It's fun to read about your vegan adventures. I'm lucky to work at an organization with a vegan office policy. My co-workers are at all levels of vegan awareness and it makes for a wonderful learning experience. I, too, pride myself on being able to find something vegan to eat anywhere and have had some incredible vegan dishes at non-vegan retsaurants.

Great timing ! Being a vegan ambassador is a noble goal and one I aspire to . Thanks so much for reminding Us to be courteous . I am transitioning into a vegan ( off of obvious dairy )but am working on omitting the hidden dairy ... That's My challenge . ( I've been a vegetarian since last May and a vegan since Jan 07/10 so this is all very new to Me. I have worked in the restaurant business up until the last couple of years and have had My share of customers with dietary restrictions . The requests were never as challenging to deal with as some of the rude attitudes of the requesters . I cringe at the thought of being a pain to deal with . I like Your idea about talking privately with Your cook or server . Calling ahead is an even better idea because frankly during high peak times , Your server simply does not have the time to read the ingredients of every sauce ,etc. in the place without neglecting the other customers in her care. When going to friend's places , why not have a back up meal with You so that You aren't overly invested in what is available ? Thanks again for covering a very relevant topic . As My mama use to say ...manners never go out of style .