Review by Rissa Miller, Senior Editor Vegetarian Journal

Tucked away in southern Baltimore County, a small vegan catering kitchen is creating gorgeous sweet and savory food for pick-up and delivery. Owned by a sole proprietor named Jay, he said he had tired of always hoping for healthful vegan options at his favorite eateries. So, he took matters into his own hands and opened up The Vegan’s Choice: Jay’s Gourmet Vegan Dishes & Desserts to bring his own delicious creations to others seeking vegan food. Additionally, Jay tried to emphasize lower calorie counts, all portions are under 300 calories, to keep his food health-supporting. Everything on the menu is both vegan and soy-free. Inquiries about allergens are answered thoroughly and promptly.
     I’ve ordered twice so far and each time, the eating was fantastic! Jay’s portions are generous for the price and my experience with the customer service via Facebook and text was excellent, both times fast and thorough with questions. Delivery arrived about five minutes early, and my food was the proper temperature to eat right away. (Though some had to be stored for later!)
     Start with breakfast. Try the Sausage Biscuit, I loved it. The biscuit itself is fluffy and light-as-air. It melts in your mouth. The sausage patty is savory and satisfying. There are more options as well, including Fruit Smoothies, Vegan Pancakes, French Toast, and a Bravas Potato Bowl. Jay makes Cinnamon Rolls with vanilla frosting and Donuts for those who prefer a sweeter breakfast, as well as a la carte Vegan Buttermilk Biscuits. Because you can order in advance, you can have breakfast anytime: morning, brunch, lunch, dinner.
     Lunch offerings include Vegan Tuna Sandwiches, Vegan BLTs, Veggie Subs, and Vegan Cheesesteaks, as well as Vegan Chili-cheese Dogs and Jay’s Seasoned Fries. While I didn’t try any sandwiches, I did get an order of Jay’s Vegan Deviled Eggs. This was not only a surprising offering, but really tasty! It’s been many years since I ate animal-based deviled eggs; this was just what I remembered as far as texture and flavor. The outside was smooth and egg-like; the filling was creamy and savory. Jay re-created this favorite party fare perfectly.
     Jay’s Pizzas come on a buttery crust, loaded with your choice of toppings (onion, green peppers, vegan bac’n, mushrooms, pineapple, banana peppers, black olives, etc.) or select one of the specialty pies: Supreme, Mac and Cheese with Bac’n, or Vegan Cheesesteak. My first pizza was a build-your-own and the second time, I got a Vegan Cheesesteak, which I shared at a socially distant meetup with a non-vegan friend — who also loved it!
     Heavier dinner offerings include Vegan Crab Balls and Crab Cakes, Cajun Chik’n, Egg-less Rolls, and Vegetable Stir Fry. Jay also recently added a new pasta salad, a blend of broccoli, carrots, noodles, tomatoes, onions, and chickpeas bathed in Jay’s original salad dressing!
     So, of the sides, this may be surprising, but my favorite is Jay’s Mean Greens. These collards come seasoned to perfection with savory spices and garlic. Honestly, I’d eat them everyday and in the future, might get two orders so they last a full week. Jay’s sides include a decadent and cheddars Mac and Cheese which is tasty all by itself — but for a special treat, get the Onion Rings stuffed with Mac and Cheese. This is a truly original and incredible side dish, and honestly, it’s almost like a meal itself! Complete your meal with Southern Sweet Potatoes and an order of Jay’s Dinner Rolls.
     The only dessert I tried thus far was the lemon cupcake. It was tender and sweet with just the right amount of tangy lemon frosting providing contrast. Other sweet offerings include: chocolate cupcakes, vanilla cupcakes, full size cakes including carrot cake, peach cobbler, and 7 kinds of cookies.
     If you live in the Baltimore region or are visiting, visit Jay’s website to order, theveganschoice.org