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Pepper Tree Veggie Cuisine

MY REVIEW: I've only been here for the buffet lunch, and this is a great little vegetarian restaurant. The food is a fantastic alternative to the greasy junk served by "Chinese" buffets. I'm off of sugar, and the only thing sugary here is the few dessert offerings. But there is fresh and freshly steamed veggie fare, and salad, and soup. I've eaten here many times; each time the food that's supposed to be hot, is hot; the food that's supposed to be cold, is cold. The green tea is great. They serve water with just a little ice. Service is great. The atmosphere is nice: it's clean, it's not noisy, it's perfect for a social or business lunch.

NAME: Frankedly
SUBMITTED: 10/11/2011   LAST VISIT WAS: Sep/2011
FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times

MY REVIEW: I picked this restaurant (after reading the reviews) to meet a friend of mine who is a vegetarian. We both liked it a lot.

A fellow diner, who observed that neither one of us had been there before, suggested we do the buffet ($10) so that we could try everything and learn what we like, don't like, etc. should we come back. We thought that was an excellent idea.

I enjoyed the eggplant, butternut squash, noodles, the bok choy, several tofu dishes and the green beans. The sesame balls and fried tofu were very good, although they were both fried and not as healthy. (Sigh.) But I went back for a second one of the sesame item.

I did not spend anytime at the salad bar area, which you encounter first, because I figure I can get that anywhere.

We both had water, which they offer iced and non-iced, and I guess that was the only option for a beverage. (I drink water anyway, so it was okay with me, but it seems they should have a few more choices, even tea. Maybe I just did not see it.)

Suggestions: Get there early for lunch - on or before 11:30 a.m. as the parking lot fills up fast and a number of spaces are designated for other businesses in the strip center. Also, the restaurant tables were almost filled when we got there at 11:30ish, but we were able to snag one.

Everyone we talked to really enjoys this place. Three of the four people who sat next to us have been there numerous times and the fourth person said he would be back. I will go back again and would also consider taking food to go.

NAME: LLITL025
SUBMITTED: 9/29/2011   LAST VISIT WAS: 9/2011
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: Frankly, we can't understand the glowing reviews. We're vegetarians, on the plus-side of vegan. What we expected at the luncheon buffet was a selection of fresh, light and well-prepared foods. What we discovered was an overwhelming array of deep-fried greasy choices, most of which tasted the same (we couldn't get past the first bite on many of them). Batter should be light and tempura-esque. We found all of it heavy, thick and overpowering ... actually negated the taste of the other ingredients. We have no idea how they prepared the tofu curry, but rather than being firm and tender, it was tough, chewy and virtually tasteless. Desserts were palatable, although the sesame balls were also heavy from the oil used to deep-fry them. Miso soup was fine; hot and sour was awful. The only "cold" beverage available is room-temperature water. The couple who operate the restaurant are lovely people ... the food they serve should be half as good as their service. At $10 per person, we expected far better fare, both in terms of variety and preparation. Overall, we were hugely disappointed ... we won't be returning

NAME: Jewopaho
SUBMITTED: 8/4/2011   LAST VISIT WAS: August/2011
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: This is my new inner loop favorite lunch stop...the buffet today was absolutely delicious...i tried a little of most of the items on the buffet and was not disappointed in anything...tasteful, creative, and varied...from salad entrees to main courses, to soups to dessert...ALL WONDERFUL...THIS IS WHAT VEGETARIAN COOKING CAN BE...

NAME: CROSSLOVER
SUBMITTED: 4/15/2010   LAST VISIT WAS: 04/2010
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: The best Vegan food I've EVER had at a buffet (and I've travelled the world). I can't vouch for the regular 'main' menu however.

I honestly feel that the Menu should be changed to entirely Vegan because you can get regular non-vegan food EVERYWHERE else, and Veganism's message is all about our physical health and compassion to all our animal neighbours.

The employees are incredibly friendly and helpful and the overall appearance of the restaurant is great. Perhaps some candles and coloured light would add some nice ambience.

Definitely the restaurant you should try if you are converting from meat-eater to Vegan. Trust me, you WON'T miss 'meat' if you try this healthy, nutritious and DELICIOUS food.

NAME: Tenshihan Quinn
SUBMITTED: 4/4/2010   LAST VISIT WAS: March 23, 2010
FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name...

MY REVIEW: Great place! Food is fresh and delicious, especially the steamed veggie dumplings. The restaurant is super clean too. No matter if you are a vegan or a carnivoire you will still love this place. I highly reccomend.

NAME: groovingarv
SUBMITTED: 4/27/2009   LAST VISIT WAS: 4 26 09
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: I went to Pepper Tree for the first time with my non vegetarian friend. The food was very good the price for lunch was great $9.00 for the buffet. I loved that everything was vegetarian. My friend was also surprised the food was good since she is not a vegetarian. I have only two complaints the food was not hot enough and the staff only refilled my ice tea once. I think next time I will order my food so I can get it hot. I will be a repeat customer.

NAME: Veggiegirl4life
SUBMITTED: 4/15/2009   LAST VISIT WAS: 04/15/09
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: AMAZING FOOD! Everybody should try this place, vegetarians and nonvegetarians. The buffet is 100% vegan (I had to ask a couple times just to double check). This is only my third time here and I think I found my favourite restaurant. I would be here more often, but my husband and I live so far. The dinner buffet has a few more items than the lunch menu. The food is not greasy, the salad is fresh, the dressings are delicious. The coconut cake is soooooo good. They have ice water and room temperature water. The place is clean and the staff are friendly. The prices are extremely reasonable. $9.99 for lunch and $15 for dinner buffet. I haven't tried anything off the menu yet, but I am sure it is all good.

