Top 10 Vegetarian Dishes in CDM

Corona del Mar could be called a meat lover's paradise, offering scrumptious steaks from , carne asada tacos from El Ranchito, and the delectable prime rib from Five Crowns. So who could possibly be a vegetarian in this town?

Although I am not a vegetarian, I recently have been altering my eating habits right here in CDM to include more things in my diet that Bugs Bunny would approve of. Less red meat and more green leaves make for a healthier lifestyle and maybe even a flatter tummy—watch those carbs,  though (I need to fit into one of those bathing suits!).

Here are my top 10 vegetarian dishes served right here in Corona del Mar. I suggest you try them this weekend. 

The Wedge Salad at Summer House Restaurant-A crispy iceberg wedge with red onions, tomatoes, blue-cheese crumbles and blue-cheese dressing.

Gnocchi x Three at -Four-cheese, pesto-and-wild- mushroom-filled gnocchi are drizzled with dollops of basil pesto and parmesan cream, decorated with roasted rosemary tomatoes. 

Grilled California Artichoke at -Simple yet delicious! A great starter before the meal, the artichoke is perfect to share or to have all to your vegetarian self. 

Vegetarian Burger at -Rose's make an exceptional veggie burger with grilled buttered buns, grilled garden party with cheddar cheese and fresh shredded lettuce. They add sweet red onions, tomatoes, pickles and sauce it up with ketchup, honey mustard and mayo.

Panang Tofu Curry at -Red curry with your choice of tofu or mixed vegetables. Mixed with coconut milk, chili, zucchini and bell peppers. Served with steamed rice. 

Vegetarian Prix-Fixe menu at -This dinner includes soup, salad, bartha (roasted eggplant with tomatoes and onions), paneer makhani (homemade cheese in tomato and butter sauce), channa masala (garbanzo in a light brown curry), naan, rice, raita, dessert, tea or coffee. 

Pad Thai Noodles with Tofu at -For a vegetarian, there are many options at Bamboo Bistro. Team this dish with some rice and steamed veggies. Start out with the delicious and spicy vegetable tom yum soup. If you're not tofu'd out, try the lemon grass t ofu salad. 

Veggie Special Sandwich at -This sandwich is not your typical boring veggie sandwich. Gary's makes a delicious combo of cucumber, avocado, lettuce, tomato, onion and sprouts. It's meaty without the meat. 

Falafel Platter at -It's hard not to find vegetarian items on the menu at Panini Cafe. There is so much to choose from, but I love the falafel platter with falafel patties made of garbanzo beans and herbs, served with hummus. The platter also comes with tatziki, pickle and pita bread. Add a Caesar, Mediterranean Greek or romaine avocado salad at no cost. 

Grilled Cheese Sandwich at -I know, it's so simple, but Zinc's version of the all-American classic is beyond tasty. Gruyère cheese grilled on sourdough with pickles, marinated onions and tomatoes and served with whole-grain mustard.