by Shandea Williams
Daily Lobo
When trying to decide on a restaurant for my first review, I felt it had to be one that is newer, smaller and close to campus.
There are only a few places within walking distance of campus that offer tasty vegetarian and vegan meals for decent prices. Even meat lovers will enjoy the delicious and eclectic meals at the Green Light Bistro.
The Green Light Bistro is a sister restaurant of Annapurna Ayurvedic Cuisine and Chai House. It offers a variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes packed full of nutrients, spices and tastes I had never experienced before.
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When I walked through the front door, I found that it was small and cozy with only about six tables inside. I leafed through the menu and found multiple items that sounded intriguing. For the first couple of minutes, I was mesmerized by the bakery case full of cakes, cookies, muffins and scones, but then I decided I should eat a real meal before indulging in sweets.
Even though it offered countless amounts of fresh juices - fruit and vegetable - I decided I would try the fair trade coffee, Southern Sister from Nicaragua, because every cup purchased contributes money to school children. I took my coffee and decided the comfortable, sunny patio seating would be excellent, because it wasn't raining that day. The coffee was dark, bold and slightly nutty. It was the complete opposite from anything you would get at a fast-food chain.
After searching through the variety of menu items, I decided I would try the portobello mushroom sandwich with mozzarella, spinach and sun-dried tomato spread on spelt - a form of wheat - focaccia for $7.95. Not only was the sandwich large, it also came with a side salad and masala fries. After munching on a few of the masala fries with organic ketchup, I realized that vegan fries were the only way to go from now on.
The sandwich was amazingly sinful for something so healthy. Even though I was full by the second half, I managed to find room to eat all of the salad, fries and the rest of the sandwich. The nutrient-rich meal left me comfortable and full for a long time after that.
After tossing a couple bucks in the shared tip jar, I told the waitress she would be seeing me again.
Even though I am anything but a vegetarian, I always enjoy a meal that leaves me feeling healthy, refreshed and energized. If you are in need of a quaint lunch stop, give the Green a try.
Recommendations from the menu:
Portobello mushroom sandwich Spinach salad
Fair trade coffee Masala fries
Whole-grain waffles Brunch burrito
Green Light Bistro
2209 Silver Ave. S.E.
Monday through Friday
7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
