Launched in 2005, WellesleyWeston Magazine is a quarterly publication tailored to Wellesley and Weston residents and edited to enrich the experience of living in two of Massachusetts' most desirable communities.
Issue link: https://wellesleywestonmagazine.epubxp.com/i/92498
suggests use of a personal cup to avoid cross- contamination. Beyond allergy-safe cuisine, local shops are responding to customers' preferences for healthful options, including vegan dishes. Vegan Melissa Golembewski Wilson of Wellesley values Yama and Lemon Thai for the plant-based selections on their menus and their graciousness in accommodating her special requests. "We've asked Yama to eliminate the fish from one of their specialty rolls made with asparagus and mango so many times that they've named the vegan version a 'Melissa' roll to make it easier for us to order." She also appreciates Peter's Pizza, Deluxe Pizza, and Comella's willingness to cook vegan pizzas with cheese she supplies. Melissa initially became a vegetarian when she developed an aversion to meat while pregnant with her son Kai. "We joke that it was his decision for us to change our lifestyle, because from the moment of conception, the smell and taste of meat made me nauseous. As the primary cook in the family, I prepared lots of legumes, grains, and vegetables," she explains. Over time, and after careful consul- tation with doctors, Melissa and her husband Kip decided to have their family embrace a vegan lifestyle. Eleven-year-old Kai admits that it's hard to be at birthday parties and not eat doughnuts, cake, or pizza unless he brings his own, but he's supportive of his family's choice. "I like knowing that I don't hurt ani- mals by eating them," he says. 169 Embracing a special diet is far more common today than in years past. Vegans, for example, are no longer just "tree huggers." They hail from all walks of life, including President Bill Clinton, actress Ellen DeGeneres, Olympian Carl Lewis, as well as Twitter founder and Wellesley High School graduate Biz Stone. It's also easier than ever before to maintain a special diet thanks to a variety of food choices and recipes to keep meals interesting and delicious. Whether for health, environmental, or ethical reasons, special diets really can be special. winter 2012/2013 | WellesleyWeston Magazine