My friends Feiran and Tina and I met for lunch at the Garden Cafe- a vegetarian Chinese restaurant here in Orlando where I apparently found something very amusing.
To be perfectly blunt, the menu creeped me out. I’m used to vegetarian places with hummus, fresh veggies and tempeh… but the Garden Cafe had lamb and chicken and ribs. They insisted the dishes were all vegetarian (and mostly vegan), but I just couldn’t bring myself to eat something so similar to meat. Apparently nine years as a vegetarian has formed some sort of mental block against meat?!
The decor and name of Garden Cafe doesn’t reflect a traditional Chinese restaurant, but the menu sure did.
I ordered the Bean Curd with Vegetables. Actually, I was asking for a different (and cheaper) tofu dish, but the waitress/owner somehow ordered me this- one of the more expensive items on the menu. She actually tried to convince my friends to change their orders to more expensive dishes, too. I’ve never had a waitress argue with a guest on what they choose to order.
Regardless, the dish was amazing. The brown rice was perfectly chewy. The vegetables were big and perfectly cooked. The sauce was addicting. And the tofu- oh, the tofu! The tofu was so lightly friend and full of flavor. I ate everything. Yum.
The photo above is Tina’s entree. She had a curry dish with fake chicken. Brave girl.
My friends got a kick out of me photographing my food. Feiran even tried to be a food blogger!
I wasn’t in love with the service at Garden Cafe, but the food was amazing enough to win me over. It’s definitely as fresh and light as I get at places like Infusion Tea, but it is an amazing vegetarian/vegan treat that everyone must try! Their food wins a 20 on a scale of 1-10. I can’t wait to go back!!!
Afterwards I got some Jeremiah’s- mango and coconut. Ryan was told once that the coconut had milk in it, but every time Lindsey and I ask they insist it’s vegan. I went with the last decision 
Yum!
My New Job!
Today was my second day at my new job! I’m doing marketing, personal training and reception for a doctor’s office/physical therapy pain clinic. The people are friendly and really relaxed. I’m enjoying learning so much about physical therapy! I’m going to love it. But the best part is definitely working four 10-hour days and having a three day weekend every weekend!
Wait a second! Is that a kitty hiding in the closet!?
What’s the craziest fake meat or food you’ve ever tried?
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
I've actually checked out their menu online before and thought it was just so weird that even though it's all vegetarian/ vegan, they still call it "lamb", "chicken", "beef" — awkward.
And so cool we both will always have Fridays off! Unless I start class…or get another part time job lol. Glad it's going well!
I can't stand for waiters to change on you especially when more expensive. lol I'd be weary of fake lambs too. lmao
your new job sounds awesome! i'm jealous!
the only fake meat i've tried is that "beef" crumbles. I put it in chili and no one even noticed, not even my carnivore husband who swears he can tell when i make any healthy substitutions. bwahahaha!
What a pretty meal!
Glad you like the new job–I'd take a 3 day weekend too!
Weirdest fake meat? Maybe tofu crab cakes?
You have a gorgeous smile.
I'm in the same boat with you! There is no WAY I would've ordered something named "chicken" even if it is fake lol. Pushy waiters piss me off, making suggestions is fine, but then arguing with someone when they decide is RUDE! Hmmm I don't think there is any crazy fake meat I have tried yet, I'm a little skerred hehe. Yay for your new job!
Ashley that's an awesome schedule. Well worth the longer days I'm sure. Heck sometimes I do 10 hour days and that doesn't earn me anything extra.
- Morgan
I'm terrified of fake meats for the most part. Fake cold cuts scare me a ton! Fake lamb would have had me running!
Sounds like a great schedule, enjoy your new job!
I don't know if I could order something that is called chicken or beef! Tofu looks delish. And I would be MAD at that waitress. I have a budget refuse to go over it.
I love 4 day weekends. Glad you like your job!
Awesome about the new job, Ashley!
I don't get the whole "vegetarian meat" concept. Tried a bite once and it was disgusting. I'd rather take the straight tofu which is upfront about what it is, haha. Looks really tasty!
- Sagan
I think I would love to try that restaurant. Fake meat fascinates me. Tempeh bacon is soooo good! But I hate it when the waitress is assertive
Hey girl, I've been there a few times. My hubby actually couldn't eat the burger because it was too real!! But you're right, the menu is certainly different from most veggie restaurants. I actually prefer the Loving Hut over this place.
Eatgreengirl.blogspot.com
That place looks great.. totally a restaurant I would frequent!! Once my mother in law made quorn (those fake meat things) for my husband and I and I totally hated them. I prefer my veggie burgers to taste like veggies!
Congrats on the new job.. sounds wonderful
I'm happy you like the new job!
I think those options being labeled as animals would weird me out too! I recently tried seitan for the first time. I haven't tried much else that's too crazy!
I cannot believe the waitress was so weird. That would make me not want to go back, even though the food was so weird
oh lady, that meal looks fabulous! the best/most random fake meat I've had is at my favorite Chinese restaurant at home that makes "fake" general tso's chicken. holy cow is it good!
Thanks for the sweet comment on my blog! Congratulations on the new job!
Your lunch looks delish! Yeah the "faux" lamb would have creeped me out too. Ugh, I think that if you give up meat, you tend to not stray towards the fake ribs or T-bone! If you give up meat but still crave a big juicy steak, you probably shouldn't have given it up right?
So glad the new job is going well dear!
I have trouble eating food that too closely resembles meat too!