Restaurants- Fairfax, VA

I have to give much Love to Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant in Vienna (just outside Fairfax). This has NO link to Sunflower Organic Dining in Boulder. Growing up in a place with a lack of veggie options, Sunflower was always a breath of fresh air. They have been steady and there for many years, with some of the most wonderful vegetarian options ever. They are a Buddhist Vegetarian community and have plenty of reading if you are waiting for take out. When I was there they had one location, but now it appears they have a second location in Falls Church; yay!

Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant is located right on Route 123, just north of I-66; at 2531 Chain Bridge Road in Vienna. Their other location is on Route 7; 6304 Leesburg Pike in Falls Church. One of the main things they have done better than most is labeling their food. I am impressed when a restaurant does not have to say "Veggie Chicken" or something like that. The "Fried Chicken" appetizer does this, but mostly they name their dishes around the main portion of the dish; ie; Wheat Gluten in Fermented Black Bean Sauce instead of Veggie Beef in Black Bean Sauce. The "Chicken" appetizer is wonderful and I would almost say that two orders of this makes a perfect meal. It is homemade soy protein nuggets and tastes nothing like Boca or any of the other major brands. Their soups are wonderful; a vegan Wonton Soup is one example. They have burgers and sandwiches that are better than anywhere else. Their entrees are where they shine the most. All cooked fresh, they bear names like Popeye's Favorite, Sweet and Sour Sensation, and Adventures in Tempeh Land. The two key ones are Songbird (Sauteed chunks of wheat gluten, soy protein, konnyaku & celery in a hot kong-pao flavored sauce. Tossed w. steamed watercress & peanuts.) and the General Tso's Surprise (chunks of soy protein in hot kong-pao sauce, garnished with steamed broccoli and carrots.). Anytime you can go here, do it; there Lunch Specials are amazing for 7 bucks as well. http://www.crystalsunflower.com/