NAME: tantan
SUBMITTED: 4/4/2009   LAST VISIT WAS: 04/2009
FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times

MY REVIEW: I ate here for the first time today, and was very pleased with the taste of the food. I'll echo the review before me about the kale. It's delicious. None of the dishes were overly greasy or too heavily sauced. The staff were very friendly. The price is a little high (I had the weekend buffet), which the staff seemed almost apologetic about, even though I didn't scoff at paying it or anything. My only real complaint is that I wish some of the dishes were hotter. In order to accommodate more items in the buffet, they put some of them on plates around the edges of the serving table rather than in the steaming trays. So they cool off all too quickly. Next time, I will order from the menu and try some of the "faux meat" type dishes. As a vegetarian, I'm very happy to add this place to my list of places to eat.

NAME: Flippit
SUBMITTED: 11/1/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 10/2008
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: I only just discovered this place recently, but wish I had much sooner. The food is so fresh and yummy I just can't get over it. I would eat here every day if I could. My husband loves the spring rolls (he swears their peanut dipping sauce is the best), but the C-21 (sizzling veggie seafood) is my favorite. I never knew fake fish could taste so good! I don't know if they smoke it or what, but it's delicious. I even daydream about it!

The buffet is also fantastic. L.O.V.E. the steamed kale, vegan sushi, and hot soups. Price is a little steep ($15!), but everything's so tasty and well-prepared, it seems ungrateful to complain. They'll even let you take it to go--with soup! Can't recommend this place highly enough (but scared to, lest parking become even worse).

NAME: Sal Monella
SUBMITTED: 10/26/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: October 2008
FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name...

MY REVIEW: Awesome. This place has great food, friendly service and a good selection! My husband and I are trying to be more vegererian, which would be a lot more difficult if Pepper Tree wasn't here. We'll be back again and again!

NAME: Sarah G
SUBMITTED: 10/11/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 10/08
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: I love this place. It is great for people who are Vegan, Vegetarian, or are just looking for a nice change from the normal greasy, fatty, well just nasty chinese food you get everywhere else. The owners are right there and willing to explain each dish that is out there for you to taste. Its just a wonderful place to eat. I haven't been let down yet. The only con is that they are closed on Mondays, but hey everyone needs a day off right?

NAME: XXJenniXX
SUBMITTED: 3/27/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 03-2008
FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times

MY REVIEW: This place is the best vegetarian chinese restaurant in the city. The owners are very nice and curteous. The restaurant is extremely clean, but still manages to maintain a casual atmosphere. The food is healthy, yet very tasty; there are no fatty oils in the food. Their smoothies are to die for! They offer a wide variety of selections in the buffet and are very efficient if one wants to deliver. The only con against this restaurant is that for a college student; it is kind of expensive, but it is well worth the price.

NAME: Mischa
SUBMITTED: 1/28/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 01/2008
FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name...

MY REVIEW: My wife and I really enjoy pepper tree and eat here several times a month. The prices are fair, the food is excellent, and the staff is pleasant and attentive, though, as another reviewer mentioned, reserved. It makes for a relaxed and casual atmosphere. The buffet on the weekend is nice but the true convenience for us is their willingness to package up their specials "to go", it keeps us healthier in our busy lives. Neither my wife nor I are vegetarian but the food still offers plenty of variety and quality proteins without any veggie 'snobbery'.

Strong points
- Great food
- Good prices
- Great selection
- Casual Atmosphere
- Accomodating staff
- Family Run

Weak Points
- Parking can be a challenge
- Weekend buffet seems pricey at first but the selection and quality are well worth it
- Family Run (sometimes the 'staff' is studying when you need a refill)

NAME: The Alexanders
SUBMITTED: 12/4/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: December, 2007
FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name...

MY REVIEW: We LOVE this place! We're not vegetarian and probably only eat healthy foods 50% of the time...but Pepper Tree is where we do our guilt-free gorging! We always come for the buffet. On weekdays there's a smaller selection, but it's also cheaper. On weekends they bring out more desserts and sushi.

Favorites/Strengths:
-Friendly Mom & Pop atmosphere. The owners are reserved, but very friendly.
-Super clean, lots of care in washing and preparing foods, purified water, etc.
-We're addicted to their vegan 1000 Island salad dressing...we don't even like that salad dressing normally, but it's really good here.
-Lots of variety - raw veggies, lightly fried appetizers, sauteed veggies, steamed dumplings, soups...
-Weekend buffet includes red rice sushi (very nutritious, but very pricey stuff to be offering in a buffet! same w/their daily kale - that is not cheap!)
-Desserts - first I fell in love w/the sesame covered red bean pastries, then the fried bananas, then the white cake (not sickening sweet, just GOOD), and now they have these little muffin desserts on the weekend that are perfection. The various jellos from squeezed fruit and teas are always a nice way to end a meal.
-Very relaxed atmosphere w/a mixed, friendly crowd.

Weak points
-Parking can be challenging during lunch on the weekdays, so we sometimes park across Richmond. I also usually need the walk when I'm done with plate 4. :)

NAME: Vmonk
SUBMITTED: 11/12/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 11/6/07
FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name...

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