Miami - July 10, 2007

Tofu, or Not to Tofu

Tasty Veggie Options at Nonveggie Restaurants

You love eating with your posse. But, as the lone vegetarian, you’re tired of ordering side dishes. You’ll enjoy these nonveggie restos as much as your carnivorous cohorts will.

On the beach, convene at The Cafe at Books & Books (933 Lincoln Road; 305-695-8898) for yucca and leek hash browns and tomato-cucumber gazpacho. Or head to Bayside Grill at The Standard (40 Island Avenue; 305-673-1717). Munch waterfront on the fritto misto — chickpea fries and crispy baby artichokes — or a selection from the greens and grains section (quinoa and dried fruit, yum).

On the mainland, The Lost and Found Saloon (185 Northwest 36th Street; 305-576-1008) offers meatless dishes like the posse club burrito with tofu and spinach and the pinon-and-pepita-crusted tofu. Up a couple of miles is Canela Cafe (5132 Biscayne Boulevard; 305-756-3930), where you can sample tapas like the tostones rellenos (crispy plantain cups filled with asparagus, sofrito, and goat cheese) while waiting for veggie paella.

Soon your friends will be nibbling off your plate.

Isn’t the wheatgrass always greener?