Six Local Hot Spots for Vegan Eats - D.C.

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Six Local Hot Spots for Vegan Eats

Sunday, March 5, 2006; Page M04

 

 

Erica Meier is the executive director of Compassion Over Killing, an

animal advocacy group that promotes a meatless diet. The nonprofit

helps restaurants develop dishes and provides a list of those that

serve vegetarian and vegan eats (go to http://www.vegdc.com/ to see

the list or order the free guide). Here, Meier offers up her top

picks for veg-friendly dining, plus specific vegan dishes to try.

 

ASYLUM. This 15-year-old biker bar has an " amazing vegan menu that

includes a vegan brunch, " Meier says (weekends from 10 a.m. to 5

p.m.). She likes the French toast and pancakes ($4.75 each). Every

day, Asylum offers vegan and " veganized " versions of pub grub -- add

$1 to sub soy cheese in dishes like Chili Cheese Fries (regularly

$5.75). Open Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 a.m.; Monday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-2 a.m.;

Friday, 5 p.m.-3 a.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 a.m. 2471 18th St. NW.

202-319-9353. http://www.asylumdc.com/ .

 

GREAT SAGE. Since 2004, this upscale restaurant has been serving

American-style vegetarian and organic dishes, most of which are

either vegan or can be prepared that way. Meier recommends the

meatloaf (made with lentils and walnuts, and baked with barbecue

sauce) with mashed potatoes and onion gravy ($13.99). " You cannot go

there without getting a lava fudge cake, " she says. Top it with soy,

rice or dairy ice cream ($6.99). Open Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday,

11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Friday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. 5809

Clarksville Square Dr., Clarksville. 443-535-9400. http://www.great-

sage.com/ .

 

JAVA GREEN. This all-vegetarian eatery has a menu that's about 90

percent vegan. Meier says, " They make a Chicken Chili Wrap, which is

perfect for lunchtime " (with mock chicken, greens, veggies and chili

spices, $5.95). Another pick: Mock chicken drumsticks, complete with

bamboo " bones " (three pieces for $3.95, six for $7.75 and 10 for

$11.50). Open weekdays, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.,

with a vegan brunch Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 1020 19th St. NW. 202-

775-8899. http://www.javagreen.net/ .

 

STICKY FINGERS. Meier issues this warning to those with a sweet

tooth, vegan or not, who visit this Adams Morgan storefront: " You

can't go in there without getting something. " Meier loves the Cowvin

Cookies, oatmeal cookie sandwiches filled with " white fluff stuff " (a

vanilla " buttercream " frosting, $2.75). She also recommends

the " amazing " cinnamon buns ($3). The bakery, 100-percent vegan,

offers catering, and specialty items can be ordered. Open Sunday, 11

a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday-Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6

p.m. 1904 18th St. NW. 202-299-9700.

http://www.stickyfingersbakery.com/ .

 

SUNFLOWER. " I almost wish I could clone them, " Meier says of the

vegetarian Asian restaurant (about 80 percent of the dishes are

vegan). Her pick: " A fried 'chicken' appetizer that lasts no more

than 30 seconds after it's served. It's almost like popcorn chicken "

($5). Open daily, 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. 2531 Chain Bridge Rd., Vienna.

703-319-3888. http://www.crystalsunflower.com/ .

 

VEGETABLE GARDEN. Meier says this all-vegetarian Chinese restaurant

is a local favorite, and its extensive vegan menu offers numerous

mock-meat dishes. " They have a General Tsao's Chicken that almost

everyone I know routinely orders. It's a fabulous dish " ($12.79).

Open daily, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. 11618 Rockville Pike, Rockville. 301-

468-9301. http://www.thevegetablegarden.com/ .

 

-- Christina Talcott

 

© 2006 The Washington Post Company

 

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