SG President on Being Vegan

By Ashton Charles

Far too often, people are pigeonholed. I am a blond-haired, blue-eyed, Catholic, Cherokee Indian in Student Government that just happens to be a vegan. Does that define me as a person?

Since my decision to become a vegan in fall 2006, I have been bombarded with questions like: “What can you possibly eat?” and “Can vegans eat animal crackers?”

I’m here to clear up the misconceptions associated with veganism.

As a vegan, I have eaten more delicious food than ever before. Even on a college budget, vegans can not only eat well but also have a variety of options to choose from.

By definition, a vegan diet is a vegetarian who consumes no animal products, including dairy. Before I made the transition, the thought of giving up cheese, Funfetti cupcakes and meat seemed like it would be too difficult.

But once I officially made the switch, not only did the cravings subside, but I felt the healthiest I had in years. That being said, you can still indulge: Oreos and French fries are both vegan.

From Andre 3000 to Zooey Deschanel, more people are making the transition. The negative connotation associated with a vegan diet is simply outdated.

And, yes, vegans can eat animal crackers – when they are made without milk or eggs.

Hidden Vegan Treasures to show how easy it is to find good, vegan food in Gainesville (and, to be completely honest, it was difficult for me to narrow the list down to 10 options):

Gator Dawgs and Karma Cream
Those that know me know that these are paired for a reason, seeing as how I can’t go to one and not the other. They are next door to each other and are a vegan’s dream. Gator Dawgs offers a wide variety of faux meat that taste so real I literally had to ask Otis, the owner, if the Veggie Chili was truly veggie. He also offers a variety of options that you can convert easily into a vegetarian or vegan option. My favorite is a derivation of the “Tater Dawg,” namely the “Ashton Dawg” topped with Tater Tots, (veggie) chili, and the optional cheese for non-vegans. The perfect post-dawg treat is next door at Karma Cream with a daily selection of always-vegan cupcakes that Betty Crocker would envy.

Chopstix
If you are a fan of Asian cuisine, this is the place for you. There’s an entire page of vegetarian dishes to choose from. Do not fear tofu. When done right, tofu, seitan or tempeh can be the best dishes you’ve ever eaten. My younger brother, the world’s biggest carnivore, chooses General Tso’s tofu every time he is in town.

The Top
The eclectic decor and delicious food options are the perfect Gainesville dinner combination. You can start off with Buffalo Tempeh appetizer that my non-vegan roommate craves on a weekly basis and try out a vegan special or the Vegan Seitan Philly for an entree. Once you’ve had your meal, you have to save room for the Vegan Chocolate cake.

The New Deal
Typically, I prefer tofu when prepared well or seitan, except at the New Deal. This is the perfect restaurant to taste tempeh if you are tentative about trying it out. The Sloppy Tempeh Joe would make the lunch lady from Billy Madison ashamed to ever serve anything else.

Book Lover’s Café
Another local favorite, Book Lover’s is a vegetarian restaurant and has a wide variety of vegan options. While the daily themed specials, ranging from Greek to Ethiopian to Southern dishes are truly phenomenal, I order the Vegan Quiche every time I go. After your dish you should enjoy a dessert, especially on Vegan Cupcake Monday.

43rd Street Deli
Longing for a homemade breakfast for this Kentucky girl ends here. Vegan biscuits and gravy or a weekend pancake or French toast special will knock your socks off. While the specials are out of this world, you have to make sure to get a side of tofu.

Leonardo’s By the Slice and Bistro 1245
Located in the same building and equally vegan friendly, this is the perfect stop for vegans near campus. Not only do they provide a daily vegan pizza that is truly delicious, but their salads and rolls will keep you coming back for more. If you have more time, Bistro 1245 has a Spicy Tofu Melt that satisfies all hunger needs.

Green Mango
A newly discovered hidden treasure, the Green Mango is worth the drive. Just past the mall, the Green Mango has the best authentic Indian food in town. The samosas, chana marsala, and naan will transport you to India.

Farrah’s
Vegans and vegetarians alike: If you have yet to venture into the realm of Mediterranean cuisine, you need to drop existing dinner plans and get to your nearest hummus source.

La Tienda
A hidden treasure worth finding, La Tienda is an authentic Meixcan restaurant off of 13th Street with unbelievable guacamole and vegetarian options. Although the guacamole is worth the trip, the burrito de arroz y frijoles (rice and beans) with a side of guacamole has me coming back for more.