Eating Your Vegetables is Easy at Veggie Grill

By Emma Krasov, photography by Yuri Krasov

With San Jose recently making the news as the healthiest city in the United States, there is no coincidence that the first Northern California location of Veggie Grill opens right here, in the upscale shopping, dining and entertainment Santana Row center.

Veggie Grill, the unusually healthy fast food restaurant serves the ever-popular American diner staples, only 100% plant-based and free of animal fat, dairy, cholesterol, trans fats and high-fructose corn syrup.

How do they do that? Breaking the stereotype of boring vegetarian chow, Veggie Grill chefs create little masterpieces out of protein- and fiber-rich grains and legumes, brightly-colored fresh vegetables and herbs, and unusual spices that add a special touch of deliciousness to the restaurant’s salads, sandwiches, soups, and sauces. 

The feel-good culinary adventure starts with the uplifting interior design in vibrant colors of red, orange and salad-green, sustainable bamboo tables and wall panels, oversized patterned globes of light fixtures, and a busy open kitchen lead by the executive chef Miguel Gonzalez.   

The attentive staff members, clad in white Ts and orange aprons, greet visitors at the door and deliver kale and sweet potato delights maneuvering among the cozily laid out tables and booths. Families with children, groups of friends, and couples are steadily flocking in on a busy shopping weekend.    

If you are dining with your sweetheart, and even if you don’t have one, Sweetheart Fries made from sweet potatoes and complimented by chipotle ranch dressing are sure to warm your heart.

Buffalo Wings with celery sticks are as traditionally spicy and as addictive as the best of their kind, and it will take you some time to realize that they are not chicken wings but rather made of Chickin’ – a blend of soy beans, wheat, peas and other vegetable proteins. Tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce they look and taste like boneless chicken wings, and are as satisfactory.   

All Hail Kale Salad with strips of blackened Chickin’ is one of the most popular items on the menu. Thinly chopped and marinated for 24 hours, healthful kale is joined on a festive plate by red cabbage, corn salsa, agave-roasted walnuts, and ginger-papaya vinaigrette.   

Another crowd pleaser is Santa Fe Crispy Chickin’ Sandwich – a lightly-breaded fried Chickin’ “filet” topped with fresh guacamole on a toasted wheat bun with and all the trimmings – shredded lettuce, tomato, red onion, a pile of sweet potato fries, and even spicy vegan mayo for dipping. It makes a meal with a side of cauli-mashed potatoes and a glass of iced tea or lemonade.      

Veggie Grill offers a variety of gluten-free, soy-free and nut-free options, plus kids’ meals and a selection of beer and wine. Dine-in, take-out, and catering.

Veggie Grill at Santana Row is located at 3055 Olin Avenue in San Jose. Open daily Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm and on Friday and Saturday, 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. For more information, call 408-296-6473 or visit www.veggiegrill.com.