Phil Campeau

Aux Vivres in Montréal, Québec
Dec 19 04

I could go on and on about this vegan restaurant. Not a single animal ingredient to be found in the whole shop. Let's start with the entrees. Cashew-buttered chipatee (also available with maple syrup) makes a great opener, as does their hearty whole-grain dough pizza, which has different toppings every day. Coffees, teas, soy lattes, juices, all delicious.

Then you get to the main dish. For under $8, you can get any of their very hearty sandwiches. There's the Veggie Pate, which is the crowd favorite; the Lebanese; the Vietnamese (ginger overload, delicious); the Veggie Lox, which does an uncredible job of imitating lox using shredded carrots and creamy tofu; and the incredible BLT, which substitutes smoked coconut for the bacon, yet still has the right taste.

There's also a wide variety of main plates, including a daily special that never fails to look wonderful.

And if after all that you're still hungry, they've got a variety of cakes, brownies, cookies, and other desserts, which also vary daily.

I can't recommend this place highly enough.