On the Border

It seems there exists restaurants who have indeed "figured it out."

Hello,
I haven't yet, but I would like to visit your restaurant. Can you tell me what menu items are vegan (no animal products) or could be ordered that way? Thank you for taking the time to determine this, your help is greatly appreciated.
Best,
Erin

On the Border reply:
September 12, 2007
Dear Ms. Thompson,
Thank you very much for taking the time to send us an email and for your interest in On The Border. We do have several options available for vegetarians. And, since there is no single vegetarian eating pattern, our company dietitian has compiled the list below of suggested menu options for the various types of vegetarian diets.
Below is a list of On The Border's suggested "vegetarian" menu options and modifications. Please be aware that none of our food items are certified vegetarian. As various 'levels' of vegetarianism are practiced today, we do hope that you will find this list helpful during your visit to our restaurant. If an item you desire does not appear on the list below, please keep in mind that our chefs will gladly try to accommodate your special dietary needs by custom-preparing a meal using any ingredients that we have available in our kitchen. However, prior to placing your order, we strongly suggest that you speak with the manager about your menu needs as they may be able to help you with recommendations. Please be aware that many of our recipes contain meat, fish, egg and dairy products and normal kitchen operations involve the sharing of cooking and preparation areas.
Please be aware that our rice and refried beans are not vegetarian -- the refried beans contain pork and the rice is prepared with chicken stock. It is important to note that anything prepared with refried beans will also contain pork. When ordering your meal, we recommend that you ask your server to eliminate refried beans from any dish that you order. Additionally, all fried items are prepared in 100% vegetable oil, but it is possible for these items to come into contact with animal products during the cooking process. Based on our supplier information, the items you may consider are as follows:

Suggested Menu Options for Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarians (contain egg and dairy, but no meat):**
All "Suggested Menu Options for Vegans and Lacto-Vegetarians" listed below
Salad Dressings: Fat Free Balsamic Vinaigrette, Chipotle Honey Mustard, Ranch
Desserts: Border Brownie Sundae, Dulce De Leche Cheesecake

Suggested Menu Options for Lacto-Vegetarians (contain dairy, but no meat or egg):**
All "Suggested Menu Options for Vegans" listed below
Corn and Flour Tortillas (omit all fried varieties, i.e. Corn Tortilla Chips or Strips)
Appetizers: Chili Con Queso
Salads: House Salad - Order without Tortilla Strips.
Sides: Black Beans with Cheese, Grilled Veggies (not sautéed)
Enchiladas: Cheese only – Order without Enchilada Sauces, including Tomatillo Sauce
Desserts: Kahlua Ice Cream Pie, Vanilla Ice Cream w/ or w/out Chocolate Syrup

Suggested Menu Options for Vegans (contain no meat, dairy or egg):**
Only Corn Tortillas (omit all fried varieties, i.e. Corn Tortilla Chips or Strips)
Appetizers: Guacamole Live
Salads: House Salad – Order without Cheese and Tortilla Strips (choose dressing below or Salsa)
Fajita Salad with Portobello - – Order Portobello as a substitute for chicken or beef in the salad.
Salad Dressings – Smoked Jalapeno Vinaigrette
Sides: Salsa, Black Beans (omit Cheese), Black Bean and Corn Relish, Steamed Veggies, Guacamole
Fajitas: Portobello with Corn Tortillas
Quesadillas: Veggie with Corn Tortillas – Order with Steamed Veggies only.
Tacos: Veggie with Corn Tortillas – Order with Steamed Veggies only.
** Note: All desserts and fried items may come into contact with animal products during normal kitchen preparation and cooking processes due to cross-contamination. On your next visit to On The Border, please speak with a manager about your dietary restrictions to ensure that your meal is carefully prepared with your needs in mind. We hope that you are able to choose a meal to your liking and look forward to serving you soon.
On The Border
Guest Relations
Ref # 683357

The verdict:
Corn Tortillas are vegan (note elaboration in letter, above)
Guacamole Live is vegan
The House Salad is vegan if ordered without cheese or tortilla strips
The Fajita Salad with Portobello is vegan if ordered with Corn Tortillas
Smoked Jalapeño Vinaigrette dressing is vegan
Salsa is vegan
Black Beans are vegan if ordered without cheese
Black Bean and Corn Relish is vegan
Guacamole is vegan
Steamed Veggies are vegan
Veggies Quesadillas are vegan if ordered with Steamed Veggies only and with Corn Tortillas
Veggie Tacos are vegan if ordered with Steamed Veggies only and with Corn Tortillas