Will be Attending Work Related Outing to Restaurant...Need Help!
I am stressed out about an upcoming event next week. I started a new job Monday (although I have worked there before at a different position) and in an effort to be more social and part of the team, I signed up to go to a retirement party at a particular restaurant for a coworker who retired recently (I took over her position). Now, let me share that I am quite an introvert and shy, not one to go out much and not all that comfortable in a group setting. The last time I have eaten out at a restaurant of any kind was maybe three months ago? So I am putting myself out there as it is. I live in a city that has very few vegan options. And I am a very strict vegan. I did look for an online menu for this particular restaurant to get an idea of what they have but there is no online menu for this particular restaurant (Mexico Lindo) in my city. Since this restaurant is a sort of chain a friend of mine found an online menu for Mexico Lindo in another town. Here it is:
http://www.menulizard.com/restaurant/113/mexico-lindo/
So I am looking at this menu and wondering what on earth I can eat. It looks like I may have to specifically ask the server to leave out certain foods (ie cheeses and sauces) in order to eat a vegan meal. I am wondering what you guys would choose to do looking at this menu and how you would make it work.
Also, would it be appropriate to call the restaurant ahead and ask if they are willing to accomodate my needs as a vegan as far as the cook leaving out certain ingredients or making a special effort?
Thanks for any help!
I was thinking I was going to tell you to order a guacamole tostada or something like that, until I came to the vegetarian section! I don't think your choices are too bad, compared to a lot of places. It even specifically says that things can be altered to suit your needs. I wouldn't call ahead, but that's me. I would go with one of these:
Sizzling Veggie Fajitas
Garden fresh zucchini, squash, carrots, mushrooms, red & yellow bell peppers and mesquite grilled onions
$6.95
Ramiro's Burrito
Nopales (cactus), frijoles negros (whole black beans), and arroz (rice) topped with salsa verde and pico de gallo
$8.25
Guiso Ranchero
A fresh vegetable medley sauteed in a well seasoned tomato sauce. Served with white rice and whole beans
$8.25
Black beans are usually ok, just make sure they don't put cheese on top. I would ask about the rice (broth). Tomato sauce seems safe, but I might ask. Doesn't look bad at all!
Thanks so much for all your help! How in the world did I miss all those options? I do worry about sauces because I have no idea what they put in them. The sizzling veggie fajitas looks good. I will be sure to ask about the rice. Thanks again!
Some other things you might want to ask about...
salsa (some places put chicken stock in it ???)
tortillas (do they have lard?)
if you're ordering anything fried/sauteed, make sure they fry in vegetable oil instead of lard/butter/etc.
If you'll feel self-conscious asking all these questions in front of everyone, then call ahead.
Thanks permanentgrin! See, this is what I am worried about too. Foods that seem so deceptively vegan could be loaded with animal ingredients. I stopped buying commercial bread a while ago and just make my own for this very reason.
Another one is guacamole. Some recipes use dairy products in theirs. I almost have to call ahead and check this out now. What if the veggies are sizzled in butter? :o I better start a list lol.
I would call the restaurant ahead of time to talk to them about your questions. I do it when I have to eat out with my family or traveling. There is usually something they can make or order off the menu with a few changes. Most places are willing to help you out you just have to ask and let them know what you cannot have. Ask to speak with the cook or the manager when you call though. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the tips everyone! I think I will call ahead just to be on the safe side. I would also hate to be the difficult customer at a work related function.
Well, I just got back from the party and it went well! I went with a dish called veggie yucaton or something like that. It was grilled vegetables, rice, and guacamole. Fortunately I was the first one there and I had a chance to ask the waitress about how the dish was made and if the gauc had any dairy items in it. She assured me it didnt, that it was just fresh avocado and lemon juice, and that the rice was made with vegetable oil, not butter. The dish wasnt fabulous or anything but it was decent and I was able to focus on socializing and not the food. Thanks again for all your help!
I was just thinking about this today at work! So glad it went ok.