More on that Whole Vegetarian Thing ...

Finally, a column dedicated to vegetarian cooking has been introduced in the San Francisco Chronicle. Not to belabor the point, but I am especially pleased by this addition to the Food section as I've oft longed for writers to focus solely on the vegetarian entree.

However, I am not particularly fond of the column's title -- "The Accidental Vegetarian" -- nor am I charmed by the statement that the writer "loves meat but believes that when done well, vegetarian dishes can be just as exciting and interesting." This new endeavor, I fear, is geared toward the reluctant vegetable-eater rather than toward those who have already pursued their vegetal passions with lusty abandon. Rather than enticing hard-core meat eaters with luscious -- and unapologetic -- descriptions of meals loaded with fresh, local produce, I worry that once again we will be reading a plea for how to learn to love the vegetable.

Still, this paragraph gives me hope:

"I've culled ideas from those years, and the recipes in this column will reflect the seasons, Bay Area produce and a penchant for whole grains and natural foods. I'll delve into beans under pressure, fancy dinner party fare, raw food for hot summer days and even follow a vegan diet for a month. I'll watch for trends, scour restaurant menus and keep up the dialogue with chefs and farmers."

Vegan recipes in a major newspaper? That will be something indeed -- but it is the Bay Area, after all.