The Vegetarian's Guide to Dining in Boston

Vegan Dinner at Om Lounge

2010-01-23T11:27:00.005-05:00

Om Lounge will be having a vegan dinner this Tuesday, January 26th at 6pm. The cost of this four course menu is $40 and an additional $12 for an organic wine paring.

Check out there menu, for more information.

Burton's Grill

2010-01-13T08:51:00.010-05:00

Normally when a friend makes a suggestion to dine at an American restaurant, I cringe at the thought of eating boiled vegetables and baked potatoes. However, when my friend suggested Burton's Grill, I knew from a prior visit that this was going to be a good evening.

Burton's Grill is an American restaurant that actually has a separate vegetarian menu, with 5 substantial vegetarian dishes, Wild Mushroom Ravioli, Vegetable Risotto, Assorted Vegetable plate, Grilled Vegetable Sandwich and Angel Hair Primivera.

There are actually more vegetarian offerings at Burton's than the average Italian restaurant.

The ambiance of Burton's Grill is very lively and elegant, a nice place to meet up with friends to grab a drink and/or a few good bites.

We started the evening with the Grilled stuffed Zucchini ($7.95), made with thin slices of zucchini, stuffed with herb cheese,topped with tomato sauce, all I can say is yum yum!

For the main entree, I knew I had to order the vegetable risotto ($14.95), I love veggie risotto and it is very difficult to find a restaurant that makes it without chicken broth. The risotto was excellent, very creamy and filled with flavor. Needless to say I did not have any left overs.

Burton's also has an eclectic drink menu, that keeps changing depending on the season. I ordered the Autumn Appletini,a martini, made with vodka, red and white cranberry juice,lemon and caramel. I am usually hesitant to order apple martinis as they tend to be tart for my liking, but I loved the taste of this drink and ended up having two of them.

There are four locations in the Massachusetts area, one in Boston, North Andover, Peabody and Hingham.

I really enjoyed my night at Burton's Grill and look forward to going back in the future.

Burton's
1363 Boylston St
Boston MA

2009 Boston Vegetarian Food Festival

2009-10-29T08:33:00.004-04:00

Its that time of the year again, the Boston Vegetarian Food Festival is taking place this weekend on Saturday and Sunday. I went last year, and had a great experience. Check out my previous post for more details!

The Boston Vegetarian Society proudly presents
The 14th Annual Boston Vegetarian Food Festival
Now Expanded to Two Days!
Saturday, October 31, 2009, 10 AM - 6 PM
and
Sunday, November 1, 2009, 10 AM - 4 PM

Reggie Lewis Athletic Center
1350 Tremont Street, Boston, Massachusetts
Subway stop across the street

Jam’N Java

2009-10-25T15:36:00.005-04:00

It can be difficult to find a good vegetarian soup that is truly vegetarian. Soups at restaurants always seem to be made in a chicken or beef broth which can be truly frustrating for vegetarian soup lovers like me.

I was pleasantly surprised, that while walking through Arlington Center, I stumbled upon Jam’N Java. With a name like Jam’n Java one would think it was just a coffee shop but they have a good size menu with soups, sandwiches, salads and desserts.

For about $7 I had their vegetable soup with a half hummus vegetable sandwich, both dishes were completely vegan. I really enjoyed their vegetable soup, it was a a nice light, thin, tomato based soup made with green beans, mushrooms and zucchini. The half hummus sandwich was served on a wheat bread, with carrots, spinach, onions, and tomatoes. It was pretty standard but complimented the sandwich well.

There is a free wireless access and plenty of indoor seating as well as a few tables outside.

Jam’N’ Java is a nice place for a light healthy lunch, although there was only one vegetable soup, it was good enough for me .

Myers & Chang

2009-10-24T22:25:00.007-04:00

It was Saturday night and I was in the mood for something trendy and Asian. I had spent my Saturday lazing around, and was looking forward to dining somewhere fun and lively. I did some research and found some great reviews on Myers & Chang in the South End, it was just what I was in the mood for.

I loved the upbeat atmosphere of Myers & Chang. Its cozy and small, but it has this retro diner feel to it. We were able to find a table near the window, and were seated without a wait. There was a separate vegetarian menu and the service was wonderful. Our waitress was patient with all of my standard vegetarian friendly questions and offered some great suggestions.

The evening started with an Asian Mojito ($9) made with junmai ginjo sake, fresh mint syrup, and lime. It was a nice refreshing treat, one of the best Mojitos I have had in a long time.

For dinner, I ordered the red Kuri Squash soup (9), a thick creamy pureed soup. I was a bit disappointed with dish, as it was very bland and it could have used a few spices. In addition to lacking flavor, for $9 I was surprised it was served in such a small bowl.

For my main entree, I had the rainbow tofu ($10) made with peppers dressed in a hot bean paste. The vegetables tasted barbecued and the sauce had a tasty smokey flavor to it.

The dishes are smaller and pricier than most Asian restaurants and a point worth noting is the dishes are made to order so they come out as soon as they are ready. This took a bit of getting used to as my entree came out before my soup.

Overall I enjoyed my night out at Myers and Chang and definitely think it is worth another visit.

Gulu Gulu Cafe

2009-09-17T16:17:00.004-04:00

With October just around the corner, Salem MA, is one of the most popular places to visit for some good Halloween fun. Gulu Gulu cafe is located on Essex St in Salem MA and is a cute cafe that has a lot of good vegetarian friendly options. In addition to great food and drinks, the restaurant, depending on the night, features live music that makes for a fun night out.

I found myself at Gulu Gulu Cafe and I had their Lyon Vegetarian panini ($8), also available as a wrap. This is a delicious grilled Panini made with provolone cheese, roasted red peppers, tomatoes and artichokes. The panini is also served with chips and a side salad. It was perfect for the fall weather, the cheese melted in my mouth. In additon to the Lyon Vegetarian panini, I had a cup of the Hungry Mushroom soup, $(3), a lightly creamed soup filled with fresh mushrooms. I liked the fact the soup was not too heavy like most mushroom soups that are available.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and what I consider to be the perfect vegetarian comfort food ( hot soup, and a warm Panini) for the fall weather. The staff is friendly and the ambiance is reminiscent of a European style cafe with couches, paintings and wooden tables. Other vegetarian items include a variety of , crepes,wraps, salads and grape leaves. The free wireless internet and the outdoor patio are nice touches.

Parking is on the street and the prices are same for lunch or dinner. I wish they had a half soup and sandwich option as the I could not finish my panini. However if you find yourself in the Salem MA area, Gulu Gulu Cafe is nice place to relax and unwind with some good food.

Veggie Cheap Eat: Ten Tables

2009-03-31T20:14:00.012-04:00

Restaurant week maybe over, but there are still plenty of places to get a delicious 3,4 and 5 course meal. Ten Tables, located in Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, serves new age American food in a cozy romantic setting. There is also a new location in Harvard Square that has opened in the past month.

I was very excited that I finally made it to to Ten Tables. With a four courses for only $28, Ten Tables offers the most affordable vegetarian tasting menu in the Boston area.

My first course was a creamy roasted garlic soup that was outstanding. The soup was rich and creamy and evoked flavors of roasted garlic. It was so delicious that I could have licked the bowl clean.

The second course was a Greek salad dressed in a lemon balsamic dressing. The feta in the salad was fresh and soft, contributing to the creamy texture of the salad. The lemon balsamic was light and was a nice change from the standard Greek dressing ( which sometimes contains anchovies).

The third course, the main dish was a cavatelli pasta dish with roasted pine nuts and vegetables. The pasta tasted fresh and homemade and different than the usual spaghetti or penne.

The fourth course, the dessert, consisted of puffed pastries stuffed with banana ice cream topped with chocolate sauce. The dessert was not too heavy but enough to satisfy a sweet tooth like mine.

Overall I enjoyed my experience at Ten Tables and I look forward to my next visit. The food was splendid and quite affordable. My dining companion ordered the regular tasting menu for $40 but in hindsight would have gone with the vegetarian tasting menu.

Since there is only 10 tables in the Jamaica Plain location, it can be tough to get a reservation. I enjoyed my time at Ten Tables and look forward to my next visit.

The Vegetarian's Guide to Dining in Boston is in the news

2009-03-23T21:55:00.005-04:00

The Vegetarian's Guide to Dining in Boston was featured in the Wakefield Observer. Check out the link for more details.

The Wakefield Observer also featured a story on the Bollywood Dance classes I teach in the Boston area.

Veggie Cheap Eat: Vegetarian Friendly Happy Hour at Noir

2009-03-07T10:57:00.008-05:00

Noir is located in the Charles Hotel in Harvard square and is a cozy but trendy bar that has an affordable happy hour with great vegetarian options. The happy hour is offered Monday through Thursday, from 5-9pm.

In the Boston area, it can be difficult to find happy hours that cater to vegetarians. Most places just serve the standard nachos or mozzarella sticks. Noir has a "5-4-3-2-1-0" happy hour menu, which means flatbreads for $5, $4 for sandwiches, $3 for snacks, $2 for salads, $1 for sweets, and $0 for nuts. Its a great deal, but you have to come during happy hour to get these savings.

The best option for vegetarians is the grilled flat bread with roasted tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, arugula and grilled eggplant. To compliment your flatbread try the frisee salad made with feta cheese, shaved fennel served in a blood orange vinaigrette.

Check out their menu, for more veggie cheap eats.

Vegetarian Pre Fixe Menus on Valentines Day

2009-02-14T11:35:00.011-05:00

It can be difficult to find places that have good vegetarian options on Valentines day. Many restaurants have special Valentines Day menus but fail to offer any vegetarian dishes. Here is a list of restaurants in Boston with great vegetarian options on Valentines Day.

Sel De Terre: Sel De Terre is a French restaurant with three restaurants in the Boston area. Their Long Wharf restaurant located on 255 State Street in Boston is offering a six course Vegetarian menu for for $85. Entrees include dishes such as truffled artichoke soup, mushroom roulade with white asparagus, fried quail eggs tarragon and glacage.

Hamersley's Bistro: Located in the South End, Hamersley's Bistro is offering a four course menu for $110 and includes at least one vegetarian option in every course. The main course is a mushroom wellington with winter vegetables and a sherry mushroom essence.

Craigie on Main: Craigie on Main, formerly Craig Street Bistro, with a new location on 853 Main Street, will offer a five course pre fixed menu with vegetarian options for $150.

Top of the Hub: Top of the Hub in Boston will be offering a four course vegetarian pre fixed menu for $250. The price does seem a little steep, but with the best views in Boston, it is one of the most romantic places.

