A vegetarian's guide to Springfield

The Grotto

Palo Alto Portobello

Thomas: Grilled peppers, onions and portobello mushrooms are the Holy Trinity of vegetarian flavors for me. I use the combination in everything: scrambled eggs, quesadillas, pizza and pasta. Drizzled with a sweet balsamic glaze and dollops of tangy goat cheese, this is one veggie meal that lays "bland vegetarian" flavor concerns to rest. After munching down this sandwich and fries, I did feel full, but not healthy. There were other side options to choose from, but we chose to show how the Grotto's food is a great way to transition into vegetarianism. Or, in other words, I wanted fries -- delicious, crisp,y state fair-style fries. At least no bloodshed pockmarked this side, unless I'm not in the sharing mood when a friend tries to steal some.

Laura: This sweet burger was a great compliment to the tasty, salty fries. There is nothing I love more than mixing a little sweet with something a little salty. My tastebuds were satisfied with the full range of flavors from the sweet balsamic dressing to the strong goat cheese. Unlike my Hippy Burger (stay tuned), I wasn't tricked into thinking that I was eating meat by any means. From the first bite I was fully aware that this was a vegetarian treat.