But there is a way to be more animal-friendly without feeling like a rabbit.

That substitute is tofu - it's meatless meat.

Tofu is designed to have a flavor and texture somewhat similar to meat, but the main difference is that no animals will ever moo, cluck or squeal in disapproval.

So if it tastes like meat and smells like meat - but isn't - then what the heck is tofu anyway?

"It's soybean curd," says Fusion Grill owner and Chef Michael Burnham.

Since soybeans are known for their protein, Burnham explains that it's a great replacement for the protein that vegetarians miss out on when they avoid stuff like chicken and beef.

A former vegetarian, he made it a point to include something for the meatless minority on his menu.

"I remember back when I was a vegetarian, sometimes it was difficult to go somewhere nice and find something vegetarian," Burnham says.

He notes that vegetarians can always go out and get a cheese pizza, but eating at a fine dining establishment might present more problems.

That's because meat can be hidden in things like sauces and broths.

"We wanted to have something on the menu that would accommodate vegetarians, but even if you're vegetarian or not, you'd still enjoy the dish," he says.

And what they offer is a Thai twist on tofu, served with peanut sauce, udon noodles and sesame fried Asian greens and banana slices.

"We'll eat meat," his wife and manager Susan says, "but if we ever see a dish like this, we go straight to it."

It proves that just because you have the teeth of a carnivore doesn't mean you always have to act like one.

Fusion Grill
111 N. Main St.
Simpsonville
864.967.0099