FEATURE

VeggieDelights 33 Plant-Based BY EMILY PETER-COREY, TARA MENDANHA, & MEGAN WISKUS Plates

Veggie

Whether you’re a full-time vegetarian, part-time pescatarian, or kicking off a #MeatlessMonday tradition, we encourage you to try the following plant-based plates. From burgers to bibimbap, and sushi to sandwiches, there’s a delicious veggie delight waiting to be discovered.

Harvest Bowl ($9) offers wholesome nourishment in the form of sweet potatoes, brown rice, black beans, baby kale, avocado, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and nutritional yeast. Topped with a balsamic Dijon dressing, it makes for a great post-workout meal. 2770 East Bidwell Street, Suite 500, Folsom, 916-990-5367, vibehealthbar.com

Aside from important contributions to society, the Greeks also invented mouthwatering food—touted as some of the healthiest in the world. Petra Greek offers you a taste with their Spanakopita Plate ($15.50)—a spinach and feta cheese pie as old as time. Try the plated version with rice pilaf or French fries, Greek salad, tzatziki sauce, and pita bread. 230 Palladio Parkway, Suite 1213, Folsom, 916-693-6397, petragreek.com

Eggplant is often a vegetarian’s preference and with good reason. This spongy vegetable takes on any flavor and is especially delicious in the Eggplant Delight ($14.95) at Thai Paradise. Sautéed with garlic, jalapeños, red bell peppers, onions, and Thai basil, it’s a flavor-filled fan favorite. 2770 East Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916-9848988, thaiparadisefolsom.com; 4361 Town Center Boulevard, Suite 110, El Dorado Hills, 916-939-0389, thaiparadiseedh.com

We know you love those Nutelladrenched crêpes, but have you tried the Veggie Crisp Crêpe ($7.25)

at T-Crepes? It’s almost as good! (Almost.) This bouquet of veggies comes with spring salad mix, bell peppers, tomatoes, corn, onions, mixed cheese, and your choice of sauce (mayo, spicy mayo, sesame dressing, teriyaki, or cream cheese). It’s a fun and filling on-the-go snack morning, noon, or night. 1870 Prairie City Road, Suite 300, Folsom, 916-5972787, facebook.com/tcrepes Don’t count out beef-free burgers just yet! The Heyday Seed Burger ($15) at Heyday Café boasts a house-made seed patty topped with melted provolone, cucumbers, red onions, and micro basil on a buttery brioche bun, but the best part may be the “special” sauce: whole-grain mustard aioli with a hint of honey that’s creamy, sweet, and perfectly tangy. 325 Main Street, Placerville, 530-626-9700, heydaycafe.com

Tofu’s a go-to when it comes to keeping it vegetarian, especially when stir-fried in a satisfying sauce. Sunny Garden Restaurant serves Sweet & Sour Tofu with Veggies ($9.50)

that include peppers, onions, carrots, and a bit of pineapple for that tart sweetness. Sticky, tangy, yummy—it’s all that and more. 25085 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 150, Folsom, 916-983-8882, folsomsunnygarden.com

The Veggie Sandwich ($11) from The Farm Table may be meatless, but marinated vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini) that are grilled to perfection, crisp salad greens, and plenty of fresh mozzarella more than makes up for it. Loaded onto freshbaked ciabatta that’s slathered with a rich, roasty Romesco sauce, we crown this dish the new Earl of Sandwich. 311 Main Street, Placerville, 530-295-8140, ourfarmtable.com

Can we offer a pizza advice? Meatless pizzas are just as delicious—especially the Fireside Pizza ($13+) from Wally’s Pizza

Bar. The marinara-based pie is topped with roasted garlic and onions, tomatoes, peppers, and goat cheese, with a generous sprinkle of the restaurant’s house-made fourcheese blend and fresh basil. 4079 Cameron Park Lane, Cameron Park, 530-677-5205, wallyspizzabar.com

Akin to a deconstructed burger, the Beyond Bowl ($16) at Bricks

Eats & Drinks is beyond good— and good for you. Featuring a Beyond Burger atop healthy portions of rice, sprouts, kale, red cabbage, red peppers, and avocado, with olive oil, sesame seeds, and vegan chipotle aioli, it pairs perfectly with one of Bricks’ myriad craft beer selections. 482 Main Street, Placerville, 530-3033480, bricksonmainstreet.com If you’ve bean craving Mexican food, there’s no better spot than Cascada in Placerville. We recommend the Enchilada Potocinas ($9.95): crisp corn tortillas filled with red chile sauce and Mexican cheese are topped with a savory black bean sauce, served alongside cilantro rice and black beans. Consider your craving crushed. 384 Main Street, Placerville, 530-344-7757, cascadainplacerville.com

