GrassRoots Organics Cafe
The name gives it away: this is Portland's first (it opened in 2009) raw vegan café. Nothing on the creative menu has been heated above 115 degrees. The menu is surprisingly extensive, offering a variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, smoothies and desserts. Try the spicy tomato maki roll, made with seasoned sunflower and quinoa, or the sea veggie shitake collard rolls to start. The terra burger is made with sunflower and pumpkin seeds spiced with smoked paprika and the live taco is a spicy nut seed meat with fresh veggies and homemade salsa. Onion rings are dehydrated-not fried. There are plenty of fresh juices and health shots, like wheat grass or ginger, and nine different smoothie choices. Chocolate reigns on the dessert menu. In 2009, most dishes cost $8 or less.
GrassRoots Organics Cafe
437 Congress St.
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 541-9119
www.grofoods.com
Green Elephant Vegetarian Bistro
This warm and elegant eatery's creatively prepared vegetarian dishes draws diners from afar, and you don't have to be a veggie-eater to enjoy this place. Start with appetizers like the deep fried vegetarian spring roll stuffed with vegetables and shitake mushrooms or the crispy wonton filled with soy cheese and spinach. Entrees change frequently but may include dishes such as Chinese broccoli and crispy soy filet, or the vegetable and tofu kebob with tahini sauce. There are small plates, too, such as the king oyster mushroom tempura and the green leaves wrap with mango and herbs. In 2009, entrees cost $9 to $13.
Green Elephant Vegetarian Bistro
608 Congress St.
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 3347-3111
www.greenelephantmaine.com
Little Lad's Basket Bakery and Cafe
Locals and savvy visitors flock to this popular vegetarian eatery in downtown Portland. The vegan-vegetarian lunch buffet is famous in the area---and a bargain at $4.98 (in 2009). It includes entrees such as the Armenian lentil pilaf, burrito pie, crafty macaroni, bean stroganoff and three-cheese lasagna. There's a slew of side vegetable offerings, like buttercup squash, parsley carrots, mashed potatoes, corn and lima beans, peas, spinach, cauliflower, corn, kale, beans and more. The buffet also includes soups, fruits, breads and deserts.
Little Lad's
482 Congress St.
Portland, ME
(207) 871-1636
www.littleladsonline.com
Article Written By Pamela Wright
Pamela Wright is a freelance writer, author of more than two dozen guidebooks, and hundreds of articles. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications, including "National Geographic Traveler," "Family Circle," "Family Fun," "Backpacker," "Hemispheres," "Cooking Light," "Yankee" and more. An active member of the Society of American Travel Writers, she holds a Bachelor's from Michigan State University
