As a vegetarian for the last four years, I have been frustrated by trying to find good veggie eats, especially in the red-meat loving state of Texas. We live in a land where meat is ubiquitous and finding vegetarian or vegan only restaurants is next to impossible. The Evergreen has reviewed a handful of vegetarian and vegan restaurants that provide a nice, light, nutritious meal.

New Start Veggie Garden

Located off the strip of Royal Lane away from Harry Hines is a small little restaurant which has a banner hanging from it reading “New Start Veggie Garden $6.99 buffet.”

Although the restaurant is located in a rather shady place, it provides a pleasant, quiet ambiance with friendly staff. The buffet spread contains of a variety of items, from soy dishes to salads and soups.

Appetizers include finger foods such as spring rolls and vegetarian sushi. The restaurant also serves a selection of teas including delicious cinnamon tea made from dates and lime juice.

The best dish was easily the sesame “chicken” made from soy accompanied by warm brown rice. The buffet also included bibimbop, spicy barbeque “chicken.”

The three soup–pumpkin, miso, and red bean–were a bit salty. Desserts include fresh fruit and homemade raisin bread. While I was appreciative of their elaborate display, much of the food was flavorless and cold.

Overall, the restaurant is a decent place to go for a light, healthy lunch. For more information on the menu, go to www.newstartveggiegarden.com

I tasted select products from each bakery to ensure a high caliber review. I also attempted to supply our readers with a variety of choices by trying a cookie place, a cupcake place, and a cake place. Prep your sweet tooth and start your very own bakery tour with our helpful reviews.

JD’s Chippery                      

JD’s Chippery, located in University Park’s Snider Plaza, is guaranteed to make your day better.

        As you enter the shop, the smell of warm, fresh-baked cookies immediately wafts out into the cool winter air as you take in the array of sugary goodness that awaits you. The
choices range from classic semi-sweet chocolate chip cookies to ham and cheese muffins.

        In addition to baked goods, the shop offers a variety of drinks, including fresh-squeezed lemonade and limeade.

        Because Valentine’s Day is coming up, the shop is offering a special selection of cookies and packaging—including a one and a half pound, heart shaped, red icing-frosted sugar or semi-sweet chocolate chip cookie with an optional personalized message—available starting Feb. 11.

        Store hours: Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturdays 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on Sundays.