“What Does the Dietitian Order?” @ Veg-O-Rama

Reviewed February 25, 2011 by UTK Dietetic Intern

4 out of 5 Forks

What would a nutritionist order at a vegetarian restaurant featuring organic, locally-grown ingredients? Anything with a side of more! Still fairly new to the downtown Knoxville food scene, Veg-O-Rama has great potential as a niche eatery considering: (1) its proximity to a predominantly young, progressive-ish neighborhood in North Knoxville; and (2) its yum factor (sans the typical guilt among the health-conscious folks).  Veg-O-Rama uses wholesome ingredients to creatively manipulate menu standards, such as reubens, burgers, cheese steaks, and pasta, into meatless nutrient-dense dishes.  Vegetarian does not always mean healthy when high-fat sauces and/or salt- and sugar-laden ingredients replace meat to maintain heavy flavor, but Veg-O-Rama is conscious of preparing food with appropriate amounts of flavor-enhancing techniques.  The food tastes exactly the right degree of tasty.  Sometimes the combinations of ingredients are unexpected (example - sriracha on pasta salad and purple cabbage slaw on a [tofu] reuban), but they are always colorful and pleasing to the body and mind.

As far as pricing, Veg-O-Rama maintains a fairly competitive price structure considering the relatively high cost of organic and fresh ingredients.  A typical dish will sell in the $8-10 range. Their portion sizes are not like those you may get at a typical restaurant, but they are appropriate for satisfying (not stuffing) customers.  My tofu reuban was no bigger than your average sandwich (though perhaps a little thicker) but it, and my side of French onion soup, was just the right amount of food! Plus, the restaurant’s décor—antique with a modern art twist—makes for a fun and relaxing dining atmosphere.  There are couches and a wide selection of local and national publications with which to kill some time while waiting for your food, sipping tea, or just relaxing on a Saturday afternoon.

In terms of service, Veg-O-Rama’s staff is very friendly and accommodating.  On one occasion, I went into the restaurant just before closing, desperate for a meal after a particularly hectic day.  Despite being in the process of cleaning up for the night, the staff encouraged me to stay and fixed me a quality meal—and quickly.  I ate in the company of the cook and wait staff and had an all around great time.

Oh, and in case you need to be just a little bad, Veg-O-Rama does have beer on tap.

Submitted by:

UTK Dietetic Intern

Veg-O-Rama is a dine-in, full-service restaurant and bar on North Central Street in Knoxville.

Veg-O-Rama received 4 out of 5 forks because nutrition information is not available in store or online.