Wow, it's been a while since I wrote about an actual restaurant. The truth is I eat out for lunch most days and luckily there are TONS of options within walking distance of work. Roots is a staple in my lunch rotation. Originally Roots was marketed as the only vegetarian restaurant in Bloomington. Central to the menu were dishes featuring tofu, tempeh, and seitan. I remember ordering the Grilled Veggie Pita soon after the restaurant opened and not being too impressed with it. More recently, Roots added Thai specialties to their menu and I think that's where the restaurant really shines.
Esan Thai is one of Bloomington's many Thai restaurants. It doesn't measure up to the awesomeness of Little Tibet, but Esan Thai has several dishes I really like. Esan is a bit expensive, in an overpriced kind of way. I think I would be more enthusiastic with it if the prices were lower, it would feel like a better deal.
I wrote in an earlier post that Samira is the best restaurant in Bloomington. Well, I love Samira but my favorite restaurant in Bloomington is Little Tibet. They serve mostly Tibetan and Thai food, with a little Indian thrown in. Like many of the ethnic restaurants on 4th street, Little Tibet is located in the first floor of a house. It's a bit cramped inside, but still cozy and inviting. In the summer you can also sit outside on the porch or patio.
