Eating out as a vegetarian can be a wonderful adventure or a dismal disappointment. These days more often than not there is an eclectic choice of fare available for those of us not eating meat but some establishments are still falling short of the mark. I recently experienced both sides of this culinary spectrum.

The more disappointing side occurred during a corporate retreat at a very high end spa known for their food. The chef and wait staff had been “warned” about my diet peculiarities and my party was reassured I would be served an “appropriate” meal. The server was excited (relieved) to find out that I wasn’t a vegan because that was a lot easier to deal with in the kitchen. Then I was served a plain mixed salad, an entrée consisting of the over salted vegetables and rice which was already being served on the fish dish on our pre selected menu and a bowl of strawberries for dessert (instead of a trio of crème brulees or cheesecake). I was not asked my preference on anything; even though the kitchen had 2 weeks advanced notice on my diet they still simply removed the protein from my plate rather than creating something unique. And even though fresh berries would have been my choice if asked, I have no dietary restrictions to eggs, cream, cheese or chocolate so the dessert options offered to the table would have been fine for me.
At the end of the evening I felt different, marginalized and was starving because the food I was served was too salty to eat! Appalling.

On the positive end of this week of vegetarian outings I had the pleasure of being present at the opening of a lovely new venue in Toronto called The Beet. This jewel is located on Dundas with plenty of parking and is easy to find. The proprietors, Michelle Vella and Heather Osler have painstakingly created an inviting oasis perfect for a quick snack, sit down lunch or take out dinner. The attention to detail is staggering and commitment to a “green “operation commendable.

Located in an old TD bank building, the interior has been redone in gorgeous greens with a prominent magenta wall adding interest and depth. Soaring ceilings and plenty of natural light, mismatched chairs and an old porch door hanging above the coffee area create an airy whimsical room which is both welcoming and professional. The tabletops, cupboards, and cabinets are an appealing unusual blend of bamboo, sunflower seed shells and compressed recycled paper.

The food can be described as simply wonderful. I sampled moist delicious muffins with perfect texture still warm from the oven. There was an assortment of baked products available both made onsite and brought in from local bakers.The roti I enjoyed for lunch was exceptional. The bread warm and slightly nutty in taste and the chick pea curry spicy, complex with tender chunks of root vegetables. The accompanying quinoa dish was perfectly cooked and I found myself picking up tiny missed grains after I had finished the meal.

This lovely culinary spot will be a joy for vegetarians and non vegetarians alike looking for an ecologically friendly, relaxed place to eat. So find your way to The Beet and enjoy exemplary food while supporting local farmers and bakers. Have an organic coffee at the comfortable tables in the sun or take home a delicious treat in a completely recyclable container.