These vegetarians are on to something. No, not really. Well, they’re on to two things: the sweet and sour sensation and the sesame medallions to be exact. Honestly, these are the only two dishes I’ve ever seen people order at this joint. Luckily, they’re both pretty tasty–for something made out of gluten and soy protein. I’m still a little confused as to what gluten is. As far as I can tell it’s some sort of recycled newspaper mulch mixed with the paste byproduct of dandelion photosynthesis and wheat grass germination. The amazing thing is that if you drown it in enough soy or sweet ‘n sour sauce, it really tastes like something ready for human consumption. The menu is basically Asian in flavor, as is the decoration and felling of the place. In fact, there looks to be a couple floor mats in the front where diners can squat and fill themselves with sautéed curd. [MF]
663 9th Ave.
212/582-1669
zenpalate.com