The Independent sources fresh produce from local farms—making it a must-try for vegetarians and vegetable-lovers alike. Their Pappardelle Pesto Pasta ($25)

is packed with crimini mushrooms, roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini tossed in house-made pesto sauce. Generously topped with roasted garlic, Parmesan, and fresh basil, we dare you not to devour it. 629 Main Street, Placerville, 530-344-7645, independentplacerville.com

Think outside the (takeout) box with the Bibimbap ($12.95.) at Kobe Sushi & Fusion. The traditional Korean rice bowl includes warm white rice with a colorful array of seasonal vegetables and a fried egg. Intended to be mixed just before eating, you’ll surely demolish this dish—but not before admiring its beauty. 3300 Coach Lane, Cameron Park, 530-672-9210, kobecameronpark.com

Vegetarian favorite, the eggplant, makes a great meat substitute, especially when it’s breaded and layered with mozzarella, basil, and marinara sauce. That’s exactly what you’ll find in the Eggplant Parmigiana ($15.95) at Papa Gianni’s. But if that doesn’t satiate you, the entrée is also served with a side of penne marinara and addictingly delicious garlic bread. 3450 Palmer Drive, Suite 1, Cameron Park, 530-672-2333, papagiannis.net What’s better than a veggie burger? The Moroccan Vegan Veggie Burger ($13.50)

from Relish Burger Bar! Made in-house and topped with zucchini, roasted red peppers, lettuce, and Moroccan spices on a vegan pretzel bun—with your choice of fries or a salad—this helping of health is filling and fulfilling. 1000 White Rock Road, El Dorado Hills, 916-933-3111, relishburgerbar.com

KNOW YOUR NOURISHMENT

Diets abound these days, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Pick your preference and proceed at your own speed.

Vegetarian: One whose diet includes, among other things, plants, grains, nuts, eggs, and dairy products but not meat or other foods created from the body of an animal.

Vegan: One whose diet does not include meat, or any other products derived from animals.

Pescatarian: One who

follows a vegetarian diet with the addition of fish and seafood.

The Vegetarian Portobello Mushroom Sandwich ($14)

at Sienna is the perfect beef patty substitute, thanks to its meaty taste and texture. Topped with melted mozzarella, roasted red peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, crispy onion strings, and garlic aioli…even carnivores go crazy for this creation. 3909 Park Drive, El Dorado Hills, 916-941-9694; 1480 Eureka Road, Roseville, 916-771-4700, siennarestaurants.com

Flexitarian: Also called semivegetarian, one whose diet occasionally includes meat.

Veggie

FAVORITE FARMS

Buying locally grown food has an abundance of advantages, including reducing environmental impact, creating economic opportunities, and providing health benefits. Plus, it typically tastes better and lasts longer! Here are some of our favorite local farms.

24 Carrot Farm

Online ordering, farm stand, u-pick. 2731 Jacquier Road, Placerville, 530-391-8582, 24carrotfarms.com, @24carrotfarm

Flying V Farm

Produce sold at Placerville Foods Co-Op and the Main Street Farmers’ Market in Placerville; DIY wreath workshops in October. 1901 Carson Road, Placerville, 530497-0774, flyingvfarmca.com, @flyingvfarmers

Hillview Farms

Online farm stand and weekly farm boxes; produce also sold at the Old Town Auburn Farmers’ Market and PlacerGROWN Farmers’ Market at the Fountains. 6125 Mount Pleasant Road, Lincoln, 530-830-2147, hillviewfarmsauburn.com, @hillviewfarms

Goat Mountain Farms

Weekly and biweekly harvest boxes, plus hops and honey. Mosquito, 3goatsfarm.com, @3goatsfarm Take a walk on the vegetarian side with The Wok ($14.75) at Fat’s Asia Bistro—a nutrient- and flavor-packed stir-fry that’s studded with zucchini, broccoli, green beans, bok choy, and tofu in a savory, umami-flavored black bean sauce. All those veggies will have you hankering for some fruit, so be sure to save some space for a slice of their beloved banana cream pie. 2585 Iron Point Road, Folsom, 916-983-1133; 1500 Eureka Road, Roseville, 916-787-3287, fatsasiabistro.com You don’t have to travel far for authentic Afghan food—it’s right here in El Dorado Hills at Bamiyan Afghan Cuisine. Their traditional Kabeli Palow Dinner ($18.95)

features cardamom-seasoned rice perfectly balanced with slivered almonds, raisins, and carrots, and is served with both eggplant and pumpkin purée (when ordered “vegan style”). 1121 White Rock Road, El Dorado Hills, 916-941-8787, afghancuisine.com

