Fresno Famous

ALL STAR VEGAN

My family found the food to be very delicious, however there was one thing that could be added to enhance our eating experience. Simply, had spoons on the tables. Both dishes that we ordered had sauces that leaked off the forks and stained our clothes and also their tablecloths. Other than that we had no other complaints! Keep up the good work.

Yamon!

I've eaten there: it's really good! Incredible amount of choices on the menu, and all vegan.

-s

San Jose Vegetarian Restaurant

If you're from San Jose, you have to try The Vegetarian House. http://www.vegetarianhouse.us/
It is located at: 520 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA.
Great food! It was recommended to me by the owners of New Stars. My gf and I tried it when we were in the area. We went back the next time we visited San Jose. You will not be disappointed.

Why would a San Jose meat

Why would a San Jose meat eater drive three hours to Fresno to try a vegetarian place when I KNOW that San Jose has a dozen vegetarian restaurants (I’ve tried at least six of them near the court house)?

-s

new star vegetarian

I live in San jose and drove a few hours to try out this resturant because I saw the chef doing a cooking show on tv. I was not disappointed. It was worth the drive. The food was amazing. I'm a meat lover all my life and never once I would think that vegetarian food would be this good. I wish we have a place like this to enjoy in San jose.

vegetarian

The purpose of not eating meat is to not kill or harm animals. It has nothing to do with what the food looks like or how it tastes. I'm all for anything that doesn't use and abuse our animal friends.

Thank you Alvan!

What are the features of a great restaurant?
Great food, appealing presentation, clean kitchen, prompt service, what else?..
When you are greeted by your name, and asked “The usual? Or want to try something new?” And then you drool (hopefully internally) in anticipation of … (here is the room for your imagination).
Well, this is my experience with New Stars Vegetarian.
Objections?

Thats it!

You got it! Heinz 57. Thats what we are!

if "oriental" is out,, what would you call...?

the Chinese/Mexican girls I went to school with?
the children of a Filipino & Cambodian couple I know?
or a Filipina/Thai lady that was adopted by Hmong as a child?
or all these Singhs I met here in Fresno that are culturally Chicano & look Mexican?

at last Hmong New Years I saw black/Hmong, Mexican/Hmong & white/Hmong couples (1 couple w/ baby in stroller)

would this do?
Heinz 57 Extra Special
garlic/salsa/soy/BBQ/curry
ketchup sauce

new stars vegetarian

hi, my name is Alvan Diep, i am the chef manager at New Stars. Although i hardly get to cook anymore, except on sundays, it's very nice to come to these web sites and get feedback on my business. thank you for all of your very truthful feelings about New Stars. just to let you guys know, we are still a starting business, and we are continuing to learn, we have recently changed our menu, and lowered our prices. i would like to lower them as much as i can, but i dont have enough traffic through this restaurant. we are trying our best. to those who have supported us, thank you so much. like i saw someone wrote, if you are not satisfied with something that you get, please let us know and we will send it back. we believe in the highest quality food, and we want everything to be right for you. we are continuing to improve our place, and if there are any concerns, please let me know. thank you

Hey...

I've made some WAY worse comments on online forums in the past 11 years of blogging. I even said some crazy stuff recently on a certain forum. Life goes on...

Don't worry about it man!

-s

Sorry about the rude comment

I take it back.

It's not my restaurant.

Sorry Spleece

Didn't mean to piss you off. I know I called you names and I take it back.

sorry.

new stars vegetarian

i love new stars vegetarian, although location is bad and no alcohol, everything on there menu is amazing. i make my weekly stop every monday and couldnt be happier with the results. its worth every penny! they now have a cheaper lunch menu.(talking about it make my mouth water) very helpful and friendly. if ever unsatisfied with an order just ask and they'll directly send it back. you wont be sorry. TRY IT!

-- New Star Vegetarian
(559)434-6363

LOL!

Yeah, funny stuff.

Up next: off to read Craigslist Rants and Raves. Lots more fun over there...

-s

PLEASE DONT STOP!!!

I log on to Fresno Famous at least once a day from work because you guys make me laugh. Only on FF can a topic start at Vegetarian and end with insults.

Faggy Vegetarians?
Oriental stupid ass?

thats great fellas. keep the funny coming. keep makin us look good.

meanwhile im making me and my daughter, both vampires, spleece, a nice juicy steak at home tonight. the bloodier the better. its much cheaper and the cook and waitstaff have more personality than you can buy at a restaurant.

word meanings?

I don't believe "Oriental" means 'foreign', does it?

Doesn't Oriental mean 'of the Orient'? Kind of like,
(and I think I'm getting this right) Occidental means "of European origins"?
Like maybe (simplification):
" The story of Marco Polo represents a meeting of Occidental and Oriental cultures."

Technically speaking....

...'American' food is not native to North America either Alonso1: does that make your burgers and lasagna 'oriental' too? Are you gonna call me names now too? That can't be good for your business...

-s

Oriental

The only reference to Oriental was to the food, not the people. Asian food is not native to North America and therefore Oriental.

