Part of the new vegetarian menu at Porter's

I swore off meat several years ago. I don’t remember the date or even the season. I just stopped one day without any deliberation. As a former meatatarian who couldn’t enjoy a meal without a substantial amount of protein, I had to adapt quickly. Having to explain the rationale for this life decision to my carnivorous comrades is one I find myself answering on a regular basis. I usually mumble something about a family history of heart problems (completely true) and leave it at that. I prefer not getting in philosophical debates about what is moral and what isn’t.

Of course, I’m not here to talk about the personal decision. I’m going to talk about some of the restaurants downtown that make an extra effort for those who like to eat a meal or two without meat.

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The gentlemen in the photo above were working late (after 11PM) on a Monday evening. One can assume business is good for Vernacular Studio, as they somewhat recently relocated their base of operations to the corner of Hillsborough St. and Glenwood Avenue. They were previously located on Tower Street in the Oberlin neighborhood.

Catalano in 1974. Image courtesy of News & Observer Publishing Co.

Almost ten years ago, Raleigh lost one of the most impressive and forward-thinking houses the world has ever seen: The Catalano House. It was the first warped plane structure in America, and it inspired a generation of young architects to explore new ways of constructing the spaces we live, work, and play in.

A little over a week ago, the world lost the brilliant architect who was the namesake of the house. Eduardo Catalano died at the age of 92.

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