The impossible dream of mock meat

Allow me to pose a philosophical question: “Which came first, the plant-based chicken alternative or the ground-flaxseed or aquafaba egg substitute?” Or, if you prefer plainer language, “Is it still Animal Style if no animals are involved?”
I ask these imponderables because last week Americans queued up from Atlanta to Anaheim for their very first taste of non-meat meats at famous franchise restaurants like Burger King, KFC, Popeyes, Dunkin’ (don’t call it Don