It seems veganites are perpetually limited in dining options and menu options when it comes to finding a quick bite to eat. And despite popular belief that those who choose a more restricted diet snack on “rabbit food” all day—the reality is that they too want to be sumptuously full after a meal. New Yorkers Dwight Spence and Tzirel Bleier get it. And they’re pretty punny about it. Fork My Life opened this past June to fill the vegan-friendly void in Sarasota, and does it with some self-deprecating flair. Founded on the belief that everyone should have easy access to fresh, healthy, plant-based, affordable foods, the boutique vegan cafe/bakery makes everything in-house, while its market side offers vegan meats and cheeses curated from artisanal cheesemongers and butchers.

While this may look like your typical chicken parm sandwich, it’s actually a vegan’s lunchbreak godsend. The breaded seitan “chicken,” is a popular vegan substitute made from wheat gluten and water, and has the same taste and texture of meat—making it an ideal source of protein and minerals like selenium and iron. The seitan comes lightly fried and smothered in a garlic basil tomato sauce, then covered in FML melted vegan parmesan and bubbling vegan mozzarella. The only element not deceivingly in disguise is the artisan hoagie roll. 

Vegan Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, $9, Fork My Life, 6538 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, 941-923-3511, @forkmylifellc

Photo provided by Fork My Life.