By Cierra Peterlin, RD, VRG volunteer

Recently I decided to relocate from the Philadelphia, PA area to San Diego, CA. I’d like to highlight some of the awesome eats I came across on my journey from eastern to western USA.

• Three Carrots in Indianapolis, IN was the first stop I made for some grub. This from-scratch, vegan restaurant is open from Wednesday-Sunday. The food was amazing, as was the atmosphere and logo. Between my parents and me, we tried their Chickpea Salad Sandwich, Southwest Salad with pulled seitan, Mac and Cheese, and High Fives. The Three Carrot’s Mac and Cheese was nut free; it’s creaminess impressed my non-vegan travel companions. The High Fives (basically seitan wings) came with a side of agave mustard which I though was a clever vegan take on traditional honey mustard. You may want to plan a trip to Indiana just for Three Carrots!

Southwest Salad with pulled seitan. Sauces: salsa and chipotle aioli

Chickpea Salad Sandwich

High Fives with agave mustard and mac and cheese

• The next place I’d like to mention is Carbondale Beer Works. This local brewery in Carbondale, CO had a really wholesome vegan menu as well as vegetarian options. I tried the Buddha Bowl with Tofu and the Greens and Grains Bowl. Both of these bowls were loaded with enough kale for at least 2 meals and the toppings didn’t fall short either. The Buddha Bowl had miso dressing that added a salty and umami kick which perfectly complimented the crisp bitterness of kale. If you’re really hungry in Carbondale, CO and looking for a whole foods plant-based meal this is definitely the place to go!

Greens and Grains Bowl

Buddha Bowl with tofu

• In Moab, UT, after a full morning of hiking, Sultan Mediterranean Grill was the perfect lunch spot. The beautiful, eclectic decorations and the authentic food are complimented by the friendly, quick service. I ordered the lunch bowl which had grape leaves, quinoa, roasted beets, hummus, pita, falafel, and a side salad with balsamic dressing. This entrée featured a little bit of everything. The fresh vegetables and whole grains cooked and seasoned with various Mediterranean spices were tasty and filling. Moab, UT hosts plenty of vegan food trucks as well but sadly their hours did not match up with my time there. Sultan, however, is open daily so you definitely won’t miss it!

Lunch Bowl

• Lastly I’ll highlight two places in my final destination and new home, San Diego, CA. As one of the country’s most vegan friendly cities, I have had major option paralysis when deciding where to eat here! The two restaurants I’m going to spotlight are Union Kitchen and Tap and Tacoterian. To keep all guests happy, Union Kitchen and Tap offers all types of foods from salads and flatbreads to hearty entrées. Their vegan offerings include 3 unique entrées, one of which was the Chili Rellenos that I ordered. I had never had Chili Rellenos before, so I was really eager to give it a try. It did not disappoint.

• Tacoterian is an all vegan restaurant with a variety of Mexican food. They have a vegan birria taco platter which I had to try. It was huge and very good as leftovers. The rest of the menu also looked amazing and I look forward to going back.

Birria Taco Platter

To find a list of veggie restaurants in the USA and Canada visit: https://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php