So-Cal Veg Blog » Tustin

Zov’s Bistro

So-Cal Veg Blogger — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:28:19 +0000

Zov’s is a small, family-run chain local to Orange County. The original location, on 17th street in Tustin, is actually two experiences in one: an upscale dinning bistro and a casual cafe and bakery. While Zov’s does not focus on vegetarian cuisine or advertise itself as vegetarian friendly, its Mediterranean-based cuisine inherently is.

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

Thai Bamboo Bistro

So-Cal Veg Blogger — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:40:25 +0000

Thai Bamboo Cafe is a small, unassuming bistro tucked inside the retail maze of Tustin’s “District” shopping center. Veggie visitors will be surprised by the decent selection of options and the frequent use of tofu. (Truly vegan options, though, are limited.) Suggestions include the “drunken vegetable noodles” and “crazy cashew vegetables.” Both dishes are prepared with noticeably fresh and varied ingredients. Also of note are the crunchy, almost oil-less thin “vegetables spring rolls,” a great dish to share. A word of warning, though, as with most Thai cooking, the curries (even the vegetable tofu) contain fish sauce. The staff, however, is happy to answer questions about the food and its ingredients.

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

Natraj’s Tandoori

So-Cal Veg Blogger — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 05:21:29 +0000

Natraj is a great place to go for decent Indian food in a hurry. Although they do have a full menu, I’ve only ever experienced their steam table in the 2 years that I’ve been going there. Like other Indian restaurants, they offer a wide variety of vegetarian options despite not being a strictly vegetarian restaurant.

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