Spam

Even though this site has been inactive for a while, I will keep it up for the benefit of the occasional visitors that I still hear from. However, I will be blocking the comment function since some spammers are using it for their lame benefit. If you would like to get in touch, contact me through my profile.

The State of Vegetarianism

Here is a snippet from an article on the Vegetarian Times web site. Although 7.3 million is still not a large percentage, I think it is significant that more people are eating less meat and consider their diet "vegetarian-inclined."

Vegetarian Times Study Shows
7.3 Million Americans Are Vegetarians

Additional 22.8 Million Follow a Vegetarian-Inclined Diet

The just-released “Vegetarianism in America” study, published by Vegetarian Times (vegetariantimes.com), shows that 3.2 percent of U.S. adults, or 7.3 million people, follow a vegetarian-based diet. Approximately 0.5 percent, or 1 million, of those are vegans, who consume no animal products at all. In addition, 10 percent of U.S., adults, or 22.8 million people, say they largely follow a vegetarian-inclined diet.

Data for this survey were collected by the Harris Interactive Service Bureau on behalf of Vegetarian Times. The poll surveyed 5,050 respondents, a statistically representative sample of the total U.S. population. Vegetarian Times commissioned RRC Associates, a research firm in Boulder, Colo., to perform the data analysis.

The 2008 study also indicates that of the non-vegetarians surveyed 5.2 percent, or 11.9 million people, are “definitely interested” in following a vegetarian-based diet in the future.

The study also collected data on age, gender and other demographic factors. Of the vegetarians surveyed:

59 percent are female; 41 percent are male.
42.0 percent are age 18 to 34 years old; 40.7 percent are 35 to 54; and 17.4 percent are over 55.
57.1 percent have followed a vegetarian diet for more than 10 years; 18 percent for 5 to 10 years; 10.8 percent for 2 to 5 years, 14.1 percent for less than 2 years.

Finding Vegetarian Recipes

Whenever new acquaintances find out that I am a vegan, many inevitable ask: "So, what do you eat?"
The implication, of course, is that without animal products there is nothing left.

However, whenever these same people come over to my apartment (formerly house) and spy a copy of my Vegetarian Times, they finally seem to get it. Finding healthy vegetarian recipes that are also delicious IS not hard.

While cookbooks can be great, my favorite source for new recipes is Vegetarian Times magazine. It meets three important requirements: it has great pictures of the final product, most of the recipes are easy to make AND they use common ingredients that are easy to find.

A few years ago, VT underwent an awesome overhaul. I used to prefer one of their competitors because many of the VT's recipes used dairy products. However, now most of the recipes are vegan or can be easily converted. Their articles also go beyond food getting to health topics and environmental issues that many vegetarians find important.

My two favorite monthly features are "Vegan Gourmet," which offers three delicious themed recipes, and "30 Minutes," which offers several easy-to-make dishes.

Among about 50 recipes in this issue, here are some I'm looking forward to trying: roasted tomatillo and black bean tacos, Greek lentil salad, lemonberry muffins and banana cocoa smoothies.

My biggest problem is that I never bother to cut out my favorite recipes, figuring I can find it later. However, now my stack of magazines is so big, it's almost impossible. However, I always know I can find something great!

In the (Della) Zona

It always amazes me how many of my fellow Athenians never venture far from Court Street for a dining experience.

Yes, I do love the culinary delights of downtown Athens, but go just a bit further down East State Street to find a real gem.

Della Zona Pizza & Gelato (270 East State St.) came onto the local scene last fall with relatively little fanfare. Under its previous owners, it also served brick-oven pizza; however, its new owners have put their own special touches on it that have made a significant difference.

If you have ever eaten at the Village Bakery next door, you know their management's emphasis on fresh, organic products and their support of local farmers and suppliers. Now they have taken that same approach to pizza, pasta, salads and gelato at Della Zona.

While pizza restaurants are not normally a welcome place for vegans, Della Zona is an exception. Although nearby Avalanche Pizza does a decent job on its "I was a teenage vegan werewolf" pizza, it doesn't feature any cheese substitute. While Della Zona does not use a melted rice or soy cheese, its "Parmezano" (an almond-based variety) offers a great taste. Add to that the option to substitute tempeh sausage for its animal counterparts, and vegans can eat almost anything on the menu.

My personal favorite is the barbeque pizza, which features maple barbeque sauce, onions, and sweet and hot peppers -- in addition to my substitutions of Parmezano and tempeh sausage. The sauce has a great taste and is complemented well by the zing of the fresh peppers. In this case, the more subdued Parmezano "cheese" offers the perfect contrast.

After working at California Pizza Kitchen in my past, I can appreciate innovative pizza combinations that veer from the traditional fare; fortunately, to please everybody, Della Zona offers both. It has 18 classic specialty pizzas or you can build your own. Prices range from $7.50 for most 8-inch individual pizzas to $14.95 for most 14-inch varieties.

To drink, I love their Italian sodas, especially the maple vanilla. For dessert, try the delicious chocolate gelato, the only non-dairy option, when it is available (mostly in the warmer months).

The restaurant is the perfect size for a local establishment. It has wooden tables and a few survey maps of Athens on the walls that provide an interesting atmosphere. Add to that the same type of friendly staff that Village Bakery patrons have come to expect, and you have a combination that makes it well worth your while to stray from the downtown scene.

Burrito Wars

Last week marked the long-awaited arrival of Chipotle to Athens. With two existing burrito suppliers already on Court Street, one wonders whether there is enough room for them all to survive.

While local stalwart Burrito Buggy and more recent arrival Big Mamma's, one could argue that Athens was already well-served in the burrito department. Each has a loyal following, but most people at least liked one or the other.

Enter Chipotle. With its corporate backing, the newcomer made its presence known immediately by giving away thousands of free burritos on Thursday, leading to long lines that extended all the way around Perks onto Union Street.

I have mixed feelings about the situation. On one hand, I want a thriving Court Street that offers a wide variety of restaurants, especially those that offer fresh vegetarian fare. Chipotle brings fresh food and an interesting atmosphere.

On the other hand, is this another situation in which a large corporation comes in and runs the local guys out of business? Although McDonalds used to own a large stake in Chipotle, that is no longer the case; however, they still have a strong record of financial success. I hope their success does not take business from our local burrito places.

Unlike places like Walmart, the chain appears to be a responsible corporate citizen so I can't dislike them on that account. By employing fresh ingredients, you can't argue with the product either.

To me, what it comes down to is taste, variety and atmosphere. Each offers different ingredients in a different setting.

I'll probably stop in occasionally. However, my loyalty lies with the Buggy. As a vegan, I appreciate the fact that they offer tofu as well as homemade guacamole and salsa. In the long run, my taste buds steer me there. I don't stop at Big Mamma's often, but I hope people continue to support these local establishments. Chipotle simply offers another option.

In the end, if all three businesses thrive, the burrito lovers of Athens will be the winners.