Earth Day eats

Forget what you think you know about vegetarian restaurants, "That the fare is composed entirely of bland tofu cubes in various slimy sizes." The cooks at the Watercourse have a magic touch, not only with their decidedly un-slimy tofu, but with everything else they put in a pan. They haven’t yet found a standard (read: with meat) breakfast dish that they haven’t recreated as a vegetarian wonder. The hash and eggs are especially yummy, and their biscuits and gravy plate is a little work of art. Set aside your carnivorous ways for a while and enjoy.

“Tofurky”, soy cheese, mystery-meat(less) veggie burgers: no matter how much you love animals – that stuff is gross. At Masalaa, the vegetarian cuisine is crafted the old fashioned way; by maximizing the flavor of real foods - fresh vegetables, authentic spices and fresh baked Indian flat breads - to re-create the exotic cuisine of Southern India. And just because you’re eating vegetarian, that doesn’t mean you have to be healthy about it. The samosas, teeming with mashers, are deep fried to a golden crisp, just like the delicious spinach pakoda. But no matter how diet-conscious you are, the fresh mango and watermelon juices beat out plain ol’ diet soda anyday.

Located in the little red building on 13th and Marion, the Gypsy House brings all the peace and relaxation of a more eastern world right into the heart of Denver. With all the coffeehouse amenities of beans and sandwiches, caffeine enthusiasts can feel right at home in this cozy coffee and tea nook on the corner. Vegetarian options are abound too, alluding further to the Eastern feel (Hindus are not fond of meat). With frequent live performances by an eclectic array of artists, one can only wonder what would keep them away from the kind of enlightening environment that only the Gypsy House can offer.

Govinda’s is most likely not anything like any dining experience you have had before. Located in a Hare Krishna temple, Govinda’s Buffet offers a variety of vegetarian dishes that gives one a sense of well being. While there is never a bill for the food service there is a suggested donation for the meal – a reasonable seven or eight dollars. The temple, buffet and gift shop is open Monday-Saturday and a variety of spiritual guidance programs are offered to the public. The Karishnas believe that anyone can benefit from their way of life and invite everyone into their experience.

Most restaurants have vegetarian options, but how many choices do vegetarians and vegans have when it comes to whole restaurants? Watercourse Foods has been that bright shining beacon for over 10 years, but it hasn’t stopped there. City, O’ City tailors to just about everybody. The café provides you a welcoming place to hangout, and at mealtime it’s a great stop to grab a bite. Boasting a ‘gluten-free’, vegan bakery next door it’s a sure vegan crowd pleaser. And for those times when espresso and loose leaf tea can’t quite cut it, you can drop in for something a little more fortifying from their full bar.