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The "Jack & Lu"The story of the "Jack and Lu".  

After moving to our quaint little beach town, I began to frequent a local coffee house. It was one block from the ocean, great coffee, great atmosphere and free wifi…I had found my remote office!  In addition to coffee, tea and the usual delectable's you would expect at a coffee house, they had a fairly extensive breakfast and lunch menu.  However, there was little for me to choose from that was vegan.  

I found myself torn…I loved working out of this little gem of a location, yet I wanted to eat there!  And, since I felt it was  inappropriate to pack a lunch to bring into the establishment…I decided that I would ask the owners if they would consider putting something on the menu specifically for me (yes I know that's bold).  I of course "pitched" the idea with the premise that so many others would order it too.  Since I had become friendly with the husband and wife team over the few months I had been visiting…they said they that if I came up with a sandwich they could make easily…they would give it a try, and had considered an addition like this before (as well as had other requests for vegetarian/vegan menu items).  Even though I had likely already pushed the boundries…I had to make one final request…if they liked it, then I got the naming rights...

It was just moments later (although I think I waited a day to provide the details) that the "Jack and Lu" was born, appropriately named after my two kids (Jack and Lucy) and had a "deli" kind of ring to it:).

Ahhh…finally, I had all of the components necessary to create the ideal coffee, work, eating environmnet…with a view of the Atlantic to boot!  In the months that passed, the Jack and Lu has found it's way into countless others hearts (and bellies). In fact, the sandwich has become so popular, that they then created a salad version. If that wasn't enough, they now are making homemade hummus and growing there own organic sprouts (yes, another thing I suggested…which allows them to provide even higher quality).  Then they followed up all this accommodating behavior, with the addition of another vegan side dish (this one I helped with as well, and carries the moniker of "Susie's Thai Slaw"...that would be my wife).  Almost sounds like I am living in a Seinfeld episode…but that's just my life…

Josh

I know…you want to know what's in it…ok, here it is…

Food for Life's Ezekiel Sprouted Wheatberry Bread (I like it slightly toasted)
Hummus
Sun-dried Tomatoes
Cucumber
Lettuce of some sort (they use gorgeous mixed greens)
Red Onion
Sprouts
Sliced Tomato

Avocado is also an ideal addition!

Three rules on dining out as a vegan (or with a vegan)

Dining out as a vegan can certainly be challenging.  Here are some of my tips to make it easier…

1. Research the location you are going to be dining at.  So many restaurants today have websites with their menu's posted online.  You can also look at websites like Yelp and Urbanspoon, they both have menu's and reviews for participating restaurants.  It's also not a bad idea to call ahead and ask questions about vegan options, and if they can accommodate you.

2. First and foremost…be nice (okay, second in this list).  As my grandfather used to say, "You'll get far more with honey than vinegar".  There have been very few times that I have run into someone or some place that was unwilling to try and accommodate my requests…and most will go out of their way…if you're nice!  Be kind and "ask"…and if you don't seem to be getting anywhere, then politely explain that you have a serious allergy to whatever you are worried about, like dairy, etc. (restaurants do not want people having seizures or going into anaphylactic shock in front of their other guests)!

3. Eat something before going to be safe.  This is a tactic I employ often.  If I am at all unsure about my options, I always have something before I head out.  Then, at a minimum, I can usually get a salad or some veggies if my options are limited.  If they end up having more for you, you're in good shape too, and can order less and save money:)

4. (yes, I know I said three rules…here's the bonus rule) Hide food in your purse, jacket, pockets etc...(easy to bring some nuts, dried fruit, etc).  I often will order as large a salad as I can get, then add my own raw almonds or dried fruit to it.  I have never had the wait staff at a restaurant notice.

Now…if you are daring or bold enough, you can always request that a restaurant create or add something to their menu for you…Look for my next post on my little creation that has become a big hit in our town…

Josh