Nearly Normal's: All the Flavor, Without the Meat

What: Nearly Normal's "Gonzo Cuisine" - hearty vegetarian cuisine

Where: 109 Northwest 15th Street Corvallis, Ore.

Who: Anyone who wants to try something different, tasty, and healthy

Hours: Hours differ from summer to winter

Why: To try something a little different that won't clog your arteries

If you are looking for a place to eat that is out of the ordinary but isn’t a heart attack on a plate, Nearly Normal’s Gonzo Cuisine should definitely go on your list. With hearty food that fills you up, and flavors that tease the taste buds, this place has filled a niche that few have been able to fill in Corvallis.

The cool, creamy avocado complimenting the spice of the chipotle sauce that the Arizona tempeh (a soy product that is similar to tofu) is covered with creates an explosion of flavor. The crispiness of the lightly toasted white corn tortillas mixing with the crunch of the shredded cabbage and carrots as you bite into the taco gives this meal a firm texture that belies it’s “missing” ingredient.

The only thing that could be considered missing from this beautiful Mexican concoction is meat, but as a raging meat lover, I couldn’t even tell.

Hiding behind the Circle K on Monroe in Corvallis is Nearly Normal’s, a restaurant specializing in “Gonzo Cuisine.” Nearly Normal’s has been serving up this specialty of original recipes, including fresh and organic (if available) ingredients since 1979. Although they started off with a limited number of items on the menu, and even more limited eating space, through the years the menu and dining area have expanded.

Jamie Winter, a student at LBCC, highly recommends Nearly Normal’s. One of the cooks was her roommate for a while. “She surprised me a lot with her delicious leftovers.” Jamie says that her favorite was the chipotle tacos.

If “meat-aterians” give it a chance, they can find something to enjoy at Nearly Normal’s. The food is hearty and filling, with real flavor. Winter says, “I think if you are a lover of food at all you should definitely try it out! It's a fun new experience and no doubt about it the best vegetarian cuisine I have ever had.”