We are now about 3 weeks into our pescatarian challenge and I’m happy to report things are going pretty well. I’m finally starting to get in a groove of meat-free, even though it hasn’t been without obstacles. I’ve found that I don’t even think about “staying on track” much, until dinner rolls around. More than once I really wanted hot wings (why must you be so delicious?!). And, for me, it definitely takes more creativity to come up with meatless dinners, though it is becoming easier. One of the biggest challenges is eating out. However, we’ve managed to find some delicious food at restaurants that fit the pescatarian bill.
I was shocked by the great food we found at Galway Hooker, an Irish pub of all places.
The mussels were unbelievable. Big, perfectly seasoned, and with grilled sourdough. Yum.
Plus, blackened fish tacos with a citrus crème. Mmm.
All at an Irish pub! Who knew?
I’ve also been very impressed by a new Mooresville gem, BlueStar Grill. Their wide variety of options are fresh and healthy, and they even offer gluten-free bread. I’ve enjoyed their black bean burger and their salmon salad.
La Patisserie is another new (to me) little spot in the LKN area. Hailey and I brunched their recently and their veggie egg white omelet was pretty tasty!
As you can see, eating out definitely has focused on the PESCA part of pescatarian, but at home, we’ve been eating quite a few vegetarian meals.
One such meal is Mama Pea’s tamale pie. It was my first tempeh recipe!
And Kelly’s slow cooker chana masala.
David has been eating quite a few Subway tuna sandwiches for lunch. I’m crossing my fingers his mercury levels don’t shoot through the roof!
Last night we had another round of sweet potato chili. So good!
And this time, I played around with making up a cornbread recipe.
Which resulted in jalapeno cilantro corn muffins.
We’ve eaten black bean burgers, both homemade and Morningstar Farms varieties.
And you can never go wrong with Mexican. Burrito bowls are just as delicious when served veggie-style.
David and I talked about the challenge some, and to my surprise, he’s enjoying it! He says he likes being forced to see other options of what to eat, rather than always falling back on the ‘ol meat-based staples.
We both feel we haven’t had to sacrifice a bit on taste; we’ve been eating delicious meals. However, we both agree that it takes a bit more effort when eating out, especially on the road.
What are your favorite vegetarian or pescatarian food choices at restaurants and/or on the road?
Always looking for new ideas 
Maryea @ Happy Healthy Mama says
It does take more effort when eating out and traveling, but for me that is the most important time to go meat-free. I don’t like not knowing where my meat is coming from (most likely a factory farm) or what the animal was fed. I’m not a vegetarian, but when I eat out I am!
Stefanie says
I am a vegetarian and eating out can be a challenge but I can almost always find something or alter something to fit the bill. Don’t forget that you can always let your serve know your diet restrictions and ask if they (or the chef/cook) can make a suggestion. I’ve gotten a number of delicious meals this way that left my meat eating friends jealous. 🙂
Jen says
all of this food looks amazing! wow to the irish pub! i usually tend to order fish or vegetarian dishes when i’m out.
Kelli says
All of this looks delicious, but I have a quick question about the slow cooker chana masala. According to the recipe you slow cook the chickpeas and water for 8 hours, then add in the other ingredients for another low 8 hours (or 4 on high). Am I reading that correctly? Appreciate your advice!
Sarah says
I’m big on hummus and veggie sandwiches. I use a really nutritious, sprouted grain bread (protein!) and slather two pieces with a thick layer of hummus. Then pile on lettuce, cucumbers, sprouts, tomato, pickles, olives, etc. You could add cheese if you want it non-vegan.
There are a few lunch places (Pita Pit) that offer something similar. Maybe David could try something like that? Send him with some nuts and fruits to snack on if he’s worried it won’t fill him up until dinner.
christina says
AHhhhhhh all this food looks so good! I’ve definitely enjoyed being a pescatarian. LOVE FISH!
Jamie @ Don't Forget the Cinnamon says
As a vegetarian, it can definitely be a challenge to eat out! I occasionally will eat fish which definitely makes it easier (especially considering the fact that most of the dining out I do is at the shore!) but taking away that option is a challenge. Choosing ethnic restaurants over other options definitely makes things easier! Sushi joints almost always offer vegetarian rolls and even if they don’t will make them on request! Indian, thai, mexican and vietnamese restaurants also tend to have veggie options!
Tiff says
Mmmm, so much good food! I just had lunch and I’m about ready to eat again! haha
I made Mama Pea’s tamale pie a while back. Portion control wasn’t easy that night.
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says
i agree…eating out is definitely more of a challenge. usually it’s hummus, black bean burgers and veggie pizzas for us. but some of the nicer restaurants have a lot of good options. looks like you’ve had some great meals!
Christie says
Glad you got to check out, and enjoy, Blue Star! I love that they use natural and fresh ingredients in everything. Tasty!
Maria says
I’m so happy that you finally got to try Tamale Pie – one of my favorite blogger recipes! I also just wanted to say that I admire you for trying a Pescatarian diet. I truly believe its on the healthiest diets out there. Now if only I could make myself like fish and shellfish more 🙂
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate says
I am a sucker for a good black bean burger!
Becca says
I love La Patisserie and Blue Star! There aren’t too many other options I’ve found in Mooresville…but Salty Caper has great pizza which is easy to make vegetarian! Those corn muffins look delicious!
Jules says
That Chilli looks delicious, in fact I might just give that one a go myself!