JournalNow.com: Veggin' Out

Contrary to a popular stereotype, vegetarians are not all champions of self-denial, pathetically munching a sprout on the sidelines while watching the omnivores have all the culinary fun. Instead, the vegetarians we know love good food and know where to get it. They aren't about to settle for a bland meal, either at home or at a restaurant.

More from Asheville

After Cassandra’s post about Asheville, a couple of friends and I made a day trip there to visit Rosetta’s Kitchen. And we were glad we did.

The restaurant is tiny and very casual. You place your order at the counter, and afterward you bus your own table. But it’s attractive, with a garden mural and lots of plants and windows. And the food - Well, it will take several repeat visits to do justice to the varied menu, which is all vegetarian, with many vegan choices.

I tried the Mini Favorite, a comfort-food meal of peanut-butter baked tofu, sauteed kale, and mashed potatoes and incredibly tasty gravy. “Mini” is a misnomer, however; I couldn’t finish my plate. All the portions are generous.

The Pad Thai Kitchen Style that one of my companions ordered was delicious, too – the “sweet & spicy peanut-apricot sauce” described on the menu was a perfect complement to wide noodles with vegetables, sprouts and cilantro. The third dish we tried - The Mountain – featured layers of brown rice and sauteed kale topped with crispy fried tempeh and a tahini Korean barbecue sauce.

If you’d like to find out more, visit www.rosettaskitchen.com. There are two entrances to the restaurant, from 16 N. Lexington Ave. and 111 Broadway.

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By Julie Harris on 12/05/2006 (3:04 pm)