Reducing your meat consumption can be beneficial for your health and your carbon footprint—we know that. But going vegetarian or vegan isn’t that simple for a lot of people. Whether you’re looking to reduce your negative impact on the environment or just want to incorporate a healthier lifestyle, one Downtown restaurant hopes it can encourage you to go meat-free, at least on Mondays.
According to the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, “the most effective and efficient way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts from livestock is simply to eat, waste and produce less meat and dairy.” With dishes like the Bao Wow (barbecued tofu, spinach and mushroom inside a steamed bun) and the Casa Blanca (Moroccan tagine with harissa-roasted vegetables), Vegenation makes going meatless easy, even for the most ardent carnivores. On Mondays, the restaurant kicks things up a notch, bringing in a DJ and offering a “pop-up” entrée, plus a free cocktail.
During my Monday visit, I ordered the special—creamy butternut fusilli with broccolini and olives—plus the pop-up cocktail, a fusion of Jun Mai sake, lychee soda and crushed mint. The fusilli was hearty and rustic, perfect for the changing season, and the cocktail was both balanced and refreshing. Still not convinced it’s something you could do yourself? Take the meat eater’s challenge. If you don’t love your entree, Vegenation will pay for it themselves.