Tamarind Bay: If you looking for something ethnic for Valentines Day, Tamarind Bay is offering a four course menu with vegetarian options including wine for $75. Known for great Indian food, Tamarind Bay is located in Harvard Square.

Elephant Walk: A French Cambodian fusion restaurant, Elephant Walk is one of my favorite restaurants. Although Elephant Walk does not have special pre-fixed menu for Valentines Day, they have many different vegetarian options on their regular menu as well as a 4 course pre fixed menu that is offered all year long with vegetarian options for only $33.95. Def my pick for best value and food.

If all else fails, plan a special romantic vegetarian dinner,it may mean more and you can kiss the chef:-)

Vegan Valentine's Day

2009-02-12T04:22:00.002-05:00

Looking for a Vegetarian Valentine's Day and don't want to break the bank? Chef Didi Emmons is preparing a special Vegan Valentine's dinner at the Haley House Bakery for only $30. Check out the menu from the BVS website.

BVS Love-Infused Globe-Roaming Invigorating Vegan Valentine's Dinner

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED to info@BostonVeg.org

6:45 PM - Arrive, check in/pay, socialize
7:00 PM - Dinner

No animal ingredients

* Thai Salad of Pomegranate Love Nuts, Peanuts, Crispy Tofu with Minty Dressing Swaddled by Buttercup Lettuce

* Free-Form Pasta Layered with Roasted Butternut Squash, Chard, Ground Seitan Tomato Sauce, and Olive-You Tapanade

* with Onion Foccacia

* Good 'Ole Banana Cream Pie with Bittersweet Chocolate Sauce

* Iced Love Potent #9, a Ruby Red Multi-Berry Iced Tea

$30 includes service!! Organic Beer or Wine Extra.

Never hesitate to arrive on your own to a BVS event, even a Valentine's Dinner!

PAYMENT: Pay on site as you arrive. $30 each in cash (exact change please) or check (made out to Haley House). NO CREDIT CARDS.

LOCATION:

Haley House Bakery Cafe
2139 Washington St.
Dudley Square, Boston

The Cafe is set back in a parking lot, opposite the Hamill Gallery. It is 1.5 blocks from the intersection of Washington St. and Melnea Cass Blvd.

Free parking lot on site. Silver Line stops 1.5 blocks away at Melnea Cass Blvd.

Veggie Cheap Eat: Spring Rolls at Porter Square Book Store

2009-01-22T11:21:00.009-05:00

Where can you go to get delicious, yet affordable Vietnamese spring rolls in the Boston area? A Chinese restaurant? A Vietnamese restaurant? The answer is in the Porter Square book store located in Cambridge MA on 25 White street. Inside the book store, lies a small cafe called Cafe Zing that serves these yummy soft spring rolls. Catered from a place called Indochine, these soft spring rolls are made with lettuce, tofu, mint, carrots and vermicelli noodles and are served with a sweet and tangy peanut sauce. For around $5 you can have three of these delicious rolls which makes for a perfect light lunch or a nice veggie snack. Call ahead or get to the cafe before the evening, these rolls are very popular and tend to sell out early in the day.

In addition to these addictive spring rolls, Cafe Zing also sells coffee, tea, and gluten free desserts. Their gluten free toffee almond cookie is quite tasty. Seating is limited and service is friendly. Definitely a nice place to come for quick veggie bite.

Veggie Cheap Eat: Shanghai Cafe in NYC

2009-01-11T12:12:00.007-05:00

It can be difficult to find good vegetarian options in Chinatown. After a long day of shopping in Soho, Chinatown was the closest place to grab a bite. My carnivore friend insisted that we venture into Chinatown for dinner. I was a bit hesitant because I’ll admit I am a bit skeptical of the true vegetarianess of Chinese food in Chinatown. Except for Penang in Boston, my limited experiences with Chinese food in Chinatown have not always been the best. Since we were hungry, we did not want to travel too far to have dinner so we went to a restaurant called Shanghai Café.
Shanghai café located on 100 Mott St between Canal and Hester St serves Shanghainese food in a casual relaxed setting.

The ambiance, with its fluorescent lighting and eighties décor, differs from the standard Chinese restaurants in Chinatown. The meal started out with a complimentary green tea. I ordered the Black Mushroom Noodles with soup for $3.50 and the Vegetable pan fried Noodles for $6.25. For only $3.50, the Black Mushroom Noodles is quite large and is a meal on its own. The soup was tasty; I loved the thick dark mushrooms in the flavorful vegetable broth. The noodles however were plentiful but a bit too thick for my liking. The waitress ensured me that the broth was vegetarian, but as always double check. The pan fried noodles with vegetables were made with a thick sweet flavorful soy sauce. I am generally not a fan of crunchy noodles but I really did enjoy the taste of this dish.

Overall I enjoyed myself at Shanghai café. The service here is a bit slow and some of the servers are friendlier than others. My experience at Shanghai café was positive and I will now keep an open mind about trying restaurants in Chinatown. The food was good, and for the price you really can’t complain. I know there is a vegan restaurant in Chinatown Boston, called My Thai Vegan Café but I have not had a chance to try it yet. Do you know any other Chinese restaurants in Boston that have good vegetarian options?

Veggie Cheap Eat: Creations Cafe

2008-12-12T21:46:00.010-05:00

Creations cafe, located on 400 Main St in Wakefield, is a small cafe that serves healthy and affordable lunch options in a casual relaxed setting. With wraps, smoothies, salads, soups there are plenty of great eats for vegetarians. I went to Creations Cafe for lunch yesterday and ordered their Main Street salad ($4.95) made with romaine lettuce, bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions and feta cheese. Instead of the usual Greek dressing, (generally made with anchovies), the salad was served with a garlic balsamic vinaigrette. To my surprise the portion size of the salad was quite large and the large wooden bowl the salad was served in was a nice touch.

Other vegetarian options include a garlic hummus wrap, miso noodle soup bowl and an eggplant balsamic panini. Customers at Creations cafe can also enjoy free wireless Internet. Service is very friendly and the owner always greets you with a smile. The place is quite cozy with just 5 or 6 tables, but you will generally not have a problem finding a seat. Definitely worth checking out if you are looking for a healthy affordable lunch in the Wakefield area.

Veggie Deal at Vee Vee's

2008-12-11T16:24:00.007-05:00

Vee Vee's in Jamaica Plain is offering a great vegetarian deal. On Sundays and Tuesdays they are offering an appetizer and an entree for $19. Their menu features vegetarian entrees such as buttersquash enchiladas served with salsa verde, black beans, jack cheese, and ricotta dumplings with herbed spaghetti squash, tomato sauce and shaved fennel.

Here is the information from their website:

Sunday & Tuesday Night Prix Fixe:

$19 vegetarian or $24 non-vegetarian

Select any appetizer from our regular menu*, then choose your entree. The price is determined by your entree selection.

Special prix fixe for dining in only.

*lobster sausage appetizer an additional $4

Upstairs on the Square

2008-12-01T09:29:00.016-05:00

It is great to see so many upscale restaurants in Boston offering vegetarian options. Gone are the days where dining at high end establishments meant steamed vegetables and lettuce for vegetarians. Restaurants all over Boston are offering vegetarian tasting menus that cater to the vegetarian palate.

I was delighted when Upstairs on the Square invited me to try their Vegetarian Tasting menu. The tasting menu consisted of five and seven courses at first I thought the meal would be heavy and overwhelming, but instead it was light and delicious. The vegetarian tasting menu is served in the Soiree room and consists of a 5 ($55) or 7($70) course meal with additional wine parings for $32, $45.

The ambiance of Upstairs on the Square is a delightful experience all on its own. As a guest at Upstairs on the Square your eyes will feast on the pink colored walls,the mirrored glass ceilings, and the beautiful bay windows that overlook Harvard Square. As many patrons will say, you really do feel like you are dining in Alice in Wonderland.

The evening started with a glass of 2007 Kung Fu Girl Riesling, a cool crisp white wine that evoked mild sweet flavors of apple, pear and lime. This was one of the best Rieslings I have ever had. The first course was the Roasted Baby Beets served with a strong, but delicious, horseradish panna cotta and drizzled in passion fruit sauce. The passion fruit sauce was simple but added a nice sweet citrus flavor to the dish.

The Potage of Jerusalem Artichokes, a smooth creamy soup topped with crunchy sorrel and chive oil. This was my favorite course and I was amazed that this dish was thickened without cream but with the base of a sunflower. Embedded in the soup were tiny fried black trumpet mushrooms which added to its texture. The Ravioli of Pierre Robert Cheese was draped in lovage butter and finely chopped green apples. It was tasty but a bit too pungent and salty for my liking.

Following the Warm Artichokes and Haricots Verts, was the Harvest Vegetables and Tiny Ricotta Gnocchi. Instead of the usual cream sauce, the Gnocchi was served in a flavorful cardamom wine broth with shitake mushrooms and mint.

The meal ended with a decadent dessert which had adorable presentation and was a miniature tasting all on its own. The dessert consisted of a small cup of almond hot chocolate, topped with marshmallow fluff, a tiny chocolate almond cake and two pieces of dark almond chocolate.

The service at Upstairs on the Square was exemplary and our waitress went over every dish in detail. Overall Upstairs on the Square was a luxurious experience and the vegetable tasting menu was perfect, not too heavy but enough to make you want to come back for more.

Mushroom Mutter

2008-11-25T09:49:00.012-05:00

This North Indian dish is one of my favorite dishes to make, especially in the cold months, the spices and flavors just warm you up. It is easy to make, healthy and it tastes great. I use non-fat yogurt as a thickening agent but you can also use cream. This dish can also be made vegan with the omission of yogurt or the cream. Here is my mother's recipe, enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 8 oz package of chopped white mushrooms
¾ 14.5 oz can of stewed tomatoes
2 cups frozen peas
2 tsp of coriander powder
1 tsp of turmeric powder
1 tsp of chili powder
1 tsp of Garam Masala
2 cloves of garlic chopped
1 tsp of shredded ginger
1 tsp of sugar
3 tbsp of yogurt
3 tbsp of olive oil
¾ cup of water

Heat the olive oil in the pan. Then add the onions & garlic and sauté them until the onions are golden brown. Add the tomatoes and 3/4 cup of water and stir all the ingredients.

Add the coriander, turmeric, chili, and garam masala to the dish and mix all the ingredients well. Add the peas, mushrooms, shredded ginger, and sugar to the dish.

Whisk yogurt in a bowl until it is of a smooth consistency, and then add it to the dish. Cover the pan and reduce heat, and simmer until the peas are soft and tender. Garnish with parsley or coriander. Serve with roti, “Indian bread” rice or bread.

