A Mezza Vegan

One of the things that makes it so easy to be vegan in Portland is that so many restaurants get it. Even if they are not fully vegan, many will clearly mark their menus as to what is vegan. Such is the case over at Nicholas Restaurant, a neighborhood institution in inner Southeast that serves up Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine.

If you don't know where to look, you might just drive on by its busy Grand Avenue location, but everyone in town seems to enjoy Nicholas because it always busy. Fortunately, the friendly staff make the wait short if you're eating in, or a quick call ahead will have everything waiting for you to-go.

Among the vegan items is my favorite: the vegan mezza that includes ample samples of humus, falafel, taboule, mjadra, garbanzo plate and bread -- enough to share or save for a second meal -- all for only $8.25. Among the many other options is a spicier Lebanese pizza called Shatta: red hot pepper marinated with olive oil and mixed with onions and sesame seeds (be sure to order a beverage to go with that one!).

Word to the wise: cash or check only; no credit or debit cards accepted. And be sure to visit the Web site on your birthday: if you print out the "goodies" page, you can get a free lunch! See the Web site for details.

Nicholas Restaurant is located at 318 SE Grand Ave; 503-235-5123.