Lincoln Lunch: vegetarian Mexican

The words vegetarian and Mexican don't often go together. But at Leonor's in Studio City the duo is quite tasty. All the meat on the menu is make of soy and the food is healthy. Hubby the Carnivore would grumble, but most meat eaters will be pleasantly surprised.

The texture of the soy cheese and soy chicken in my massive chicken tostada, for $4.90, was right on. The cheese was good enough that I considered adding it to my grocery list. I sought out the chicken on my plate. The tostada needed salsa or pico de gallo, which I would have asked for had the waitress returned. That my food was slightly bland was not enough to deter me from stuffing my face. Service was quick and friendly. The restaurant is clean and small with a few booths and counter seating.

The menu had many other Lincoln Lunch options, for when all you have in your wallet is a five dollar bill with ol' prez Lincoln on it. $5 will get you a small chili burrito, chili tostada, chicken tostada, chicken taco, veggi tago, chicken enchilada, B.L.T., soy hamburger, beet salad, green salad, house salad, plus sides like chicken nuggets, broccoli, and various empanadas.

Note, Leonor's has received very mixed reviews online. Visit them at 12445 Moorpark St in Studio City. (818) 762-0660. They also have a location in Valley Village at 5217 Laurel Canyon Blvd. (818) 769-6315.