Servers 2-4 people

This recipe is featured on The Leather District Gourmet , written by Jacqueline Church. Jacqueline was a panelist at a recent Povo Blogger's event that I had attended and she invited me to submit a recipe on her blog. Check out her website and every Tuesday she has a meat free post.

Veggie Cheap Eat:Bamboo

2008-11-22T15:53:00.006-05:00

2008 BAMBOO, INC.

In and around Boston, it can be difficult at times to find upscale Chinese restaurants that cater to vegetarians. Located next to Flatbread in Bedford Ma, Bamboo serves Chinese food and sushi in a sleek modern setting and offers plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. With bamboo shoots, dimmed lighting and quilted wall hangings, the ambiance of Bamboo is quite elegant.

My two favorite dishes at Bamboo are the Eggplant in garlic sauce ($9.50) and the Singapore Rice noodles ($8.95).The Singapore rice noodles is a delicious curried noodle dish made with onions and green and red peppers. The eggplant in garlic sauce is good, but pretty standard. Since Bamboo also serves Sushi, you can order an avocado roll or a miso soup as an appetizer. The portions are plentiful, and the prices for vegetarian entrees are under $10, making it a great veggie cheap eat. They offer an eclectic drink menu and their lychee martini is a must. Service is friendly and they were patient with all of my vegetarian questions.

Bamboo has three other locations; Westford, Dedham and the Mandarin in Reading. They also have a daily lunch buffet and a dinner buffet on Sunday nights. Definitely a good place for a veggie cheap eat if you are in the area.

A Vegetarian Happy Hour at Tantric in Boston

2008-11-10T09:15:00.017-05:00

Tantric in Boston has a Happy Hour menu at their bar that offers several vegetarian and vegan appetizers for only $2.99 with a $2.50 minimum beverage purchase. This is great because most happy hour menus do not cater to vegetarians. Non vegetarian appetizers are also available. Below is the menu from their website.

2.99...

Aloo Kulcha - Potato Filled Fresh Baked Bread

Chili Cheese Naan - Pepper Jack Cheese Stuffed Bread

Gobi Manchurian Indo - Chinese style cauliflower florets sauteed with onions & green pepper, in a sweet and sour chili paste

Bhel Poori - A Mumbai favorite of Rice crisps, crunchy gram-flour vermicelli, onions, tomatoes & cilantro, drizzled with sweet and sour tamarind sauce and coriander mint chutney.

Pakoras - Vegetable fritters served with tamarind and mint chutneys

Available in the Bar Only Sunday – Friday 3:30-6:00PM and Monday – Thursday 8:30PM –9:45PM, Friday & Saturday 10 – midnight 2.50 Beverage Minimum Per Person Required

On Tuesday Nights, Tantric is offering free Henna Tattoos from 7-9:30 with any $10 purchase.

Boston Vegetarian Food Festival

2008-11-04T08:28:00.014-05:00

On Saturday I went to the 2008 Boston Vegetarian Food Festival at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston. There were over 100 exhibitors featuring, natural foods, restaurants, and other non-food products that support a healthy way of life.

Thousands of people attended the festival. Despite the crowds, I thoroughly enjoyed sampling different food products and learning about vegetarian offerings in the Boston area.

Here are some of my favorite vendors:

Super Seedz:

What an interesting concept? Super Seedz are shelled, flavored pumpkin seeds and are available in four different flavors, somewhat spicy, sea salt, original curry and sugar & cinnamon. The food producer, Kathy Rosenschein said that pumpkin seeds contain an essential vitamin B12 that is found mostly in meat. It's a great option for a low carb snack.

Buddha Hut:

Bhudda Hut is a vegan Asian restaurant located in Worcester Ma on Chandler st. They were selling Asian food from their restaurant at the fair. I ordered the noodles and the vegetarian fried rice, both were surprisingly really good. I will definitely have to stop by Buddha Hut for more yummy food and the best part is that I do not have to worry about fish sauce. The owner mentioned an opening of another restaurant in the Boston in the near future.

Good Neighbor Hommus

I sampled quite a few different brands of hummus at the fair, but Good Neighbor’s hommus brand was the best. It is made with organic ingredients and comes in unique flavors, my favorite being, Sweet Red Pepper Hommus. Their black bean dip was equally delicious.

The Boston Vegetarian Food Festival was a fun event and is worth checking out next year, admission and parking is free so there is not much to lose.

Kushboo

2008-11-03T08:01:00.006-05:00

If you have never been to the downtown in Lexington MA its worth checking out. There are a lot of nice restaurants and shops where you can avoid the parking hassles in Boston. With its classy New England feel, dining in downtown Lexington Ma is perfect for a night out. Kushboo located on Massachusetts Ave in Lexington serves Indian food in an elegant setting. There is also a nice outdoor patio available in the summer time.

As an Indian, I am a bit biased when it comes to Indian cuisine as nothing tastes better to me than homemade Indian food. I find Indian dishes at restaurants to be too heavy and oily but in comparison to most Indian restaurants the food at Kushboo was tasty. I went with a few friends to Kushboo and between the four of us we ordered, Doaba Samosas ($4.25) for appetizers, Saag Paneer ($10.95), Navratan Korma ($10.25) , and the Tindi Bindi ($11.25).

The Doaba Samosas, filled with potatoes and vegetables were quite good. I liked the fact that they were not as oily as samosas at most Indian restaurants. The Saag Paneer was excellent, it was not too heavy and it was filled with flavor. Navratan Korma was okay, it would have tasted better if it had less cream. The Tindi Bindi was well made but it needed a few more spices to make it more flavorful.

For dessert we shared the Safforon Pistachio, $4.25, and the Doaba Exotic Kulfi Ice Cream, $3.25. The safforon ice cream was very good and the Kulfi ice cream was tasty but was too frozen to eat.

Overall I enjoyed my time at Kusboo, with good food and an elegant ambiance its worth checking out if you are in the area.

Curried Black Bean and Corn

2008-10-27T09:32:00.004-04:00

Here is my recipe for curried Black Bean and Corn Dish. As a kid my mom used to make this dish with just corn and I loved it. Beans are healthy and filled with protein so I thought, why not add some black beans to this dish? Its yummy, healthy and easy to make.

Ingredients

1 can of black bean
1 can of corn
1 small onion chopped
2 cloves of garlic
1/4 cup tomato sauce
2tsp Garam Masala Powder
1tsp Chili Powder
2tsp Cumin Powder
2tsp Coriander Powder
1 cup water
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp of grated ginger
1 Tbsp of lemon juice

Salt to taste

Saute onions and garlic in pan with olive oil until onions are a golden brown. Add tomato sauce and water and stir. Add garam masala, chili powder, coriander powder, and ginger to the pot. Add corn and beans to gravy and then stir the ingredients in the pot. Cover and reduce heat and let it simmer for five minutes. Add lemon juice to dish and stir . Serve with roti, bread or rice.

Veggie Cheap Eat:Cafe Algiers

2008-10-19T23:48:00.010-04:00

Looking to escape with a cup of coffee and a good book, Café Algiers is the perfect place. It is a sit down restaurant located on Brattle Street in Harvard Square and serves Middle Eastern food in a charming relaxed setting. The eclectic ambiance, with yellow and red walls, high ceilings and ethnic wall hangings is why patrons can’t get enough of this place. The restaurant is not upscale and even though the tables are wobbly and close together it ironically adds to the character of the restaurant. It is one of the few restaurants in the Boston area where you can spend hours relaxing with a cup of coffee or have an intimate conversation with someone, without the staff disturbing you. There is also a nice outdoor patio, perfect for the warm months.

Café Algiers has a few different healthy vegetarian/vegan offerings for $10 and under. I had the soup of the day, a vegetarian lentil soup ($4.95) and the Tabbouli salad ($9.95). The lentil soup is thick and simple, a great source of protein for us vegetarians, but it lacked salt and maybe was a bit too bland for my liking. The Tabbouli salad also needed a bit of salt and lemon juice to give it more flavor.

They offer a wide selection of hot beverages including a mint coffee and tea which are both very popular. I ended the evening with a hot chocolate which was delicious but I was disappointed that they only made it with whole milk. The only con is that the service is slow and I had to wait a while after being seated to place an order.

Café Algiers is a great place to relax and unwind with its cozy and charming ambiance. The food is good, not excellent, but it is healthy and inexpensive and they offer a unique selection of coffees and desserts.

Inexpensive Asian Vegan Cooking Class

2008-10-15T23:12:00.006-04:00

Whole Foods in Swampscott MA is having a one hour Asian vegan cooking class. It sounds interesting and is inexpensive.

Monday, October 27th

Asian Cooking Class with Carl Savoia
7:00-8:00 p.m. $15 per person (pre-registration is required at Customer Service)

Learn how to make authentic Asian dishes such as miso soup incorporating sea vegetables, along with asian salad, adzuki with squash, brown rice, savory root vegetables, and more! Cooking Class is held in the cafe at the front of the store. Space is limited... sign up today!

331 Paradise Rd
Swampscott, MA 01907
(781) 592-6080

Boston Vegetarian Food Festival

2008-10-08T10:16:00.003-04:00

Vegetarians and non vegetarians, mark your calendars for the 13th annual Boston Vegetarian Food Festival The event is on November 1st at the Reggie Lewis Athletic Center, 1350 Tremont Street in Boston MA. Admisson and parking is free. The event takes place form 10am to 6pm.

World Vegetarian Day

2008-10-01T00:56:00.005-04:00

October 1st is World Vegetarian Day and starts the kick off of Vegetarian Awareness Month! Here are 14 reasons to be a vegetarian according to the The Vegetarian Alliance

1.With proper exercise and a vegetarian diet your body will naturally regulate it’s weight (as long as you do not have any circumstances preventing this…thyroid problems.)

2.You will feel lighter and more energetic.

3.Vegetarians are 40% less likely to get certain cancers related to meat-eating (colon and prostate cancer, for example).

4.The risk of heart disease and strokes drops about 50%.

5. Mucus that forms in the throat and nasal passages is reduced or eliminated with the elimination of dairy products.

6.Lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

7.Vegetarians have been found to have stronger immune systems.

8.Lower risk of osteoporosis, Alzheimer's and asthma.

9.Life expectancy is 6 to 10 years longer than that of a meat-eater.

10. Reduce the demand for factory farming and the horrible animal cruelty that is associated with mass producing meat and dairy.

11.Reduce greenhouse gases and other pollutants – Animal agriculture is responsible for 18% of the worlds greenhouse gas emissions and 64% of ammonia emissions which contribute to acid rain.

12.Farmed animals produce about 130 times as much excrement as the entire human population of the United States. This contributes to water pollution, air contamination and the destroying of top soil.

