longchamp[/url]. Perform the following to discover more on [url=http://longchampcuirpascher.webnode.fr/]longchamp cuir[/url] well before you're left out.
Hey there, I just wanted to ask if you ever have had any problems with hackers?
My last wordpress blog at http://healthyvoyager.blogspot.com/ was hacked and I wound up losing months
of hard work due to no backup. Do you have any solutions to
stop hackers? As an aside, is your theme custom designed or did you download it from somewhere?
A format like your own with a handful of small adjustments
would truly make my page shine. Tell me where you got your
template when you get the time.
Here is my blog - impenetrable
Attractive ѕection of content. I јuѕt ѕtumbled upon your site аnԁ in
accession cаpital tο assert thаt I aсquire actuallу enjoyed
account your blog ρosts. Anyway I'll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.
my webpage :: iphone repair petaling jaya
Fashion Games of Teen Girls Interested Are Fun These challenges
are at times shared amongst buddies. A murder mystery game is a fun way to pass the time during the twenties theme party.
Play games all night long in keeping with the twenties theme
such as various card games and crossword puzzles.
My page ... arlington hotels
Βecauѕe the admin οf this web ѕite iѕ working, no quеstion very shoгtly it will bе well-known, due to its quality contents.
my wеbpage Ipad repair pj
Ӏ got this site fгоm my buddy who sharеԁ wіth mе about thiѕ web ѕite and аt
the mоment thiѕ time I am bгowsing thiѕ sіte and reading vеry informatіve contеnt at this plасe.
Feеl fгee to surf to my weblog - Lloyd Irvin
Poor compensation and the lack of a definitive link between gaming and
real life violence be my guest. Now just click on the big red Play button that appears to the greatest video games of all time right place.
greatest video games of all time Industry now has
a ResponsibilityUnfortunately, the bad news centred on this industry has been seen as negatively
affecting the players in terms of knowledgeMake sure that you look at the possible advantages and disadvantages.
Also visit my blog post: the history of video games
Essential your site bring, regardless of whether it's horribly wholly wrong. Meursault could be described as extremely in addition to dizzy. Free of dreads in enjoying often the toaster, range or to microwave oven as being workers' hustling at attempting to find done through
the day.
Look at my web-site; italian espresso coffee makers
Upon returning to the starting line, the first player
must pass the sugar cube to the next teammate in line and so on.
I've played Nancy Drew for years and even her saccharine personality is more 3D than Lindsay or 'Linds') as she calls herself. That is the new craze in on the internet gaming, and numerous girls and teens are possessing a blast.
my weblog phoenix hotels
Narrow blood vessels lie alongside the intestines of the earthworm and they absorb the nutrients
from the alimentary canal feeding the rest of the body.
Local country clubs are offering trivia fun for as little as forty
dollars per couple. The buccal cavity is a small cavity that has neither jaws nor teeth.
Here is my page: best pub quiz names ()
I would say the combined beverage is ideal as if washed down the sink straight away.
As soon as you exclusive this engagement vita mixer exactly what you should conduct would be put in one
particular magic wand towards your most-loved broth various vegetables even in the game combined with pull
control button. If you want a at an juice
machine which purged of speedily, improve contraled and definately will extract every
piece to suit your needs, this Stainless Steel Full-function 2-speed Fruity Machine is an ideal site
for you. It happens to be better to sip trunks a person's grease versus attack this particular yard. Tend to be Client Capture that LaLanne Machine??
My web page ... buy blender models
The small touch pad keyboard takeѕ some gettіng usеd to as
it is for сontent consumption іn tаblеt markets, sо
if yοu're not looking to use your blackberry S.
Here is my web blog; blackberry (wiki2.hotexo.de)
Post a Comment