Vegetarian Restaurant Review: Soy & Sake

I have discovered my current absolute Favorite vegetarian restaurant in NY; and it is Soy & Sake.

I say “current” because A. Clearly I may find more, and there’s always a chance to steal the crown. and B. I’ve had at least 2 previous ‘favorite’ vegetarian restaurants that have since shut down [Vegetarian’s Paradise 2, you will be missed]. —UPDATE:  I was so very mistaken! Vegetarian’s Paradise 2 just happened to be closed at that time, and was replacing its awning as well. They are most certainly still open, and I’ve been back there, and I still love it! [Matt 8/2011]—

But onto the important bit- the near Perfection that is Soy & Sake.

A while back, I was in the Village area, hanging out with my lovely <a title=”Elisa, and Jhony the Guatemalan (NY’s premier Guatemalan), after having watched a show Elisa directed, we were looking for a place to eat. We were going to try the Caliente Cab Co, but it was too busy and we didn’t feel like waiting. So we continued along 7th Ave, looking for someplace else, when I happened upon Soy & Sake Vegetarian Cafe. I being a vegetarian for the last 14+ years, was of course, intrigued. We’d all passed by here before, but never happened to notice the place, or what it offered. So we decided to give it a try.

I should mention that neither Elisa nor Jhony are vegetarians, but they both have enjoyed plenty of vegetarian food, because, it’s still food just like any food, and you know, sometimes tastes good. But I digress..

I have no hesitation or qualms in saying that by the end of my 1st dining experience there, it had already shot to number 1 on my favorites list. And further trips (I’ve been about 5 times now I think), have only reinforced its position.

They have a large and varied menu, including (all vegetarian) chicken, beef, duck, seafood and other dishes. Appetizers, entrées, sandwiches, drinks, deserts, it’s wonderous I tell you, wonderous. To the particular delight of Jhony, they have a large and delicious (from what he has said and I have tasted), vegetarian Sushi section. Jhony is a big sushi fan, and loves the real thing, but it appears that he loves the vegetarian version offered here nearly as much.

If memory serves, that first time I started of with their Rock Shrimp Tempura appetizer, which is served in a martini glass (for some reason) and is ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! So, a good start. I believe I followed up that with their General Tso’s Chicken entrée, which was equally Amazing! I have since tried their Bourbon Chicken, Chicken Parmesan Hero, BBQ Steak Hero, their Peking Ribs (I think), Roast Duck w/Mushrooms and Mango Shrimp (which I ordered to go the last time, and enjoyed the next day). And I’ve tasted a few of their yummy sushi’s as well as Elisa’s favorite, their Mango Chicken (also outstanding).

Literally every single thing I have tried their, I have liked.

The worst experience I’ve had was the Soy Crab Tortilla appetizer, which I can only call the worst because it wasn’t as deliciously amazing as everything else; But it was still good.

Each time I go there, I am already excited for the next time, whenever it may be, I like it so much, I hope to eventually have tried pretty much every option on their menu.

Some particularly favorites of mine:  The Rock Shrimp Tempura, the Bourbon Chicken, The Gen Tso’s, and the BBQ Steak.

I should mention the atmosphere is nice as well, and I’ve never had any trouble with crowding there. The service is pretty nice as well, though I must admit, a couple of times we waited a little longer than we should’ve had to, to get someone’s attention, or for them to bring the check, etc. but it was well worth it.

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CONCLUSIONS:  I’m sure it quite obvious that I endorse Soy & Sake, and fully encourage anyone and everyone to give it a shot.

Food: 10/10  Sinfully decadent; At incomparable deluge of opulent taste and flavor; An unmitigated symposium of dining delight.

Atmosphere: 7/10  Not bad. Nice looking, comfortable, has a pretty fish tank.

Service:  7/10  Also pretty good. Not always great, but never bad.

Prices: 8/10  It’s not cheap, but, considering the specialty aspect, the neighborhood, and in particular, the food, it is a very good deal. And it’s also not expensive, just not cheap. It’s definitely more than worth it.

Special Notes:  If you’re in that area, I suggest stopping in Jekyll and Hyde‘s to get a cider and enjoy the atmosphere, then continue on down 7th and have a dinner at Soy & Sake. And if you’re not in that area, well, I suggest going there.

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