13.Animal production is highly inefficient. Animals raised for food use up 70% of the grain, 80% of the agricultural land and nearly 50% of the country’s water supply in the United States alone.

14.The average vegetarian save about 95 animal lives a year.

Chipotle

2008-09-23T08:54:00.017-04:00

Filled with beans, salsa and veggies, burritos make for a great inexpensive vegetarian meal. Strolling around Davis Square, I was in search of a quick snack to tie me over before dinner. I decided to check out Chipotle in Davis Square for a bite. To my surprise, for a chain restaurant Chipotle was actually quite tasty. As a vegetarian, the nice thing about getting a burrito at a chain restaurant is that you know for sure if the rice and beans are vegetarian. Since I was looking for a snack, I ordered a soft taco for ($2) for a quick bite. Although Chipotle may not be authentic, I love their salsa choices and the sautéed vegetables were filled with flavor. The cheese was freshly shredded unlike the cheese slices other burrito places use. In my soft taco, I had the the corn salsa, (medium spice) and the fresh salsa, (mild spice), the combination of the two is delicious. The rice is vegetarian, made with cilantro and lime. Similar to most places, they offer black or pinto beans. The service at the Chipotle in Davis Square was friendly and they have an outdoor patio which is nice during the summertime. The fillings were overflowing in the soft taco, so if you are looking to roll up your soft taco than ask for less toppings, but I always say the more veggies, the better. Definitely a good place for a cheap veggie bite.

Mr.Crepe

2008-09-22T23:16:00.006-04:00

Hmmm a warm crepe filled with nutella, bananas and toasted walnuts, what more could one ask for? I was strolling around Davis Square looking for a quick snack that was not too expensive and decided to go to Mr. Crepe for a bite. I love their savory crepes as they have quite a few vegetarian crepes to choose from. They have a great cheese selection and their crepes, unlike the crepes from other places, are not overflowing with cheese. Today I was in the mood for something sweet and I ordered a dessert crepe with nutella, bananas and toasted walnuts ($6). The crepe was large and crispy but too thick and chewy for what I was expecting in a dessert crepe. The fillings were delicious, you really can’t go wrong with nutella and bananas and the toasted walnuts were a nice touch.

The service is hit or miss, depending on the day or time. On weekends, during brunch, the place is very busy and you may need to wait for a table as service can be a bit slow. When you first walk inside, it is a bit confusing as you have to order your crepe at the register and then they bring the crepe out to you. The place can be a bit loud so if you are looking for a quiet meal than this may not be the place for you. The prices are average for vegetarian crepes but a bit pricey for crepes with meat. The ambiance is hip and casual and in the warm months, the outdoor seating is nice with a view of Davis Square.

Overall I like Mr. Crepe because they offer a wide range of vegetarian crepes and I like the view overlooking Davis Square. The sweet crepes are standard but make for a nice dessert.

Ufood Grill

2008-09-13T10:25:00.002-04:00

The other night I went to the Red Sox game leaving a little hungry. I love Fenway Park but other than greasy pizza and popcorn there are not too many vegetarian friendly options. I was in the mood for a real meal. I was heading towards my car when I stumbled upon a place called the Ufood Grill on Brookline Ave in Boston. Formerly KnowFAT, this place changed to Ufood Grill a few weeks ago. The bright colors at Ufood Grill give this place a happy feel. I loved the fact that they have free Wi Fi which is great for anyone looking to have a bite and get online. The menu is quite interesting and there are many vegetarian options ranging from soups, salads and rice bowls. Their food is fresh and healthy as their menu mentions that they steam and grill but never fry there food.

I ordered their “tofusion”, a dish made with organic tofu, steamed veggies topped with a sweet spicy ginger soy sauce. This dish maybe healthy but I missed the taste of stir fried veggies being cooked in the sauce with the rice. This dish tasted like steamed veggies on top of brown rice with a sweet and spicy sauce on the top. It was something I could easily make at home in a few a minutes. I prefer my veggies being sautéed rather than steamed.

For dessert I had the original tart soft serve frozen yogurt. The first few bites, as the name suggests, tasted quite tart. The server said that it was made with plain yogurt; hence it was not the usual sweet vanilla frozen yogurt that I was used to. However the more bites I had, the better it tasted. This dessert is an acquired taste and is a healthy option to traditional frozen yogurt. The menu states that the yogurt has live active cultures and there is only 90 calories in a 4oz serving. Although I prefer vanilla frozen yogurt I could see myself getting used to this healthy treat.

The service at Ufood Grill was very friendly and they are more than willing to explain any of the dishes to you. I do not think I would order the “tofusion” again but I may try their other vegetarian options such as the Hearty Three Bean Chili. Ufood Grill is a healthy alternative to traditional fast food but I think I like stir fries too much to be a regular here

Yoma

2008-09-05T09:20:00.010-04:00

Have you ever been to a restaurant and enjoyed it so much that you could not wait to go back? I went to Yoma in Allston about a month ago and loved my meal and finally went back yesterday and it was just as good as I had remembered. Yoma is a Burmese restaurant and is the only restaurant that I have been to that has a separate vegetarian menu. In addition to having a vegetarian menu, all of their vegetarian dishes are cooked on a separate pan. Needless to say I was ecstatic when the owner had mentioned this to me.

But the good news does not end here. The food at Yoma is actually very tasty. Burmese food is cross between, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese food, in my opinion it is most similar to Tibetan food. For an appetizer I had the OhnNoteKhotSwe, ($6.75) a coconut milk tofu soup with wheat flour noodles, shredded shallots, scallions and crispy fried rice noodles on top. This dish tasted like a mild yellow curry soup with thick noodles, it was delicious! For an appetizer this dish is enough for two people.

For a main entrée, I had the AaThotSone ($8.95), a noodle dish with three different types of noodles. The dish is made with vermicelli, somen and wheat flour noodles with shredded cabbage, fried tofu, steam bean sprout, potato, grounded peanut, roasted chili flakes, scallions and crispy noodles on top. This dish is very tasty as I have never had anything quite like it. The noodles are soft and tender, but it is mixed with grounded peanuts and crispy rice noodles that give it a nice crunchy taste. The potatoes and cucumbers add a nice touch, something I have never seen before in a noodle dish. Even though I asked the dish to be made mild to medium it was still a bit spicy for my liking. The sweet palm juice candy that they bring out with your bill is yum! It reminded me of sugar cane juice that I used to have as a kid when I visited India.

The only con of my meal, unlike my last visit, is the dish was actually a bit cold. I had to ask the server to warm it up which she gladly did. My friend dined with me said she has been coming to Yoma for a while and she thought the portion sizes had gotten a lot bigger.

The ambiance is simple it is a quite cozy restaurant with a casual feel. Yoma’s strength may not be its ambiance but its food. Yoma is a great place to get takeout if you live in the area. The service is very friendly and depending on the server, they will gladly explain any dish to you. I will keep going back to Yoma for their unique tasty food at inexpensive prices.

Tuscan Chickpea Soup

2008-09-02T09:31:00.007-04:00

Last night I was in the mood for something, light, healthy and tasty. I decided to make a Tuscan Chickpea soup since it is easy to make and I had all the ingredients in the house. It takes less than 30 minutes to make this healthy vegetarian soup and it tastes delicious!

1 15 Oz can chickpeas
1 bay leaf
4 cups water
2 cloves garlic
1 small onion
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried Oregano
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & Pepper to taste

Serves: 2-4

Saute chopped onions , garlic and bay leaf in olive oil until the onions turn a light brown. Saute the onions first before the garlic, since the onions take longer to cook. Add the 4 cups of water and bring to a boil. While the water is boiling, puree 1/4 of the can of chickpeas, ( with a few drops of water ) in a blender until the chickpeas are smooth. Add the pureed chickpeas, the remaining chickpeas, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt and pepper to the boiling water. Once soup is boiling reduce heat and let it sit for five minutes. Add salt & pepper and sprinkle cheese on top.

Upstairs on the Square Vegan & Vegetarian Events

2008-08-25T08:34:00.007-04:00

Restaurant week may be over but there are still some good places in the city to get a great vegetarian 3,4,5 course meal. Upstairs on the Square in Cambridge is having a special Vegan & Vegetarian dinner.

The vegan dinner is on August 26th at 6:30pm. It is a four course Vegan meal for $45 and $65 with wine.

On Sept 3rd they are offering a vegetarian four course dinner with organic wines for $50.

Every night the restaurant offers a five course vegetarian meal for $55 as well as a seven course meal for $70.

Check out the website for more information: http://www.upstairsonthesquare.com/

New England Soup Factory

2008-08-21T22:53:00.002-04:00

No matter what time of the year it is, nothing can cheer me up like a bowl of soup. I am a huge fan of soups and needless to say I was very excited when I stumbled upon the New England Soup Factory in Salem MA. They have two other locations, one in Brookline and the other in Needham MA. The menu mentions they carry 150 different types of soups, and the choices of soups are continuously changing.

I went to there for lunch and on that particular day they had three different types of vegetarian soups, each with a distinct flavor. The service was very friendly and I was able to sample all three of the soups.

The first soup I tried was the Black Bean and Yellow Rice with Habanera but found it too spicy for my liking. The Roasted Peach and Ginger soup was a yummy cold and sweet soup that tasted like a peach yogurt smoothie however I could find no taste of the ginger. Out of the three soups, the one I liked best was the Spinach & Zucchini Bisque, a warm cream based soup with shredded spinach. Besides soups, there are quite a few good vegetarian/vegan options on the menu. I ended up ordering the sesame noodles ($3.25), a side dish made with vegetables and ginger in a sesame soy blend. I really enjoyed the taste of this dish but quite contrary to my experience with the Peach Ginger Soup I found the ginger in this dish a bit overpowering.

Depending on the day, the selections of soups could be hit or miss but it looks like they try to offer something for everyone. The ambiance is casual and simple but I did not have a problem finding a seat to have lunch. If you are in the area, the New England Soup Factory is worth checking out for a healthy affordable lunch.

Bella Luna Bloggers Lounge

2008-08-21T11:19:00.007-04:00

On Tuesday night I was invited to my first ever bloggers event at Bella Luna Restaurant in Jamaica Plain. The premise of the event was to introduce Bella Luna’s new chef Jacob Zachow to the blogger community in and around Boston. Apart from the great time at the event, it was nice putting faces to the blogs I usually visit. I had the opportunity to meet the authors of Cave Cibum, Enough Cowbell, and BostonFab. The restaurant is cute and hip inside, a bit small, but there is a beautiful garden patio behind the restaurant. We did not get a chance to head to the Milky Way bowling alley downstairs but I enjoy candlepin bowling and will have to check it out at a later date.