Don’t waffle on Falafel ($9)—the deep-fried chickpea patty packs a serious punch with a delightful crunch and plenty of nutrition. Farmer’s Delicatessan and Bakery makes

theirs in-house with cumin, coriander, parsley, onion, garlic, and sea salt and serves it with house-made tahini sauce (ground sesame seeds, garlic, and fresh lemon juice) on fresh-made flatbread. 3952 Cambridge Road, Cameron Park, 530-672-6800, farmersdeli.net

Pepperoni pizza is so passé. Step up your pie game with the Lemon Artichoke Pizza ($19)

at High-Hand Café, featuring creamy goat cheese, marinara, shaved asparagus, and lemonmarinated artichokes. Baked in their alfresco wood-fired oven, it’s light and fresh but still filling. 3750 Taylor Road, Loomis, 916-652-2064, highhandnursery.com/taste-the-cafe Meatless subs often leave room for innovation, but Flightz surpasses the mark with the addition of pickled carrots on their Veggie Sandwich ($10).

Also served with arugula, tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, and lemonrosemary aioli, this filling meal is served with a side of their creative— and amazing—“frips” (homemade waffle chips). 3907 Park Drive, Suite 110, El Dorado Hills, 916-805-5128, flightzwinepub.com

Ordering a Chile Relleno ($17) is always a safe, and tasty, vegetarian bet, but Bennett’s Kitchen Bar Market

makes theirs extra special by taking the roasted poblano and stuffing it with artichoke hearts, mushrooms, onions, more poblanos, kale, and cream cheese. Topped with a decadent ancho sherry cream sauce that helps tame the heat, it’s hearty but still halfway (OK, maybe a quarter-way!) healthy. 1595 Eureka Road, Roseville, 916-750-5150, bennettskitchen.com

Don’t knock a meatless, gluten-free meal till you try it— especially the Ratatouille Lasagna ($17) at La Provence. Made with juicy heirloom tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and a three-cheese blend, it’s a fun, and slightly more indulgent spin, on France’s well-known veggie stew. 110 Diamond Creek Place, Roseville, 916-789-2002, laprovenceroseville.com

Creamy and comforting without weighing you down, the Seasonal Risotto ($22) at Wise Villa Winery

is made with just-picked, locally sourced veggies (like squash and tomatoes) and can be made vegan upon request. The Tuscan-style, farm-to-fork bistro boasts many more delectable dishes and award-winning wines, too, so come hungry (and thirsty)! 4200 Wise Road, Lincoln, 916-543-0323, wisevillawinery.com

If you want bold flavors in every bite, then order the Kabocha Squash & Goat Cheese

Bruschetta ($14) next time you find yourself at Platinum Wine Lounge. The hearty shareable features all our favorite fall flavors (roasted squash, shallots, walnuts, goat cheese, brown sugar, rosemary, and thyme) on a grilled baguette with arugula, olive oil, and balsamic. Come spring and summer, the seasonal dish is served with stone fruit and sage-infused ricotta cheese, ensuring year-round yumminess. 9050 Fairway Drive, Suite 105, Roseville, 916-780-9463, platinumwinelounge.com Limon É Sal has the perfect cure to your burrito woes. Super filling and super delicious, the Super Veggie Burrito ($9) is chock-full of yellow squash, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, rice, beans, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and lettuce. It’s basically the entire produce aisle—and then some—on your plate. 6693 Folsom Auburn Road, Folsom, 916-294-7084, limonesal.com

Say sayonara to marinara! The White Pizza ($19.99+) at Rosati’s Sports

Pub & Pizza is drizzled with high-quality olive oil—allowing the thick, flaky, crust and other ingredients (fresh garlic, sautéed spinach, and tomatoes) to shine. Trust us when we say this veggie-based pie will steal a pizza your heart. 5140 Foothills Boulevard, Suite 110, Roseville, 916-797-7492, myrosatisroseville.com

MEAT REPLACEMENTS

Shed a tear for the meat you’re leaving behind and welcome these nutritious replacements into your kitchen.

