Gold medal meals: where to find vegetarian restaurants in America's Olympic city - Atlanta, Georgia

Vegetarian Times, July, 1996 by Amy Williams Flurry

If you're planning to be among the two million visitors to Atlanta this month for the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, we'd like to help you avoid an unofficial olympic event: The marathon hunt for vegetarian eats. So unlace those running shoes and lean back; we've done the leg work for you.

Atlanta, like New York or Boston, boasts an impressive array of international cuisine. Indian, Tex-Mex and Middle Eastern dishes have all made their way to Atlanta. But visitors will not find restaurants devoid of down-home Southern soul. In fact, black-eyed peas, collard greens and mashed potatoes headline the menus of some of the most upscale restaurants in Georgia. Unfortunately for vegetarians, many Southern restaurants cook vegetables in "fat back," or strips of pork fat. And don't be surprised if the potato floating in your green peas is actually a lump of lard. Vegetarian options here can be slim pickings.

The good news for vegetarians is that demand for animal-free eats is at an all time high in dais corner of the country, and restaurants have responded. The following list profiles vegetarian and vegetarian-friendly restaurants in the three cities where most Olympics events will be held: Atlanta, Athens and Savannah.

Most of the Athens and Savannah restaurants listed are central to the downtown areas of each city, easily accessible by public transit. In Athens, the biggest event, soccer finals, will be held in the University of Georgia's Sanford Stadium, an easy 1/2 mile from the downtown area. Both cities have bus lines--The Bus in Athens and Chatham Area Transit System (CAT) in Savannah--that will plant you close to the restaurants without driving-related headaches.

In Atlanta, cars will be severely restricted in the heart of the downtown area, where the Olympic opening and closing ceremonies, gymnastics, diving and swimming competitions will be taking place. Because congestion will be heightened during these events, city officials suggest using MARTA (Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), a train-rail and bus system with stations and stops throughout Atlanta. Free MARTA passes will accompany all olympic event tickets.

Before you go anywhere, however, call ahead and make sure your restaurant of choice is open. Have a second-choice selection planned and confirm its hours, too. Many of the restaurants listed here also have very limited seating. So let the Olympic games begin, and enjoy the South--and its wealth of good vegetarian fare.

ATLANTA

THE FLYING BISCUIT (veg friendly) 1655 McLendon Ave.; (404) 687-8888. Located in Candler Park.

* Extensive vegetarian selection, breakfast served all day, vegan options.

* Menu highlights: Love Cakes, Virtuous Vegan Pie.

* Breakfast items $5.95; lunch $5.50; dinner $9.95.

* Major credit cards accepted.

* Wheelchair accessible.

* Kid friendly; many children's options.

* No reservations needed.

* No alcohol served.

VEGGIELAND (vegan) 2 locations 21 Pharr Road N.E.; (404) 231-3111; Off Peachtree Street behind Nations Bank. 220 Sandy Springs Circle N.W.; (404) 252-1165; One block off Roswell Road.

* Vegan; no cholesterol, no sugar, low salt, low calories, filtered water.

* Menu highlights: Vegetarian Casserole of the Day, Sweet and Sour 'Pork' Great American Vegetable Stew.

* Appetizers and salads $3.95; lunch $4.25; entrees $8.95.

* Major credit cards accepted.

* Wheelchair accessible.

* Kid friendly; many children's options.

* No reservations needed.

* No alcohol served.

RAINBOW NATURAL FOODS (veg friendly) 2118 N. Decatur Road; (404) 636-5553. Corner of Clairmont and N. Decatur Road, one mile from Emory Street.

* Mostly vegetarian, with some vegan options. Largest natural foods take-out deli in Atlanta (limited seating).

* Menu highlights: Broccoli Rice and Cheese Loaf, Sun Burger.

* Most selections are $6 or less.

* Cash only.

* Wheelchair accessible, but bathrooms not updated.

* Kid friendly; 1/2 sandwich or cup of soup for children.

* No reservations needed.

* No alcohol served.

SOUL VEGETARIAN (vegan) 2 locations 879 Abernathy Blvd. SW; (404) 752-5194; Coming from I-20 West, take the Lee Street exit. Soul No. l is found near the corner of Dunn Street and Abernathy Blvd. 652 N. Highland Ave.; (404) 875-0145; Take Ponce de Leon coming from downtown, and at the corner of Ponce and Highland take a right; Soul No. 2 is 1/4 mile on the right.

* Vegan, cholesterol free.

* Menu highlights: Lentil burgers, Carrot Salad Pita Pockets, Tofu Sandwich.

* Salads $3; lunches average $5; dinner specials $6.

* Major credit cards accepted.

* Wheelchair accessible.

* Kid friendly; many children's options.

* No reservations needed.

* No alcohol served.

ATHENS

THE GRIT (veg friendly) 199 Prince Ave.; (706) 543-6592 Near the corner of Prince Ave. and Pulaski Street.

* Vegetarian/vegan options; Southern cooking with nightly specials.

* Menu highlights: sides of collards, mashed potatoes and yeast gravy, a tofu and rice dish called the "Golden Bowl."

* Appetizers and sides $3 to 5.95; entrees $5 to $7.95

* Cash only.

* Wheelchair accessible.

* No child's menu.