The food at Bella Luna was delicious and they had a couple of good vegetarian dishes worth trying. First off, The Portobello Black Bean burger was yummy and I definatley found my self reaching for seconds. The second vegetarian item was the flat bread pizza with artichokes and feta. It was nice light pizza with medditeranean flavors. I could not get enough of the minature key lime pies.

I had a great time and this event and I look forward to going back in the near future!

Blue Room

2008-08-17T08:31:00.017-04:00

Restaurant week runs from August 10th-15th and August 17th to August 22nd. There are over 150 restaurants that participate in restaurant week and a three course dinner is $33.08 and a three course lunch is $20.08. I have tried restaurant week in the past and I have generally had to call the restaurant in advance and ask them to prepare a vegetarian dish. This time I browsed through all the menus, most of them did not have a vegetarian offering but I took a look at Blue Room's menu and they had one vegetarian entree ( that did not consist of pasta) so I decided to check it out.

The ambiance of Blue Room is cozy,rustic and has a nice outdoor patio that is great in the summer time. We tried to get a spot outside but there was a bit of a wait and we were trying to catch a movie. Instead we were seated at a secluded table for two which is good alternative depending on what you're looking for out of the experience. Service was great overall , friendly and prompt. Our server even worked with us to rush our food so we could make it on time for the movie.

The food at Blue Room from a vegetarian's perspective was okay but I will have to say my friend who is a carnivore really enjoyed his meal. For an appetizer I ordered the Chilled Watermelon & English Cucumber Soup. The soup was sweet and refreshing due to the watermelon base with fresh cucumbers in it. For an entree I ordered the Roasted Bay End Farm Eggplant with cous cous, yogurt and chickpeas. The dish was healthy and light but I had to ask my server for more yogurt because it was too dry. For dessert I had the Espresso Profiteroles with Chocolate Sauce. It tasted like an eclair with espresso ice cream in the middle. It was average, nothing to blog home about.

Overall I thought the food at Blue Room was okay and with so many restaurants to try I am not sure if I would be back for dinner but I have heard great things about their brunch. From a nonvegetarian perspective, my fiance seemed to enjoy his meal.

Wrapture

2008-07-18T08:39:00.014-04:00

I had the most amazing vegetable burrito at Wrapture located in downtown Beverly Massachusetts. Wrapture serves wraps, soups, salads, and stir frys in a cute hip environment.

When ordering a wrap at Wrapture you can choose between four different types of organic tortillas, spinach, sundried tomato, wheat, and plain. I ordered a burrito on a whole wheat wrap with roasted vegetables. You have an option of white or brown rice ( most burrito places that I have been to do not offer this.). Everything at Wrapture is fresh and the food is made to order. The vegetables, beans, cheese, rice are cooked together, giving it a fresh, flavorful taste. The cheese comes out melted and the vegetables are blended well with the salsa. I really liked the choice of vegetables in this burrito. Many burrito places add too much squash and zucchini to vegetarian burritos and less of other vegetables, at Wrapture they added broccoli which gave it a nice crunchy taste.

The only con of this restaurant is that it is more of a take out restaurant with few bar stools and a couple of tables outside. I am not sure if the restaurant has air conditioning as it was quite warm inside. The prices are a little steep for lunch, with wraps averaging at $7 and stir fry's with tofu at $9.

Wrapture has many vegan/vegetarian friendly options and is one of the few places in the North Shore where you can get a falafel. Wrapture is a good place to come for lunch for a quick place to grab a bite.

Wrapture
284 Cabot St
Beverly MA
978-524-7710

A Relaxing Day in Portsmouth NH

2008-07-13T20:28:00.011-04:00

Popovers On The Square

I love summers in New England for many reasons: the warm weather, outdoor patios, beautiful beaches and the best part, short summer day trips. If you have never been to Portsmouth NH, now is the best time to go and with its close proximity to Boston you do not even have to pay for a hotel. I spent the day in Portsmouth NH yesterday and had an amazing time. I hadn’t been to Portsmouth in a while, I forgot just how beautiful this place really is.

My day in Portsmouth started when my fiancé and I went to Popovers on the Square for coffee. Popovers has been opened for about two years now and serves coffees, teas, soups, salads, sandwiches, desserts (lots of it), wines, beers, and cocktails in a sophisticated café like setting.

The best part of Popovers is the outdoor patio and I was surprised that it wasn’t too crowded for a summer Saturday afternoon. Popover is located right on the cobble streets of Market Square, making it a great place to relax over a cup of coffee and enjoy the views of the surrounding boutiques. Alcohol however is prohibited outside on the patio.

We both ordered the Frozen Cappuccino which was delicious. It is a sweet, refreshing frozen drink similar to a frappe at Starbucks, but maybe a bit more rich and thick. It was a perfect summer treat. We came here after lunch so we were too full to try any of the desserts or lunch items but I noticed they had a couple different vegetarian items such as the Portobello & Mozzarella Panini, Roasted Vegetable Wrap, and the House Salad in a Popover all for ($8.95). I can’t wait to come back and try their lunch menu!

Popovers on the Square
8 Congress St
Porstmouth NH

http://www.popoversonthesquare.com/

Cafe Pamplona

2008-07-06T17:17:00.013-04:00

Cafe Pamplona

It was Saturday night and my date and I went out to Cambridge for dinner. In our efforts to try to save some money we went to one of our inexpensive veggie-friendly favorites, Wagamama (previously reviewed) in Cambridge MA for dinner. After sharing a chocolate cake for dessert, we decided to go for a walk around the city. While strolling around Cambridge, we stumbled upon a cute outdoor cafe, with yellow umbrellas. My date asked me if I wanted to stop for a coffee and since it was a nice warm summer night in July I thought, why not?

The cafe is called Cafe Pamplona, it’s cozy, & quaint outdoor patio gives you the feel that you are dinning on a side street in Europe. The service is friendly and they are in no rush to see you leave. Cafe Pamplona is the perfect date spot but it is also a great place to come alone and read a book. They serve sandwiches, soups, desserts, teas, and a wide range of coffees. I warmed up with cappuccino & my date had the iced espresso. The cappuccino was good, the iced espresso is nice, but it was a bit bitter for my liking.

The only real con of this place is that they do not have a bathroom and I am not sure if I would come in the cold months. The inside of the cafe is quite small and the ceilings are low. But in the warm months this place is a gem.

The menu has a few different vegetarian options for lunch including, a Guava Cheese Sandwhich, Grilled Cheese, and Red & White Gazpacho soup. I look forward to coming back and trying their lunch menu.

Cafe Pamplona is located on 12 bow street in Cambridge MA and is open on Monday through Thursday, 11:00am till 12:00am and Friday through Saturday 11:00am till 12:00am and Sunday from 2am till 12am.

Gingerbread Construction Company

2008-06-29T20:40:00.010-04:00

Gingerbread Construction Company
52 Main St
Wakefield, MA

This morning I was strolling around Lake Quannapowitt, and I stopped at the Gingerbread Construction Company to have their signature muffin, the Gingerbread($1.85) . This is one of their most popular muffins and it is filled with a cream cheese icing in the middle. One bite of this muffin and you can taste it’s cinnamon sweetness. The only problem with these muffins is that once you have one, you will keep going back for more (trust me I know)! There are over 20 different types of muffins and they also carry gingerbread houses, cookies, muffin loaves, and coffee.

The actual store only has a couple of tables, but there are many benches along Lake Quannapowitt making it a perfect picnic spot during the summertime. There is also another location in Winchester MA.

Service is friendly but they do not carry calorie information, not that I really want to know :-).

Strega

2008-06-28T10:46:00.016-04:00

Strega
379 Hanover St
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 523-8481
Cuisine: Italian
Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Selective
Price: $15 - $35
Food:
Service:
Ambiance:
Total Carrots:

My friends and I decided to head out to the North End for dinner. We did not have any reservations but we wanted a good and inexpensive meal. We passed by Strega and it seemed cheaper price-wise (for the vegetarian dishes) than the surrounding restaurants and had a few vegetarian options so we decided to check it out. I’d noticed Strega advertises a lot (good restaurants are usually recommended by word of mouth) and because of this I have always been a bit skeptical about the quality of food at this establishment but to my surprise we actually had a decent meal and a fun time.

The ambiance of Strega is fun, lively, colorful and maybe even a bit flashy. The restaurant is loud so if you are looking for a quiet romantic evening than this might not be the place for you. The place is small and the tables are fairly close together but you just can’t help but smile at the singers who come to your table and try to serenade you. I thought the live music was a nice touch and I have not been to many restaurants in the area that offer this.

The service was okay, it was prompt, but when we asked the waiter a few questions about vegetarian options, he did not seem to understand us.

I ordered the Casarecci Di Marina (15.95), a baked pasta dish with sun dried tomatoes, eggplant and fresh mozzarella in a light tomato sauce. The dish was good but very simple and the only thing wrong with it was the cheese. It was a bit hard and instead of being baked in the dish it was placed on the side. The pasta however tasted fresh and the sauce was sweet and flavorful.

Overall Strega is a good choice if you are looking for a relatively inexpensive meal in the North End and want a festive and fun dining experience. The food here is good, not excellent, but the live music adds to the ambiance.

The Purple Onion

2008-06-22T19:50:00.007-04:00

The Purple Onion

44 Inn St

Newburyport MA

Cuisine: Cafe

Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Friendly

Price: $7-$11

Food:

Service:

Ambiance:

Looking for a nice summer day trip not too far from Boston? Check out the Purple Onion, a small hole in the wall café, located in scenic town of Newburyport MA. This inexpensive café offers many vegetarian dishes that are different than your standard sandwich and salad affair. Outdoor seating is available, making it a great place to sit back and relax in the summertime. I ordered the black bean and lime rice bowl ($6.95) a dish made with black beans, white rice, sautéed onions, tomatoes, lime juice, and topped with sour cream, guacamole and a touch of hot sauce. This dish was unique but it had too many tomatoes and onions and it was a bit spicy for my liking. Although I did not love my dish I would go back to try the other vegetarian dishes and to enjoy the beautiful views in Newburyport MA.

http://www.thepurpleonion.com/

Cucumber Raita

2008-06-10T08:05:00.005-04:00

Growing up in an Indian family, Raita has always been a favorite of mine especially in the summertime. Raita is great as a snack or a side dish that complements the spicy flavors of curry dishes. I have been cooking Indian food since I was 14 ( thanks to my mom). Here is my recipe for Cucumber raita. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 Cucumber, peeled, grated or diced into small pieces
1 tsp Coriander power
1 tsp Chili powder ( as desired)
1/2 tsp of grated Ginger (Optional)
1 tsp Cumin powder
2 cups Nonfat Plain Yogurt
1 tsp Sugar
Salt & Pepper to taste
1tbsp fresh coriander/cilantro leaves (Garnish)

Serves : 4-6

Beat or blend two cups of yogurt and add water for desired smooth consistency. Mix all the ingredients together and add salt, pepper and sugar. Garnish with coriander leaves. Serve chilled.

