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Govinda's 711 E. Blacklidge Drive READERS' PICK: Govinda's READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: Although this centrally located restaurant (2616 N. Campbell Ave.) isn't exclusively vegetarian, the Blue Willow's extensive selection of meatless entrees and side dishes will definitely satisfy the varied tastes of a roomful of even the most discriminating vegans. Brunch is big-business at the Blue Willow, we think as much for the lush, patron-friendly, shaded brick and redwood patio as for the menu specialties. The Tofu Scramble sautéed with spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, scallions and sesame seeds, and served with your choice of brunchy sides, is one favorite. Evening dining on the patio is a refreshing combination of the casual and comfortable, and can be had, with drinks, for under $25. We recommend an intimate dinner for two at the table beside the fountain, under the huge elephant-ear palm tree. A REAL SCREAM: Serving a menu of mostly organic, vegan food based on macrobiotic cooking, the Tao of Natural Foods Cafe, 256 E. Congress St., prepares its cuisine with an extra special ingredient--a Buddhist chant to embody the food with a healthy spirit of well-being. All selections are prepared fresh daily by the restaurant's originator, Tom Cox, a Buddhist who's been cooking macrobiotic/vegan for the past eight years. (His trademark Nori Rolls have been a mainstay in local health-food stores for the past three years.) Restaurant staples include the Tao Calzone, made from whole wheat pastry flour, stuffed with vegetables and rice, and finished with a tofu-tomato sauce. The organic-bean Tao Burger is topped with a mushroom-garlic sauté, and served on an onion roll from local Small Planet Bakery. A variety of flavorful salads with exotic greens are served with bread and carrot butter. Future plans include the addition of organic coffee and wines, and locally brewed beer. Cox and new partner Patrick McNeal, both members of the Peyote Way Church of God, are committed to serving healthy food in a holistically healthy environment. In the upper section of the restaurant, there's a "community table" where solo diners and sociable types can gather for a spontaneously communal dining experience.
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