Mission Viejo's Five Great Vegetarian Dishes

I might as well come out with it here, early and honestly: I'm not a vegetarian. This weekend, I definitely got my Memorial Day BBQ on.

You can be the judge as to whether that gives me more or less cred in penning a "Five Great Vegetarian Dishes" post, but, in your judgement, I ask that you also consider the following:

• I've lived in Mission Viejo since I was five, leaving only for college in Los Angeles and grad school in Colorado.
• I've eaten at each of the following restaurants multiple times over. There be no flukes on this shortlist.
• I really, really love vegetables.

That all out on the table, here are my five personal picks for the best vegetarian dishes Mission Viejo has to offer:

Tortelloni di Zucca at

Homemade, large, pumpkin-filled torteloni, sage, amaretto crumb with a creamy mascarpone sauce. $15.95. Warm, rich and comforting. There are many delicious dishes at Piccolino, it takes all my willpower to mix it up and forego this one. For a nice contrast, start with the crisp and fresh Carpaccio di Pera. 

Vegetarian-style Rard Naa with Thai green leaf broccoli at

Thai food is second only to Carribean food on my all-time favorite cuisine list. I try Thai in every city I go and Diho Siam is still a majoy contender. Rard Naa is a plate full of fresh rice noodles topped with mixed vegetables and some kind of magical gravy. You can also get it with tofu. $8.45.

Green Corn Tamal and Cheese Enchilada Combo Plate at

Like all Combinaciones de Casa at Tortilla Flats, these items come with rice and beans. You can choose from one of the homemade salsas: Salsa Rosa, Salsa Verde, Salsa Josefina, Salsa Mole, Salsa Ranchera or Salsa Cancun. Plus, pretty much everything tastes better when eaten lakeside, so TF certainly has that advantage. $14.95.

Falafel Plate at

Three falafel and your choice of two of Surfin' Souvlaki's huge variety of sides. I go for the Greek lemon potatoes (baked potato wedges with oregano, Greek herbs and lemon) and the mixed green salad. You will be full. $7.89.

Portabella Mushroom, Lentils and Chard at Nirvana Grille

The mushroom is grilled and stuffed with garlic, herbs, more mushrooms, sea salt and white wine. It's served with lentils sauteed in basil oil and organic rainbow chard. Fancy and tasty for $22.

There you have it! Whether a seasoned vegetarian or a curious carnivore, I've got a hunch that any one of these dishes will leave you satisified.

I'd love to hear your favorite Mission Viejo veggie dishes. What's missing on this list?