I’ve actually enjoyed veganism far more than I thought I would. My prediction was that it was going to be a mere test of will and that I would just need to drag myself through 30 days without some of my favorite delights – goat cheese, a piping hot breakfast burrito with delicately cooked eggs and stringy, melty cheese, mashed potatoes made creamy with fresh milk or cream and of course a generous helping of butter, to name a few. Turns out, I’ve actually had little trouble. The first week was pretty brutal – mostly because of detox. I just didn’t feel good. Since then, things have been looking up! I have far more energy than usual and I surprisingly haven’t been craving any non-vegan goodies. I know what to cook and I know what to eat. Typically that has been satisfying and quite enjoyable. Until last night.
Grant and I had dinner with some friends at Bistro du Coin, a Dupont Circle restaurant that once appeared on the Washingtonian’s 100 Very Best Restaurants list. I wasn’t involved with selecting our dinner spot but happily agreed as the reservation was made. Yesterday afternoon I hopped on the web to check out my dinner options and plan ahead. Let’s just say it’s a good thing I did. Nearly everything, and I literally mean everything, featured some delicious combination of mussels, cream, ham, prosciutto, goat cheese (dear Lord help me), or other pork product. There were, no kidding, two things on a menu of over 60 menu items that didn’t include dairy or meat.
Several thoughts crossed my mind initially – 1) Ugh. I wish they had more vegan options. 2) Hmm, that mussels dish with cream and bacon sounds delicious…oh gosh, so does that ravioli! By the end of the meal I had one very clear thought – I WANT SOMETHING WITH MILK AND CHEESE!!!!! Our table got appetizers that included warm goat cheese salad, endive with ham and gruyere, ravioli with seafood, mushrooms and a lobster sauce, and some yummy fresh bread with – gasp! – fresh butter. Pardon me for a moment while I wipe the drool…To say it tested my will is an understatement. I never thought of giving in though, which I find sort of surprising. At no point did I think, maybe I’ll just have ONE bite of that. Partially because I texted Maura with despair and she responded with, “Halfway through?” True, my dear friend. Halfway through.
Sims, just found this blog. It's a great idea that I might steal. :) Congratulations on not giving into temptation, that sort of meal would have certainly done me in.
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