There was no reference to Asian people being Oriental except in your small minded comment. Had I referred to anyone from Asia as Oriental, then your stupid ass comment about Fresno and those of us who love it here would be a point well taken.

NOBODY CALLED ANYBODY ORIENTAL.

Perhaps Oriental is an outdated term and should have not been used, but that is no excuse for your stupid ass. Learn to read or get off the damn website.

"oriental" word is out! Get it right....

some of you use the term "oriental" to refer to people of asian decent...come on now people...this really shows that you still clearly see people with Asian origins as the foreigner...this tells much about your taste...you can't even correctly identify the food and people who cook them....what the f*** is with you? The chinese and filipinos have been here for hundreds of years...built the railroads and set the foundation of this country. Get your shit straight!!! or don't eat at all...enough of this freaken conservative "small thinkin" place...ain't gettin fresno famous at all.

It has been awhile since I

It has been awhile since I asked the owner at Luby, and I'm not sure that the Seventh-day Adventists are located at the same place. I do know that Thomas would be happy to answer your questions about what he uses and where you can make the purchases. So I would recommend that you enquire next time you pick-up and order.

P.S., Had the "chicken" salad at New Stars today and it was quite good and a good combination with the soup of the day, which was a delicious Vietnamese tofu soup.

i cant find 7th day

i cant find 7th day adventurists site or whatever, do you know where i can order this meat lubys uses its so freakin good
i need it to live!
know anymore info marathon runner?

You eat meat because...

...you are a vampire!

Now go drink his blood and eat his flesh and pretend you are forgiven...

-s

what makes you think that

what makes you think that all faggy vegetarians are little?

uppity faggy vegetarians of all heights unite!

i eat meat, because i'm not

i eat meat, because i'm not a faggy little vegetarian.

Service improved

I am still eating at New Star on a weekly basis. I am happier with the service these days, so wanted to update my previous posting on that issue.

I just wish more people would find their way to this good eatery as I am concerned about it's survival during the long hot Fresno summer when eating out seems to tail off. I think the lack of alcohol service cuts into its appeal to a lot of Fresno residents, but it after all a healthy eatery.

correction to above

Spelling is Quorn (not Korn). This is not for Vegan's because it contains egg whites and milk products. If you are not Vegan, it is a very good substitute for chicken, both in terms of taste and texture.

Luby's veg "meat"

Luby's gets the vegetarian "meat" (TVP) he uses from the 7th Day Adventists.

I make sweet and sour "chicken" using Korn Vegetarian Chicken Tendrils that I get at Whole Foods. Korn products are quite good.

you can...

...freeze and then thaw tofu before cooking it to make it more absorbant, and chewy too. Cut's out the oil process...

-s

Whole Foods has TVP

Whole Foods has TVP - checked this morning and 10 oz. packages of Bob's Red Mill TVP were available on the pasta aisle (top shelf, above the rice, I think) for $2.19. That's the little shreddy stuff, not big pieces. I bet they also have it in the bulk section, but I didn't think to check.

For more TVP adventures, seek out some Nutrela in one of the several Indian markets around town - it's TVP in bigger bits. I'm not much into meat analogues but it's a pretty retro-awesome box and it says "tasty chunks." What's not to love about tasty chunks?

You can get tofu to a great sauce-absorbing texture if you deep-fry it first until it's lightly golden and a little crispy outside. It sort of negates the healthful qualities, though. I used to buy packets of pre-fried tofu pieces at Asian markets out east, but I haven't been able to find it anywhere here. If anybody knows where I can get that, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks for the note on the new place, Alonso1 - looking forward to trying it.

Meat Like Product

Its not Tofu, its TVP or Textured Vegetable Product...the vegetable is soy beans. Tofu doesn't cook up very well. It kind of melts. TVP is the same stuff they add to McDonald's, Burger King and Carl's Jr. burgers. It makes the meat stretch farther. You can cook it and season it just like real meat. You can buy different kinds: chicken like, beef like or pork like.

Not sure where you can buy it. Foodservice gets it from foodservice providers like Sysco, US Foodservice, Fart and Smile...er Smart and Final and Pacific Grain and Food. Not sure if you can buy consumer sizes, although I would try Smart and Final as you have to be a restaurant to buy from Sysco and US.

Pressed

tofu...

-s

LUBYS

i love the sweet and sour tofu and garlic tofu from lubys and i have been trying to figure out forever what that "meat" is. id like to purchase some and try cooking it
does anyone have any idea what it is lubys uses for their garlic chicken etc.
?

Au Luc/Luby/New Stars

Au Luc is cheap and tastes it. I at there once, and my food had enough salt to kill a horse. The salad with bottle dressing was awful. Never went back.
.
Luby is fine, but don't plan on eating there, it's takeout, with a couple of cramped tables. Don't look at the kitchen! I once saw the cook stand on the grill to clean a vent. Never went back after that.
.
New Stars is a real restaurant. Of course you will pay more. Don't go if you are into cheap. The curry had lots of fresh crispy vegetables and was not too weak for me. If you are concerned, it is always good when ordering curry to discuss how you like it up front.
.
I agree with complaint of service. It is weak for the price. The servers are basically high school and most are not very knowledgeable. Also, the owner is oriental. Like many oriental restaurants, the food is served with ready, which means don't expect all in your party to be served at the same time. This is too bad though, as a lot of people don't like this. Go in with this knowledge, or you may be disappointed.

