Friday, July 23, 2010

Sol Food Puerto Rican Cuisine ~ San Rafael, CA

Really good fun food in a festive atmosphere.  Desayuno, Combinaciones, Especiales, Ensaladas, Platanos, Postre, Etc. You simply can't go wrong in a place that consistently "gets it right" for vegetarians, vegans, and omnivores alike.  Conveniently located just off the Hwy 101 on 3rd and Lincoln in San Rafael, you can't miss the big bright green building.  When we walked in we were greeted by friendly staff that helped us select a family style table for our group of eight.  Then we ordered at the counter and sat down to wait for our food.  They use trans fat free rice bran oil for frying and their beans and rice are completely vegan. Different, good, conveniently located and responsibly priced. By far, one of the best vegetarian dining experiences I've had in the bay area. Menu items are labeled "vegan" or "vegetarian" for your convenience.
Moderately priced.
Vegan/Vegetarian Friendly

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Souley Vegan ~ Oakland, CA


Located on Broadway in the Jack London District of Oakland, this vegan restaurant gets it right with down home, hearty, soul food with a conscious! The fun, casual atmosphere even features live blues music on Friday nights. One of my favorite dishes is the Mac-n-cheese with Greens and Southern Fried Tofu, however you can't go wrong with the Red Beans-n-Rice or the BBQ Tofu and fried Okra. The food is well spiced so if you're dining with children, just ask them to hold the spice on the fries and other items. Desserts feature items such as Sweet Potato Pie, Cheese cake, and Peach Cobbler. This is truly a vegan soul food paradise. Very casual and modestly priced. Non-alcoholic juices and drinks. When you walk in, order your food at the counter, get a number and find a seat. Great for families and casual gatherings. Open Tuesday - Saturday from 11am - 9pm.
Prices range from $3 - $13
Vegan

Encuentro Cafe and Wine Bar ~ Oakland, CA

Quaint, chic new vegetarian restaurant located near the train station in the bustling neighborhood of Jack London Square amidst posh condos and trendy lofts. Encuentro offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan cuisine from their Little Gem Salad, to their Quinoa with kale, pickled vegetables, cilantro, seasoned pepitas in an Amarillo chilli vinaigrette with smoked goat cheddar (vegetarian) or tempeh bacon bits (vegan). They even have several Bruschetta options including: White Bean/Cauliflower with sundried tomatoes and green olive tapenade; and Avocado, olive oil and cilantro with chile jam and black salt.
Small plates from $3 - $8, Larger plates from $6 - $14
Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly

Gather ~ Berkeley, CA

This food was so delicious and superbly prepared that I have to take a moment to "gather" my thoughts to review it. OUTSTANDING! Located on Oxford St. directly across from UC Berkeley's campus, this is a place that every vegetarian must try at least once. The food, the service and the ambiance were all inviting and impeccable. While not a vegetarian restaurant, they have several vegan/vegetarian options and even indicate which items can be prepared vegetarian, vegan or gluten free upon request. Serving seasonal faire with a "farm to table" philosophy this is the place for an organic, sustainable and simply delicious dining experience. I ordered the Red Russian kale salad and the Vegan "charcuterie" Artisanal Plate and my kids loved their pizzas and desserts. Other vegan options include the Grilled Crookneck Squash, Eggplant Pizza, and more. Reservations are highly recommended as this place fills up quickly. It's warm, inviting, comfortable, and there are options for indoor or outdoor dining. Several of the vegetarian sauces contain nuts so alert your server if you have a nut allergy in your party and they will make sure to prepare your food, nut-free. This is a great place for a date or for a special group celebration.
Small plates range from $9 - $13, larger plates are $13 - $19
Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly

What kind of restaurant is this anyway?

Many friendships and families are blended with both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
In order to make the most of your dining experience we tell you which restaurant is:

Vegan (no meat or dairy)
Vegetarian (no meat but does include some dairy, vegan friendly)
Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly (serves meat but also has good options for vegans and vegetarians).

Monday, July 19, 2010

Native Foods Cafe ~ Los Angeles, CA

Brontosaurus Burger. Mad Cowboy. Greek Gyro. Don't let these names fool you, they are all selections from the wholesome vegan food cafe, Native Foods in Southern California. One of my all time favorites was the Veggie Mita Vita Burger paired with Sweet Potato Fries. Talk about good! This place is known for serving some of Southern California's most famous and discriminating vegetarians. There are a variety of "Hand Holds" including Tijuana Tacos and A Portobello and Sausage Burger. Casual, hearty, fast food. Great for families and folks on a budget.
Small plates are $3 - $8 while larger plates are $7 - $10.
Vegan