Critic’s Notebook: Health for the Holidays

It’s the most fattening time of the year — we all know it. For me, one way to keep indulgences in check is to embrace my vegetarian side. Mark Bittman, author of How to Cook Everything, recently told the New York Observer that he’s a “daytime vegetarian.” Good thinking, Mark! If I could give up bacon at breakfast, I might follow in his footsteps. Instead, I’m going for a two-thirds vegetarian program: two meatless meals a day. The following restaurants will definitely help me meet my goal, and they may help you discover your inner semi-vegetarian.

Mi Lah
New to Center City, this vegetarian restaurant features a full menu of mostly vegan fare for lunch and dinner. The juice bar, with refreshing concoctions like carrot-cucumber-celery packs more vitamins into your meal. Try the spicy seitan and vegetable skewers for a filling but meat-free meal.

Horizons
You can’t mention vegetarian fare in Philly without referring to Horizons. It’s been Philly’s hub of vegan haute cuisine for years. The restaurant is currently running a special five-course chef’s tasting on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights for a reasonable $45.

Latest Dish
The Latest Dish has been quietly serving some of the best vegetarian dishes in town for a decade. The Dish’s hearty seitan meatloaf with mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy is a comfort-food feast, minus the saturated fat.