DIETARY PREFERENCES
a diner's take on the challenge of inclusive catering
Neil Perkins
Unless it’s a spur of the moment, we usually spend a fair bit of time pouring over online menus to make sure there is going to be something for everyone. In an ideal world, there’s more than one choice. I like to see a selection of options; maybe a meal with rice, like a risotto, and a pasta.
Usually, the main issue is a lack of vegan options
There might only be one meal, or we might have to chat to the staff to ask if they can modify something, so that’s a real problem. It's rare to see a vegan dessert on the menu, unless it’s a sorbet, but we’re used to that.
and those places often don’t have any options for a meat lover.
working hard to cater to vegans and vegetarians
and are doing a really great job of it.But I did go out for lunch just last week with a mate and there was nothing on the menu that I could eat as a vegetarian
until I talked to the staff there and they modified one of the meals, which was a Caesar salad that had bacon in it.
They left the bacon out so I could have it, but I thought that was a bit average.
More and more people are becoming conscious of the implications of eating meat in terms of their health and the environment, especially red meat.
People are wanting to reduce their intake of animal products, even if they aren’t going all in with calling themselves vegan or vegetarian,
and I think savvy restaurants and pubs need to recognise and cater to that growing demand.
It would certainly make my life easier!Need some help to add plant-based meals to your menu?
Edgell Plant Based range of chicken style schnitzels & strips,
lamb-style strips, burgers, mince
and meatballs could be the answer.