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Going Meatless In The Mountains - An Easy Mission
by Linda Sutton, for THE CHARLOTTE POST

For some, it is a political or religious statement, for others it is social. There are those who do it for their health and others still because it is the newest "craze."

There are many reasons why people have adopted a vegetarian lifestyle, each as unique as the individual. Many positive benefits arise, but there are also a few difficulties. Now don't get me wrong, my dining options are quite varied and there are many new dishes I have now sampled that I would never had sampled had I remained an "eater of meat." However, dining out can be a challenge for the vegetarian or vegan. Sure, there are salads on many menus, but contrary to popular opinion, vegetarian eating consists of more than a bowl of lettuce.

Well, all is not lost. For those who are in search of true vegetarian dining, you may be willing to travel a bit to Asheville --a vegetarian's delight and a vegan's paradise.

I was delighted when I first discovered this vegetarian Mecca of dining where many of the restaurants cater to vegan patrons, and a number of restaurants specialize in vegetarian cuisine. I am in paradise each time travel to the mountains.

Salsas, across from the town center, is a Mexican-Caribbean restaurant and an appealing find. The long line that congregates before dinner on any day of the week will draw any visitor's attention. The small dining space is not as pleasant during the hot summer months as during other seasons and the recent menu change left off some of my favorites.

However, if your palate is adventurous, you will appreciate the exotic mix of ingredients prepared in Mexican-style burritos, salsas and quesadillas.

Portions are generous, but I find that the lunch prices are a better deal for the meal. Ranging from $5 up for lunch and $6.50 up for dinner. Vegan options are available. Try the selva, a burrito made of Caribbean polenta, mushrooms, kale, and other flavors, accompanied by chips and a mango salsa.

The Mellow Mushroom is one of the new kids on the block, and a delightful surprise during my recent trip. My friend kept encouraging me to check out this place, but I was not thrilled by the thought of another pizza and hoagie joint. Well the Mellow is no ordinary pizza place. Bright, airy, and artfully decorated, the restaurant is a time warp between the '50s and '70s.

Menu options are refreshing. Try the tofu sub which is prepared like a Philly chicken cheesesteak or their house special calzone (calzone is, by their southern definition, a pizza turnover.) As a lover of cheese, they offer soy mozzarella as a substitute for dairy cheese and I was thrilled.

Prices range from $3.75 for a half sub to $7 for full sized sandwiches or calzones. Pizza prices range up to $21 for an extra large pizza. By the way, they give new meaning to the term "extra large."

The Laughing Seed Cafe on Wall Street is by far my favorite vegetarian restaurant. Options include juice bar of fresh juices, smoothies, and other concoctions, appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and dinner entrees.

So, what is on the menu, you might ask. Well, a sample of dishes include the ranchero, a grilled "mock" chicken sandwich or a mock chicken salad sandwich that tastes so close to the real thing you'll barely believe it. It definitely lives up to the claim it so boldly states on the menu. The spinach mushroom burger might make you reconsider beef and the sloppy joe, a vegan option, is quite delicious. Soy mozzarella and other vegan condiments are available upon request.

The sandwiches are good, light meals, good for both lunch or dinner. I really enjoy their dinner options, as well, but I find them a little heavy for summer dining. One thing is for sure, they are quite filling.

Try the smokey mountain blue plate of vegetarian meat loaf or the low country roll-ups of tortilla-wrapped tofu barbecue. Prices are quite reasonable, ranging from $3.95 to $9.50 for sandwiches and dinner specialties. Oh, and save room for desserts; their chocolate (carob) desserts are so moist, you most certainly will want to take one home.

For those who are vegetarian, add these restaurant to your list of places to check out, and for those who are simply curious, the next time you're in Asheville, give one of them a try.

A special note: There are several types of vegetarians, including lacto-ovo-vegetarians (one who eats dairy and egg products), and lacto-vegetarians (one who eats dairy products).