There I was, sitting in front of a food cart, breathing in the mouthwatering aromas, and enjoying a veggie bratwurst when it suddenly dawned on me–something is kind of odd about a vegetarian eating a “bratwurst”.
Don’t get me wrong; the brat was absolutely delicious. I loved the combination of Yukon potato, sweet apple, sage, and ginger; the flavor was rich and the texture was perfect. Yet, in between bites all I could think was: Do I really want to eat something created as a direct meat alternative?
Traditional Bratwurst Are Not for Everyone
This got me thinking back to a conversation I had with Garrett regarding vegetarian restaurants advertising “meat” fare. I had just looked over the menu of one with many “meat” options and was quite perturbed. I didn’t want a “Meatball” Sub or an Italian “Beef”. If I’m not eating meat, then I am not eating meat nor am I interested eating something meant to imitate it. Maybe the most frustrating part is that I would have been more inclined to try and probably enjoy the “Meatball” Sub if it was advertised for what it actually was–balled up eggplant in marinara sauce. Although, I supposed “Balled Eggplant” isn’t super appealing either.
Garrett argued that vegetarian dishes may not attract as many customers if they don’t carry a familiar meaty name (if applicable). I hear that. I really do, but at the same time, I think it’s wonderful to showcase the ingredients that are actually used to create the dish and not try to ride it off as something else. Maybe I’m being a bit too picky about it?
I suppose it really comes down to who the dishes/restaurants are catered to, vegetarians or meat eaters. With society’s new “conscious eating” mindset, it seems that many meat eaters are testing out the vegetarian waters but are not totally ready to give up their meat-centric meals. In this case, menu alternatives such as Italian “Beef” sandwiches and “Meatball” subs are the perfect solution.
While I am clearly still not totally into mock meat meals (even though the veggie bratwurst was truly delicious), I must admit that I am impressed with the growing number of “meat” recipes and products available. Maybe one day I’ll come around to them…
What are your thoughts on mock meat? Do you have a favorite?
Elizabeth 
October 1st, 2010 at 1:34 pm
Elizabeth,
Yes, it does seem rather incongruous to eat a “burger.” But at the same its fun to eat your “meat” in quotation marks! Love your insightful post!
October 1st, 2010 at 3:32 pm
Elizabeth,
I just heard on the radio that today is vegetarian awareness day. Who would ever have thought such a day would exist? Great day for you to post your thoughts on “meat-ree meat”!
October 1st, 2010 at 8:38 pm
I’ve come a long way since early veggie days when I didnt want to eat anything that looked or felt like meat. Nowdays I am not so fussy, as long at it is great food!
Asian cultures make the most amazing faux meat. I mean really amazing – from Japan, through China into SE Asia esp Malaysia. One of the reasons for developing such expertise, it was explained to me at a Veg banquet in Malaysia, is that it made it more comfortable for vegetarians to eat with their non-veg friends. In cultures where it is not so easy to stand our in any way, this makes a lot of sense.
So now I go with the flow, and I really really enjoy Salt and Pepper “squid” at my local SE Asian Vegetarian restaurant.
October 1st, 2010 at 8:40 pm
… of course I meant “stand out in any way.” sorry about the typo.
October 2nd, 2010 at 11:03 pm
I had Vegetarian Chorizo this morning on a breakfast taco…I was pretty skeptical (Elizabeth was with me and she could tell I was). The flavor actually turned out to be pretty good!
October 3rd, 2010 at 9:34 am
Hi Ganga,
Thanks for the comment, maybe one day I’ll be able to go more with the flow too! I’m curious about the “squid”- what is it made out of? How’s its texture?
December 4th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
A lot of these mock-meat foods are named for how the ingredients (vegetarian or meat) are sort of prepared–take a burger. It is a round/square, flat, patty of whatever ingredients are used. A HAMburger is a patty from beef (okay, maybe it doesn’t make that much sense…still a type of meat!) A VEGGIEburger is a burger made from veggies! So, if someone asked me if I wanted to have a veggie-steak, I’d be a little disconcerted. But for something general like a burger? Totally fine by me.