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Mark's Kitchen

A trip to Baltimore gave me the opportunity to swing by Mark's Kitchen in Takoma Park, a place which has been on my radar for a very long time.  Veggie-friendly and "Asian inspired" this affordable cafe has food which far exceeds the humble paper napkin setting and a menu you could take a while to read.  I got an appetizer, the Vegetable Mandoo, which was excellent.  Five pillow-like dumplings filled with finely minced vegetables, they were the perfect texture and had a subtle, gentle taste.  The dipping sauce was too salty for my taste but used sparingly it was fine.  I also neglected to ask for steamed so the dumplings were very lightly "grilled" but in no way greasy.  For a main dish I got the Yang Nyum Tofu, which exceeded expectations.  Described as deep fried tofu with a spicy red sauce it did not have the vegetables listed but had seasonal choices which worked just as well.  I got the soba noodle version (you can choose noodles or rice) which came with four very large chunks of lightly fried tofu drenched in a fiery sauce and a good amount of noodles, carrots, green onions and red and yellow peppers.  Presented in chef's style, the dish was artful, pretty and delicious.  For a spice lover it was perfect -- my eyes and nose were dripping after the first bite.  Portion size was large enough to leave me quite filled but not stuffed.  The total bill, with tax and tip, was less than $20.  A note to vegetarians -- there are veggie options beyond the "vegetarian entree" section and their Miso has fish flakes, which they openly disclose on the menu.  Take your time to peruse it all.  On the day I visited a portion of proceeds was going to charity, which is typical for an establishment with windows covered in fliers advertising various civil rights rallies, etc.  Definitely worth another visit, just wish there was a version closer to home and that they offered chopsticks.

Casual veggie-friendly, asian-inspired eatery
7006 Carroll Ave, Takoma Park
http://www.markskitchen.com/Home

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