. "4"^^ . "7"^^ . "5"^^ . . "So this vegan walks into a deli....\n\nNormally this is a punch line. Vegans don't WALK into DELIS, b/c there ain't shit to eat!\n\nAs a lactose-intolerant vegetarian (me heartz eggz), most lunch places are a bust. After a grueling bike ride up and down a very windy green path, Rikki (the wise vegan who referred me to Simply Bread) recommended this cute spot. I was skeptical, but she promised vegan enchiladas, so I was game.\n\nIt is an adorable patio, a secret garden of commerce off of Mill, and the place was completely different than I thought it would be-there isn't row of cheese and meat on the shelves, but giant bowls of amazing grains and greens that rival Whole Foods in appeal. I was overwhelmed for a moment since I was told the soup was vegan as well. Well, then. I opted for the Indonesian rice with a greens salad w/sprouts and cilantro vinaigrette and lentil soup, Rikki got the same plate but a side of extremely garlic hummus w/whole wheat pita.\n\nIt was a heaping plate of food on a tray and I couldn't help but reach for the oatmeal cookie (what else are 20 mile bike rides for?), it wasn't vegan but small enough. They had blue sky and hansen soda flavors, but I was a good girl and stuck to the water bottle I had.\n\nHOLY SHIT.\n\nThis food is amazing. Seriously. I really should have only eaten half the plate, but I cleaned EVERYTHING up. I actually shut up. If you are sitting with me and I am quiet at the table, then you know I am very very happy. The rice was fluffy, flavorful, the salad incredibly fresh, the lentil great with the spices of cumin and hot sauce I added to (they have a lazy susan of spices inside!)\n\nSitting on a patio makes a huge difference, I wanted disney birds to comb my hair with seashell combs I was so blissed out. My tray was under $9 and for portions, a great deal. I was able to use the plaza toilet and the guy working was super nice, answered all my questions re: ingredients and offered more water for my bottle. \n\nOnly complaints are no vegan desserts and all the packaging like styrofoam plates, plastic utensils, paper napkins. I know this is normal deli stuff, but compost-able material would make me happier since they seem earth friendly. Maybe I will just bring my own utensils/plates\n.......god, I sound like a dirty hippy.\n\nI don't know who Lydia, the owner according to other reviewers is, but I just may make her my valentine, b/c I actually have a place to have lunch near by! \n\nThey change their menu all the time and open 11-4 M-F, fyi.\n\nEnjoy...and you better leave me some Indonesian Rice or I will spork stab you."^^ . "5"^^ . . "2010-02-05T00:00:00"^^ .