vegetarian:

Often much maligned professionally or domestically. But a good vegetarian meal or dish can be a wonder to behold.

Any good chef worth their salt, has at lest a dozen good vegetarian dishes up their sleeves for when they grace our establishments, and not just a steamed vegetable platter, omelette or salad either.

It must be remembered there are many versions of vegetarianism, with each person having their own foods they will eat and not eat

If you are one of these people, let me let you in on a bit of a trade secret. When you are going out to dinner, give the chef as much advanced warning as you can. They will, for the most part be very accommodating and appreciative of the notice. It gives you the chance to maybe chat about some dishes, and not get landed with just steamed vegetables.

Shouldn't they have a few vegetarian options on the menu? That is a statement or question I often hear and I always answer the same way.

Do vegetarian restaurants have steak and mixed grills as an option for us meat eaters?

recipes links:

• roasted vegetables with emmenthal wafers

• dahl with spinach

• polenta pie gratinée

• terrine of soused tomatoes

• curried vegetables with basmati rice

email chef@tallyrand.info