Garden City Eateries All Set For Vegetarian Awareness Month

Now there’s another good reason to eat your veggies, October is Vegetarian Awareness Month. This designation was initiated by the North American Vegetarian Society in 1977 and endorsed by the International Vegetarian Union in 1978, to promote the benefits of vegetarianism.

Vegetarianism is the practice of abstaining from consumption of meat, poultry or seafood and in some cases animal products. According to the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, meat-free eating is not only healthful but also aids in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. This lifestyle is also adapted by those concerned with the environment.

You don’t have to travel far or necessarily be a vegetarian to enjoy a tasty vegetarian meal in Garden City. Many eateries offer vegetarian appetizers or entrees as regular features on their menu, while others are just as happy to modify recipes to fit a vegetarian lifestyle.

While you wouldn’t expect vegetarian options at an establishment for burgers, Ewa Londos, owner of The Burger Spot, has not overlooked the vegetarian population. Her establishment offers several veggie options including the veggie Burger which is homemade at the restaurant and consists of pure vegetables along with chickpeas as a binding. The patty does not contain eggs or flour. The patty is dressed with lettuce, tomato, arugula and herb mayo.

“We are quite proud of our veggie burger,” shared Londos. “The veggie burger has been a big seller since we’ve opened. They are homemade and never frozen and that is the difference.”

The Burger Spot also offers a portobello mushroom burger, fresh salads and soups.

If your tastes skew toward Mediterranean, Wild Fig offers a host of vegetarian choices from appetizers to entrees. According to Manager, Sevda Vila the most popular vegetarian items include hummus; falafal, chickpea and herb patties served with tahini sauce; eggplant medallions stuffed with a spinach feta mix; pides, similar to pizza; salads and red lentil soup.

The NY Soup Exchange serves up many vegetarian offerings on a daily basis to an eager lunchtime crowd. Soups include split pea; U.S. Senate white bean; Baja black bean; tortilla and Santa Fe squash featuring caramelized jalapenos and onions.

Ken Kaplan, owner, chef and chief ladler, is proud to offer more healthful choices that are low in fat and calories but not lacking in taste.

Walk Street is another dining option for vegetarians. Robert Kloepfer, owner and chef, will modify any of the restaurants’ entrees for the vegetarian diner. Popular vegetarian selections are the angel hair pasta and risotto modified for vegetarian palates.

Walk Street’s menu states: “Vegetarians are our friends.”