Map It:  Silver Spring 

IF YOUR DREAM DATE ends with a smooch that tastes like a Sticky Fingers cupcake, you’ll probably swoon over Jon Oleson, a finalist in PETA’s "North America’s Sexiest Vegetarians" competition.

The 23-year-old Silver Spring resident has a thing for the Columbia Heights bakery (1370 Park Rd. NW; 202-299-9700), which eschews the use of eggs and cream. He's hoping you'll have a thing for him, too. If Oleson pulls in the most votes on goveg.com, he'll score a trip to Hawaii.

While winning would be nice, Oleson's also out to prove that his vegan diet is healthy and capable of nourishing his bulging muscles.

An aspiring member of the Navy Special Forces, Oleson follows a grueling workout regimen that involves rock climbing, running, biking, swimming and weight lifting. After one of his 40-mile endurance hikes, he opts for a soy shake and protein-rich nourishment such as tofu, spinach and broccoli.

And this isn't some commune-raised hippie talking — Oleson grew up hunting and fishing in Utah. He went vegan at 17, after realizing that the animals he was killing were sentient beings.

Ladies, did we mention this sensitive dude likes to cook? He does a lasagna with silken tofu and vegan mozzarella "that actually melts." His specialty is pasta, which he fortifies with fake meat from Terry's Healthy Food's vast selection (12059 Nebel St., Rockville; 301-770-6778)."I love to include spicy beef in my dishes," he says. Hot.

Oleson has no trouble maintaining his diet in D.C., which boasts plenty of vegan-friendly eateries and grocery stores (he suggests vegdc.com for a complete listing). Even when he went to a steak house with some colleagues recently, he got his fill of steamed veggies and a baked potato.

"Keep an open mind about it," he advises. "You're opening up your diet, not limiting it. Most people don't consume a large amount of vegetables. There are so many varieties of squash, each with its own taste."

If Oleson suits your taste, too bad. "I'm currently dating someone," he reveals. And, yes, she's vegan. But if it doesn't work out, cutting the meat might up your chances. As Oleson says, "I just think anyone who follows this diet is going to be a sexy individual and a compassionate individual."

Posted by Michael Grass at 9:15 AM on April 24, 2007
Tagged in Eating Around , Fit , Lifestyles , Maryland , Montgomery County , People , Silver Spring