Two colleagues from work and I are attending a national conference in New Orleans in mid-August, and one is a vegan. I'm wondering how difficult it will be for her to eat in traditional restaurants that serve regional dishes? Here at home Middle Eastern and Thai restaurants are easiest for her, but I know the other person and I would not want to have our 4 nights' dinners solely in those types of restaurants. Any thoughts?

My daughter is a Vegan and resident of N.O. She doesn't seem to have any problems finding places to eat, and she eats out often. We recently celebrated her college graduation and we ate at a local restaurant known for its local dishes. She had the option of all veggie sides, or a pasta dish the chef would make just for her, so I think your friend could manage in just about any restaurant.

If you need specific restaurants and/or specific areas, please post again.

Maximo's is a good Italian restaurant in the FQ on Decatur that has plenty of non-meat pasta dishes.

Maximo's is closed permanently.

I didn't realize that Maximo's is closed permanently. The last time I went was last May. I'm assuming the hurricane did them in?

How sad...I really liked that place and its atmosphere.

Thanks, everyone; it sounds as though it won't be a problem.

What a shame. Maximo's was one of our favorite Quarter restaurants also. The eggplant was delicious! Last ate there the week before Katrina-great food, cool jazz music, & nice waitstaff. The owner supposedly moved to CA & is asking 6 million for the building. Can only hope someone with big bucks & great vision will bring back a classic.

It sounds as though we are missing a great place; what a loss for locals and tourists.

I didn't know vegans ate pasta - aren't they all made with eggs and isn't that a no-no? I guess a baked potato might be easily available anywhere along with green veggies, though. I'd think it would be hard to eat out with those restrictions.

Vegan adults I wouldn't worry about. My vegetarian and vegan friends have always been able to find something to match their dietary needs.

It's the two year old son of a vegan work associate that I'm very concerned about. I'm worried that he is malnourished eating according to his mother's choices.

Not all pastas are made with eggs - but a vegan would know to ask before eating.

starrsville - Of course, your work associate may not be making smart food choices for her 2 year old son, but that's not strictly a result of being vegan. Even toddlers can have a very healthy vegan diet if parents choose wisely. It does help if they are still breastfeeding some at that age, but even without it can be done. Of course, many omnivore parents of two year olds don't feed them healthy diets either . . .