by Michael Oshman
ou can not walk out of this restaurant without
feeling peace. I've been to Jyoti Bihanga many times over the past 6 years,
and every time I have left the restaurant my food gently digests in the
calm wake of my dining experience. White, two-story vaulted ceilings overhead,
with a tranquil fountain to the left, I enjoy the best vegetarian chili
in San Diego. For only $3.95, Jyoti Bihanga serves vegetarian chili with
homemade corn bread, a good healthy, delicious, inexpensive meal.
Jyoti's is also known for its Neatloaf, a substantial,
tasty version of America's meatloaf. If you like soup, try one of the many
varieties. I like the carrot soup. With a new curry every day, there are
various vegan items from which to choose. Their barbecue tofu sandwiches
make you forget you're in a vegetarian restaurant. Fresh smoothies and shakes
are a nice refreshing way to gain nourishment during the hot, desiccating
months of San Diego's coming Summer.
Jyoti Bihanga is one of the first establishments
in San Diego to become a Green Restaurant, back in 1993. Jyoti's uses no
Styrofoam, recycles, and uses 100 percent post-consumer waste, non-bleached
recycled napkins. A completely vegetarian restaurant, with many vegan items,
and a few organic options, Jyoti's commitment to a healthier planet runs
deep. In the future, Jyoti's will be one of many restaurants using plastics
made from corn, encouraging customers to bring their own Tupperware for
takeout and leftovers, and using completely safe cleaners.
With many options under $5, daily entrees with
soup and salad go for $5.95 $8.95. Jyoti Bihanga is open Monday through
Friday from 7:30am to 9pm, except on Wednesdays when they close at 3pm.
On Saturday, Jyoti's serves a breakfast buffet from 7:30am to noon, and
the regular menu from noon to 8pm. Three Sundays per month, Jyoti's has
a buffet from 9am to 1pm. Jyoti Bihanga is located at 3351 Adams Ave in
Normal Heights, phone (619) 282-4116.
Michael Oshman is president of the Green Restaurant
Association, 287-4261. To find the Green Restaurants near you, call the
Green Restaurant Referral Service at 490-9695 ext 2.
