Veggie "Hamburger" Options - Nationwide

I thought I had posted about veggie hamburgers on here, but writing about Gardenburger in my last post made me think of it and look it up, and I don't think I have.

I'm sure most people searching already know of the places serving veggie burgers, but just in case, I thought I'd post the ones I know of. Most are NOT vegan, but if you are not vegan or are in a pinch, these places will work if you have to avoid the "portobello burger" or the "pasta primavera" (or other random "vegetarian menu items" and just feel like a burger).

PETA has "the best" restuarant burgers listed at this site: http://www.vegcooking.com/gb_vegburgers_chain.asp

And "best of the rest" (veggie burgers at all other restaurants) at this site:
http://www.vegcooking.com/gb_vegburgers_bestrest_chain.asp

*I'd also like to note Hamburger Hamlet (which is a chain, at least in the DC area, if anyone makes a road trip). They let you sub the veggie burger for any of their burgers, and they specialize in gourmet topped burgers, so you can have a nice selection.

Also, I'm pretty sure any place serving a veggie burger will let you put that patty on any specialty burger on the menu, so try that too...even at Burger King, if you just have to have that Whopper, but don't eat meat and don't want what they put on the regular "veggie burger".

I just wish (and hope...and pray) that a chain restaurant or fast food place will put the Boca or Gardenburger Vegan Chik'n patty on the menu. They are SO much better than any "veggie burger" and I know it would be a hit. Oh well, I can dream. It WILL happen, I just have to be patient (and make suggestions at local chains).

New Restaurant - Mimi's Cafe - Cary

I don't even know if they are open yet, but a new building has popped up on Walnut (really?) next to Cary Towne Center. It's called Mimi's Cafe and of course I've Goggle'd it already. Here is the website http://www.mimiscafe.com/
I've looked over the menu items and while there are no vegan items on the menu, there are several VEGETARIAN items, even on the kids menu, which is kind of exciting. Interestingly enough, they have a menu by "Lifestyle" section and only list "Carb Concious" and "Low Fat". Maybe we all need to march over there and demand our lifestyle be on there...or maybe not.

It's just nice to know that there is a new place that *might* accommodate us veg*ns. There are a few salads and wraps that look good if you leave off the chicken and cheese. Hey, sometimes I have to eat with my non-veg parents and co-workers so it's good to know.

At least by making some substitutions "our" voice might be heard. (Actually, I think that worked at Fuddrucker's about 10 years ago because I clearly remember ordering a "bun with fries" and getting a suspicious eye from the guy at the counter and now they have Gardenburger on the menu...so I know it wasn't just me, but I'd like to think I contributed anyway) :-)

Women's Shoes - Manmade Non-Leather - Hudson Belk

I was in Belk looking over clearance items when I saw some cute shoes. No way they were vegan, righ? I was wrong! Yay! Plus, they were half off, so I only paid $25 for them. Anyway, the brand name is Kim Rogers in case anyone wants to look it up. They look like "quality-made" leather shoes (i.e., more expensive than PayLess)and are very comfy too. Good find!