The percentage of consumers who identify themselves as vegans has increased from 1 percent in 2009 to 2.5 percent in 2012, according to a Harris Interactive poll. About double that number?5 percent of Americans?consider themselves vegetarians, not counting the added number of "flexitarians" who occasionally go meatless. With more people eating a plant-based diet all or part of the time, menus are offering a wider and more inspired selection of vegetarian and vegan choices

On-Trend Recipe - Farro Burger with Avocado
by Little Bear
Los Angeles

Veggie burgers have grown in scope and creativity over the years, as they've evolved into a more popular choice for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. At Little Bear, the kitchen blends farro with beans and mushrooms to form a patty that cooks and looks a lot like meat. The topping is vegan, too, composed of roasted red pepper, creamy avocado and aioli made with tofu.