Whew! We are almost 7 months into the year and I cannot believe it! It’s the end of June and that means it’s time to be out and about. But wait, who am I? Hello there, it’s LA from Black Girls Eat. I’m a Bronx girl on a mission to use food as weapon against diabetes, heart disease, obesity and inflammation. BGE was created for a community that is all about going from plant-curious to plant-focused! I’m checking in this week to see how you are doing on your plant-based journey. Well really, I wanna know how you are doing on your food journey in general. I’m nosy like that!
Well, What Do You Know About Plant-Based Fast Food?
Hey! Just because I’m all about whole foods and super foods, that doesn’t mean that I don’t know what’s happening in these streets! I am definitely advocating for more people to put more plants on their plate. I am also cheering anyone on for discovering new fruits, grains and vegetables. And yes, I’m rooting for anyone stuck on a vacation, on a road trip or around the way with limited food options. Remember when I had to navigate the Olive Garden and Chick-Fil-A last January?
Sometimes it’s like that. Sure, you can pre-plan for an outing and maybe pack your own meal. Or maybe you can call your cousin and let her know that you would like to see more veggies on the table at the BBQ. But honestly, as we bounce around this summer, we would be fooling ourselves if we weren’t prepared for the fact that there is some kind of fast food restaurant lurking in the shadows just waiting for us.
My Top Five Plant-Based and Vegan Options at Fast Food Restaurants
Before we get into this list, I must say one thing. Please, please, please do not assume that the restaurants that serve meat and seafood are doing anything to ensure that your food has not been contaminated. In some kitchens, meat, fish and dairy are all tossed around in the same bowls, pots and pans. Many of these places will prepare and cook the foods on the same countertops and grills so please take that into consideration when you are making your decision. Okay….so here’s my guide…
Chipotle: The prices may go up every couple of months and they may run out of guacamole from time to time but Chipotle remains number one on my list of fast food restaurants serving whole foods. I’m never mad at a bowl of rice, beans, and veggies. Guac and chips make the meal complete. Need real food at the airport or in the NYC area? Check out Dos Toros Taqueria. The two are basically cousins.
Panda Express: There are over 2,300 locations so you might just get your plant-based wish. Check out the vegetable spring rolls, eggplant tofu and of course all of the rice, noodles and vegetables you can handle. The food court is calling!
The Slutty Vegan: Ha! I just might cringe every time they call me a slut at the entrance but if I’m stuck in a situation where I want a plant-based burger…welp! The plant-based chain that started in Atlanta has made it’s way to Harlem and Brooklyn. Summer brings up all kinds of memories of burgers on a grill so SV has me covered. And yes, I blush when I order a side of Slutty Fries. Lol.
Panera Bread: Even though I recently had a horrible veggie sandwich from this local favorite, they are still on my go to list for plant-based and vegan options. You can make it through almost anything with the Baja Bowl made with avocado, black bean and corn salsa on a bed of brown rice. The Mediterranean bowl is also a decent option with grape tomatoes and Kalamata olives. If you are skipping dairy you can skip the feta and greek yogurt on both of them.
Starbucks: Last on my list and not really a restaurant per se but if you are in a jam, they do have a couple of options. My fave is the tomato and mozzarella focaccia sandwich. It is described as roasted tomatoes, mozzarella, spinach and basil pesto layered on toasted focaccia bread. That and a cup of coffee can get me from one point to the next.
The Recipe: Fresh Fruit and Cream Parfait
The word parfait means perfect in french. How appropriate. I like to make mine in multipurpose glasses and when I’m serving them to the little ones, I use clear plastic tumblers. Not having dairy? Try this recipe using a non-dairy heavy whipping cream instead.
The Random: Jamari is Back!
Shout out to my summer Intern Jamari!!! She’s home from college and already making a difference. She organizes, shoots videos and helps me think through ideas for everything from the blog to social media to relaunching the podcast. If you were an Intern or ever had a good one, then you know how excited I am. First day back and she remixed the pantry. Love her!
Thanks for subscribing and for spending time with me on this Friday-Eve! Also want to thank you for sharing these newsletters with your friends and colleagues. I really appreciate you. Have a wonderful weekend and let me know if you had to navigate any fast food restaurants. Be sure to visit the Black Girls Eat website for all kinds of plant-based goodness. Follow me @blackgirlseat on Instagram and Tik-Tok ! See you next week!