It sounded interesting…. an authentic kosher vegetarian restaurant in the Alamo city. I called for information and in the process learned that the rabbi had just visited that morning, so off I went. At green vegetarian cuisine (no caps), I paused and took in their perfect setting: a quiet area, a colorful century-old brick structure with a front-yard herb garden, framed original art, (real) exposed-brick walls, and outdoor dining on the popular fresh air patio.
 
I’m normally not intimidated by menus but  their brown, recycled-paper carte gave me pause. What are terms like TVP, macrobiotics and wheat-meat doing on a menu featuring sesame chicken, BBQ and kosher carne guisada? The glossary of definitions at the top of the menu let me know.

I resumed scanning the variety of enchiladas, burgers, stroganoff, wraps, and sandwiches along with the veggie plates with wild greens, nuts and fresh fruit.  I was drawn to the fresh veggie juices…various blends of ginger, carrot, kale, beet, apple, and spinach. Then the Eggs Benedict with avocado and chipotle hollandaise began tugging at me…something about that tangy hollandaise. Ultimately I caved for the Reuben…grilled vegetarian ham, home-made sauerkraut and chipotle mayo on thick Ezekiel bread.

The grilled vegetarian ham had excellent color, texture and aroma. The home-made purple cabbage kraut was crunchy but not vinegary so it didn’t clash with the thick french-toast-like Ezekiel bread crusted with nuts and grains. My quinoa ("a grain-like crop whose seeds are a complete protein and high in amino acids.  Gluten free and easy to digest") was enhanced with tiny bits of sweet onion and speckled with fresh parsley…a perfect side, light and satisfying.

I found the fresh strawberry lemonade a bit weak given its home-made pedigree but not so their large coconut chocolate-chip cookies. Mine was so good, I really meant to save half for my wife but it didn’t make the ride home. (Sorry, dear)

There’s wireless internet, they offer vegan Daiya cheddar and mozzarella cheese, and Monday is pizza night. In promotion of healthy eating they periodically sell the same select “farm-to-table” produce used here to their customers for home use. green vegetarian cuisine has been graced with numerous awards for their eco-friendly initiatives as well as the wholesomeness of their food.

green vegetarian cuisine has a Two Diamond AAA rating and is on Flores Street north of downtown at the intersection with Euclid St. You’ll walk away remembering why ‘restored’ is the root word of restaurant.