Au Lac

I personally think Au Lac is terrible. Have you ever tried the lemongrass chicken? Its gigantic chucks of fake chicken with what looks like hair growing on it. Too much of one flavor. Use some sauce or something. It would also be nice if they used vegetables more, afterall, they are a VEGETARIAN restaurant. Actually, I believe they are vegan. I've given them a fair chance. I've eaten there plenty of times, but no more. The best thing on the menu is the teriyaki chicken sandwich...which is served on a Rainbo Bread hamburger bun with Lays potato chips. Not very creative. Au Lac is absolutely no comparison to New Stars and they should not even be compared to each other. I think Sequoia Brewing has a better vegetarian menu. Also: Get some presentable furniture.

Wild Bird Center

Luby's is a few doors down from the "Wild Bird Center" ... how do you think he gets such fresh chicken... LOL j/k

Luby Chinese Restaurant (szechuan, hunan, mandarin cuisine)
1075 E. Bullard #103
Fresno, CA 93710
(S.E. Corner of 1st & Bullard)

Phone 439-8357
Fax 439-8457

mon-fri 11:30am-2:30pm; 4PM-9Pm
sat-sun 12:00 noon - 9PM

I just happened to have a Luby menu next to me.

Luby's...

Is that its full name, and where is it located?

I dont' wanna sound negative....

But I agree with KimBurly. Luby's still kicks anyone's ass, and I ate at Au Lac yesterday for lunch and it was great (I'm considering going back today!). Maybe Thomas just has me spoiled after eating at Luby's for 14 years now. Prices at this new spot are high for what you get, and who want's to go that far North? No disrespect tho...

-s

Maybe it was an off night?

When I checked it out with a few friends we were all disappointed. It was good, certainly edible, but it just felt too expensive for the quality of food we had presented to us. Speaking of presentation, out of four of us, two of us got served almost 10 minutes before the other two. Maybe Luby's garlic "chicken" has just spoiled me rotten and I've become too accustomed to flavorful vegetarian yummies at Au Lac, but my curry just had no kick at all. They did have really good cake, I'll hand that to them, but overall after weighing the possibility of going back to give them a second try, with the calculated gas and the steep prices for food I could make in my own kitchen, I'll stick to what I know and love instead of venturing so far for vegetarian food again.

Address

New Stars Vegetarian Restaurant
1134 E Champlain Dr. STE 108
Fresno, CA 93720

South-East corner of Champlain and Perrin.

address???

does anyone know the adress too New Star???

Mekkin da transition ah easy...

...yuh jus stop eatin deadas, seen? The body a temple, nah nuh cemetery.

-s

it gets worse...

having lived in Fresno for nearly two years now, I can honestly say that I don't like going to places where I cannot taste and see the air... (I just don't trust invisible air that doesn't have that little 'bite' to it... I mean, gimme something that has substance... (on a plus side? the 'industrial strength air,' has completely transplanted any desire to smoke, ever again... (though if we could get 'clove,' air, I'd be set...)

Moving soon from San Diego,

I'm excited! I'm looking for more vegetarian places in town, only problem is I live by Ashlan/99 so Au Lac is my closest option (they're still great). The New Star though sounds like a good option if I happen to be in the riverpark area. I hope this is the start of a new trend in town.

Tastes like meat

Maybe you don't like the taste of meat, however, some people do but are animal lovers so a food that "tastes like meat" is a good alternative. It is not an oxymoron. The vegetarian omelete offered by Denny's is an oxymoron.
Vegetarian food that tastes like meat is a great way to make the transition. People are vegetarian for different reasons. Some are religious, others are members of PETA, and others cannot digest meat.
Whats the point of eating chocolate cake when there is not a trace of chocolate in the mix?

Mmmm, Tofu Steak!

I like to go to my favorite steak house and order tofu steak. It's actually filet mignon but somehow I feel like a better person all the same. It goes great with a mocktini which is really straight vodka.

Excellent Food

I ate at New Stars Vegetarian for the second time today, having the Curry Clay Pot and spring rolls. Excellent! Previously had Cashew "Chicken" with Brown Rice, which was also very good. This restaurant will be a weekly stop for me. Everyone in my party enjoyed their different dishes. I think this is a great location, as there are lots of vegetarians in north Fresno. This food is upscale quality.

...'tastes like meat..'

...that taste helps those of us to transition to vegetarianism easier... (though I have a long way to go... usually when I bite into anything that tastes like meat, I start grunting and begin to shout '...I win! I win! hah-HAH...'

-Needless to say I don't usually eat at the classier steakhouses more than the first time...

YAY! YAY! YAY!

I still miss Govinda's...

I have issue with the "tastes just like meat" part: what's the point of being vegetarian and wanting your food to taste like meat? A total oxymoron...

-s