Be Le Vegetarian dishes are both attractive and flavorful. Tulsa World file
Fans of Be Le Vegetarian restaurant, 6634 S. Lewis Ave., still have about six weeks left to enjoy Be Le Nguyen's magical, meatless dishes. The restaurant is scheduled to close June 30.
Not only does Be Le Vegetarian have one of the most varied meatless menus in town, it also has some of the tastiest food around -- meatless or not. Nguyen does amazing things with ingredients such as soybeans, seaweed and yams.
Even a simple dish such as fried wontons -- something most restaurants purchase from a food-service provider -- is memorable at Be Le. They arrive in various shapes and sizes and are filled with cream cheese and tiny bits of water chestnuts, carrots and leeks.
Vegetable lo mein, egg rolls and vegetable fried rice are among other standouts we have had there.
Be Le Vegetarian originally was located at 31st Street and Mingo Road, where it closed in 2000 after a four-year run. It reopened in its current location in 2006.
The staff always has been friendly and helpful. Be Le's husband, Chung; son, Giang; daughter, Chi; sister, Le Nuong; granddaughter, Vivian Nguyen, and grandson, Nhan Nguyen, all have held positions at the restaurant.
Giang said the family hoped business would pick up after road work on Lewis Avenue was completed.
"It just didn't happen," Giang said. "I think too many businesses left the area during the construction."
Giang said it is unlikely Be Le will reopen in another location.
"I think my mother is ready to retire," he said.
On a happier note, Baja Jack's Burrito Shack has opened a Tulsa location at 9521 Riverside Drive.
Baja Jack's, which has a spot in Smith Farm Shopping Center in Owasso, specializes in build-your-own burritos but also has dishes such as tacos, quesadillas, nachos, Anaheim relleno and salads.
Both locations are open 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
