We arrived around 8pm on a Friday night and the place was essentially deserted.  Located in a strip mall off Euclid, El Misti is easy to miss as it is wedged into a small suite between a liquor store and a beauty salon.  Once inside, though, it is roomy and festive – if quite warm.  We ordered a Yuca appetizer, which was plain, but tasty.  Similar to a potato, but with a richer, almost nutty taste.  It came with Huancaina, a Peruvian sauce made up for cheese and spices.  For the main course, we had veggie tamales, soy beef stir-fry, and the tomato & onion fish fillet.  The tamales we fairly bland and should have come with some sort of salsa to spice things up but the other two entrees were quite good.  The veggie fish dish was great, and unique in comparison to other veg-fish dishes of the past.  To end, we had picarones, a squash-based pastry that lies somewhere between a donut and a pumpkin cookie.  Strange, festive and a great capper on the meal.

Overall, El Misti was a great experience.  There are, however, a few warnings for the first-time customer.  1.  It is not essential, but it certainly helps to have a spanish speaker in your party.  2.  The booths are small and somewhat hard… not well suited for the 6 foot and over crowd (grab a table instead).  3.  They serve a variety of beers, including Peruvian brews, but seemed to run out of everything quickly (we ending up drinking Coronas).  4.  It may be hard to find if you have never gone before, so do your Google-Street-View homework!

Price Range for 2: $30 to $45

3070 W Lincoln Ave, Suite D
Anaheim, CA 92801

www.elmisticuisine.com

The menu is somewhat limited, but the few vegetarian options are all pleasing. Suggestions include the tasty golden lentil soup, anchovy-free Cesaer salad and angel hair pasta. Also of note for the veggie and vegan minded is the tabouhleh, hummus, babaganooj and mezze platter appetizers. These alone, or paired with Zov’s cocktails, make for a great happy hour snack. Almost everything served at Zov’s is prepared in a fresh and health-conscious way. That, in combination with the enticing visual display, makes avoiding the bakery treats quite difficult. After a light meal, it is almost essential to try one of their many homemade desserts. Everything from cookies, cakes, tarts, brownies, pies and puddings are represented, an vary with the day and season. (We have not run across any vegan desserts here, though.)

When considering a visit to Zov’s keep in mind that, in general, prices fairly steep and portions are medium to small. The quality and experience, though, will make your visit worthwhile. And, recently Zov’s has expanded it menu to include some special, deals and happy hour offers that can really make your experience more affordable. They also offer a prix fixe menu, which at the Irvine location and in its lunchtime incarnation, has a veggie-friendly option of a starter (either the anchovy-free Caesar salad or golden lentil soup) and angel hair pasta for $12.00.

All in all, Zov’s can please a wide variety of tastes. It would be an ideal “combination” dining experience for mixed groups of vegetarian and non vegetarian, especially if you have some foodies in the mix.

Price Range for 2: $20 to $40

17440 17th St.
Tustin, CA 92780

www.zovs.com

From the vegetarian perspective, Lee’s is pretty limited. In fact, there in only one Vietnamese-style veg sandwich. This sandwich is, though, pretty damn tasty. Served on a white french baguette, it is stuffed with fried tofu, vermicelli, bean curd, yam, carrot, house pickle, jalapeno, cilantro, salt & pepper and soy sauce. And, it is $3.20. Hard to beat that price. Lee’s also has a menu of Euro Style sandwiches, which, depending on the location, will have the standard avocado veggie option and a breakfast baguette with egg and cheese. In addition to the sandwiches, Lee’s has a few other veggie treats available including Thai Tea, fresh squeezed juice, coffee and sweets.  In the category of sweets, the bite-sized, custard filled Deli Manjoo is a popular favorite.

While lacking any variety for the vegetarian, Lee’s is extremely affordable and not a bad option for a quick lunch, or a late night snack (most locations are open until 12pm).

Price Range for 2: Under $20

4127 Campus Drive @ University Center
Irvine, CA 92612

www.leesandwiches.com

We started off with the Steamed Pork Rolls which were extremely minty but not bad.  Similar to spring rolls, these cool, veggie stuffed wraps are similar to an un-fried eggroll. Immediately following the spring rolls was a sample of the “Banana Flower Tacos.”  Having never before tried a banana flower I didn’t know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised.  A small, crispy banana flower was served atop a crunchy wafer loaded with a mix of tasty vegetables.  The absolute star of the meal was the Garlic Chicken.  It’s a moderately spicy soy chicken dish topped with peppers, onions, and an amazing sauce.  At once savory and sweet, the owner of Thuyen Vien recommends this dish as one of their best.  The Special Vermicelli Stir Fry was also very good with a nice variety of fresh vegetables and a wide assortment of mock meats.

Thuyen Vien is the kind of small, hole-in-the-wall restaurant that doesn’t seem to get the attention it deserves.  The owners and staff are always friendly, attentive and you get the idea that they truly want you to come back with your friends for another meal.

Keep in mind when planning a visit to Thuyen Vien that they are closed on Tuesday.  Also, the interior of the restaurant is very small, accommodating maybe 9 tables at maximum.  If you have a large group, it is advisable that you call ahead and ensure that there is room.

Price Range for 2: $20 – $40

11080 Magnolia St.
Garden Grove, CA 92841

The atmosphere of Thai Bamboo cafe is comfortable, if fairly routine for shopping center fare.  The somewhat dimly lit interior boasts comfortable booths and tables and the small outside patio is heated during cold nights.  There is a flat screen TV inside, often tuned to sporting events, but the sound is usually off and it does not distract from meals orconversations.

Prices are reasonable, especially in light of the large portions, with the main veggie dishes averaging between 8 and 10 dollars a plate.  White rice comes with any entree, and may be upgraded to organic brown rice for 2 dollars.  Drinks are bottomless.

Of note, too, is the quick service.  Once ordered, even on the busiest nights, meals often arrive in under 10 minutes.  The waitstaff is attentive and friendly.

Thai Bamboo Cafe offers lunch specials from 11 am to 3 pm but, beware, the soup options that come with the meal are not vegetarian friendly.

Overall, Thai Bamboo Cafe is a decent option for vegetarian-minded customers.  Offering the most diverse vegetarian menu of any restaurant in The District, it is a good choice for both herbivores and omnivores alike.

Location: The District Shopping Center
2417 Park Avenue
Tustin, California 92782

www.thaibamboobistro.com

Their steam table consists of about 4 veggie options that seem to always be there as well as 2 daily specials.  The standards tend to be: Channa Masala (Chick Peas), Dal Makhani (lentils), Baingain Bharta (eggplant), and Saag Paneer (spinich & cheese).  The daily rotations include items such as: Aloo Mutter (potatoes & peas), Vegetable Korma, Eggplant Special.

For this meal I chose the Dal Makhani and the daily special of potatoes & green beans.  This was a 2 item combo that included fresh naan bread and basmati rice for $7.95.  Natraj has a good variety of drinks, both from fountain and not, including a variety of Indian beers.

Location: The Market Place Shopping Center
13246 Jamboree Road
Irvine, CA 92602

www.natrajusa.com