Dalat - Vietnamese/Chinese - Raleigh

We ate here tonight with some friends. The reviews out there that the restaurant is filthy and waiters are rude are untrue. I saw no ants or roaches and everyone was really helpful. Our waiter seemed a bit confused, but he promptly got the owner to be our waitress. She was very helpful in helping us choose vegan dishes. She was very friendly, upbeat and quite frankly, hilarious. She was the highlight of our evening. She also let us know that the "tofu crepes" on the menu are made with rice flour, and that the only thing eggy about them was the egg color. So they are vegan. We did not try them though.

We all shared the dalat rolls with tofu, Tofu with Lemongrass on Vermicelli, Tofu with Chili and Lemongrass, Grilled tofu with vermicelli and the famous tofu sub. I think we got the grilled tofu sub when what we should have gotten was the marinated tofu sub, but it was still very good, and had a chicken-like consistency as did the grilled tofu with vermicelli. Overall, the concensus was that the Tofu with Chili and Lemongrass was the best dish. I would definitely go back to try more entrees.

NOTE: They are closed Sundays

http://dalatrestaurant.com/

Certified Humane Eggs

For those vegetarians who eat eggs, Whole Foods carries "Certified Humane" eggs. Only "Certified Humane" eggs are truly cage free.

Humane Society has a description of what the egg carton labeling means.

http://www.hsus.org/farm/resources/pubs/animal_welfare_claims_on_egg_cartons.html

For the most cage free eggs Weaver Street Market in Carrboro carries eggs from Fickle Creek Farm. We saw these chickens on a farm tour and they are definitely allowed to dust bathe, run free and have access to shelter with nests when they want it. Weaver Street Market usually stocks these on Thursdays, and they go very fast!

http://home.mebtel.net/~ficklecreek/fcfproducts07.htm

India Mahal (Raleigh)

We tried out their lunch buffet this weekend. Not bad! It was a little disturbing to see the sign "Daily Special - Goat Meat (Every day)", but I guess that comes with the territory.

Their buffet wasn't huge, but it had some good stuff on it, and was clearly marked "Veg" on one side and "Meet" on the other. Yeah, "Meet".

The naan was a little greasier than I would have liked, but still delicious. There were probably 6 or 7 vegetarian options - the usual suspects like Saag Paneer, Curry Vegetables, and that Chickpea/tomato thing.

It's over on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh (3212 Hillsborough St)

Toreros - Cary & other locations

We haven't been too thrilled with the Mexican food in this area. So much of it seems heavy, salty, and not-so-fresh. Most of the time it is buried in so much cheese that you forget what you ordered.

Toreros isn't perfect either, but it is better than El Dorado or Tres Magueyes at least. They have a decent Mexi-Vegi selection , and their chips & salsa are pretty good. I got the Fajitas de Vegetables and really liked it. The veggies were nicely cooked and served piping hot, and there was plenty of guacamole (my favorite). The cheese, sour cream, etc. were all off to the side, so I could avoid the stuff I didn't want. It came with beans and rice, but I filled up on the fajitas and never got to them!

Toreros has locations around the triangle. We recently ate at the Cary location on Harrison. The Atlantic Ave. location in Raleigh was a good experience too. If you know of a particularly good Mexican restaurants for veg*n stuff, post a comment!

http://www.torerosmexicanfood.com/dinner_menu_mexican_food.php

Panzanella - Vegan Breakfast - Carrboro/Chapel Hill Area

Panzanella is technically an Italian restaurant, but for brunch they offer tofu scramble:

Tofu Scramble: Tofu, Sweet Onion, Roasted Tomatoes, Potatoes and Portabella Mushrooms with Gimme-Lean Breakfast Patties (V)
$8.50

I have never been there, but this is the only restaurant that I know of in the area that serves tofu scramble as a breakfast option.

They also mark their menu with a V on vegan menu items. There are 3 options on the Dinner Menu and 1 vegan salad on the Lunch Menu.

They are in the same building as the Weaver Street Market, on the back side of the building. Parking lot parking. Closed for Dinner on Mondays. Accepts reservations.

Their Website is:

http://www.panzanella.com/about.php

Moonlight Pizza - Downtown Raleigh

Offer a pizza called "Greenhouse Effect" that can be ordered with no cheese. Other vegetarian (not vegan) options on the menu as well.

