What is it like to be a vegetarian in culinary school?
Being a vegetarian in school is not easy – I’m not going to lie. While other students gobble up hearty, free lunches every day, I typically pack my lunch or wait until I get home to eat. I have been somewhat disappointed that vegetarian cooking is such an under-represented component of our curriculum, because I feel it is such an important part of global cuisine these days. On the other hand, I feel that my presence as a vegetarian in culinary school has made a big impact on my classmates, and even some of my teachers. Many of my classmates have altered recipes so that I could share in the tasting, and have shared with me that my influence has taught them to think about vegetarianism and cooking in a different light. To me that is the best compliment of all!
