Oct. 1 isn’t just the beginning of what I consider to be the greatest month of the year, it’s also World Vegetarian Day. Founded in 1977 by the North American Vegetarian Society (NAVS), it’s the annual kickoff for Vegetarian Awareness Month, four weeks of exploring the benefits of vegetarian eating, which include better health (e.g., reduced risk of various types of cancer, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and Type 2 diabetes, among others). There are also the environmental benefits of vegetarianism, which include the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and conservation of land + water resources. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or you simply want to reduce your meat consumption and incorporate more fruits + veggies into your diet, this is a holiday you can really sink your teeth into.
Best of all? It’s an incredibly delicious way to eat, and we Ashevillians are incredibly lucky to have so many meat-free options to choose from any time of day. From sunup to sundown, read on for a few of my favorite meatless eats around town, meaning this list is nowhere near exhaustive.
Breakfast
For a breakfast I never tire of, hit up Bomba for a Bomba Roll. With scrambled eggs, potatoes, black beans, feta cheese + avocado, it’s filling on its own — but it also comes with fried plantains and a fresh salad with a zingy dressing. It will leave you full well into the afternoon.
Brunch
I don’t get to enjoy brunch very often, but when I do, I am hitting up Strada Italiano for their buttermilk biscuits + sausage gravy (made with Beyond Meat) and the multi-grain toast with vegan lox. (Seriously, who knew carrots could make such a great substitute for smoked salmon?)
Lunch
I love sushi, and the veggie options at Heiwa Shokudo are among my favorites. The Vegan Lunch Box is a great value, and for special rolls, I can’t resist the Altenderfer Roll (tempeh, avocado + almond butter), Spicy Tempeh Roll (tempeh, fresh jalapeno, scallions + avocado), and Alligator Roll (asparagus, avocado + fried tofu).
Supper
For supper, I prefer something light yet filling, which is why I love the raw spinach pesto manicotti from The Laughing Seed. Made with zucchini noodles stuffed with cashew ricotta and sunflower seed spinach pesto atop a bed of sundried tomato marinara, it bursts with so much flavor I’ve had to swat my very carnivorous husband’s hands away more than once.
Dessert
There’s no two ways about it: I love me some sweets. I have fallen madly in love with 10th Muse Comfort Food, and I explain why in just two words: bubble waffles. They cover hot, fluffy bubble waffles things like peanut butter + jelly or whipped cream. They also make incredible coffees, cookies, donuts, and other treats like ice cream tacos.
Late Night
Pizza is basically its own food group, and let me tell you: newcomer Pie.Zaa gets major points from me for its enormous New York-style pizzas (especially The Garden, with artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, onions + mushrooms). Plus, you can grab a 15-inch slice or entire 28-inch pie until midnight during the week and 3 a.m. on the weekends.
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