Tofu: Made from soybeans, tofu is versatile and can be spiced to any liking. Jackfruit: A perfect replacement for barbecue and stir-fries, jackfruit is slightly sweet but neutral enough to take on all kinds of seasonings.

Portobello Mushrooms:

Portobellos are the perfect replacement for burger patties and provide a rich, earthy flavor. Eggplant: A classic alternative, eggplant has a rich, meaty taste and is flexible in the kitchen. Lentils: A great alternative to ground beef, lentils are hardy, inexpensive, and very filling. Beans and Legumes: Another

inexpensive and filling alternative with a variety of options like black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, pinto beans… all ready to be part of your new diet. Cauliflower: Slice the cauliflower into steaks and voila(!)…you have “steak” ready to be spiced and cooked as you please. Potatoes: The versatile starch you already know can be boiled, mashed, baked, or fried into almost any dish. Beets: Earthy and packed with nutrients, beets star as the main dish when roasted and seasoned. Nuts: Not just a meat replacement, but a cheese replacement as well, nuts are as hardy and “meaty” as real beef.

Veggie

If you want the whole enchilada—minus meat—then the Enchiladas Al Sarten ($20) from Mezcalito Oaxacan Cuisine are a must. With melted cheese, sautéed seasonal veggies (carrots, zucchini, squash, spinach, and mushrooms), and your choice of sauce (we recommend the 21-ingredient mole rojo), plus a side of beans and rice, it’s a fiesta for all the senses. 5065 Pacific Street, Rocklin, 916-701-4772; 187 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 160, Folsom, 916-351-0900, mezcalitocuisine.com Tasked with bringing a veggie platter to a party? Get creative and “wow” any crowd with the Veggie Platter ($85) from Mikuni. It consists of four different types of rolls and edamame. What are the fish substitutes, you ask? Think asparagus, tempura vegetables, avocado, and cucumber. You don’t have to feel left out of the sushi fun anymore. 185 Placerville Road, Suite 100, Folsom, 916-934-5250; 1565 Eureka Road, Suite 1A, Roseville, 916-797-2112; 1017 Galleria Boulevard, Suite 160, Roseville, 916-780-2119, mikunisushi.com

Don’t worry: The “shrimp” in the Maple Walnut Shrimp ($10.99) at

Vegan Plate is actually comprised of potato starch, soy protein, and konjac. Bathed in a sticky-sweet maple sauce and topped with crunchy walnuts and green onions, it tastes surprisingly close to—and dare we say better than—the real deal. 1821 Douglas Boulevard, Suite C-5, Roseville, 916-953-7033, veganplateroseville.com

Taste the rainbow with the Garden Veggie Wrap ($9.99) from Zest Vegan Kitchen, featuring fresh organic greens, crunchy cucumbers, carrots, peppers, red onions, and house-made sauce (we recommend “cheesy” chipotle) wrapped in either gluten-free rice paper or a spinach tortilla. Add avocado—and your closest crew—and you have the recipe for a perfect plant-based picnic. 2620 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 1, Rocklin, 916-824-1688, zestvegankitchen.com Take your taste buds on the ultimate adventure with The Rainbow Sandwich

($10.75) from Selland’s Market-Café, featuring creamy avocado, tomatoes, cabbage, carrots, cilantro, bell peppers, red onions, kalamata olives, a sprinkle of pumpkin and sunflower seeds, refreshing lemon vinaigrette, and vegan “mayo” on molasses whole wheat bread. Vegan and very good—it ticks all the plantbased boxes and makes the typical turkey sub seem blah. 4370 Town Center Boulevard, El Dorado Hills, 916932-5025, sellands.com

A South Indian and Sri Lankan staple, Idiyappam ($8.99)—also known as string hoppers—consists of an intricately woven disc of rice noodles. Annachikadai in Folsom serves theirs with vegetable kurma, a decadent stew made from ground coconut and cashew nuts. Tear off the delicate noodles and dunk them in the creamy, vegetable-laden dish for a satisfying meal. 1167 Riley Street, Folsom, 916-365-7999, annachikadaifolsom.com The Nachos ($10.99) from Brick House Café in Folsom are quickly becoming famous. The organic, plant-based café builds layer upon layer of organic tortilla chips, house taco “meat,” lettuce, pico de gallo, black beans, avocado, nacho “cheeze,” and maple sauce, resulting in a burst of flavors and textures. 604 Sutter Street, Suite 190, Folsom, 916-597-2924, brickhousecafe. business.site