Hints: If you can find roasted cumin powder this makes this dish even better. My mom makes this at home by roasting cumin seeds in the toaster oven or a pan and then blends the seeds to create a powder. Gives this dish a bit of a smoky taste. You can also add tomatoes and onions to this dish as well as a spoon of mint green chutney if you have some.

Sorellina

2008-06-04T22:28:00.024-04:00

Sorellina
1 Huntington Ave
Boston Ma 02116
617-412-4600
Cuisine: Italian
Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Selective
Price: $25-$50

Food:
Service:
Ambiance:
Total Carrots:

Sorellina, located on Huntington Ave in Boston, serves Italian-Mediterranean food in a trendy setting. I went to Sorellina for a work meeting and had a delightful experience. The décor of Sorellina is old Italy meets contemporary America - the restaurant screams sophistication. The mural at the back of the restaurant adds a sense of mystery to the dinning experience.

As an upscale restaurant, I was surprised to see a few good vegetarian options on the menu. The waitress worked with me to create a meal that was overall exquisite. For an appetizer I opted for the Mushroom brodo soup for $14, a mushroom broth based soup with spring vegetables that can be made vegetarian upon request without the prosciutto. The soup was okay as it had a tad too much oil, making it too greasy for my liking. It reminded me of a soup that you could buy packaged in a supermarket. The Insalata, for $15, was a mixed green salad with goat cheese and walnuts was pretty standard.

Now the pasta at Sorellina is where this restaurant separates itself from the rest. Instead of getting one pasta dish, I ordered two different half orders of pasta, each for $17. The fettuccine mixed with mushrooms, black truffle butter and parmesan cheese was simple yet fresh and tasty. The Ravioli stuffed with a smooth blend of mint and sweet pea, bathed in a light tangy cream sauce with almonds was outstanding. This dish is normally made with crab meat but it can be made vegetarian upon request. I was amazed with this dish; the stuffling of the ravioli reminded me of a mild sweet version of the Indian mint green chutney.

I had a great time at Sorellina and although the restaurant is expensive I would be back for a special occasion or nice night out on the town.

http://www.sorellinaboston.com/

Tapeo

2008-05-23T00:47:00.024-04:00

Tapeo

http://www.tapeo.com/

266 Newbury St. Boston MA

Cuisine: Spanish Tapas

Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Friendly

Price: $7-$10 per tapa

Food:

Service:

Ambiance:

Total Carrots:

Ambiance:

Tapeo’s, a two story restaurant located on trendy Newbury Street, offers tapas in a rustic Spanish tavern like setting. The downstairs, is cozy and intimate with pots and pans on its brick walls. The upstairs of Tapeo’s is vibrant and lively and has a nice view overlooking Newbury Street. During the summertime, the outdoor seating at Tapeo’s is the place to be. There are only a handful of vegetarian friendly restaurants on Newbury St and Tapeo’s offers several tasty vegetarian tapas.

Food:

As a vegetarian, I love tapas and depending what you order, it can be a healthy low carb meal (a difficult find for a vegetarian). For mother’s day, I took my parents to Tapeo’s for dinner. Both my parents are vegetarian and between the three of us, we had six vegetarian tapas and one dessert. Generally I would recommend 2-3 tapas a person but we were looking for a light dinner. The vegetarian tapas are very similar to its sister restaurant Dali, but what is great about Tapeo’s is they do accept reservations and you generally do not have to wait long for a table. The garlic soup, my favorite, was off season and was thus not available. We instead opted for the asparagus soup, a thick creamy soup, which was too bland and needed a bit of spice. The sautéed artichoke hearts and portobello mushrooms were simple but filled with flavor. I really enjoyed there Queso Con Miel, a fried goat cheese mixed in a sweet onion and honey sauce. We were glad we saved room for dessert, the tarta de chocolates, was a rich chocolate delight.

Service:
Service was great for the most part. Our waitress did forget to bring us our bread at the start of the meal but she was very friendly and helpful with the menu. However she did seem a bit rushed with the bill.

We had a fun time at Tapeo’s and I will continue to return for great food and a chance to dine on Newbury street.

Pros: Great food, Reservations accepted, Outdoor seating available during warm months, Several Vegetarian Tapas

Cons: Street Parking, Tapas can be expensive

Teatro

2008-05-03T13:20:00.018-04:00

Teatro, 177 Tremont St, Boston MA
http://www.teatroboston.com/
Cuisine: Italian
Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Selective
Price: $15-30

Food:
Service:
Ambiance:
Total Carrots:

Last night I went to Teatro, an upscale Italian restaurant overlooking Boston Commons. Renovated from a synagogue, Teatro’s décor is elegant yet trendy with an arch like ceiling that gives you the feel that you are dining in an ancient Roman theater. Located in theater district and next to a movie theater, Teatro makes for the perfect date spot.

Teatro offers unique yet tasty cocktails, and I ordered the White Grape Cosmo, which as the name suggests, is made from white grape juice and the green grapes in the drink was a nice touch.

For appetizers we had the arugula salad with lemon, and olive oil and the Eggplant Francesca with tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. The arugula salad was nice and light, pretty standard, but I always like to have some greens with my pasta. The eggplant Francesca, a side dish, (also served as main entrée) was excellent! It is an eggplant dish ( similar to eggplant parmesan) that is lightly breaded and baked with cheese in a fresh tomato sauce. I am not usually a fan of breaded eggplant because it always tastes fried and heavy but in this dish the eggplant was soft and juicy.

Teatro's menu has a few vegetarian dishes and I had the Spinach and Mascarpone Ravioli with crème Fraiche & Parsley. The ravioli tasted fresh and was filled with spinach and a touch of mascarpone cheese. The sauce was smooth and silky and was not heavy like most cream sauces. My friend who is non vegetarian ordered the Chicken Marsala and said it was one of the best Chicken Marsala dishes he has had in a long time. For dessert we had the Pineapple Gratinata with Pineapple Sorbet and Passion Fruit Syrup. This dessert was okay, not too heavy making it a nice healthy option.

The service at Teatro was a bit slow. Our waiter was friendly, but was not very attentive and was slow in bringing and clearing our dishes.

Overall I enjoyed my time at Teatro, a great date spot, that offers a few good vegetarian entrees in an upscale elegant setting.

Chili's Grill & Bar

2008-04-16T22:52:00.020-04:00

Chili's Grill & Bar, 70 Walkers Brook Drive, Reading MA
Cuisine: Tex Mex
Vegetarian Options: Non Vegetarian/Vegetarian Selective
Price: $10-$16
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I am always on the look out for a good salad. You might be surprised with this one, but I recently discovered something tasty at Chili’s called the Quesadilla Explosion salad that can be made vegetarian without the chicken. Generally, when I dine at Chili’s, with my carnivore friends, I order the vegetarian fajita, which is not on the menu, but can be made upon request. The Fajita at Chili’s is okay, but this past weekend I wanted something different and our waitress recommended the Quesadilla Explosion. Because I was hungry, I was a bit hesitant to order a salad and was not sure how filling it would be. Lo and behold, it was filling AND delicious.

The ingredients in the salad are corn relish, cilantro, mixed cheese, diced tomatoes and crispy tortilla chips, garnished with a drizzle of chipotle ranch dressing. Even though I am not a fan of ranch dressing ( does contain eggs) , a few drops of it adds a nice touch. It also comes with four small pieces of quesadillas and citrus balsamic vinaigrette on the side. To me it’s like you get to have your salad and eat your quesadilla too.

Most of Chili’s soups are non vegetarian, but they do offer a southwestern style soup(seasonal availability), with corn and black beans. Hopefully with the onset of summer, the soup will be offered soon. Chili's also offers a tasty Vegetarian Black Bean Burger. As always at any restaurant, double check with the waitress to see if the dishes are truly vegetarian.

Even though Chilli’s would definitely not be in my top 10 veggie-friendly restaurants to go to but in the off chance you do end up there it can be a fun, inexpensive and lively place with cheap drinks.

Betty's Wok and Noodle Diner

2008-04-15T08:22:00.012-04:00

Betty's Wok and Noodle Diner, 250 Huntington Ave, Boston MA 02115
Cuisine: Asian
Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Friendly
Price: $12 -$20

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I really wanted to like this place. I went to Betty’s Wok and Noodle Diner with a friend this past weekend and was completely disappointed with the service at this restaurant. My friend and I were looking for a nice evening but instead we felt condescended by the owner and a waitress at this establishment. First, I will say their menu does offer a wide range of vegetarian friendly options, but because of the poor service that we experienced, I unfortunately will never be back to Betty’s Wok and Noodle Diner.

My friend had accidentally spilled his drink on the table. To begin with, the table near the window was not sturdy and he apologized and even helped the owner clean up the mess. Since the table we originally sat on was dirty, we switched tables and the owner and the waitress then acted annoyed with us. They also never brought my friend another drink which he hardly had two sips of. We were given another waitress and told her what had happened and this new waitress was very nice and understanding and finally brought us another drink. Our night might have been better if we had this new waitress all along. The manager nor the old waitress never came to apologize.

We ordered the appetizer Cool Cuc’s and Weed, a cumber and seaweed appetizer dish made in a ginger-wasabi dressing that was tasty. For the main dish, I had the broth noodles with the Asian pesto sauce on the side and ordered it will soba noodles. The dish was okay, a bit on the bland side even with the Asian pesto sauce. However noodle soups at most restaurants tend to be on the blander side. The restaurant has a nice drink menu, I ordered Loca- Motion which was delicious.

Overall the food here is okay, and the ambiance is fun, yet casual, but I was mainly disappointed because of the service. The food is a bit expensive for the price. There are other Asian restaurants in Boston area that serve just as good food for cheaper prices.

Baraka Cafe

2008-04-11T23:22:00.012-04:00

Baraka Cafe, 80 Pearl St, Cambridge MA 02139
Cuisine: Tunsian/North African
Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Friendly
Price: $10-$20

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It was a Saturday night and I was in the mood for something ethnic and tasty. I heard about Baraka Cafe and decided to check out this place for some good eats with a friend. This restaurant is located off the beaten path on Pearl St. and because of its location we almost did not make it to the restaurant. Baraka Café is cozy, with only about 10 tables, and we ended up having to wait thirty minutes for one.

