Reading this post about being a vegetarian in Spain on the Tales from Toriello blog by Ian and Luis made me chuckle.
My husband David is a vegetarian and we face exactly the same challenge - the fact that most bars and restaurants in Spain don't cater for, understand or want to acknowledge the existence of vegetarians. (I love eating meat and fish, but enjoy cheese and bean-based dishes too, which is fortunate for our marriage.)
We've never been able to enjoy one of the super bargainous menus del dia (a three-course meal, usually at lunchtime, for 10 euros or thereabouts) that you get in such a lot of restaurants in Spain as there's never a vegetarian option. (I do feel a bit put-out about this.)
In a strange city, we'll frequently opt for an Italian restaurant as we know that there will be some choice for Vegetarian Husband.
And, like Ian and Luis, we know that a tortilla de patatas is often the best (and only) way forward. (As long as there's no random bits of pig thrown in for 'extra flavour'.) Patatas bravas, patatas ali-oli and pa amb tomaquet (bread rubbed with garlic and tomato, with olive oil and salt - a Catalan speciality) are also useful - but not necessarily balanced - stand-bys.
Anna and I have lost hours walking around Spanish cities trying to find a restaurant serving something vegetarian - we're not even fussy. Still, tapas is a bit of a saviour, even if you get to know espinacas con garbanzos, tortilla, berenjenas and the various patatas very well. And the waiters look at you like you're bonkers when you don't order any meat or fish. But at least it's not as bad as France!
ReplyDeleteTrue about France - we know that there will never be a vegetarian sandwich at a French service station (unless there's one of the 'Paul' chain there) whereas in Spain we can usually find tortilla at least.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the mention Julie - It is ironic really as the best vegetarian restaurant I have ever eaten in was in Salamanca - Spain. If you ever get to Salamanca look up the Blue Cricket (Grillo Azul).
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