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I was surprised to hear from a friend last week that The Judge's Bench in historic Ellicott City had vegan and vegetarian meals on their menu.

So another friend and I decided to check it out last Saturday. She got there before I did and called me to confirm that yes, there were in fact options for the both of us.

The choices? Between a spicy black bean burrito, an elaborate German sounding tofurkey dish, a housemade lentil burger and other plates, there weren't terribly too many meals to choose from -- maybe 5 or 6 at most. But it was enough to hit the spot. My friend and I both ordered sunshine burgers, packed with veggies and toppings of our choice. 

While this was the first time that I've ever set foot in the bar/restaurant despite spending almost my entire life visiting Old Ellicott City, I definitely plan to go back. I'm not quite sure if there are other vegetarian options along "Main Street," but plan to look into it more. Stay tuned!

Now that the three-day-long stomach ache has finally subsided, it's okay to look back on how great Thanksgiving was. On the night before Thanksgiving, my friends and I hit up One World (100 W. University Parkway) every year.

When you order their Thanksgiving feast ($21.95), you get thick slices of tofurkey served with fluffy mashed potatoes topped with vegetarian gravy, baked candied sweet potatoes, a generous portion of stuffing, tasty green bean casserole, soft corn, and a side of a citrusy cranberry sauce.

To top it all off, dessert is included. The selection of delicious treats typically includes up to two dozen vegan and non-vegan desserts.

While many non-vegetarians have enjoyed the annual meal with us over the years, this year only two of us made it in. I've been a vegetarian for about 10 years and since going to One World on Thanksgiving Eve, I have yet to make a tofurkey.

Why bother if you can enjoy it with friends the night before?