Many years ago, when I was working in the Twin Cities (MN) I’d drive to & from my hometown, near KC MO, for Christmas. I always stopped for fuel, coffee, & a burger in the Des Moines area. Many of those places had a “Vegetable Hamburger” on the menu. Since Iowa is the land of beef & pork I was surprised to see vegetarian burgers offered so frequently.

One time I ordered one out of curiosity. Well, it wasn’t a vegetarian burger. It was what I called a California burger – a hamburger with lettuce & tomato. I laughed! I wonder if they’re still called Vegetable Hamburgers there.