Spiral Diner's staffers aren't letting an award from PETA distract them from their work slinging tofu scrambles and mixing soy milkshakes.
"I really don't know," a man who identified himself as manager of the Fort Worth branch said with a snarl when City of Ate called to ask how the restaurant had beat out eateries in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York City to win the animal rights organization's prize for "best local restaurant."
Exhaling a huge sigh of frustration, he added: "Why don't you call back some other time?"
Sure, no problem: What would be a convenient time to talk about what makes your vegan restaurant so great?
"Later. Just later," he said before rushing the phone back to its cradle.
A spokesperson for PETA wasn't sure what catapulted Spiral Diner to the top of the public poll that determined winners in the "Libbies" (short for "animal liberation.") But Shakira Croce said besting restaurants in big cities known for their vegan scenes is "definitely" an impressive feat.
"I don't think they've entered before," Croce said.
Spiral Diner has previously won recognition from VegNews Magazine, which in 2007 bestowed "restaurant of the year" honors upon the popular café.
Other edible winners in PETA's fifth annual Libby competition included Chipotle Mexican Grill, for best restaurant chain; Denny's, for best veggie burger; and Gardein Seven Grain Crispy Tenders, named best fake meat.
