The Secret of eating out: Red Robin

Check out my bonus, "Veggieburger Praise" by Jae and Mommy Bland at the end of this post!

     So, it's not a secret any more that I am the only vegan in my circle of family and friends. So how does a vegan survive the dreaded restaurant scene in a city (Greeley, CO) that still thinks veganism is a deadly disease? It can be hard sometimes, but if you stick with bigger chain restaurants usually they do a better job with providing at least a couple of menu options that do not require a lot of alterations.
  

     Today, we went to lunch at Red Robin. They have done a really nice job of remodelling the restaurant here in Greeley, and they've overhauled the Red Robin Menu to. They also have an allergen menu that educates you on an extensive list of allergens (Egg, Dairy, Wheat, Gluten, Fish, Shellfish) so, a carrot to Red Robin for that.  The only stick- the allergen menu on-line is only for wheat and gluten allergens and the allergen "menu" wasn't really a menu more of a book of allergen disclaimers.

Vegan Options at Red Robin:

Appetizers:
Garden Fresh Hummus Plate: Exchange the focaccia bread with a toasted wheat bun or the baguette and exchange the grilled zucchini sticks (both have eggs) for more of the other veggies.

FYI: Chips and anything fried are fried with everything else, so you'll have to stay away from that (fries, chips, tortilla strips, onion rings (has egg anyway), etc.). So that's it for the appetizers.

Seasoning:
FYI: The Red Robin Seasoning at the table doesn't have any egg or dairy, but it does have autolyzed yeast. However, apparently whatever Red Robin Seasoning they use in the kitchen has egg in it according to the allergen menu, so let them know to leave it off then put it on at the table if you want it.

Shakes and Malts:
Obviously, vegans cannot have anything in this section.  Which is good because it would do me about as much good as vegan fudge.  Although... if they were to make their Irish Malt Shake... I think that was what it was called (shake with Guiness and Jameson) Vegan- I may visit them more just for that.

Bottomless Beverages: (If you're looking to maximize the nutrition of your diet I would suggest just water with a lemon, but these are the Vegan-Friendly options)

Freckled Lemonade
Very Berry Raspberry Limeade
Fresh Brewed Gold-Peak Tea (they offer syrups: Peach, Raspberry, or Pomegranate)
Soft Drinks

Entrées:
I didn't find anything in this section that a Vegan could have, and I couldn't find anything that could be "veganized".

Burgers:

Keep It Simple: Order on a whole-wheat bun, Boca patty without the RR seasoning, freckled fruit salad on the side (If you're looking to complete your protein)  This is what I ordered.  It's tried and true and really delicious.  The Freckled Fruit was very good.

The Garden Burger: Exchange the Garden Patty for a Boca Patty and the Country Dijon Mustard for Spicy or Regular Mustard and you have... a more expensive version of the Keep It Simple Burger.  So... Keep It Simple. :)

Banzai Burger: Ask for a Boca Patty, no cheese or mayo, and it is a Banzai Vegan!  (which... last I checked banzai meant "inevitable, or necessary death".  It is actually something shouted by Japanese suicide soldiers.. hmm..)

Burnin' Love:  It's been a while since I've ordered this.  Order with a Boca Patty, no cheese, aioli, or the jalapeño rings (you might be able to ask for just pickled jalapeños?  I've not tried.  I also have failed you on the bun.  I'm not sure if the Kaiser bun is Vegan.  I will find out!  Order on a whole wheat bun for health.. and to be on the safe side until I find out.

Buns:
Original
Artesian Demi Baguette
Bunless (I like my buns so I rarely do this)

Sides:
Side Salad
Steamed Broccoli (ask to hold the margarine/butter)
Freckled Fruit Salad
Southwest Black Beans (I'm pretty sure, but I need to double check)
*The side salad and the Broccoli are bottomless- That's awesome.

Chicken Sandwiches,Wraps, and Soups:
I did not find anything that could really be veganized here.

Salads:
Apple Harvest Chicken: Order with a sliced up Boca Patty instead of chicken, no Bleu Cheese, and exchange the dressing for a vinaigrette.

Simply Grilled Chicken: Order with a sliced up Boca Patty instead of chicken, no Cheddar Cheese or croutons. (You might be able to ask for a toasted wheat bun instead... I haven't tried)

House Salad: Order without cheese.

Dressings/Sauces:
Frank's Red Hot
Ketchup
Mustard
Red's Pickle Relish
Heinz 57 Sauce

Desserts:
Sadly, nothing here for a vegan.  It's probably better that they don't.  I still have fudge at home.

Okay, so I just contacted Red Robin and will hopefully have all of my information updated within the week (according to the website General questions will be responded to within 3-5 business days) on the stuff I did not find out about. :)  ... I should have suggested that they provide a vegan option for the Irish Shake.

That was a lot.  However, I do have a bonus for this post.  It just so happens that I just did a Literature lesson with my son about imagery, and it just so happens that we decided to exercise our imagery muscles on the subject "Hamburgers".

Veggieburger Praise (A Veganized version of "Hamburger Praise)
by Jae and Mommy Bland


Veggieburger on my palette;
To build such a tower- what a talent!
Delicious rainbow between golden buns,
Layers of purple, green, red, and brown so fun.
A sight to behold I must take hold!

Veggieburger on my palette;
To hold this creation- I might need a towlette.

Soft bun pebbled with seeds and crunchy firm veggies;
Creamy condiments and a juicy, spongy patty.
The closer it gets my nose starts to test!

Veggieburger on my palette;
A whiff of it makes my mouth salivate.
Salty, savory, sweet and sharp at first sniff;
Then earthy and dilly like a spring garden gift.
The smell overtaking I must start tasting!

Veggieburger on my palette;
So much to taste- like a flavor roulette.
All nutty and smoky fresh off the grill
Fresh, bright, sour and sunny from the vegetables chilled.
So good, so good I just had to have it
This delicious Veggieburger I had on my palette.