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LIFESTYLE

Vegetarian cuisine:

LIGHT AND DELICIOUS, HEALTHY AND NUTRITIOUS

By Mauri Elbel

Increasingly, vegetarianism is more than a trend –– it’s a research-supported diet proven to yield healthier
lives with less disease. Whether your motive is ethical, environmental or simply a desire to eat lighter, fresher,
feel-better food, you are in luck because vegetarian and vegan menu options are weaving their way into main-
stream menus. The next time you feel like passing on the greasy bacon cheeseburger and replacing it with
hearty and healthy cuisine, try these local options guaranteed to fill you up without fattening you up.

The Cove
www.thecove.us
606 W. Cypress St., San Antonio, TX 78212

For the past 12 years, the Cove has delighted San Antonio with healthy
fare by priding itself on its SOL food concept: simple, organic and local.
Buying locally not only allows the Cove to provide diners with fresher
food, but it also helps the restaurant to fulfill its passion for creating a
healthier community. Most of the produce served at the Cove is grown
organically, some from its own kitchen garden. At the Cove, you can eat
plant-based without feeling as if you are missing out, with options such
as a vegan bacon cheeseburger, a brown rice patty with crispy tofu bacon,
cashew cheese, vegan mayo, spicy mustard, spring mix, tomato and onion,
or a steamy cup of Mexican lentil stew topped with cilantro pesto. The
Cove offers vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes, but it’s a healthy op-
tion for omnivores, too. “Our passion is SOL,” said owner Lisa Asvestas.
“We work with local ranchers and farmers to bring you locally raised, hu-
manely treated meats and as much local organic produce as we can get
our hands on.” The next time you are craving something fresh and healthy,
head to the Cove to try one of Asvestas’ favorites: the avocado, kale and
spinach salad with creamy celery dressing and toasted pepitas. Dining at
Courtesy photo Adelante Restaurant
the Cove isn’t just a nutritious choice. It’s a fun and festive one, too: The
restaurant offers live music most nights of the week, a playscape for kids
and nearly 60 Texas-brewed beers on tap served in its beer garden.

30 San Antonio Medicine • February 2014