Catering to the Flexitarian: get inspired!

We have previously written about the relatively newer idea of being “flexitarian,” or one who is not 100% vegetarian but looks for meatless options wherever they can. In that article, we noted how veggie burgers were a great menu option for flexitarians and that huge restaurant names like Johnny Rockets and Red Robin were already offering them. A recent Orlando Biz Journals article notes that even Epcot is getting in on the movement by partnering with Gardein to provide meatless protein to the Food & Wine Fest. But there is a world more you can offer on your restaurant menu beyond veggie burgers, to cater toward the flexitarian crowd.

This Nation’s Restaurant News article describes how Chefs, consumers embrace seafood charcuterie using culinary practices such as smoking and curing; a great way to add a flavorful and unique dimension to vegetarian food as well as extending the life of the food. We wanted to bring some seafood and vegetarian inspiration to your menu; check out the list of dishes we found below from great restaurants that may get you experimenting in the kitchen and helping expand those menu choices for flexitarians, vegetarians or pescatarians (who choose to consume fish or seafood).

• Salmone Affumicato from Pesce Bar in San Francisco: House smoked Scottish salmon bruschetta with capers, red onion and horseradish cream.
• The Eggplant from Zia Gourmet Pizza in San Diego:  oven-roasted eggplant with scallions, tomatoes, and a variety of herbs, topped with cranberries, fresh garlic, mozzarella and drizzled with a savory yogurt sauce.
• Vegetarian Ravioli from Mana Food Bar in Chicago: Butternut squash filled ravioli with garlic, arugula, walnuts and asiago cheese.
• Quinoa Crunch wrap from Lyfe Kitchen in Palo Alto: whole-wheat tortilla, fresh veggies, avocado, edamame hummus, forbidden rice & adzuki beans with hot sauce on the side
• Calamares Con Tamarindo from Cuba restaurant in New York: crispy calamari, tamarind vinaigrette, sweet plantains, and cherry tomato.