Here are the winners!  Each of the winning dishes were based on survey votes and supported by diner comments–including diners who enjoyed 8-10 of the menus over the course of the month.

Best Appetizer: Kru (Mushroom Nigiri)

Best Soup: Tower Bridge Bistro (Roasted Pumpkin Soup w/ pepitos)

Best Salad: Cafe Capricho (Jewel Quinoa Salad)

Best Tasting Dessert: Capitol Garage (Coconut Chai Chocolate Cake)

Most Creative Dessert: 58 Degrees (Chocolate Mousse, Caramelized Banana & Peanut Butter Gelato)

Best Presentation Dessert: Cafe Capricho (Strawberry Shortcake)

Challenge Favorite Dessert “variety:” Sugar Plum Vegan Cafe (Cupcakes, cookies, pies, gluten-free options)

**Best Tasting Entree: Sugar Plum Vegan Cafe (Black Bean & Veggie Enchiladas)

**Overall Best Entree (Taste/Creativity/Presentation): 58 Degrees (Soybean Bulgogi, Smoked Tofu, Broccoli Rabe & Kim Chee over Seaweed Rice)

Most Heart Healthy: Cafe Capricho (Capricho Stew)

Most Inspired Menu & Presentation: Tower Bridge Bistro (Tabbouleh Cucumber Canapes, Protein & Veggie Power Stack, Buckwheat Blinis w/ Raspberry Coulis & Chocolate Sauce)

Most Creative Variation on Traditional Favorites: Michelangelo’s (Portobello Mushroom w/ Polenta & Mixed Olive Tomato Sauce; Pumpkin Risotto Timballo w/ Caponata Sauce)

Winner of $100 Millennium Restaurant Gift Certificate: Chef Raphael Kendall/ Capitol Garage

(Winner chosen from drawing among chefs who most closely followed the spirit of the challenge and created original appetizers/ main entrees/ desserts that were not already on menu previously.)

CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU to all of our participating Chefs & Restaurants! ( :

*Please see Contests & Prizes page for list of recent drawing winners!

During the month of October, 2011, ten local midtown/downtown restaurants featured specialty vegan menu items (appetizer/soup, main entrees, desserts) on their dinner menus.

In response to the Challenge participating chefs created original vegan offerings.

Restaurant patrons were asked to vote for their favorites dishes at the conclusion of their meal, or via our on-line survey.

In addition to the winning dishes listed above, here are our Vegan Challenge Featured Finds:  (no particular order~ we love them all)

1. Michelangelo’s:

“Wonderful atmosphere & vegan-friendly menu options.  Great venue for a special celebration with family & friends.”

2. Cafe Capricho:

“Great neighborhood cafe with delicious, healthy, vegan-friendly menu options!” 

3. Bombay Bar & Grill:

“The food here is consistently so delicious!  I always know I can bring friends & family here and it will be tasty & enjoyable!”

Vegan Challenge Favorite: Vegan Thali Platter

4. Aioli Bodega Espanola:

 “Great atmosphere & vegan-friendly menu options.  Nice venue for a festive celebration with family and friends!”

Vegan Challenge Favorites:  Sopa de Tomate y Trigo & Paella Vegetariana

5. Hot Italian Pizza & Panini Bar: “Great place to go for Vegan Pizza!”

Vegan Challenge Favorites:  Muti Pizza & Panini (with Daiya cheese) 

 More Vegan Challenge Favorites:  

Kru:  Go-Green Roll;  58 Degrees: Mushroom Trio Appetizer 

Capitol Garage:  Fried Green Bean Appetizer & South West Barley Risotto

Each person who voted was entered in a random drawing for prizes. Additionally, there was a special passport option for those who wished to visit all 10 locations and their names were entered in a special drawing for even more fabulous prizes!

*Please see Contests & Prizes for most recent winners!