Choice Sidebar: Vegetarian

Seven treats with no meat.

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Published: Nov 1, 2006

Best Vegan Wedding Cake

Not only can you veganize this magnificent sweet (no eggs! no butter!), Lotus Cake Studio will adorn it with real iPods for the ultimate tower of trendy, tasty, everlasting love. OK, so the cake will disappear in an hour and the wedding might end in divorce, but that slice of guilt-free heaven is one memory that'll never go moldy. (267-736-4749, www.lotuscakestudio.com) —Kelly White

Best Place to Order More Than Just Side Dishes

Herbivores have been heading to Bella Vista to chow down on chilled avocado soup, pan-seared tofu and saffron creme brulee for good reason. Horizons is one of the only vegetarian restaurants outside of Chinatown that serves a full menu of nonmeat appetizers, entrees and desserts at reasonable prices. Plus, did we mention the wine and beer list is entirely vegan? (611 S. Seventh St., 215-923-6117, www.horizonsphiladelphia.com) —Natalie Hope McDonald

Biggest Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies to Die For

The gooey center of an undercooked chocolate chip cookie is a delightful treat, but it may wield the mighty axe of salmonella. Instead of worrying, head over to The Last Drop for its humongous vegan constructions: 60 percent gooey center, and 100 percent microbe-free. (1300 Pine St., 215-893-9262) —James Saul

Best Place for Cilantro Junkies

Wrapped in rubber bands and wax paper, the toasted torpedo roll seems so small and unimpressive. Don't be fooled. Vegetarian hoagies at Vietnamese lunch spot Café Nhu Y are bursting with tofu, mixed veggies, light sauce and seasoning. Most notable among the latter is fresh cilantro, which gives the sandwich a delicious kick and sticks with you for hours. (802 Christian St., 215-925-6544) —John Vettese

Lunch Truck Worth the Wait

There's a line at Magic Carpet Vegetarian most days. A lot of times, it stretches from the lunch truck out to the sidewalk and part of the way down Walnut Street. And yet, I'm pretty certain that the couple running the show has never had a dissatisfied customer. Their wraps — especially the peanut satay one — fill the stomach and cleanse the palate, and their meal deals mix up seitan pepper steak or falafel with rice, veggies, pita and savory sauces. Plus, they've always got a radio blasting the Stones or Dylan or some such classic-rock touchstone. (34th and Walnut sts.) —John Vettese

Most Veg-Friendly Chain Steakhouse

When a couple of vegetarians head to a steakhouse and order anything but, they might expect dirty looks. But Morton's takes care of all its patrons, with nary a raised eyebrow. It's a pricey place to gorge on grilled asparagus, broccoli in Hollandaise sauce and Grand Marnier souffle, but luxe service without scorn is rare indeed. (1411 Walnut St., 215-557-0724, www.mortons.com) —M.J. Fine

Best Way to Convert the Most Red-Toothed of Carnivores

The peaceable kingdom is upon us. The mock lion has laid down with the mock lamb. God bless Kingdom of Vegetarians — kosher, vegan and celebrating its 10th birthday with $10 all-you-can-eat dim sum. Even my sturdy Midwestern uncle, an Atkins devotee, enthused over the General Tso's "chicken" and how fresh everything was. Try the sesame balls — fried dough with red bean paste inside. They will change your life. And waistline. (129 N. 11th St., 215-413-2290) —Rachel Frankford

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