Restaurant Blog - Chowbaby.com

by;Nicolas Gill

Whole World Vegetarian Restaurant
3269 N. High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43202
(614) 268-5751

Whole World has been a staple for Clintonville and area vegetarians for more than a decade. It was the first restaurant to really go solely vegetarian in the area and has many loyal customers. The food isn’t exotic or even original, but hearty and made with love. Vegetarian soups, Veggie burgers, Whole wheat pizzas made with sugarless dough, hummus, sandwiches, salads, pancakes, stir frys, and a number of desserts. They have a Sunday brunch as well with scrambled tofu and Veggie hash. They use local, organic produce whenever possible.

by Steve Goodman

Tropical Chinese
7991 Bird Road
Miami, 33155
(305) 262-7576
Don’t let the location in an unassuming strip mall fool you, Tropical Chinese is probably one of the best Chinese Restaurants in South Florida. It may be a little off the beaten path in West Dade County, however if you are really interested in excellent food it is worth the trip and the slightly higher prices then you expect to pay in most neighborhood Chinese Restaurants. At Tropical you will find the typical Chinese fare, all with a little extra “Miami Spice” of course –but they are particularly known for their unique Clay Pot Specials, the aroma of which wafts enticingly through the air long before you pull up to the place. One of the best? Garlic Spinach and Prawns, a delectable mix of fresh garlic cloves, shrimp, and garden fresh spinach bubbled to perfection.

by Eleonora Boreyko

BABALU
1002 Montana Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403
310-395-2500
No need take a vacation to the Caribbean to discover exotic inventive dishes. Just stop at the hip Babalu in Santa Monica and indulge in the unique array of Polynesian Island gastronomy. Even in the wintertime, the Caribbean “pungent hot wind” blows at you, tantalizing your palate. The distinctive menu offer specialties like sesame crusted on wheat bread, napa cabbage, diakon sprouts and ginger wasabi, served with tempura vegetables. The best choices for vegetarians include large variety of appetizing wraps. Imbibe their refreshing ginger brew or have a good long drink of chilled strawberry lemonade. Despite sometimes-slow service, this eatery maintains its excellent reputation as well as reasonable prices.

by Erin Auerbach

BACIO - Vegetarian/Vegan/Organic
1020 E. Desert Inn Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 699-9980
An organic Italian restaurant, Bacio has an extensive vegetarian menu, which includes meatless salads, whole grain breads and pasta with vegetables. Their specialty item for the conscientious vegetarian is their eggplant, which is at once rich and succulent. The atmosphere is casual and friendly. It’s a real mom and pop shop dining experience. Vegan dishes are limited to salads and steamed veggies.

Price range average: $8-$15 per person

by Katharine Branham

CHRISTIE’S SEAFOOD & STEAKS
6029 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77057
(713) 978-6563
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11-10pm Mon-Fri (lunch) 11-3pm Fri-Sat 11-10:30pm

Established in 1917, family-owned and operated Christie’s is the oldest restaurant in Houston. The restaurant has been awarded five blue ribbons for the remarkable cleanliness of the kitchen. Being family owned still today has ensured that the quality that once went into a dream continues to live on. Christie’s offers many dishes, the most popular of which is the fried shrimp served with onion rings, baked potato and a salad. The onion rings are oh-so-good. They have a tasty kid’s menu that is sure to please the little ones. Christie’s is sure to make you feel like family. The staff here loves what they do and it shows. Call ahead to reserve a banquet room for large parties.

Estimated dinner cost per person = $15

by Lottie Tagupa

TODAI
1910 Ala Moana Blvd.
Honolulu , HI 96815

This wildly popular restaurant first appeared on the Honolulu dining scene in 2001 and word of mouth momentum has pushed this eatery to be one of the most popular sushi places on the island. Busy and lively this restaurant is large by Waikiki standards and features a wonderful variety of sushi. The selection seems endless and everything is always fresh, colorful and flavorful. Also exciting is the huge variety of buffet selections at adjacent counters that include fresh fish, tempura and a very smart dessert bar of crepes, cheesecakes and more. No reservations are accepted here so arrive early for dinner and be prepared to wait for a table especially on holidays and weekends.

by Geoff Elterich

The Alchemy Juice Bar Cafe
he 203 New Britain Ave
Hartford, CT 95195
860-246-5700

Along with all-organic, vegetarian and vegan-friendly breakfast, lunch and dinner cuisine, at the Alchemy Juice Bar Café you will find an organic oxygen bar. For those unfamiliar with oxygen bars, it’s as simple as it sounds: customers spend 1-20 minutes breathing in pure oxygen. As far as the food goes, the quaint eatery maintains a 99% margin of organic over conventional products. Organic means no pesticides, hormones, steroids, antibiotics or genetically altered foods. It truly makes a difference: the food is remarkable. Try a freshly-squeezed, organic juice or smoothie while you enjoy a vast selection of wraps, sandwiches, soups, and salads. The Himalayan Goji Juice and the organic wheatgrass are popular drinks that will make you see the beauty of organic. Save room for some of their delicious desserts, as well: organic vegan chocolates, organic dairy and vegan ice creams. Fresh, local produce is delivered weekly and baked goods are made fresh daily on the premises. Whether you stop in for an organic smoothie, a delicious wrap, or just a breath of fresh air, The Alchemy is truly a unique experience.

by Barbara Kasser

ROADHOUSE GRILL
3300 East Commercial Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
(954) 772-3700
Now although I rarely lean towards the chains, this is a chain restaurant that is very “individual.” Although there are nine locations in South Florida my favorite Roadhouse Grill is the one on the beautiful Intra-coastal waterway in Fort Lauderdale. This was the former site of an old landmark called Stan’s. Now in the Stan’s days and to some of it’s culinary companions to the North and south along this waterway they would not be listed in a “best buy” article. However, here you have some of the most succulent and reasonable cuts of beef and barbecued ribs with the same view as it’s higher priced competitors. From the outside you wouldn’t believe that this place sports a true “down home” peanut shells on the floor ambiance. By boat or by car for one of the best steaks, salads, chicken, sandwiches, an outrageous baked sweet potato smothered in butter, brown sugar and cinnamon and those incredible yeast rolls, you can’t beat the Roadhouse Grill. It’s truly west meets east here and it’s delicious!

by Christine Wolfe

DESERT GREENS CAFÉ
inside Gentle Strength Coop and Deli - Vegetarian & Vegan
234 W. University Dr. o Tempe
(480) 968-4831
In Tempe, just down the street from Mill Avenue and its trendy, chain restaurants is Gentle Strength, where nothing is fake and everything is fresh. There are no processed foods, no unpronounceable entrees and no pretentious waiters with towels on their arms. What you’ll find are daily specials such as vegetarian albondigas soup, chili, meatless meatloaf, wok wonder (featuring stir-fried soba noodles and veggies), and baked goods. Everything here is fresh, organic, and homemade, from the pancakes and cinnamon rolls in the morning to the tofu enchiladas in the evening. The Coop is also a grocery store, if you feel like making your own feast at home.