Vegetarian restaurants

Bombay Delights (Newin Centre Mall, Hurrontario & Dundas, Mississauga, 905-803-9755) is a new vegetarian South Indian food-court eatery serving dosas, chaats, uttapam, a Thali plate (full meal), idli, puris, the Bombay Veggie Burger, lassis and ice cream. Hours: Tue-Sun noon-8:30pm, Fri-Sat to 9pm. Closed Mon.

King’s Cafe‘s (192 Augusta Ave) renovation has taken longer than expected, but they should reopen very soon with a sleek new design.

Fresh (three locations in Toronto, www.freshrestaurants.ca) has added sound muting. From their December e-newletter: “...we installed sound panels at Fresh on Bloor and they have reduced the noise levels dramatically.“ Fresh has also added some ways to save money. There are now two vegan soups on the menu, plus the addition of a new cup-size. On weekdays, they have meal deals: one main and one juice are offered at half price each day, while quantities last.

Meal delivery, vegan pet food and a new group

Veggie D'Light (www.veggie-dlight.com, 647-349-8223) is a new weekly vegetarian/vegan meal delivery and catering service run by Peter and Natasha. Vegetarians for over 20 years, they had been informally catering for friends and family for years. Natasha writes: “The response was always how amazing the food was, and that we should open a business. So we started Veggie D’Light. We saw a need for a delicious, balanced, plant based diet that can be enjoyed in the company of loved ones, within the comfort of home.“ Many organic ingredients used.

Green Leaf Vegan Distribution (www.greenleafvegandist.com, 905-882-1331) sells nutritionally complete 100% vegan pet food for dogs and cats. See their website for a list of stores that carry it.

Hamilton Vegetarian Society (www.hamiltonveg.ca) is a new group in Hamilton. They network with the community and promote local sustainable food choice. Their website includes: events, local veggie restaurants and food stores, recipes, articles and much more.

Options at non-vegetarian restaurants

Basil Thai, Bloom Cafe, Clintons, Na Deul Mok, Kelseys and Ginger Taste of Health

Maunique recommends Basil Thai (2326 Danforth, near Main, 416-422-0617). She wrote us: “It's not vegetarian but is very vegan-friendly and delicious. They have a few vegan dishes and can make most of them vegan on request. They have Thai, Malaysian and Burmese dishes.“

Bloom Cafe‘s (45 Baldwin St, bloomtea.ca, 416-850-4200) specialty is conventional/rare loose leaf tea and tea lattes. Enjoy them in house (free wifi access) or take a bulk order home. Bloom also offers meals with lots of vegetarian options to choose from.

Clinton's (693 Bloor St W, e. of Christie, 416-535-9541) has added a vegan tofu scramble to their impressive vegan-friendly pub menu of veggie chili, soy drumsticks, sandwiches, fries and salads! Correction: previously it was reported that the gravy was vegan. Amanda and Tony tipped us off that there is milk powder in it.

Na Deul Mok (735 Bloor St. W., right at Christie, 416-532-1494) is a Korean restaurant recommended to us by Jean Kim. She wrote us Jan 30: “They do not use msg and the food is deliciously and neatly prepared. The owners/cooks are receptive to vegetarian needs and more than happy to make any adjustments to their menu.  They will make the tasty Korean stews with only vegetable stock if requested, and will take out meat/fish/eggs whenever requested.  It's been open since May 2008 and is a clean, cozy place.  We tried it yesterday and would go back there in a heart-beat.  Since they use pickled shrimp/fish paste for their kimchee, just let them know that that is not okay and ask for more side dishes (called ban-chan).  They have daily specials that have noodle/vegetables and tofu dishes.  You can also order bibimbap and ask them to hold meat/egg.  Order the Korean-style pancake and ask them to put extra vegetables and hold the seafood.“

Kelseys (www.kelseys.ca) is a meaty Canadian restaurant chain that apparently offers a “fantastic“ veggie burger. Carrie wrote us: “omg, Im a new vegan and had an out of body experience eating this. It took me half an hour to finish it as it was so filling and satisfying. With side order only 8 bucks!!“ The menu lists it as “Kelsey's Vegetable Burger – topped with grilled red pepper and onion, brushed with basil mayonnaise and served on a sesame bun.“ Hold the mayo for the vegan version. They also have a Roasted Vegetable Wrap that includes cheese.

Pat recommends Ginger Taste of Health restaurant (546 Church St, 252 Carlton St, and 521 Bloor, east of Bathurst). He writes: “They have lots to choose from on their menu for the vegetarian. Some dishes are vegan but are not highlighted as such.  In simple minimalist decor your Vietnamese serving is brought to your table after you order from the cashier.  Brown rice is available on request. Prices are very reasonable and service is quick.“  There was also a positive Sept 2007 review in Vitality.

Closed

Shawn reports that Le Cafe Vert (946 Queen St E, 416-778-1313) has closed. A sign on the window says: "Time to say goodbye. Cafe Vert will be temporarily closed down Jan 12 until further notice."