Vancouver, Whistler & Vancouver Island - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 879

Vegetarians, Vegans & Special Diets
More than in any other part of the country, vegetarians and vegans will discover plenty of
food made just for them. So many people practice animal-free eating that even the smal-
lest cafes and restaurants will frequently carry vegan pastries or desserts. Even if you're
not dining at a strictly vegan or vegetarian restaurant (of which there are a handful in lar-
ger cities), you'll discover vegetarian -friendly menus at most eateries in the metropolit-
an areas. Ethnic cuisine, such as Thai and Indian, usually includes many vegetarian
items, and there's no shortage of delicious meat-free main dishes in cafes and restaurants
and at food carts.
Outside the cities vegetarians have fewer choices, and vegans even fewer still. Avoid
Mexican restaurants, which usually cook seemingly meat-free dishes in lard, and opt for
pasta and pizza joints, although restaurants of every kind usually have at least one veget-
arian main meal. Don't be surprised if small towns in the eastern parts of Washington
and Oregon (prime cattle country) don't offer veggie burgers.
People with other types of dietary restrictions, including those who are gluten free or
lactose intolerant, will find friendly foods everywhere from restaurants to grocery stores,
especially in the cities. If you're looking to avoid specific ingredients, be sure to ask.
Most restaurants are happy to accommodate you, and some already identify these types
of foods on their menus.
CULINARY CALENDAR & FOOD FESTIVALS
January
Oregon Truffle Festival Eugene, OR.
February
Chinese New Year Vancouver, BC.
March
Razor Clam Festival ( www.oceanshores.org/clams.html ) Ocean Shores, WA.
April
Crab, Seafood & Wine Festival Astoria, OR.
May
Feast Tofino ( www.feastbc.com ) , Tofino, BC.