I’m out of the running as well.

Many many beers and liquors aren’t vegan. You really would be surprised. This event sounds delicious.

I have to agree, Bloop. I made the personal choice to stop eating meat because I disapprove of the methods of today’s meat industry. It’s tough; I love meat. And I never, ever judge anyone else for eating it, because it IS a personal choice. That said, I’ve been frustrated lately with the dismissive and mocking way that some non-vegetarians treat the whole concept of vegetarianism.

Seitan gumbo is not a nightmare. Animals being tortured so you can eat a burger, on the other hand…

I applaud the Khyber. Their food is great, this event looks awesome, and I’m sure they won’t disappoint.

Do you really not understand the backlash against veg? Or do you really consider us meat eaters so far beneath your ivory tower of noble sacrifice? It’s the elitist, holier than thou attitude that pisses people off. It’s the expectation that everyone needs to cater to them, to reward their choice.

If someone tells me they’re a veg, I say “I’m sorry to hear that.” I’d say the same thing if someone told me they’re allergic to peanuts, or shellfish. I’m not going to give them the pat on the back to satisfy their craving for validation. And it really is about validation. It’s about putting yourself above the mainstream. You create a perfect circular bubble where both criticism and praise reinforce your ideologies. It’s about separating yourself from the rabble.

Plenty of people do the same thing in other ways. I know that part of why I don’t eat at Applebee’s or McDonald’s is because I see myself above the mass-market, suburban mainstream. But that’s kind of like eschewing CSI and American idol in favor of cable dramas and PBS. Veg is more like the preening “I don’t even watch TV” snobbery by comparison.

It’s not that I think you’re wrong for going veg, it’s that I want you to shut up about it. Broadcasting it to the world just makes it seem like you’re trying to justify it to yourself continuously. And sadly, despite being a personal choice, it’s a choice that carries the baggage of all the PETA nutbags and fad dieters that give veg a bad name. You’re going to be judged not just on your own behavior, but on generalisations and misconceptions.

I don’t really find vegans and vegetarians abrasive or holier-than-thou. Sometimes I might roll my eyes a little (internally, of course) if someone is whining about a lack of vegan entree choices in a restaurant, or something, but really, who cares?

Using animal-derived ingredients as coagulants (rennett in cheese) and floculants/finers (isinglass in beer) is very common. If you’re willing to go all out of your way to avoid consuming these things–and always pay extra for the privilege–have at it.

Businesses are not obliged to offer vegan/vegetarian/kosher/halal/macrobiotic choices; consumers are not obligated to spend their money at places that don’t accommodate them.

Matthew – sorry if my comment came off wrong. I can see how that could have come off as hypocritical, and I didn’t mean it as a snub. I was just playing on the fact that the writer here calls the vegetarian version of bbq a “nightmare version”.

Frankly, I try to avoid the topic of vegetarianism in my everyday conversation, because it does tend to bring backlash. There are absolutely douchey vegetarians and there are douchey meat-eaters. People can be douchey. But I’m tired of being judged based on the way someone else, who happens to have the same dietary preferences, acts.

Is it possible you and your self involved writing cronies could show some “professionalism” and not fill every post on a vegan topic with snarky, sophomoric, lookatmeI’moneofthecoolkids commentary!? You don’t have to like it, you don’t even have to write about it but if you do
write about it, can’t you handle the topic with some class?
Oh. excuse me, what was I thinking?

I know this topic is old and the event has passed, but I just had to make a comment– I’ve been a reader of Foobooz since day one, I’m a vegetarian who dines out a TON in Philly—- PLEASE, Please, Please, stop this somewhat provocative tone and please don’t insult the food that some of us enjoy. I’ve always liked Foobooz because you cover things very neutrally, and when you do express opinion, its always done in a respectful manner.

There’s a whole ton of us vegans and vegetarians in Philly who get along with the mainstream dining options without a problem. Thats why I love eating here– my options are not limited to just vegetarian restaurants. It makes me happy that ONE night every once in awhile, an excellent restaurant has some special offerings to remind me that me and my dollars are welcome there. Thank you to the Cantina/Royal/Khyber gang for treating us respectfully, even if those who “cover” the dining scene in Philadelphia no longer get the picture.