Best of Tucson 1996: Best Vegetarian Selection

Best Vegetarian Selection

Govinda's Natural Foods, Restaurant & Boutique
711 E. Blacklidge Drive

READERS' PICK: The restaurant entrance itself is testament to Govinda's singularity in the realm of vegetarian eateries in Tucson; a sign indicates many paths. Follow an arrow and arrive at the aviary--a neatly constructed row of high ceilinged cages in which peacocks and other birds reside. Or follow an arrow and arrive in a small boutique filled with jewelry, literature, clothing and countless knick-knacks. Yet another arrow indicates the garden path and fountain just a few paces away; even though hunger is growing, a walk around the pond certainly seems the only option.

Absorb the tranquil atmosphere while helping yourself to fresh salad, ingenious dressings and hearty vegetarian entrees, buffet style. There's always homemade bread prepared, fresh soups in brilliant colors, and dessert to save room for (or to force down in spite of the fact there's no room for more). People who fear that vegetarian means bland (and we know there are plenty of you misguided souls out there), we admonish you to make a trip to Govinda's.

We strongly suggest the Tuesday night self-service Indian food buffet, which includes several prepared salads and chutneys, two types of rice, daals, pouri, and various main dishes.

RUNNER-UP AND STAFF PICK: Sprouts, 621 N. Fourth Ave., was really the only game in town for the vegan set. You never found a single animal product in any of their sumptuous dishes, which meant you could spend a lot more time deciding what to eat instead of what not to eat. We admire you all for re-educating waitstaffs all over town on what it means to be a vegetarian (e.g., chicken, restaurateurs, does not grow on trees), and regret to inform that you can no longer reward yourself with a nice platter of tempeh tacos or spaghetti with wheatballs. Whatever the level of your vegetarian fanaticism (no wheat, either?), Sprouts was the one place you could count on to accommodate with ease. We heard through the grapevine they were changing ownership. Our call only established that the phone had been disconnected. Gasp! Let's hope the new guys keep up the fine work and the varied menu.