By Noah Jacobson & Tyra York
Focus
Midland HS
1st Place Division 2, News Writing
Review
JUDGING CRITERIA
- Sharp, attention-getting lead that clarifies subject
- Gives a short summary or adequate information about subject
- Discusses strengths and weaknesses of subject
- Uses specific examples to support opinion
- Displays knowledge of subject
- Shows thought and research
- Colorful, lively presentation; effective form/style
- Proper diction/grammar
Here are some vegetarian options for your lunch reviewed by both a vegetarian and a regular meat eater. Think outside of the box before you grab your next meal and join the growing trend of meat substitutes.
V: Burger King has always been famous for their Whoppers, but a Whopper not made of beef? Impossibly tasty. Served with all the fixin’s of a regular Whopper (lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, pickles, mustard and mayo), this menu item is the best fast-food vegetarian-friendly burger I’ve ever eaten. Aside from being a tad on the dry side, Burger King’s impossible burger takes me back to the days when I used to enjoy a nice grilled burger at your a backyard cookout.
M: Eating a meatless burger almost feels disrespectful, but what if you couldn’t taste the difference? Burger Kings’s Impossible burger adequately mimics the taste of their classic whopper. From a meat eater’s stand point, I couldn’t taste the difference. The burger was quite dry, but that’s bound to be the case of a fast food restaurant regardless. The patty was regularly seasoned and had the same texture as usual. I wouldn’t become a vegetarian on its behalf, but it’s definitely something to try.
V: Tofu is a food that is always a hit or miss. In this case, I’d definitely say Basil Thai missed the mark. The dish itself was quite appetizing and tasted a lot like a sweet bowl of Ramen Noodles minus the broth. But I’ve had good tofu and this wasn’t up there with it. It was a bit dry and shriveled with a texture that resembles a bloated raisin with a strange sweet but bland after-taste. However, the rest of the dish left me wanting more. Once past the texture of the tofu, this dish is a solid choice for anyone who likes Thai food.
M: Basil Thai’s tofu, served in the Golden Noodle, doesn’t come close to being an adequate substitute for your average meat eater. Beyond its surrounding sauce, the tofu, as compared to others, added nothing more than little pieces of flavorless sponge. If you’re looking for an alternative meat-free lunch, their menu offers a nice change of pace from greasy fast food and a wide variety of bold flavors. However, it may be in your best interest to get extra vegetables in place of their soft rubber tofu.
V: By far one of my favorite dishes yet, this bowl was packed to the brim of extreme tastiness, really pleased this frequent Qdoba goer. Tasting no different than regular taco meet with the added goods, this bowl both looks and tastes like a blend of all things good in the world. While I tend to not be a huge fan of the taste of meat, I am a complete sucker for a great taco. This bowl would completely satisfy any Qdoba or Mexican food connoisseur.
M: After biting into Qdoba’s Impossible meat loaded burrito bowl, I was surprised to find that I could not taste the difference from the ground beef that I order there every so often. Qdoba’s Impossible meat looks a little questionable at first glance. But despite its pig-slop look and the slightly peculiar smell that wafted throughout my car on the drive home, the plant based protein blends in effortlessly with the other elements of the burrito bowl. The substitute really hit the nail on the head with its spot on texture imitation and I wouldn’t mind switching up my go-to order from time to time to eat it.
V: Tofu can be strange uncharted territory for many people but I can truly say, to anyone willing to dip their toe in, Maru is a great place to start. Their tofu comes in two flavors, sweet or spicy, to suit anyone’s tastes buds. But, the spicy of course is superior. The savory tanginess yet hint of spice you get when you take each bite will melt in your mouth. Any and all will love this burst of flavor. A great afternoon snack, but no filler.
M: Obviously, Maru’s tofu is no imitation of meat. Nonetheless, it was delicious in its own way. This appetizer offers a unique, crunchy pop of flavor. Each bite warms your tongue with the perfect mix of sweet and spicy and serves as a great palette cleanser and snack. If you’re looking to try something new, order some takeout on you lunch break. If you’re looking for something to replace meat with a substitute, keep on looking.