ENGL 40233

Writing for Publication
Fall 2008


Forget the Meat

The Fort Worth eating experience only takes me so far. With a slew of Mexican restaurants and steak houses in Fort Worth, my appetite for something new in Cowtown was reaching an all-time high. Suddenly, on a drive down Magnolia Avenue, I fell in love.

Five blocks down, on the corner of 6th and Magnolia, sits Spiral Diner and Bakery. At first glance I was taken aback; the word “vegan” was plastered across the top of the building. Who in this boot-wearing, oilman town would eat at a vegan restaurant? As I parked my car I was shocked to see a frat-tastic looking boy walk out the front doors. Was this Polo dressed, TCU fraternity boy really eating at a vegan restaurant? He sure was. As he zoomed away in his Z-71 truck I knew I was in for something special.

The first thing I noticed as I walked through the doors of Spiral Diner was the wait staff, a group of long haired men with tattoos and women with piercings up and down their ears. Each waiter approached the table with an eagerness to make the customers’ dining experience delightful. As I grabbed a menu and picked my table, my attention was drawn to the colorful posters, from Marilyn Monroe to random hippies, hung throughout the restaurant. Sitting on the retro style tables are used water bottles filled with salt and pepper. I could hear people walking back and forth on the concrete floor, and the smell of fresh food from the kitchen made me want to order everything. Everyone inside was smiling, talking to the person next to them; it made me feel excited, yet comfortable to begin my experience.

Eating out isn’t complete without a good appetizer. My choice was a large bowl of hummus with assorted pita chips and wheat tortillas. The menu has many other appetizer options, but nothing over $7. For example, “homemade creamy” potato salad as well as chips and salsa, apples and peanut butter, or a “bowl o’ broccoli” are options. Since Spiral Diner has a commitment to freshness and use of organic ingredients, some items can be sold out.

In order to get the full experience of a vegan meal, you must take a look at their entrée options of wraps, burritos, sandwiches, burgers, and hot plates. As someone who has never stepped foot in a vegan restaurant, I was skeptical about anything that I knew should be prepared with “real” meat, like their Seitan Tacos. My friend (a born and raised Texan man who loves a rare steak) ordered the tacos from our friendly waiter and when food arrived he was in awe. Filled with corn, beans, salsa and Seitan, a meat substitute, it didn’t take long for the three mini tacos to be chowed down. The thought of ordering more churned in his mind as he calmly licked his lips and pushed his plate away.

As for myself, I ordered the Savory Seitan Wrap. Mixed inside the grilled tortilla was seasoned Seitan, grilled red bell peppers, black olives, ripe tomatoes, corn, carrots and avocado; The chipotle mayo had just enough heat, but didn’t over power the fresh taste of the veggies. My wrap was delicious and satisfied my stomach. For my next visit, I have my eye on a Grilled Tofu San’ich, similar in name to a grilled chicken sandwich, but with a vegan twist.  The waiter proudly informed me that any entrée item is bound to please my desire for a tasty meal. 

For desserts, Spiral Diner’s menu is full of delicious vegan delicacies, like homemade chocolate chip cookies or “I-screams” (all made with organic unbleached flour, organic unrefined sugar, and non-hydrogenated oil). Even if your just in the mood for a drink, the list is endless; you can have your choice of coffee, fresh organic juices, fair trade teas or organic wine and beer.

There is not an item on the menu that is more than $10, so why wouldn’t you want to try Spiral Diner? It is a place that takes you away from the beef eating, Budweiser drinking kind of atmosphere you might find on other streets. If you are looking for healthy, original, vegan food, then venture over to Magnolia Avenue. The wide range of fresh, organic options at Spiral Diner will awaken your senses and leave you wanting more.

 

JULIA ATNIPP is an advertising/public relations major from Houston, Texas. The oldest of four, Julia enjoys visiting home to spend time with her family. When she isn’t at home, Julia loves to travel. From Panama to Italy, Julia’s travels have taken her to exotic places that have given her an itch to explore other parts of the world. In her spare time she takes time to watch movies (Home Alone is her favorite), hang out with friends, and take her dog Annie to the dog park.