50 | BOROMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2015 FOOD & DRINK Inspir -Asian fro m Veget-Asian It is unfortunate that carnivores and omnivores so often find aversion to labels like vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free. The last time you had spaghetti marinara, did you think of it as a vegetarian dish? Or minestrone soup, a beet salad with shaved almonds, or an avocado sushi roll? The fact of the matter is that while such labels express their inclusion of a demographic of eaters with specific needs, those labels are not intended to exclude those with a larger range of dietary possibilities. I would promote the newly opened Jujube Tree as one example of such a place where all diners should try at least one meal. The neon green bubble letters above the door are followed by giant alabaster letters proclaiming they serve Vegan Asian Cuisine. But for those carnivores thinking that title translates into something somewhat exclusive, you might really be missing out. Begin with a refreshing homemade drink like a lemonade with passion fruit or mint, thai iced tea, mango lassi, or a virgin mojito. Then start with a small plate or salad. Crispy wonton purses are stuffed with soy cheese and spinach, deep-fried, and served with a tangy mango sauce for dipping. Glistening dumplings are filled with gems from the garden, and served steamed or fried. Vietnamese summer rolls are stuffed with basil and fresh veggies and served with mooshoo sauce for dipping. A watercress salad is jeweled with garnet beets, jade avocado, pearl alfalfas sprouts, and topped with a golden sesame-peanut dressing. Green and black seaweed arrives marinated and shredded. And exotic salad toppings are the stars, like mango, hijiki, and pignoli. Pumpkin is available steamed by the slice, or pureed into a soup studded with white beans, onions, celery, and cilantro. Entrees feature several noodle and rice bowl variations, including pad thai, a curry-kissed Singapore mei fun, even udon, soba, and green tea noodles served with a dipping sauce. But the real pleasures come from exploring the inventive mains. Soy protein is breaded and served in a General Tso presentation over steamed florets of broccoli, and the result is remarkably similar to fried chicken. There are curried stews and teriyakis—even colorful lettuce wraps. They even serve a handful of vegan desserts, though those dishes are not prepared in-house. Currently, Jujube Tree is open daily for lunch and dinner. And just remember—vegan cuisine isn’t only for vegans. It can be healthy, delicious food for everyone. 35-02 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103 (718) 545-1888
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