Ben's 5 Favorite Lunch Spots

As my last entry here in my role as lead writer, I wanted to point out some of my favorite lunch spots. I lived in north Austin for the last eight years, so these are mostly centered around the 183 and Mopac intersection area.

Food Shui
This place was the first place I'd visit with each new week. The staff is very friendly, and the rice bowls never failed to please. I'd usually get either the ginger bowl or the Thai basil bowl; it would always come with a crispy veggie egg roll and brown rice, and I'd usually eat it from the seat by the window. I hope I'll find something that approaches the tastiness of this somewhere in Park Slope, but so far, no luck.

Texadelphia
I'd often get a craving for their curly fries, especially with ample salsa and mustard-blend sauce. Their veggie sandwich with guacamole was nice, but I really liked the veggie cheesesteak that they introduced this summer. I hope they'll keep it on the menu.

TacoDeli
I've written about their veggie torta before, but it still makes my mouth water, a delicious combination of black beans, grilled vegetables, and jalapeno spread. I'd spice mine up with some of their very hot salsa dona for a real treat.

Mangia Pizza
I love the deep-dish spinach pizza with wheat crust and mushrooms. Fortunately for me, it was available every day as a lunch special, served with a nice salad. It's not exactly good for you, but it really feels good as it's being eaten.

Hao Hao
Back in the mid-90s when I worked in Oak Hill, I'd make the drive once a week down William Cannon to go to this Vietnamese restaurant, usually getting the tofu vermicelli or the tofu soup. Even after moving north, I kept my dentist appointments at their south office so I'd have an excuse to go back here. In the last few years, they added more veggie items, including a wonderful tofu and asparagus dish that's enough for two people. When I come back to visit Austin, I'll definitely be stopping by.

Note: I've got my new veggie blog up and going now at Veg Out! Brooklyn. If you want to hear about great places to eat in the biggest borough of New York City, feel free to start reading that one too.