Why the name?
I am allergic to dairy, egg and wheat. My reaction is not life-threatening, but it is life altering. Depending on what I happen to eat by accident it will send me into a migraine. The migraine can last anywhere from one to three days. (I should add right now that in a future post I will discuss the debate over food allergy or food sensitivity.) My dilemma is, while food manufacturers are now giving us gluten-free or dairy-free or egg-free, etc. products, many of these foods only omit one or two of the items I’m allergic to – not all three. I encounter this both at grocery stores and restaurants.
About four years ago, our oldest son moved to Chicago. He called me before one of our visits and said he was taking us to a restaurant where I could eat free of worry. That weekend he introduced us to the Chicago Diner, meat free since ’83. It was a small, unassuming diner, with a line of people waiting outside because there is no room inside to wait. I can tell you, it was worth the wait! I can also tell you, it really is small inside. Depending on where you’re seated; you may be rubbing elbows with the person at the table next to you, but nonetheless, great food and great atmosphere.
Once seated, I ordered a gluten-free beer to enjoy as I marveled at all of the choices I had. Their menu offers vegetarian, some vegan, as well as gluten-free vegan bread. I ordered the S.U.V. (Straight Up Veggie) and asked the server several times if he was sure I could get it with gluten-free vegan bread. He was very patient with me – I know I can be a bit neurotic when ordering at a restaurant. I also ordered one of their award winning vegan milk shakes. The sandwich was incredible, and wonderfully messy; the milkshake, heavenly. I topped all of this off with a slice of vegan gluten-free cheesecake. Oh my! I ordered a second slice to take with me.
After dinner, our son said to me, “Mom, it’s probably easier for you, whether grocery shopping or eating out, to just look for vegan foods. Not only are you safe with what’s in the food, but how it’s prepared too.” This sounded like a great idea, however there was one problem. I enjoy beef, pork and poultry. So, I decided I would embrace this idea with my own twist. Those that know me personally know that I have a tendency to add my own twist – a lot. So I don’t think it surprised my family and friends when I started shopping and eating, with vegan items in mind. So, when at a restaurant that offers vegan items, I order from the vegan menu and I finish my order with, “Oh and can I have a steak on the side?” And there you have it, Vegan with a Side of Beef.