A vegetarian's nightmare no more

Replacing meats with vegetables can open up new worlds of diverse plant-based flavors for both vegetarians and curious carnivores.

Adelante Mexican Food, 21 Brees Blvd., (210) 822-7681— Boasting a mostly vegetarian menu, this venue has traditional Mexican fare with a healthy twist. In fact, just about the only meat Adelante offers is chicken, and the chefs use no lard.

Of course, not all Mexican restaurants are as easy for a vegetarian to navigate.

"At a Mexican place," said Bruce Farmer, vegetarian and treasurer for the San Antonio Vegetarian Society, or SAVS, "I'll get cheese enchiladas, charro beans, rice or vegetable fajitas if they have them. . . . I'll ask for some crispy tacos with guacamole instead of meat."

Also, remember to ask whether a food is cooked in lard — refried beans, for example, often are.

Other Mexican options:

Picante Grill, 3810 Broadway, (210) 822-3797 — Try the quesadillas with huitlacoche, a tangy corn fungus from Central America.

Alamo Café, 14250 U.S. 281 N., (210) 495-2233 — Great vegetarian fajitas.

Cappy's Restaurant, 5011 Broadway, (210) 828-9669. Though it may be counterintuitive, some of the tastiest places to go vegetarian are upscale restaurants that don't explicitly cater to vegetarians.