Any vegan/vegetarians/gluten-free-ers out there?

wadingmoose

I knew there was a reason to not eat corn fed beef - other than the horrible taste.

ffmaid

acdc- Fang was saying that it could not be a belief system to eat meat. I was basically stating why I think it is a belief system and good thing that there is incentive o keep and raise animals. I've read some of the writings you suggested. I agree to a certain extend that favored species are pushing out non favored species. However, the open land for animals ect would in my opinion just be paved over if no fiscal incentive for animals. So I do not believe other species woudl be there in the places of favored species. I also as a result think it is a good thing to eat a large varietiey of meats from aligator to zebra.As far as vegitables yes I also think that it is a good idea to eat a variety of vegitables particularly herloom varieties ( I even grom heirloom squash in my garden). However that was not exactly the point that I was trying to make. It can be a moral belief that the greater good is served by eating meat over eating no meat. Also the argument that it takes much more grain to feed animals also means taht many more people are employed in raising that grain and thus farmlands and farmers benifit.

katiewhompus

I'm not even going to touch the vegetarian convo. as I think there have been plenty of responses. As an omnivore I would greatly appreciate having some sort of meat course, however I wouldn't be super pissed about not having one either. (Throwing out cheese would make me cry though).For gluten free:Both my mother and father are gluten free, as well as one of my very good friends. Our caterer made portions of the pasta and other gluten laden objects and then served them the gluten free version. They thought it was absolutely delicious and the gluten eaters were happy as well (I tasted it and thought it was meh...and I know Dh's Italian family would have hated it.) They didn't charge any extra.Talk with your caterer about your concerns. It's getting easier to accommodate gluten free needs than it used to be and I think they could have some fabulous ideas.

jbwed1

Wow! Ok, I left the office for a bit to take a break and came back and whoa....like 57 responses! Thanks to all for your input. Since I can't address every post, I guess I'll just say:I totally understand a meat eating person wanting a meaty meal. However, I was once a meat-eating Texan myself....and would have been perfectly fine going to an Italian restaurant and eating a dish there - with or without meat. Soo..yeah..I don't know.The real problem for me with serving meals with meat, is just what one of the other posters said...I would not purchase and eat it for myself...for ethical reasons - and do not want to support that industry (factory farming.) Soooo, it feels uncomfortable for me to go and 'purchase' chicken/beef dishes for my guests. I'm surprised that so many of you feel that it is necessary to have a meat based dish for an entree. Just because it's the standard, doesn't necessarily mean there aren't alternatives...even tastier ones!And yes, I agree..there are some nasty vegan/gluten free items out there...there are...that's true. However, I wouldn't subject anyone to something gross...I have pretty particular tastes. I like rich yummy food just like alot of people The bakery we'll be using is Babycakes, and they have an awesome reputation. I would eat them every day if I could..lolOh, and I think the difference between a vegetarian feeling left out by not being provided a non-meat dish at an event - and meat eater not being provided a meat dish at an event...is that there is no moral/ethical issues with eating vegetables...A meat eater is very capable of eating vegetables. However, many vegetarians feel it is wrong to eat animals. So to me, that is the difference. Other than that, I'm just 'listening' to what you gals have to say...thanks for all the input..it's very interesting to hear the opinions!   

ffmaid

If your issue is facory farming you could have them serve non factory farmed meat. I get most of my beef from a pasture raising local operation. You could do something like that.

jbwed1

Oh, and if anyone even gets through those posts and manages to read this (haha)....It will be a small wedding...not sure that makes a difference. But just wanted to let everyone know it will be very small - immediate family and friends. So they all are very aware of the situation...(I may have said that in the earlier post...but don't think so)

wadingmoose

jb, in all likelihood, you'll be fine.  You're a vegan, people know that and probably expect vegan food.  For me, that would mean eating before I go   Sorry, it just would.  I'm glad where I live, the whole factory farm thing isn't such a problem, but even where you are there are other options - organic or pasture raised being two very good options.  Not all cattle come from factory farms and I really hate that all meat gets painted with that same, broad brush.

karenttrouble

I'm not going to read all the other comments because I'm sure you're getting flamed and I don't want to feel angry.  I'm a vegan and so is FI.  We're having meat at our wedding.  If I were you, I would have an entree that is more ethical (free range, local, whatev) meat as well as a veg entree that is gluten free.  You could probably make all appetizers veg too.When I picked out a venue, I made sure I'd end up with a caterer who would do what I want.  Our vegan dish is about 25% less expensive than the steak dish.

sucrets4

xlizellx - I'm veg and I would absolutely serve someone meat for a meal at my house if I invited them over.  Why don't you like that?

Puppylove*85

Even though I'm an omnivore, I wouldn't expect a vegetarian to serve me meat.  (Although I would be very grateful if they did.  I would prefer a meat dish over a veggie one.) I have been to a weddding that only served vegan food and I, along with 95% of the other guests, starved.  Vegan food is a big leap from meat and potatoes.  What tastes fabulous to a vegan may taste very different to someone who usually eats meat and dairy.  I hope that you could incorporate some dairy products without violating your own personal ethics.  I also agree with having special non-gluten plates made up for you and your mom.  The caterer should easily be able to accomodate this request and it will allow your guests to enjoy foods that are a little more familiar.

jbwed1

I absolutely would not fix a meal with meat in it at my home...We don't purchase meat or meat products and do not keep them in our house. So I would not feel comfortable purchasing and handling the meat - it's just one of those things for me. And it's not just factory farmed meat...so I apologize for making a specific statement like that. I could see how that might be misread... I am an animal advocate - I support and sponsor farm animals that have been abused or escaped from factory farms or other local farms - So it's an important issue for me on many levels. It would feel wrong to sponsor an animal and then serve the same species up to my family to have for my wedding dinner...very icky and wrong in my opinion! My question really comes down to: Has anyone had good experience with creating a veg menu with their caterer....And a few people have mentioned that it isn't so hard to do..so that's great! I suppose it's all about finding a caterer that will work within our comfort zone and budget.

karenttrouble

Ffmaid, I made the exact same argument when I was in fifth grade. I thought you were smarter than that! And, as always, this discussion could be ended if people on this board had ever had vegan food I cooked, especially desserts.