It's World-Wide Vegan Awareness Month

Did you know November happens to be the month devoted to vegan living? Well, for those of you wondering what a vegan is, let me start there first!

Veganism is a dietary practice in which one chooses to refrain from eating any foods of animal origin or byproducts due to personal or health beliefs. Foods such as milk, eggs, fish, turkey, beef and cheese are excluded from a vegan diet, as well as ketchup, honey and some sugars depending on their source.  Living a vegan lifestyle is possible and can be a nutritious meal plan when you focus on eating a variety and the right kinds of foods. However, Vitamin B12 is of concern since it is primarily derived from animal sources, so oftentimes vegan’s will supplement with a vitamin.

So, how does UC San Diego accommodate our vegan population? In addition to daily offerings in the Dining Units, we also have an entirely VEGAN restaurant located on Muir College known as ROOTS.

Roots was a labor of love that opened over 3 years ago to make sure all lifestyle diets here on campus had a place to call home. Our menu ranges from soups and salads to bergers and fries! We also have some crowd pleasing favorites like the Pacheco Pass, featured below. This is a mouthwatering take on a stacked enchilada, with cilantro rice, our in house “berger” mix, and chipotle soy crème layered between fresh corn tortillas. Plus, it’s garnished with delicious avocados!

 

So, if you weren't in the mood for the traditional Thanksgiving Meal today as featured in our main dining units, today head on over to Roots and indulge in the numerous choices that we have in store for you!

Interested in learning more about a particular topic or planning something for your community? Feel free to email me at tastebuds@ucsd.edu or follow HDH on twitter & check Facebook for upcoming events featuring the Taste Buds!

Detour: John Muir College

Muir College, the next stop on our Campus Eats! Tour, is home to HDH’s restaurants that truly resemble the motto for the community, “Celebrating the independent spirit”. Found within the structures of Muir include the dining unit Pines, our vegan friendly Roots restaurant and John’s Market.

Root’s, the University’s first exclusively vegan/vegetarian restaurant, has received nationwide recognition for the diverse menu offerings at this gem. Its location is a bit off the beaten path, hidden beneath Pines; however their menu definitely packs a huge flavor punch. Interested in trying a combination of unique ingredients and flavors that complement each other in a way your taste buds have yet to experience? Well, if your answer is yes, I encourage you to step inside the orange room and place your order for the Pacheco Pass! http://hdh.ucsd.edu/DiningMenus/default.aspx?i=32

Pacheco Pass

 

Take a short walk up the stairs and you will enter the University’s most recently renovated dining unit, Pines. No matter the time of day you enter, you are bound to run into a classmate here for it is the campus’s most popular dining hall that features many different options. Craving sushi? Pizza? Pasta? Carved Sandwiches? A home cooked meal? No problem! Scott and the team of Pines are sure to provide you with a satisfying and wholesome meal. Check out the stir-fry station to get a made to order bowl with your favorite choice of proteins and sauce. http://hdh.ucsd.edu/DiningMenus/default.aspx?i=01

 

Tofu Curry

Tired from a long day? Don’t worry, just stop into John’s Market and Rosario and the team will help you find a convenient meal to meet your needs. Fresh produce, check. Milk, check. Bread, check. Almost any staple grocery item you can think of is available on the shelves of this small but spectacular location. Aren’t finding what you are looking for? Don’t worry, just ask and our team will be happy to help you! http://hdh.ucsd.edu/DiningHours/PlaceandMarket.aspx#johns

 

Johns Market

Interested in learning more about a particular topic? Feel free to email me at tastebuds@ucsd.edu or follow HDH on twitter & check Facebook for upcoming events featuring the Taste Buds!