Lotus Café and Juice Bar is causing quite the buzz in The Lumberyard in Encinitas. Boasting a warmly colored and open dining area, an outdoor patio, and a picturesque elephant statue (Hindu god named Ganesh) at the front door, guests are waiting in line to get their fill of healthful and natural foods made fresh to order. From appetizers, shakes, and smoothies to soups, salads, sandwiches, and more, the prices are reasonable and the portions are generous. Tempting menu items include a whole wheat pita stuffed with falafel balls, hummus, tomato, sprouts, and shredded carrots with tahini-ginger sauce, or baked whole wheat chapati (unleavened flatbread) topped with black beans, rice, mixed organic greens, carrots, sprouts, jicama, radish, salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. (760/479-1977, www.lotuscafeandjuicebar.com) MARIA DESIDERATA MONTANA
