Vegans flock here for the minimally cooked vegetables and assertive condiments.

The Scene
This comfy East Village hangout, packed with earthy urban types and tattooed students, is a destination for anyone who prefers their food green, fresh and meat-free. Waits for tables in the cheery dining room can be long, but the friendly staff are accommodating no matter how busy they are.

The Food
Hyper-creative vegetarian and vegan cooking is the menu's main draw. The popular tofu pie, which is baked in a spelt biscuit crust and garnished with radishes, is excellent. Other strong choices include nutty and sweet walnut-lentil pate and the ''dragon bowl,'' comprised of steamed sea vegetables, rice, beans and tofu. Side orders like seaweed, collard greens, bok choy, zucchini, green beans, yellow squash and carrots are all strong, as are sandwiches--try the baked tofu, layered with roasted vegetable and pesto, on mixed grain bread. The vegan desserts are uncompromisingly good.