When dining at Baraka Café, you will feel like a guest in their kitchen. The ambiance is very charming with Tunisian wall hangings, purple table covers and an antique looking armoire. Our dishes were served in wooden and clay bowls, a really nice touch. The floor was warped, which at first I thought was bothersome, but it actually adds character to the restaurant.

The food here is amazing and do not leave without trying the lemonade. To my surprise, it is as great as everyone had mentioned and the rose petals and spices in it add a unique flavor. For an appetizer, we shared the J’binet with Berber Karmous, a plate of different Mediterranean cheeses, such as Egyptian feta, Labna, & Bulgarian cheese served with caramelized figs and crackers. In addition to the appetizer, I ordered their vegetarian lentil soup which was tasty. For dinner, I had the Melkha , an eggplant dish made with feta, olives, scallions, parsley and couscous which was absolutely delicious. Overall service was good and our waitress was was friendly and spent time explaining the menu to us. The cons of this restaurant are that they only take cash, no reservations are accepted, and the tables are quite close together, but I will surely be back for the amazing food and the charming ambiance.

Dali

2008-03-30T11:02:00.011-04:00

Dali, 415 Washington St, Somerville Ma
Cuisine: Spanish
Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Friendly
Price: $7-9 per tapa

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With dimmed lighting, cozy tables, beautiful flowers and an eclectic array of Spanish decorations; Dali is one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. A Boston date spot, this tapas restaurant is also perfect for a fun festive evening with friends or for a girl’s night out. Dali serves great food and offers a few good vegetarian tapas that are healthy, light and tasty. Their garlic soup is a wonderful treat, it is a warm light soup filled with garlic flavor. I also love their Queso Rebozado con Miel, a fried Spanish cheese with honey and sweet onion. They also offer other vegetarian tapas such as the Setas Al Ajillo, a sautéed mushroom dish as well as the Alcachofas Salteadas, a sautéed artichoke dish. Their Sangria is fresh and fruity, a nice compliment to the meal. The tapas are $7 to $9 each and with two to three tapas a person this can be a little expensive. I wish there were a few more vegetarian tapas offered on the menu but sometimes they do have some great vegetarian specials. Since reservations are not accepted there can be a long wait, but the yummy tapas and the festive experience at Dali is well worth it.

Bangkok Spice Thai Restaurant

2008-03-29T11:58:00.011-04:00

Bangkok Spice, 76 Haven St, Reading MA
Cuisine: Thai
Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Friendly
Price: $10

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This Thai restaurant is located off the beaten path in Reading MA and has a neighborhood feel to it. It is a small cozy restaurant with a simple ambiance but serves great Thai food for the price. My favorite dishes here are the mixed vegetables in garlic sauce and the Pad See Eiw both of which can be made without fish sauce upon request. The only drawback to the menu is it does not have a vegetarian soup. Service here is friendly and accommodating and parking is on the street but is never a problem. Since the restaurant only has a few number of tables it might be a good idea to call ahead on the weekends. With the inexpensive prices and the great food, I am a frequent visitor of Bangkok Spice in Reading MA.

The Pongal

2008-03-23T22:38:00.009-04:00

The Pongal, 786 Boston Road, Billerica MA 01821
Cuisine: Indian
Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Friendly
Price: $10-$14

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Pongal is a new Indian restaurant that recently opened up in Billerica MA, on March 10th 2008 in the same location as the former Masalaa Restaurant. Pongal has other locations in Bangalore India and this is their first restaurant in the US. I went to Pongal this weekend to check out the new restaurant with my parents. As soon as I entered I was surprised to see that the ambiance was much more upscale than Masalaa and the place was filled with customers, very different than the former restaurant. The restaurant has an elegant feel to it with red and gold tapestries on the walls and classical music playing in the background. The noise level is loud but the restaurant is kid friendly as they do provide highchairs. Overall I enjoyed the ambiance but the tables were too close together and the paper placed on top of the tablecloth was informal.

I have to commend the restaurant for its menu as they have a large selection of South Indian, North Indian and Indo-Chinese dishes. Indian Chinese, like the name suggests, is a fusion of Indian and Chinese food and I have yet to find a restaurant that offers a large selection of Indian Chinese entrees in the Boston area. For an appetizer we ordered the Hariyali Paneer Tika, a homemade cottage cheese dish that is baked in a clay oven and comes with different dipping sauces. I really enjoyed the Hariyali Paneer Tika and have not seen this offered at many Indian restaurants. I also tried the papri chaat, a potato dish made with Indian wafers, and I thought this dish was just okay as it had more potatoes and very few papri/wafer pieces. I enjoyed the sweet corn vegetable soup as well as the Tangy eggplant and the Vegetable Hakka noodles. We opted for the Mango Kulfi as they ran out of the Pistachio Kulfi. The presentation of the Mango Kulfi, was good but the taste was okay, as it had too many ice crystals and less cream. In addition to dinner, Pongal is open for a lunch buffet every day of the week.

Pongal was well staffed and the servers were very attentive to your needs. Overall I enjoyed myself at Pongal and with their wide selection of vegetarian offerings I will surely be back for seconds.

Mexico Lindo

2008-03-22T09:16:00.016-04:00

Mexico Lindo, 449 Main St, Melrose MA
htp://www.mexicolindomelrose.com/
Cuisine: Mexican
Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Friendly
Price: $10

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When in comes to great Mexican food, look no further than Mexico Lindo, an authentic Mexican restaurant tucked away in downtown Melrose Massachusetts. The food here is excellent and is one of the best Mexican restaurants I have ever been to with great vegetarian options. This restaurant is worth driving to and the ambiance is fun with Mexican artwork and curtains hanging from the walls. The restaurant also features outdoor seating which is a great option during summer. Although this restaurant is small, I find it a nice change from the standard Americanized Mexican chain restaurants and the food is affordable with vegetarian entrees averaging around $10. My favorite dish is Enchiladas Mexico Lindo, stuffed with spinach, mushrooms and other vegetables baked in a tomatillo sauce for $9.25. My only complaint is that the wooden booths can be a little uncomfortable but they do add to the rustic décor. Mexico Lindo is the place for authentic Mexican food in a fun casual setting.

Wagamama

2008-03-19T20:56:00.027-04:00

Wagamama Quincy Market Building, Boston MA
http://www.wagamama.us/
Cuisine: Japanese
Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Friendly
Price: $10

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This London based branch now has two locations in Massachusetts, one in Fanuel Hall in Boston, and the other in Harvard Square in Cambridge. The two locations are similar but I prefer the Cambridge location for its beautiful view overlooking Harvard Square. I enjoy Wagamama for its inexpensive good food and its array of tasty vegetarian options. The atmosphere is modern, yet casual and I thought the ledge under the table for your pocketbooks and other belongings was a nice touch. Green tea is complimentary with the meal but is only available upon request. Wagamama offers wonderful fresh juices and I recommend ordering their Fruit Juice for a refreshing treat. The Ysai Goyza, their version of vegetable dumplings, I felt was pretty standard. However, I enjoyed their Miso Soup with pickles on the side.

There are six different vegetarian entrees, my favorite being the Yasi Yaki Soba, a whole wheat vegetable noodle dish made with a touch of vinegar. I have tried the Moyoshi Soba, a vegetarian noodle soup dish ( a hard find in the Boston area) and thought it could have been more flavorful but perfect for a cold winter night. I wasn't too impressed with the Yasi Chili Men, a whole wheat noodle dish cooked in a spicy sauce. I felt this dish was too heavy and the sauce didn't blend well with the noodles. I also tried their Chocolate Fudge Cake which was okay but I was happy to see they offered a wide range of dessert options.

Service can be a little slow depending on the night. Overall Wagamama serves good food for the price and the ambiance makes for a fun dining experience.

Tantric Bar & Grill

2008-03-14T21:07:00.018-04:00

Tantric Bar & Grill, 123 Stuart Street, Boston MA
http://www.tantricgrill.com/
Cuisine: Indian
Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Friendly
Price: $12-$14

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This Indian Restaurant, located in the theater district, is a nice alternative to the standard pricey restaurants that you will generally find in this area. This is one of my favorite Indian restaurants and its trendy sheik ambiance separates it from the rest. In the summer outdoor seating is available, but I always prefer to sit inside and enjoy the atmosphere. My favorite dish at Tantric is the Paneer Makhni for $12.95 , which is very creamy but truly an enjoyable treat. Tantric offers two tasty appetizers which are unique to the restaurant. The Paneer Achari, is perfect for paneer lovers (like myself) it's a tangy dish made with bell peppers, onions and is sauteed in an Indian pickle sauce. The Gobi Maunchurian is a spicy Indian Chinese dish made with Cauliflower and is their take on a popular entree that can be found in many Indian Chinese restaurants in India. This restaurant also offers South Indian dishes, a difficult find in the Boston area. If you get a chance, check out their unique drink list which features drinks such as the Mango Clove Martini and the Kama Sutra. Depending on the week night service can be slow and the bathrooms could be cleaner, but I still keep coming back for their great food and ambiance. Tantric is a trendy, modern Indian restaurant with a unique twist on Indian food.

Addis Red Sea

2008-03-14T17:18:00.012-04:00

Addis Red Sea, 1755 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge MA
http://www.addisredsea.com/

Cuisine: Ethiopian
Price: $10-15
Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Friendly

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This was the first time that I had tried Ethiopian food but it is surely not the last. Addis Red Sea has two great locations, one in the trendy South End Boston as well as the artsy Porter Square in Cambridge MA. I dined at the Porter Square location (decided to avoid the parking hassles in Boston) and had a great experience. I ordered the vegetarian combo for $14.95, comprising of small vegetarian dishes and a tangy tomato salad. The dish I enjoyed the most was the Yesmir Wot, a spicy lentil dish. The other dishes were tasty but maybe a bit on the bland side. Addis Red Sea has a great selection of beverages including a tropical guava juice. The atmosphere was exotic with dimmed lighting, and small woven Ethiopian tables, a perfect place for a date. Be prepared to get your hands dirty, all these dishes come with Injera, a tasty sponge like bread that soaks up the juices from the dishes. Be sure to check out Addis Red Sea for a fun, ethnic, dining experience.

Radius

2008-03-12T23:31:00.015-04:00

Radius, 8 High St, Boston Ma
http://www.radiusrestaurant.com/
Cuisine: French Modern
Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Selective
Price: $32-60

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This French Modern restaurant is located in the financial district and is truly a luxurious experience. I recently went here for a friend's birthday and was very impressed with the food, the ambiance, and the service. The urban décor is stylish, trendy and sophisticated, a restaurant that would be approved by the characters in Sex in the City. The prices are very expensive but a great place for special occasions. We were both a little nervous that the portions would be small being a French restaurant but to our surprise this was truly not the case. For an appetizer we ordered the Gnocchi and requested it without the bacon. I am usually not a fan of Gnocchi but I really enjoyed this creamy dish. For dinner I enjoyed the Vegetable Five tasting menu for $32 which was made with five different vegetables prepared in ways that I have never experienced before. The other vegetarian option is a four course vegetable tasting for $60, but I was glad I ordered the $32 entrée which was one of the most delicious dishes I had ever had.

