READERS' PICK: La Salsa's vegetarian offerings are few, but no one could call them scant. The veggie tacos stuff beans, lettuce, grilled onion, tomato, cheese and avocado slices neatly into a pair of fresh corn tortillas. A California burrito takes the same ingredients, ups the avocado ante, and rolls them into a flour tortilla that's muy gordo. Ditto the fajita burrito: a sizzling concoction of cheese, beans, lettuce, roasted tomato salsa, grilled onions and bell peppers. Choose from your choice of beans, pinto or black, and top the whole with the restaurants zesty range of green and red salsas from mild to hot. (Also see Best Take-Out, page 51; and Best Salsa, page 69.)
READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP -- TIE: Sundanse Café, Bakery & Juice Bar, 621 N. Fourth Ave. For a quick lunch under five bucks, you can't beat Sundanse's innovative list of appetizers: lemon and herb goat-cheese crostini; crispy spring rolls filled with stir-fried carrots, cabbage and glass noodles; and potato and curry puffs. For more hearty appetites (and a forgettable extra 50 cents), try their delicious hummus plate, falafel sandwich, chili, soups, or a comforting grilled cheese sandwich with fruit and chips. All their signature fruit shakes and vegetable juices, blended in any combination you desire, are well under the five-dollar mark as well. (See also, Best Veggie Burger, below.)
Govinda's Natural Foods Buffet, 711 E. Blacklidge Drive (See Best Vegetarian Fine Dining, page 74, and Best Vegan Selections, page 75.)
