[ruminasean]

30 year vegetarian here, not vegan, but I definitely look askance at all the massively processed fake meats. I'll happily eat seitan, but I make my own out of maybe 6 ingredients.

I don't know too many vegetarians who eat them with any regularity...to me, they're more to transition meat-eaters to vegetarianism than anything else. Or maybe something for me to bring to a BBQ so I can not stand out like a sore thumb AGAIN.

[mbubb]

Roast mushrooms, elephant garlic, peppers and eggplant planks are essential at any BBQ! And I say that as a meat eater... Years ago in NYC Chinatown I went to a restaurant called "Vegetarian Paradise" with all sorts of fake meat dishes. It was fun at the time but not particularly good. One notable exception which I have had in other restaurants is mock duck breast with mushrooms layered in sheets of seitan. I've had nice versions of that but yes I'd agree on your assessment.