Love at first bite

What do Brandy, Ben Franklin and Joaquin Phoenix have in common? They are all famous vegetarians (or vegan, in Phoenix’s case) and their photos are prominently displayed at One World Vegetarian Cuisine in West Covina. While I’m not a vegetarian because of my occasional carnivorous cravings, I lean towards consuming many more fruits, nuts, legumes, grains and soy-based proteins, such as tofu. Sadly, many times when these foods are prepared in restaurants, they are either bland or over-cooked, or both. Not so at One World Vegetarian.

The menu reveals the restaurant’s commitment to redefine gourmet vegetarian cuisine.

On my first trip, I found it difficult to choose an entrée as I read through the menu. I could not contain expressing my delight at the diversity of foods and flavors with many “oohs,” “aahs” and “yums.”Want noodles or pasta? No problem. How about an Indian Curry? It’s on the menu. Just craving a sandwich or a burrito? They have those, too.

As my husband Steve and I examined the menu, we munched on complimentary roasted peanuts served on a small plate.

We started with an appetizer of summer rolls ($3.75). Julienned carrots, red pepper, jicama and lettuce, along with cilantro and tofu were wrapped in rice paper and served with peanut sauce. The taste was fresh and mild, except the tofu, which surprisingly had just a hint of smokiness. It was love at first bite.

For the entrée, I finally settled on “Passionate Tofu” ($7.50), which the menu described as mildly spicy tofu with veggie meat, peas, carrots, onions and shiitake mushrooms. It is served with brown or white rice. I had the brown rice, which was cooked to perfection, soft and flavorful and without a doubt, the best I’ve ever had. The spiciness of this dish sneaks up and complements the fresh ingredients.

Steve ordered “Spicy Cajun Surprise” ($8.25) and was just as pleased with his meal as I with mine. The spiciness in his dish kicked in as soon as the food hit the taste buds. The entrée was a mixture of spicy seitan (wheat gluten) sautéed with tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, celery and potatoes, and sprinkled with cilantro. He cleaned his plate.

When it was time to leave, we brought a few items home to sample later.

The “Philly Dream” ($5.50), a vegetarian version of a Philly steak sandwich is a French roll filled with thinly sliced veggie steak and covered with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onion, and cheese. The vegetarian version was more flavorful and certainly easier to digest than the original meat-laden sandwich I’ve eaten in the past.

As much as I enjoyed the summer rolls at the restaurant, I must say, the spring rolls ($3.50) that came home with us were even better. What could be tastier than veggie beef teriyaki, fresh mint, cucumbers, and vermicelli rolled in thin rice paper? This appetizer, also served with peanut sauce, was outstanding.

The final take-home item was a slice of vegan cheesecake ($3.95), another winner, although I found the crust a little overpowering in relationship to the delicate flavor of the filling.

One World Vegetarian goes beyond serving up satisfying meatless dishes in a friendly atmosphere with attractive surroundings. The restaurant owners and employees all embrace the vegetarian/vegan lifestyle as part of a philosophy to be as gentle on our planet as possible.

One World Vegetarian Cuisine is at 178 S. Glendora Ave., West Covina, (626) 917-2727. Visit the Website to see the complete menu.