Is it true that some parts of the Midwest leave much to be desired for a vegetarian? As a recent addition to the meat-loving city of Chicago after living in Massachusetts, I must admit that it is hard to find decent vegetarian options at restaurants in and around the city. Most streets in Boston offer some vegetarian options- be it a healthy café or a full on vegetarian restaurant. After a few lonely months in Chicago, the pickings are certainly slim.

My suspicions were confirmed today after reading New York Times columnist A. G. Sulzberger’s article, “Meatless in the Midwest: A Tale of Survival.”  Humorously stating: “So yes, I’ve eaten at some of these famous restaurants. There was the meal at the Golden Ox steakhouse (baked potato), Stroud’s fried chicken (rolls) and Arthur Bryant’s barbeque…(a mug of Budweiser),” Sulzberger depicts how vegetarians are forced to piece together sides, appetizers and beer in order to make a meal. This truly resonated with me as I have often found myself ordering off the menu just so I can have something decent to eat. When Sulzberger says, “Even though the region boasts some of the finest farmland in the world, there is a startling lack of fresh produce here,” I found myself wondering why the locals don’t take advantage of what the land has to offer. With a population that’s rich in culture, one would think that the restaurants would capitalize on the rich local produce and support the various lifestyles in the area.

Although I find these struggles on the street on a daily basis, I am always stocked at home with fresh produce and my favorite vegetarian products. One of the more popular items in my pantry is the 100% vegetarian, ready to eat, all-natural brand Tasty Bite. The products are incredibly delicious and are there for me when I need something nutritious and simple. There have even been times that I have left a restaurant in Chicago and eaten the Tasty Bite I keep in my car! It might be tough for my family and I to eat out in Chicago, but I know we will never go hungry as long as Tasty Bite is in the house.

Let us know, what extremes have you gone to, being a vegetarian, either in the Midwest, or wherever you may live? Email your stories to: Comments@tastybite.com.