Menu:

http://www.zspotlight.com/~libraries/popuppages/Cients%20K-O/ml_menu.pdf

Website:

http://www.zspotlight.com/establishment.asp?EstID=8309&EstSub=profile

Moe's - Burritos - Multiple Locations

Moes' menu allows you to substitute tofu for any meat in a burrtito. Leave off cheese and sour cream to make them vegan.

One of the best spots in the area for burritos, chips and salsa - even better than most sit-down restaurants (in my opinion).

http://www.moes.com/menu.pdf

Sage Cafe - Eclectic Menu - Chapel Hill

In the same shopping center as Margaret's Cantina. All vegetarian menu. Very small restaurant, but a cute and cozy place.

http://triangle.citysearch.com/profile/41719355

Margaret's Cantina - Southwestern - Chapel Hill

Offers tempeh and tofu in some of it's Mexican style dishes.

http://www.margaretscantina.com/

CLOSEd: Hard Times Cafe - Chili, Burgers etc. - Downtown Raleigh

Hard Times Cafe has a veggie chili with veggie "meat" in it on the menu. I like to get it over spaghetti.

They also offer a veggie burger but it is not vegan.

Their website is:

http://www.hardtimes.com/

Substituting at Restaurants - Don't be Afraid to Ask!

I've found over the years of being vegetarian that most restaurants will leave off non-vegan items such as cheese and meat etc. if you ask with no problem.

This seems like common sense, but many people feel shy about asking their server. Don't be afraid to ask, it lets the restaurant know that there is a vegetarian population out there that demands more than a menu with chicken in every salad and a piece of meat or cheese in every sandwich. Their menus might change if enough requests are made.

I've found that it makes lunch meetings/holiday events at work and dinners out with non-vegetarians less stressful. I can eat almost anywhere by doing this.

Even establishments that don't have ANYTHING vegetarian on the menu have been willing to make me something special if I ask, even if it's something as simple as a salad or a vegetarian pasta.

Places I have done this (among many) around here are:

-Stonewood Grille in Cary
-Bonefish Grill

The Loop Pizza Grill - American - Multiple Locations

Varied menu of standard American favorites. Vegetarian items on the menu, include:

Pizza, Spicy Black Bean Burger, Veggie Melt Foccacia, Portabello Mushroom Sandwich, Grilled Vegetable Sandwich and Salads.

http://www.looppizzagrill.com/menu/documents/PrintableMenuFeb2006.pdf

Thai Lanna - Thai Restaurant - Durham

Good selection of vegetarian dishes. Most entrees can be subsituted with tofu or extra vegetables.

Good menu items tried include:

Summer Rolls, Tofu Tod appetizers

Kaeng Matsaman Entree (Spicy) -
Matsaman curry cooked with coconut milk, potatoes, onions and peanuts made with extra tofu and vegetables

Pad Khing Tour (Ginger Peanut)
Special homemade ginger dressing tossed with broccoli, onions and carrots.

Pad Kra Prao Makua (Basil Eggplant)
Stir fried with eggplants, bell pepper, onions, green beans, basil leaves, in light garlic sauce.


http://www.thailannarestaurant.com/

Papa John's Pizza Chain

I'm not sure if most vegetarians know this or not, but I'll put it up just in case.

Papa John's cheese does not contain animal rennet, which is a stomach enzyme used to cultivate normal cheeses. It is not vegan, but is still a better choice than most cheeses since it does not contain animal rennet. I also believe their crust and sauce is vegan. They have a FAQ on their website that clarifies this.

So, Papa John's is a good choice if you are vegetarian, not vegan since it uses a more "humane" cheese. They will also do a vegetable pizza with no cheese, which would make the pizza vegan.

http://www.papajohns.com/menu/index.htm

Bamboo Garden - Indo Chinese Restaurant - Morrisville

Recommended by a coworker, this restaurant was a nice surprise. Many vegetarian menu items and everthing is clearly marked, spice levels can be adjusted to taste. A must try for any vegetarian in the area.

http://www.bamboo-gardens.com/

EarthFare - Grocery - Raleigh

Located in Brier Creek, this is another large grocery store with many vegan items.

This is the only place I've been able to find Nasoya refrigerated salad dressings, which flavors include Wasabi Ranch and my favorite, Blue Cheese.

http://www.nasoya.com/nasoya/dressings_index.html

http://www.earthfare.com/

Whole Foods - Grocery - Cary

Almost anyone vegetarian in Cary finds this place pretty quickly. Large selection of anything vegan.

