In Search of…is a new series in which we send you, the judicious consumer, out in search of the perfect THING. The perfect fish taco, the perfect martini, the perfect slice of chocolate cake. What drives us to search relentlessly, among all the options in this fair city, for the best of our favorite things?
This month, video producer and longtime vegetarian Stephen Kertis takes us out in search of the perfect vegetarian meal.
First, I need to come clean. . . I am a bad vegetarian. Not bad in the ‘sometimes I eat meat’ kind of way, but bad as in ‘often I neglect the health benefits that are traditionally the run-off of ditching animals from your diet’ kind of way. Does that make my quest for perfect vegetarian food invalid? I don’t think so.
As a vegetarian that has lived and travels a lot in places more rural and more Southern (and thus, much less vegetarian friendly) than Louisville, I have subsisted for weeks at a time on cheese and potatoes – and didn’t really mind it. What I am trying to say is that I am not a picky vegetarian; I am pragmatic vegetarian. I hope my live-let-eat attitude helps other not so discerning eaters find the hidden and unexpected pockets of great veggie-fare tucked away in the Derby City and beyond.
When considering how to rank a vegetarian eating experience, it didn’t seem like a fair playing field. It’s a wildly broad category. There is such a disparity between price, ethnicity, locale, and theme that I found myself swimming in choices. This, coupled with the responsibility of choosing something ‘perfect’ led to unnecessary anxiety. There is also a level of uneasiness about recommending anything to anyone – and I want to avoid that as much as possible. I wanted to pawn the decision off on something that took the pressure off.
I found the solution in a strong ‘pre-meal’ rating system that really takes all decisions out of my hands. In other words, I wanted to let my decade and a half of being a bad vegetarian help guide the criteria for finding a badass meat-free meal in Louisville. I hope we can all agree that badass is about as close to perfect as you are going to get anyway. Each of the following categories are ranked on a 1 (low) to 5 (high) scale.
Here is the system:
The Handicap (Symbolized H) (1-5)
Vegetarian-only ethnic restaurants have a cultural advantage. There. I said it. Some lesser critics might place great Indian food far above an average veggie burger at a usually meat-filled burger place. This category ensures that a great veggie option at a steak place- a delicious, unexpected option in the midst of meaty offerings- means a little more.
Price (Symbolized P$) (1-5)
In my opinion, veggies should be less expensive than meat. Even though it is a complicated issue and I don’t price food, I do know that animals eat veggies to become our meat. If we take raising meat out of the equation it should be a bit less pricey.
Selection (Symbolized S) (1- 5)
Are a ton of options a good thing? I am inclined to say yes, and in most cases I would probably be right. It does make the experience a little less special to get a decent veggie dinner at an all veggie restaurant, but a whole lot of mediocre veggie options does not mean you up your chances for a better experience.
Classy-Meter (Symbolized C) (1-5)
Higher class places are expected to have better or more interesting options. Divey places or street vendors are not. If I find a killer veggie dog at a street vendor, they get a couple more points.
Perception (Symbolized P) (1-5)
Some places are in the media constantly, and there is an overall perception that the food there is supposed to be amazing. This is particularly true of places that have just opened. The food has to stand up to the hype.
Here is the Equation:
(as scribbled onto a napkin)
There. Now it is out of my hands. So who came up on top? I visited 3 new restaurants and half a dozen old favorites since presented with the challenge of writing about what I like. This raised all kind of perilous personal issues with commitment, idealism, and other quandaries that should be ignored if you are in search of any sort of well-being. Honestly, the perfection equation didn’t help at all.
I should have just told you what I knew all along. The perfect vegetarian meal is like any ‘perfect’ thing – it is so much more than the thing itself. It is almost the essence of the ‘thing.’ It isn’t about taste or price or rarity. The experience makes it perfect. Enjoyment makes it perfect. It’s a moment that includes good music and friends. An afternoon that includes an ice-cold beer in a very hot backyard. A meal or a drink that hits the table at just the right time. The perfect vegetarian meal has already happened to all of us if we are lucky, and some of us will get to top it again sometime in the future.
As not to be totally lame, and not to start a riot, here are some seriously near perfect Louisville veggie options:
(in no specific order)
The Green Curry – Simply Thai
This has never let me down. It is everything that is right with Thai food; it’s nearly everything that is right with any food. They’ll ask you how spicy you want it, on a level of 1-5. Proceed with caution.
Jamaican Jerk Tofu Sandwich – Ramsi’s
I have had this so spicy that I could barely finish the dish. That is the line I am usually looking for when it comes to a tofu sandwich.
Veggie Burrito – Mayan Café
Sure, burritos are pretty standard veggie fare, but this dish goes above and beyond. It comes with a fried egg on top- and vegetarians could always use more protein. Combine it with the lima beans – the stuff of legends- and you are in for a treat.
Nearly anything at Kashmir or DakShin
It is kind of a cop out to lump a whole restaurant’s menu in as a line item, and a double cop out to couple restaurants together. I merely wanted to point out that nearly everything that is vegetarian on either of these menus will leave you very satisfied.
Veggie Burger – Zeppelin Café
Quite possibly the best veggie burger in town, and most assuredly the best veggie burger in Germantown. Get it with pepperjack cheese and you won’t be disappointed.
–Stephen Kertis
How to buy remedies online at best prices? In fact, it is formidably to find of repute pharmacy. Kamagra is a far-famed treatment used to treat impotency. If you’re concerned about sexual dysfunction, you probably know about dosage of levitra. What is the most substantial information you have to know about levitra doses? More information about the matter available at levitra dose. Perhaps you already know slightly about the matter. Usually, having difficulty getting an erection can be embarrassing. This disease is best solved with professional help, generally through counseling with a certified physician. Your dispenser can help find the version that is better for your condition. We hope that the information here answers some of your questions, but please contact physician if you want to know more. Professional staff are skilled, and they will not be shocked by anything you tell.