The menu’s description of “soy bean meat with mixed fresh vegetables in special sauce” hardly captures the variety of this jam-packed dish. There was a lot going on at once, to put it mildly. It took me a moment to figure out what the stripey, half-moon-shaped blobs were meant to emulate — they’re #veganshrimp! It was my first time trying them, and while they felt a little mushy, I still thought they were very neat. The dish also featured imitation chicken and beef slices, as well as bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and zucchini. There was a bit of an aftertaste to the #mockmeat, but thanks to the generous pool of glossy brown sauce (simultaneously sweet and savory, with loads of minced garlic,) it was hardly noticeable. Although this dish wasn’t one of my all-time favorites, it was still tasty and affordable ($13.95) — like almost everything served at this restaurant.
This was my first dinnertime Veggie Garden visit (part of a belated birthday celebration.) I was already familiar with their brisk take-out business, but I was shocked and heartened to see that almost every seat in the small establishment was filled! They efficiently cleared a table for us, though, and we were able to order and eat in a timely manner.
This review is getting long, but allow me a little sentimentality. For me, “Happy Family” wasn’t just the dish — it described the whole experience. It was overwhelming, in a good way, to see my family members’ positive reactions: everyone, vegan or not, left full and content. It’s #veganisnotscary moments like this that fill me with hope for the future.