Some surprises - Vegan chocolate chip cookies fresh baked and in the bakery case, mock "crabcakes", "chicken salad" and "BBQ chicken salad" as well as vegan quesadillas and occassionally whole vegan apple and cherry pies. Hot/Cold bar with vegan options as well as breakfast items on the weekend.

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/cary/index.html

Lotus Leaf Cafe - Vietnamese French Fusion - Cary

Separate Vegetarian menu section. Live music sometimes. Great date spot. I met my husband there on our first date!

The waitress told me that unless it says egg or dairy, the vegetarian dishes are vegan. She actually said the word 'vegan' without us bringing it up. That's always a good sign!

My favorite dish is Vegetarian Vermicelli. I also like the Vegetarian Summer Rolls appetizer. They were able to substitute the textured tofu that they use in the Vermicelli dish in the Lemograss Chicken entree. The waitress wasn't sure if they could, but she asked and they made it for us.

At the table next to us, a man asked for a soup to have the meat substituted with the textured tofu (but he said to leave the beef stock, so I'm guessing he wasn't vegetarian, but every little substitution helps make the veggie dishes popular). Knowing they can adjust the menu, I'm looking forward to experimenting with substitutions there now.

Definitely give this place a try. It's a one-of-a-kind place in Cary with genuine Vietnamese chefs.

http://www.lotusleafcafe.com/

Mellow Mushroom - Pizza/Subs - Raleigh

Nice sit down pizza place on Glenwood. Menu items offer tofu, tempeh and soy cheese on the pizza.

http://www.mellowmushroom.com/

Udipi - Indian Restaurant - Cary

All vegetarian restaurant, not everything is vegan, but there are no eggs used, only dairy.

Excellent buffet on Sunday morning/afternoon. Dishes are well marked. The waiters will know what on the menu is vegan if you ask.

http://triangle.citysearch.com/profile/35709280/

Vegan Shoes - Women's

Rack Room Shoes - Carries a few brands of shoes that are all manmade. One is Fabulaire. They make trendy, strappy cute shoes.

DSW Shoe Warehouse - Carries a pretty big selection of LifeStride shoes, the majority of which are manmade. This brand emphasizes comfort and style. Lots of good options for work shoes, sandals, loafers etc.

Burlington Coat Factory - Usually has manmade shoes if you have time to look around. I've found several pairs of shoes there that I really like.

Online sources -

Bedford Fair - Reasonably priced sandals, work shoes (I recommend anything HushPuppies that is manmade, very comfy)
http://www.bedfordfair.com/pagebuilder/Search?category=SHOES

LifeStride Shoes http://www.lifestride.com/

Zappos.com (Vegetarian Section of shoes)

Trader Joe's - Cary

Carries an assortment of veggie items. Trader Joe's Website: http://www.traderjoes.com/

Notable things to consider buying:

-Vegan Chicken Nuggets

-Amazingly fresh Bruschetta in the refrigerated section

-Very "dairy" tasting soy ice cream in Mango/Vanilla and Cherry Chocolate chip flavors by Double Rainboy Ice Cream (I wish they'd stock ALL the soy flavors, they sound great!)
http://www.doublerainbow.com/products/index.html

-Gardenburger Riblets

-Indian Veggie Burger

The people at Trader Joe's do take requests for products, so feel free to ask an employee to stock something if you don't see it.

Spotted Dog Restaurant - Carrboro

This place is great for their veggie BBQ sandwiches and "Buffalo Wings", both of which are vegan. Lots of other vegetarian/vegan options and across from the Weaver Street Market which sells many natural/veggie products.

Spotted Dog Website:
http://www.spotteddog.biz/

Weaver Street Market Website:
http://www.weaverstreetmarket.coop/article/display.php?id=495

Baba Ghannouj - Greek - Multiple Locations

Fantastic hummus wraps for under $5. Everything is very flavorful and fresh.

Website: http://www.babaghannouj.net/

Tofutti Cheese Slices

I've only found them at Harmony Farms in Raleigh. They are cheese slices like any you would find in the grocery store, except they are vegan.

Two Guys Grille - Burgers etc. - Morrisville

Two Guys Grille in Morrisville has a Black Bean Burger on the menu, which you can get as a burger or as a Philly Cheesesteak. The cheesesteak is not vegan, but comes with cheese and mayo. A great option for the vegetarian.

The manager at the Morrisville location confirmed that the Black Bean Burger they use does not contain eggs or dairy so I am assuming it is vegan, although he did not use that word.

