Restaurant Blog - Chowbaby.com

by Natalie Dietz & Kara Lange

PIG N CHIK
4920 Roswell Road, Fountain Oaks Shopping Center

5071 Peachtree Industrial Blvd

Skeptics may shy away from eating BBQ in a strip mall. The guys at the Pig N Chik have set out to prove them wrong. From pork to chicken to beef, all meat options are moist and smoky, with the sauce on the side for you to add. Portions of sides and entrees alike are generous. For the strong of gut, the “Redneck Nachos” are a standout menu item; a pile of crinkle-cut fries are covered in pulled pork, cheddar cheese, and BBQ sauce. They are a decadent (and affordable) heart attack in a basket.

By Jim PhillipsSAMURAI GRILL & SUSHI BAR
9500 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111
(505) 275-6601

Getting four-stars from the Albuquerque Journal was no surprise to any of the satisfied customers who frequent the Samurai Grill. A sparkling display of fresh fish at the sushi bar should allay any latent Southwestern concerns about freshness this far inland. The menu includes inside-out sushi, known as roll sushi. You can enjoy moderately priced dinners, or go exotic with some of the special fish selections. Steak, chicken and vegetarian selections are also available.

Estimated cost per person: $20-30

by Lynn Marshall

BAMBOO GARDEN
364 Roy Street
Seattle, WA (206) 282-6616
Bamboo Garden is still going strong after more than 15 years. The restaurant serves what it calls Royal Chinese cuisine, according to legend, these were dishes created for the emperor during an annual seven week period of vegetarianism. Bamboo Garden is also certified kosher, and they are happy to meet any special dietary requirements you may have.
The menu is extensive; ranging from specialties like brazed portabella mushrooms in a secret sauce, to an entire section of vegetarian ‘meat’ and ‘poultry’ choices – all made from vegetable proteins. Like the emperors of old, you won’t feel you are making any kind of sacrifice eating these dishes.
Estimated cost per person for dinner is $25

Corner Pug
1046 New Britain Ave.
West Hartford, CT
860 231 0241

The Corner Pug has the feel of a classic English pub, with dark wood, candleholders sheathed in green glass and various knickknacks perched on the wall moldings. Couples snuggle into mahogany and leather booths for romantic dates and friends meet at the bar, which offers 12 beers on tap, including a fine selection of English ales. The Corner Pug serves a late-night menu until a half-hour before closing time, which is later than most Hartford-area restaurants. Corner Pug’s menu is a cross between a pub and a steak house menu, with some comfort food thrown in—skewered shrimp, St. Louis ribs, French onion soup with gruyere, shepherd’s pie, pot pies. Simple favorites like the Mac ‘N Cheese are incredible. It is very comfortable place to eat or stop in for a drink and the bill won’t empty your wallet.

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