Flatbread Company

2008-03-09T11:59:00.008-04:00

Flatbread Company, 213 Burlington RD, Bedford MA
Cuisine: Pizza
http://www.flatbreadcompany.com/

Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Selective
Price $10

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Sometimes I get tired of the cozy quaint restaurants and want to go to a restaurant that is fun and alive. Flat Bread pizza is a great place that has 100% organic pizzas that everyone can enjoy. I think it is truly one of the best pizzas I have ever tried and is inexpensive with a small pizza averaging at $10. The ambiance is fun with high ceilings and has an industrial look to it. My favorite pizza is coevolution which is made with goat cheese, kalamata olives and roasted red peppers. A small pizza is a good size for one person and I love their organic salad which is made with toasted sesame seeds and arame seaweed. This place has great food, is a family restaurant and a nice change from ethnic food. There is nothing like a good pizza and a cosmopolitan to go with it.

Martsa's on Elm

2008-03-09T11:24:00.009-04:00

Martsa's on Elm, 233A Elm St, Somerville MA
Cuisine: Tibetan
Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Friendly
Price: $10

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This is another Tibetan place right down the street from the House of Tibet in Davis Square. Both of these restaurants serve Tibetan food but each have their own distinct flavor. Martsa’s on Elm carries spicy and creamier dishes, both are equally good but depending on my mood I determine my preference. The prices are inexpensive, around $10 for a dish but unlike the House of Tibet the entrees do not come with lentil soup or salad but the dishes here are filled with flavor and unique spices. Some of the dishes here I find are similar to Indian food. My favorite dish here is a tofu and vegetable dish made in a mango sauce. It’s absolutely delicious and one of my friends who is a non-vegetarian actually prefers this dish to any of the non-vegetarian options. I also love the vegetable curry it’s a great choice if you are looking for something spicier. The only drawback to this place is that it is small and the tables are close together but the inexpensive, flavorful dishes make it a great choice for a vegetarian meal.

House of Tibet Kitchen

2008-03-09T10:43:00.009-04:00

House of Tibet Kitchen, 235 Holland St. Somerville MA

Cuisine: Tibetan
Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Friendly
Price: $10

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This Tibetan restaurant is a great place if you are looking for inexpensive, healthy, simple but tasty Tibetan food with a plethora of vegetarian options. The ambiance makes you feel like you are a guest in a little Tibetan Kitchen. The food here is not spicy; maybe at times even a little bland, yet it has almost a homemade taste to it. The dishes are light but filling and all the entrees come with a Tibetan lentil soup and a shredded cabbage salad. One of my favorite dishes here is the Tsel Gyathuk Nogpa. It is a stir-fried noodle dish with veggies and is available with tofu. It’s only around $10 and is different than the standard greasy noodle dishes that are offered at most restaurants. Also depending on the entrée, you can opt for tigmo instead of rice, which is steamed Tibetan bread. The only downfall to this place is that the food can sometimes taste a bit bland however the inexpensive, tasty, healthy food makes it a great a choice for a vegetarian meal.

Elephant Walk

2008-03-07T13:13:00.011-05:00

Elephant Walk, Boston Cambridge, Waltham
http://www.elephantwalk.com/
Cuisine: French Cambodian
Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Friendly
Price: $14-16

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This French Cambodian restaurant is truly a vegetarian paradise. I have tried every single vegetarian entrée and each of them is truly amazing with a distinct flavor. The organic Tofu Amarita definitely stands out in my opinion as one of the best entrees. The vegetarian entrees run from $14-$16 but the only problem is the portions are small (my boyfriend complains of this all the time). If you are two people, I recommend getting three dishes, two main entrees and split the vegetarian Mee Siem which is their vegetarian noodle dish. The salads & desserts are great but I will say that I have tried their vegetarian Roleaux and I wasn’t too impressed. However the caveat being that I’m not a fan of fried asian food in general. I took my mom here for Mother’s day and she absolutely loved it! If I could pick one restaurant that I could go to on a regular basis, I would pick this place. Good food, great selection, and much healthier than greasy takeout makes this a delicious place to dine!

Oleana

2008-03-07T08:54:00.011-05:00

Oleana, 134 Hampshire St, Cambridge MA
http://www.oleanarestaurant.com/

Cuisine: Mediterranean
Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Selective

Price: $26-42

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This is definitely a vegetarian occasion place, a little pricey, but a great place for that special occasion or a date. In my opinion, one of the best restaurants in the city and has great vegetarian Mediterranean food options. The vegetarian tasting menu is $42 but is a real treat with five different appetizers and a dessert. I took my parents here and we each got the vegetarian tasting menu and they truly felt pampered. The tasting menu is continuously changing and they bring out unique and flavorful dishes that will keep you wanting for more. The second time I went to the restaurant I asked for a vegetarian entrée which they were able to make for me. It was a bit cheaper around $26 but equally amazing. It was a cous cous dish that was made with a puree. This dish also keeps changing and is available upon request. Other vegetarian friends I know just order a few of their appetizers and love it. I have been here only in the cold months but they do have one of best outdoor seating in the city.Oleana is a small cozy place with a Mediterranean rustic feel, and it serves the most tasteful dishes that you can’t get anywhere else. The only drawback is you have to make reservations in advance as the place is cozy and the chairs are not too comfortable. But trust me once you try the food you won’t be complaining, definitely one of the best meals I have ever had.

Helmand

2008-03-02T20:55:00.009-05:00

Helmand, Cambridge MA, 143 First Street, Cambridge MA
http://www.helmandrestaurantcambridge.com/
Cuisine: Afghan
Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Friendly
Price: $13

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This is one my favorite restaurants where the food is as amazing as the price! If you are in the mood for Indian but want something unique and not so creamy, than try this Afghan restaurant. The décor is warm and elegant it carries an array of vegetarian selections with entrees averaging around $13. The best vegetarian dish I have had here was the Showla, which is a poblano pepper stuffed with spinach and cheese and topped with tomato sauce. The dish comes with moong beans that are flavored and baked with a variety of different seasonings. The Aush vegetable soup is truly a delight. I have tried all of the vegetarian appetizers and they are all wonderful except I thought the Kaddo was a little sweet but very unique. The only problem with this restaurant is that once you leave you will keep craving for more! This restaurant is definitely a favorite of mine that I keep going back too with plenty of vegetarian options to choose from.

Sushi Island

2008-03-02T20:43:00.008-05:00

Sushi Island, 397 Main Street, Wakefield Ma
http://www.sushiisland.us/
Cuisine: Japanese
Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Selective
Price: $12
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If you are like me, a vegetarian that loves the simplicity of an avocado or cumber roll then this is the place to go to in the North Shore area. You’ll enjoy this place for the ambiance and the local jazz talent that’s featured on the weekends. Overall I find that vegetarian sushi is pretty standard at most restaurants but it’s the ambiance that makes the difference. I usually get my standard Avocado and Cumber Maki with Miso soup and the simple trendy atmosphere definitely makes for a special evening. Another great option to sushi at this restaurant is the Vegetable and Tofu Yaki Udon for only $11.95. It’s a meal on it’s own with vegetables, tofu and thick noodles in a sweet soy sauce. I tried this for the first time recently and found it to be quite tasty and filling. A great option if you are tired of sushi.

Ristorante Molise

2008-03-02T13:23:00.012-05:00

Ristorante Molise, Wakefield MA, 464 Main Street, Wakefield MA
www.ristorantemolise.com

Cuisine: Italian
Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Selective
Price $20
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This is on of my favorite Italian restaurants. It has only a couple of vegetarian options but these entrees are much better than your standard pasta and tomato/ cream sauce affair. The prices are around $20 for the vegetarian dishes, not cheap but comparable to most non chain Italian restaurants. The ambiance here is cozy and romantic, a great place on a rainy or snowy day. The best vegetarian dish here is the Pasta ala Molise which is made with roasted eggplant, sun dried tomatoes, mozzarella in a light marinara wine sauce. It is not as heavy as your standard Italian dish and is filled with flavor. This dish is $18.99 and comes with salad and the portion is more than enough for one person. La Molise is a great place for a date.

Duck Walk

2008-03-02T12:50:00.010-05:00

Duck Walk, 397 Main Street, Wakefield MA

Cuisine: Thai
Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Friendly
Price: $12-20
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This is one of my favorite Thai restaurants, it has great food, a romantic ambiance, but is expensive for Thai food with dishes ranging from $12-20. My favorite dish is the tofu lemongrass dish. It’s a nice light flavorful healthy dish. The lemongrass sauce they use is amazing! In fact one of my non-vegetarian friends gets this dish with chicken after I recommended it to her. I always ask the waiter to make this dish without fish sauce. The one drawback is that rice is not included with any of the entrees. The tofu vegetable soup and the soft spring rolls are a nice addition to the meal. For dessert, the coconut ice-cream is great way to end an evening. If your looking for great Thai food, a nice ambiance and want to avoid finding parking in Boston than Duck walk is a great choice but just be prepared to spend a little bit more than the average Thai restaurant.

San Francisco Kitchen

2008-03-02T11:49:00.015-05:00

San Francisco Kitchen, 133 Main Street, Nashua NH

Cuisine: Asian
Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Friendly
Price: $12-$18

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This is one of my favorite restaurants and the prices are around $12-$18 per entree. This is an Asian Fusion place, not your typical Chinese restaurant, and the food is delicious and healthy. My favorite dish there is Buddha’s Delicacy. It is a tad spicy and is made in a red pepper sauce and I always ask them to add some tofu for some protein. Another good option is the Stir Fried Tofu with seven color vegetables and it’s a nice light dish that is on the sweeter side. If you like curry, another option is to get the grilled chicken breast curry dish without the chicken and just add tofu. This is a great option if you are in the mood for something creamier and a little spicy.
All of the dishes come with an Asian salad, sourdough bread and white, brown or vegetable stir fried rice. The Asian salad is made with baby corn and water chestnuts in a ginger soy dressing that is very good. If your thirsty try their homemade lychee ginger ale, it’s nice and sweet and very refreshing. A great dessert they have there is made with bananas and ice-cream and is very good. They also have an excellent lunch buffet (Monday- Friday) that has an amazing selection of vegetarian choices, including unlimited vegetarian sushi!