New Harmony Vegetarian looks nondescript, with its spray-painted overhang that reads, ""New Harmony Vege"", but once you walk inside it immediately sets itself apart from the myriad mediocre restaurants that litter Chinatown's streets. Some would (and have) called it ?too dark""; I call it great atmosphere. It's a dimly lit, intimate setting perfect for either a quick lunch or long dinner. For the vegetarian or vegan, this restaurant is a haven of infinite possibilities. Everything on the menu is kosher vegan, so there is no need to ask whether or not there are any animal products in any of the dishes. Everything I have tried has been excellent, brought out hot within ten minutes. The food is very well priced; a typical lunch special includes more food than could possibly be eaten in one sitting and averages five to ten dollars. The flavors are balanced subtly and beautifully. I highly recommend the Jumbo Shrimp with Walnuts (and I don't even eat the walnuts!), lychee duck with pineapple, beef bun (for $1, even if you don't enjoy the controversial potato bread-like bun, it's worth ordering), hot and sour soup and the Choco-Ban shake. If you're not adventurous, try the General Tso's chicken- an old standby prepared and presented beautifully in a cabbage leaf. Many items on the menu come with spring rolls, rice and a small dessert at the end of the meal. I can't say enough about this restaurant: in a primarily omnivorous world, most vegetarians are happy being able to find something, anything to eat. This food is so many steps above simple sustenance that it will be very much appreciated.
Pros: ambiance, value, fast service, great food
Cons: parking is sometimes difficult to find
more