Jul 02, 2004  |  By: Rebecca L. Webe  | COMMENTS     

ABOUT 12 MILLION Americans have eliminated meat from their diets, and19,000 more join their ranks each week, according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Whether you’re looking out for your personal health or that of animals or the planet, there are plenty of vegetarian options out there beyond the restaurants that just offer cheese-laden dishes or protein-free plates of steamed veggies.

Indian, Italian, Mexican, Ethiopian, Thai, Greek, and Chinese cuisines traditionally have a range of choices. Our own litmus test: It should be delicious enough to be popular with both vegetarians and meat-eaters.

These three local favorites creatively fit the bill.

THE INTERGALACTIC AND floral-themed murals, along with genuinely fresh produce, make Luna Grill & Diner feel like it’s straight out of Santa Cruz. Vegetarians need comfort food too, and those who reminisce about childhood meatloaf will appreciate Friday’s veggie-friendly version ($8.95).

Every weekday, Luna offers a Green Plate Special ($8 to $10). Another good bet is Wednesday’s stuffed shells, served with a mushroom-tomato sauce and a mixed green salad, and dressing on the side without asking.

A great selection of salads, such as the one with apple, blue cheese, and walnuts for $7, as well as desserts like the chocolate layer cake, served with fresh whipped cream and a strawberry for $5, allow you to be as healthy or as decadent as you want.

Luna claims to offer “slow food served fast,” but that depends on how crowded it is when you sit down — service runs the gamut from highly professional to oblivious.

SOUL VEGETARIAN CAFÉ & EXODUS carryout is a vegan restaurant, eschewing all animal products in favor of organic produce, whole grains, legumes, and some creative soy offerings. The food is inspired by the scriptural interpretations of the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem. Feel free to ask for details, or just enjoy the home-style cooking.

Up at the counter, you can take a look before ordering Southern favorites like the popular mac and (soy) cheese, collard greens, sweet potatoes, corn and mashed potatoes. Full dinners are $8 or $9, with great lunch bargains.

The Liberian Burger ($3.50) is a patty made of black-eyed peas, served with sprouts on a whole-wheat bun; the Tubman Special ($3.50) is sautéed veggies in a pita; Jerusalem Bakes ($1.50) are baked potato wedges marinated in basil and tamari sauce.

Those who want a meat-like experience should go for the popular Garvey Burger, made with textured vegetable protein. (I find the TVP texture too, well, meaty.) The café is just across from Howard University and offers student discounts.

LIVE MUSIC BEGINS after 10 each night at Bossa Bistro & Lounge. On Wednesdays (gay night), the Mojica Project plays Latin groove and salsa that gets people up off the cushy ottomans and bar stools and onto the dance floor.

Weather permitting, Bossa opens the front glass doors and allows folks sitting on the deck to enjoy the music and watch the Adams Morgan passersby. The atmosphere is cozy, and it’s best to get comfortable, as the servers can be somewhat distracted.

On a recent evening, our kind — if airy — waitress flicked a stray vegetable from our table out onto the sidewalk. “I don’t have a towel,” she smiled, but she was otherwise charming enough that we smiled right back.

Although Bossa Bistro’s menu lists many of the $6 to $8 “tapas,” the oversized plates are not conducive for sharing. The baked Brie served on fresh berries and the herb-crusted tofu over bok choy are good bets, even if the latter juxtaposes the textures of smooth tofu with pointy sprigs a bit much.

Vegetarian entrees (inexplicably called the “artist pallet” on the otherwise unpretentious menu) are $8 and $9. Try the roasted eggplant, zucchini, and tomato vegetable sandwich, and head home healthy and satisfied.