New Vegetarian Restaurant on the Peninsula

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

 

I just came across a new " vegetarian " restaurant in San Mateo. It's

called Vegetarian Gourmet Chinese Restaurant, located at 637 South

B Street. [Tel: 650.373.7878]. It's a modest establishment, and they

look like they could use some additional patronage. There was one

family eating when I went in.

 

I was lost in downtown San Mateo when I saw it, so I decided to stop

and give it a try. The menu has a lot of mock meats, so for those who

don't like that whole idea, I probably would not even try it.

 

I put " veg*n " in quotes because in my excitement to find the

restaurant, I did not clarify that the food was vegan(or even

strictly veg). I ordered the Family Style Tofu and Vegetable Chow

Mein, thinking those would be safe options, but when I got home with

my food,I kept thinking I smelled fish (sauce-?-). I don't know if I

was just paranoid because I hadn't asked, or if they have a different

definition of vegetarian than I do. I had asked the waitress if she

was a vegetarian. She said that she was not, but preferred veg food

for the health advantage. I think I was extra wary because people who

think of vegetarianism as primarily a health issue often don't see a

problem with a little thing like fish sauce. If I tell people that I

am a vegetarian, most people will ask if I eat fish.

 

Like Tammy mentioned in a recent post, I am a person who prefers to

see the word vegan on the menu so that I know that the people

preparing my food understand my concerns.

 

I hope someone else will be willing to give them a try, if only to

clarify whether or not their food is truly vegetarian. If not, those

of us on the peninsula will be stuck with the same mixed restaurants.

 

Peace, compassion, and justice,

 

Tracee