Oh, I've been there. Hell yes! We ended up at Tien Ren. The people there know me and what I like I go so often, so it worked out well.
Tien Ren is freaking great. Ran into Jim Boylen there once too. Glad to hear you're patronizing Naturally Yours too. You go there enough and the whole staff treats you like family. Really cool people.
Man, I've been going to Tien Ren for years and it is by far my favorite Asian food - vegetarian or otherwise. And Naturally Yours just rocks, but you have to be ready to get your spice on, because they aren't shy with the hot sauce and spices.
I do hope someone has directed you to the masterpieces of Smoove B in The Onion archives. All your dating questions answered.
Yeah. Those are two of my favorite restaurants in Houston, though I'm bummed Tien Ren took the soy nuggets off the lunch buffet. The vegetarian Thai Spice (in front of the new Hobbit Hole) was tops before it closed. Moveable Feast used to have some great stuff too. Especially the wheatroast fajitas. If you haven't yet, check out Van Loc. Get a 174 (I think that's the right number -- tofu, vegetables and vermicelli), add broccoli and replace the fish sauce with their homemade soy (with jalapenos). It's tofu, every vegetable you'd want, vermicelli, fried onions, chopped peanuts and sliced cucumber and lettuce. All for about $5. But stick to Van Loc. No matter what they tell you across the street at Mai's, they're using fish sauce. Also Mo Mong's tofu luc lac and tofu and vegetables are really good. If you're ever in Pittsburgh, I'll take you to three vegetarian restaurants that will blow you away: Maggie's (everything grown on a farm - Maggie's Farm - an hour out of town, upscale, gourmet style, incredible dishes), Hunan Kitchen (formerly Zen Garden, best fake chicken in the world, this place would make you forget Tien Ren) and Quiet Storm. I'm jealous of you dating a vegetarian. My last ten (or so) girlfriends have eaten meat.
I didn't even know until I talked with her earlier today. It doesn't really matter to me if someone is or not, but it was a happy coincidence. I have not tried it, but I understand Quan Yin is outstanding - vegetarian Chinese way out on the west side of town.
I'm surprised this didn't get more props. Along with the line from the first thread where it came up, this was a brilliant recall.
Yeah it doesn't really matter to me either, but it's a nice thing to have in common. I don't really care if my girlfriend's into basketball either, but it's a swell surprise when one is. I'll check out Quan Yin next time I'm around. Thanks for the tip.
