A Guide to Veggie and Organic London
by Bonnie Alter, London on 05. 5.06
If you are a vegetarian and planning a trip to London, or if you are interested in exploring the organic scene, the guide “Veggie & Organic London” by Russell Rose, is a comprehensive survey of what is available. Running the gamut of restaurants, the author includes listings from the most expensive places in town right down to veggie burger take-aways in every part of London. Vegetarians are no longer ignored at the best restaurants—the author identifies some very posh places which provide gourmet vegetarian choices for diners. There are also sections dedicated to vegetarian and organic shops, cookery courses and a small sampling of hotels. At the start of each section is an overview with lots of interesting facts about the topic. In the “Shops” section they include not only local, neighbourhood organic food stores but also, unusually, discuss what is available in the big supermarkets and chain restaurants. There is a good listing of the joy of London—the outdoor organic farmers’ markets—to be found somewhere every day of the week. And contact groups, ranging from vegetarian social groups to allotment garden societies and organic farming courses. :: Veggie&Organic London
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This reminds me that when I was in Barcelon, Spain a few months ago I found a great website that serves as directory to everything vegetarian/vegan in the city (as well as foreign cuisine like Chinese and Indian).
Most places listed are shown on maps along with metro stops, so finding your way is a snap. And, there are quite a few places to choose from, so chances are if you just wander around you'll find something lovely. Also, keep an eye out for the word Bio (organic). Quite a few places also serve organic fare.
The website is: www.sincarne.net
(*sin carne* = without meat)
For an instant list see:
http://www.vegsoc.org/theguild/fandd-london.html
(includes pictures)
http://www.happycow.net/europe/england/london/index.html
(includes comments)
A trip to the grocery in a major city with large Hispanic population will reveal dozens of exotic root-, stem-, and fruit-type starchy vegetables from tropical places, including plantain, which, I think, is second only to rice as a major dietary item in large portions of the world. Sometimes naive shoppers buy the plantains, thinking that they are gargantuan bananas. :)