Top of the Hub

Location: Boston, MA

Ambience: Amazing view of Boston, but the beer selection left me parched. The restaurant is located on the top floor of the Prudential Tower (second tallest building in Boston, behind the John Hancock Tower).

Variety: There were a few vegetarian options: a tomato mozzarella flatbread, a black bean burger with homemade chips (pictured), a gnocchi salad, and a mac & cheese.

Quality: The food was decent, and reasonably priced. It was a shame that the margherita flatbread ($13) and the blackbean burger ($11) were so enveloped in cheese that I couldn't taste the other ingredients. The blackbean burger on its own was pretty tasty. They also have a separate vegetarian/vegan menu if you ask, featuring five salads and a pasta.

Bottom line: Go for the view of Boston. It's well worth it if you are only in town for a short time or have guests that want to see the city, but don't feel like walking it.

http://www.topofthehub.net/

Veggie Planet

Location: Cambridge, MA

A vegetarian pizza joint by day, live music joint by night.

Ambience: If I had to take Sufjan Stevens on a date (in Harvard Square), I think I'd go here.

Variety: The whole menu. It's for us! And they let you mix & match. Pictured below is a combination of the Mexican Black Bean and Thai Tofu Pizza. Don't judge. Sometimes you can't decide between Mexican and Thai.

Quality: The dough is organic and made by Haley House Bakery. Not sure why they import the dough, other than to support a local development initiative, but whatever. I know--people are picky about their pizza. Me? I'm equal opportunity. The crust was thin, ingredients were fresh, and each bite was packed with flavor. Bonus? Cheap date. You can easily feed two for under $15 (total).

Bottom line: We needed a post in April. I mean, go. It's exactly what we want out of a restaurant--satisfaction, value, and vegetarian. These are our people, this is our place.

http://www.veggieplanet.net/

Bohemeo's

Location: Houston, TX

Ambience: Cute cafe atmosphere. Be sure to check out their garden patio.

Variety: There are plenty of vegetarian options-from sandwiches and pizzas to tacos! However, I have been a little disappointed with their pesto; maybe I just tried it on a bad day. If there is something on the menu that isn't feasting your appetite, the friendly staff will be more than happy to accommodate any requests you have.

Quality: At Bohemeo's you get more than what you pay for...in quality/taste. And if you buy a slice of their "daily cake," then in quantity as well!

Bottom line: Bohemeo's is a hidden treasure that I can't get enough of! For UH students, it's a mere 5 minute drive from campus and offers a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of school life. With rock bottom prices, fast service, and close proximity to school, Bohemeo's is definitely a treasure worth sharing with friends!

www.bohemeos.com

Flip Burger

Location: Birmingham, Alabama

Last week I traveled down south to Birmingham, Alabama--a terrific foody city, but not necessarily known for vegetarian-friendly cuisine. Fortunately, most restaurants have added a few tasty veggie options to their menu and Richard Blais’ Flip Burger was no exception.

Ambiance: Fun. Funky. Fresh. Flip Burger gives off a futuristic 50s diner vibe. Large white booths with silver orbs hanging above line one side of the restaurant and a giant long table runs down the center. The ceiling is sky high and painted with random graffiti-esque art (is that a cannon firing into a cassette tape?) True to Blais’ Top Chef signature, an enormous liquid nitrogen tank stands behind the bar next to the milkshake station where waitresses spoon the smoking substance onto waiting shakes.

Variety: Not great at first glance, but any of the burgers are available with the “Fauxlaffel” tempura fried chickpea patty instead of the burger. I had the Southern Fried Chicken burger with chickpeas instead of chicken--delicious! The enormous sandwich came dripping in green tomato ketchup, pimento cheese, and curry pickles. As a side I ordered the vodka battered onion rings and stole some of my husband’s tempura battered sweet potato fries with chocolate salt. Yum! We also split a pistachio and white truffle milkshake with frozen whipped cream on top which was served to us still smoking from the liquid nitrogen.

Quality: Everything we ordered was great--and fun! Top Chef fans will not be disappointed in the creative menu and superb execution.

Bottom line: Flip Burger is great for a fun, casual meal. I was a bit put off by a few of the menu items (is it really necessary to have a foie gras milkshake on the menu?), but was glad that I could order almost anything on the menu vegetarian.