OK, let's get the griping out of the way, so we can move on to more constructive things:
I've had it with trying to explain myself to non-vegetarians. I did not give up meat because I hate good food. I simply choose not to eat animal flesh. It isn't because I hate farmers (I don't) or America (I don't) or Republicans (I do, but that has nothing to do with this). It isn't because I like depriving myself. I have my own reasons; trust me. Buy me a drink sometime and I'll be happy to go into them, but basically, leave it at this - I'm hungry, grumpy, vegetarian, have money in my pocket and want to be able to eat out at a decent restaurant.
I've had it with eating salads - salads are fine. There is nothing wrong with salads. I like salads as much as the next person, but they are not dinner. They are fine with dinner, but they are not dinner themselves. Don't try to pawn them off on me as real food.
Other vegetarians tick me off. I don't wear Birkenstocks, I don't play the tambourine and I don't have an aura.
There are no rules to being a vegetarian. Stop trying to tell me that there are. If one more person tells me, "Oh, that's just chicken; you're allowed to have that," I will personally shove a radish up his nose.
OK - I'm done with the rant for the moment. Whew! I feel better.
So where does a vegetarian eat in Manchester?
1) Diners. One of the really odd facts of life in the food world is that the more upscale the restaurant, the less likely it is to serve meatless dishes. Chez Snob has a hard time cooking without veal stock or holding the froi gras, but most greasy spoons are more vegetarian friendly. A good rule of thumb is that if a place serves breakfast all day, they'll be happy to make you an omelet or a grilled cheese sandwich.
2) Your regular restaurant. It is estimated that approximately 4% of the population in this country is vegetarian. That means that Manchester has at least 4,000 potential diners walking around looking for tofu. Most restaurants in the city have recognized this and offer at least one major meatless entree on their menu. Many places also keep vegi-burgers or other vegetarian foods in back, even if it isn't listed on the menu.
3) The philosophical approach. I used to live in Africa and found it necessary to develop a strategy for getting along. What I came up with was this - "I choose to believe."
That's it.
"I choose to believe."
Isn't that beautiful? It simplifies your life enormously.
Do you think our cab driver is actively suicidal? - I choose to believe he's just drunk.
Does this bus actually go to Nairobi? - I choose to believe so.
The kids have been awfully quiet tonight. Do you think they are up to something? - I choose to believe they're studying.
Isn't it great? You don't surrender your grasp on reality; you are just selective about which portions you choose to recognize.
Honey? Are you sure there's no meat in this? - I choose to believe that, yes.