The french fry choices are skinny fries, thick fries and sweet potato fries. I only tried the skinny ones. They were not very good, but I was just happy to have found a place to have a veggie burger option.

Their website is:

http://www.twoguysgrille.com/

But...all of our vegan items have cheese (Cafe Capistrano in Raleigh)

CitySearch had this to say about the restaurant - Know Before You Go "Vegetarians and vegans alike can request that almost any of the menu items be served to accommodate their needs". When I got there the word *vegan* was even on the menu! I was so hopeful...so excited. But when I ordered my vegan burrito (I said the word 'vegan'), I was brought a tortilla oooooozing with melted cheese. When I explained this to my waiter, he looked so confused (poor kid) and he actually said to me with a straight face - "But...all of our vegan items have cheese in them"

I nicely explained to him the difference between vegan and vegetarian and he apologized and did not charge me for my meal (he didn't give me anything else to eat either, but that was yet another miscommunication). What I learned (or knew and was reminded of again) - Always SAY "no dairy, no eggs" when ordering vegan. Don't just trust that because the word is ON the menu, that the staff has ANY idea what that word means. Our waiter even said that the General Manager HIMSELF had no idea that vegan was not just vegetarian, but he did say the chef knew what it meant. I saw my bill and the waiter had written "veg burrito" on the order, so it was not the chef's fault, since he could have taken that to mean 'vegetarian', HOWEVER, any and all staff should be made aware of what *vegan* means, if it is printed right on their menu, otherwise, what is the point? Any restaurant putting "vegan" on the menu and not educating it's staff of what that actually means, can't get a recommendation.

Oriental Garden - Chinese Restaurant - Chapel Hill

Oriental Garden is another sit down Chinese restaurant. The owner is very aware of "vegetarian" and even told me that a dish was in fact "vegan" without me asking. Big bonus points.

This restaurant has a Chinese and a Thai menu, both with a separate vegetarian section.

The wonton soup is always vegan, no matter who orders it - it just comes that way. Very exciting. They also have vegetable dumplings.

They do not have a website but CitySearch has them listed at:

http://triangle.citysearch.com/profile/6158353/chapel_hill_nc/oriental_garden.html

Mama Wok - Chinese Restaurant - Cary

UPDATE: MAMA WOK IS NOW CLOSED!

A friend of ours informed us that the owners had to sell and will now be re-opening as a
Thai/Japanese/Sushi. We will continue the search for another worthy Chinese restaurant to recommend but as we have noted previously, the choices are slim to none around here and Mama Wok was the best to date.

----------------------------------------------------------
Mama Wok is one of the few sit down Chinese restaurants in the Triangle area that is remotely reminiscent of the ones I went to in MD/DC. They have a good selection of vegetarian menu items and a "secret Chinese menu" that you have to ask for with more traditional Chinese items on it. Both menus are excellent.

"Mama" or the lady usually at the counter, knows what vegetarian really means and if you ask her what on the menu is vegetarian she can tell you. The tofu vegetable soup is not made with chicken broth as it usually is. This is one of the only places I've found that has vegetable dumplings. A must for me if I'm eating Chinese.

Favorite menu items include: Egglplant with Basil, Yellowbird, Braised Tofu

Mama Wok is located off of High House Road and Cary Parkway in the Preston area. They don't have a website but CitySearch does have them listed:

http://triangle.citysearch.com/profile/40050850/cary_nc/mama_wok.html

Z Pizza - Restaurant Pizza

Z Pizza is a pizza chain that has just opened in Cary. I was happy to find out that they have a soy cheese pizza with veggie sausage on it called the Berkley Soy Cheese Veggie.

You can find the menu and location etc. of ZPizza Cary at their website:

http://www.zpizza.com/zpizza.php?page=menu_pizza&mID=14

Tofutti Pizza

I found these while I was living in the DC area and hadn't been able to find them around Raleigh until I stumbled upon them at Harmony Farms. They resemble those rectangular pizzas you'd get in a school cafeteria.

You can find details about Tofutti Pizza and their other products on their website:

http://www.tofutti.com/frozenfoods.shtml

Not everything Tofutti makes is vegan, but many are and among my favorites are the pizza, cream cheese, sour cream subsitute and the ice creams.

Welcome

Welcome to the Raleigh Area Vegetarian and Vegan Info blog! This is a forum where we can all share information about Veg*n dining and shopping in the greater Raleigh, NC area. We'll post restaurant reviews, grocery store updates, and other related fun & useful information.