Happy Buddha Makes Vegetarians Smile
I was raised in Flushing, Queens, and have watched it grow into a Chinatown that now boasts more Chinese residents than the more popular "Chinatown" along Canal Street in Manhattan. I have also been a vegetarian since 1995, and am always on the lookout for great restaurants. So when I find one on my home turf, I naturally am more than pleased to sing its praises.
Happy Buddha on 37th Ave just west of Main Street,  www.happybuddha.com, has been around for several years, but not long ago underwent construction to enlarge its space, including a buddhist temple on the second floor. If you have any interest in Buddhsim, owner Lina Lin, an infectiously energetic vietnamese woman, will happily show you around. She may even offer to have you receive Tao.
If not, you will still be in for a treat nonetheless, as her menu includes a wonderful array of dishes designed to entice not only vegetarians and vegans, but any willing carnivorous counterparts inquisitive enough to take the plunge.
Before I chose the vegetarian life, I was very big on sushi bars. Eel roll was one of my favorites. The mock eel roll at Happy Buddha was eerily convincing, bringing back memories of college days and maki nights, with one too many Singapore beers under me. Lina told me it was the seaweed concoction that brought back the seafood taste.
Other amazing creations include the General Tso's Chicken, Honey Walnut Shrimp, and many, many great smoothies with fresh mango, berries and apple, as well as herbs, designed to help aid digestion, the immune system, or just for great taste. Everything is fresh and generally seasonal. And if you're up for dessert, go for the strawberry cheesecake, made from soy cream cheese, soymilk, and fruit that genuinely tastes fresh!
