Best Vegetarian Selections
Sprouts
READERS' PICK: Scott Gardner, Kelly Muzel and Jennifer and Bruce Dunkel opened Sprouts last November. We're ecstatic, there's absolutely nothing else like it in Tucson. All of the food is vegan. Translation: The food contains no animal products. Organic ingredients are used whenever possible. Fresh flowers grace the white linen table clothes. You can dine on the lower level and watch the Fourth Avenue world pass by, or dine upstairs and enjoy the art on display. A complete juice and smoothies bar produces a myriad of healthy drinks. We're partial to the double shot of fresh wheat grass juice.
621 N. Fourth Ave.READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: Good Earth Restaurant & Bakery, 6366 E. Broadway.
STAFF PICK: Krishna's got his own restaurant in Tucson where you'll be charmed and soothed by peacocks, parrots and a koi pond with footbridge. The name of the place--Govinda's--is one of Krishna's aspects, literally meaning "one who guards the cow herd," and there's no meat of any kind at this vegetarian eatery. There are three places to sit: a pretty courtyard with fountain, which seems a relaxing spot even in summer heat; a small dining room with tables and chairs; and the Temple area, where you sit on mats on the floor and eat from low tables. The food at Govinda's most days is a globetrotting variety from Latin American, Mediterranean and Asian recipes. It is food very mildly spiced, according to philosophical and religious preference of the Vaisnabas, the followers of Krishna's gentle principles. But on India Night, which is every Tuesday at Govinda's, you'll be treated to the some of the more highly spiced dishes you're likely to find in India's Bengal Province. Govinda's Natural Foods Restaurant and Boutique is at 711 E. Blacklidge Drive.
