A surprise vegan lunch on campus

I know, I know. I owe you a post on the second full day of the conference. If you read my recap of day one you know that I spent a lot of time editing photos, linking to speakers and combing through my notes to bring as much of Vida Vegan Con to you as possible. I promise to finish the second day recap on Saturday (darn day job gets in the way).

Today let me share a surprisingly wonderful, vegan lunch that I enjoyed on campus yesterday. Long-time readers know that I pack my lunch (and snacks) religiously. But between Hurricane Irene (no power in the house = husband got to skip grocery shopping) and my jet lag / lack of energy post-con, I went to work with no lunch and no snacks.

We have a faculty/staff dining room but the vegan options are rare and barely satisfying. I decided to go the student cafe — I haven’t been in over a year (since before going vegan). Much to my surprise, they have added a “MexiCafe” counter. I ordered a Mexi-Bowl.

Rice, black beans, grilled vegetables, guacamole, pico de gallo and romaine lettuce.

It hit the spot!

It’s great to know that on those off days, when I just can’t pull it together to pack a lunch, I have a healthy, tasty, vegan option on campus.

Do you have healthy vegan dining options at work?

Tagged as: whatveganseat

http://www.vegansunshine.wordpress.com Whitney

Yum! That is so exciting that you found such a lovely meal! Have a great weekend!

Whitney
Anonymous

That is great. I am so lucky that my companies “cafeteria” is extraordinarily vegan friendly. They have many varied vegan options every day and to boot it is on the 43rd floor of the tallest building in Philadelphia so the view is breathtaking. I will admit, it has made me pretty lazy about bringing my lunch since I know I can always get tofu, quinoa and many other grains, great soups, salads, veggies prepared 101 different ways, etc. every day. I am glad your campus is making vegan options available to the students. Next time you are in Philly- I will take you to the cafeteria for lunch
http://twitter.com/hblackmon Heather Blackmon

We have a few choices, but it’s tough – easier to find Vegetarian options. Typically the salad bar is what ends up being the best option – for some reason I never find a salad bar as tasty as a salad I make at home. They do have a Meatless Monday station, so the best day for me to forget lunch is Mondays (not that it ever works out that way!).
http://www.tiedyefiles.com Kaitlyn@TheTieDyeFiles

How awesome! The only vegan option at our student cafe is the (lame) salad bar, so I make sure I always pack a lunch. Going off campus for lunch isn’t feasible since I park far away (several miles) and get shuttled to school.

And I know how you feel with the silly day job getting in the way! In my case it’s silly day school.
http://vegancrunk.blogspot.com Bianca-Vegan Crunk

That looks delicious. I’ve been living off bowls post-con….trying to get whole foods in me. My office is tiny, so we only have a snack machine, but I bring my lunch from home on days when I don’t have time to leave….or there’s plenty of vegan options in driving distance.
http://cookeasyvegan.blogspot.com Andrea

It’s always nice to find a new vegan option in an unexpected place. And I hear you about a day two post — still trying to get one out so I’m glad to hear I’m not alone.
Erin Madore

Hi JL, Wow your lunch looks amazing!!

Honestly, I work in a large office building and we have a great cafeteria with yummy food for meat eaters BUT not many Vegan options. All of the vegetarian options either include fish or some type of dairy. So, I bring my lunch every single day, which I love so I don’t mind. BUT there have been a couple times that I forgot lunch and I found that I can always find something to eat. For example, I get sauteed veggies in a wrap with tomatoes and salsa or make myself a huge salad with olive oil and salt and pepper on top, or grab some rice and pile it up like yours!

It is sad that I can’t get any soup because they always use chicken stock but I live in Boston so I can always go a block or two and find vegan options!
http://eathikesleeprepeat.blogspot.com Mountain Girl

I have fabulous vegan dining options at work…because I work at home : )
But I hear you. Surprise vegan dining finds are always appreciated.
http://profiles.google.com/jaclynsmith345 J Smith

I work at a high school with a Food Science class. They make lunches (by order) 5 days a week. Today I got a sandwich on whole wheat with mustard, bell pepper, cucumber, avocado, and tomato. On the side I had celery and carrots with dip. It was delicious and only $2! I’m putting in a standing order for every Friday.
http://twitter.com/therawproject Christine

That looks great! There aren’t any hearty vegan options at my work cafe, but there is a Whole Foods and Chipotle near.
guest

I’m newly vegan so i still have lots to learn…but, do you have to ask what the veggies were sauteed in? or if they put butter in the rice? I know some places prepare rice with a pat of butter. Thanks. ….still learning!
- http://jlgoesvegan.com JL
  
  That’s a great question and yes, I always ask how the food is prepared. It’s important to never assume (I’ve learned the hard way)!
http://www.adiaryofananimallover.blogspot.com A Diary of an Animal Lover

I’m a rubbish cook and making 2/3 meals a day is a real push (I’,m THE most unhealthy vegan in the universe) so I tend to just snack at work and muster up the courage to cook once I’m home. I could really do with a cafeteria like this!

x