I’m not a vegetarian. But I eat my vegetables.
I order the black bean tofu at Blue Koi as often as I devour a cheesesteak sub at Philly Time. That’s the great thing about Kansas City — there are options.
By now you may have read A.G. Sulzberger’s New York Times story that says otherwise. The gist: it’s a hard-knock life for a vegetarian in our city. You could starve in this Cowtown.
Is that so?
“I’ve definitely struggled to eat healthy at times,” says Amanda Ramirez, 27, a vegetarian who lived in Michigan and Philadelphia before calling Kansas City home. “But not just here. I think the choice to eat a special diet limits your options in any city.”
She says it takes effort. You want fresh produce? Try the farmer’s markets, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. Amanda almost always finds a meal at local restaurants. The Midwest isn’t that restricted in its veggie-friendly offerings.
Jesse Chapman, 29, has been a Kansas Citian all her life and a vegetarian since the age of 13. She says the key to making it work is flexibility.
“I definitely don’t feel a hardship,” she says. “You have to be curious and try different places.”
A lot of criticism has been thrown Sulzberger’s way. But I know what it’s like to be new in town. When I first moved here from the Washington, D.C. area some 10 years ago, I thought it was all barbecue, jazz and fountains. I got over myself and started a treasure hunt, constantly searching for gems. Eden Alley (on the Country Club Plaza), our city’s most recommended vegetarian restaurant among them. But there’s so much more if you look.
So here’s a starter guide for Sulzberger, our New York transplant. Consider it a Kansas City welcome from vegetarians and foodies alike.
Blue Koi, 1803 W. 39th St.: Amanda Ramirez suggests Vegetarian Seven Chili Pepper Dumplings.
Füd, 813 W. 17th St.: Shane Evans says Rainbow Taco is really awesome, all vegan.
Westide Local, 1663 Summit St.: Katie Warren orders grilled cheese (Brie, Emmentaler and local white cheddar) with tomato soup.
Taj Palace, 1706 West 39th St.: Aaron Sutton orders Chholle Saag — spicy.
Houlihan’s, 8660 Boardwalk Ave.: Even the chain restaurants have good finds. Daniel Bartle, a carnivore, considers the veggie burger a fave.
The Beer Kitchen, 435 Westport Road.: Jesse Chapman loves the Veggie Benny. It’s a brunch staple.
Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop, 2030 Central St.: Raysa Perez says even her meat-loving friends enjoy the Khun Ma Pad Thai with tofu.
Island Spice, 10 W. 39th St.: Daniel Ordonez, former owner of the vegan Cafe Seed, says the red beans and rice are amazing.
Minsky’s 427 Main St.: I prefer my pizza meatless. The Cheeseless Grilled Veggie, The Five Star Cheese and Nature’s Choice are worth trying.
Showing 4 comments