World Wide Vegan

We spend a good amount of time in Las Vegas, Nevada, not to party and gamble, but to visit our kids and grandchildren. Consequently we eat in a lot. Because I am the only vegan in the family, when we do eat out it is always an adventure to find items on the menu that will satisfy my dietary requirements. Being a "low-fat" vegan makes that a little harder, but when we are traveling I am willing to eat a little extra fat just to make eating out less stressful.

Vegas isn't exactly synonymous with balanced eating, but there are some Las Vegas vegetarian/vegan restaurants that offer healthier menu items for vegetarians and vegans which I will list later. But first I wanted to mention the Whole Foods Store in Vegas. It is huge, and has an endless variety of prepared vegan and vegetarian items in the deli and in the self-serve food bars. On New Years Eve my family wanted a traditional meat meal so I went to Whole Foods and bought myself a feast including grilled, teriyaki tofu (so delicious), sweet potatoes, fresh gingered beats, curried wheat berry salad and blackened asparagus. I was in vegan heaven.

Vegas has 2 Trader Joe's stores as well but they don't offer many prepared deli foods. However, I definitely recommend them for groceries as they are inexpensive and they have healthy, fabulous tasting foods.

Review of Las Vegas, vegan eateries:

1. Veggie Delight
3504 Wynn Rd, Las Vegas NV 89102
(702) 310-6565
Hours: Daily 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Accepts credit cards
Promotes vegan menu items but there's dairy in quite a few of the foods so look over the ingredients carefully or ask for assistance. If you're vegetarian or just want a change of pace, this small restaurant is worth a visit.

2-a. Go Raw
Lakes Center
2910 Lake East Dr, Las Vegas NV 89117
(702) 254-5382
Hours: Mon-Sat 10 a.m.- 9 p.m., closed Sunday

2-b. Go Raw
Smiths Shopping Center
2381 Windmill Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89123
(702) 450-9007
Hours: Mon.- Sat 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
accepts credit cards
Offers organic and raw dishes including a pay-by-weight house salad, hot vegan soups, soft tortilla enchilada, a very delicious "yummus hummus" on sprouted bread, and a juice bar.

3. Komol Thai
953 E Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89104 (at Commercial Center)
(702) 731-6542
Hours: Mon-Sat: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sun: Noon - 10 p.m.
Accepts credit cards
Some fair vegetarian selections, but don't expect particularly healthy foods (lots of fried food). The vegetarian chow fun is good as is the tofu satay appetizer. Also offers meat dishes for those non-vegans in your party.

4. Long Life Vege
4130 Sandhill Rd., Ste A4, Las Vegas, NV 89110 (at Flamingo)
(702) 436-4488
Hours: Mon - Sat 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Accepts credit cards.
Chinese-style menu with large portions. Has vegan, vegetarian and meat dishes. The service is hit or miss – usually friendly, but tends to be slow. A popular dish to try is the tofu with garlic sauce. Gets good reviews from most visitors.

5. Capriotti's Sandwich Shop
Numerous Vegas location Capriotti's Sandwich Shop has several vegetarian faux-meat sandwich options with fresh veggies.

6. Canyon Ranch Cafe
The Venetian, 4th Floor
3355 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 414-3600
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Accepts credit cards.
Mainly offers healthy and organic fare in its spa cafe. There are also veggie options and a juice bar. Good for a healthy lunch.

Labels: Las Vegas, restaurants, Trader Joe's, Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole Foods