Soul food, vegan eats and a fantasy bar

Journalism is hard work. In the past few weeks, we've send our intrepid reporters out to a soul food restaurant, a Buddhist-inspired vegan eatery and a hookah bar. Our reviewers came, they saw, they ate.

This week, it was Andy Nguyen's, a Vietnamese vegetarian restaurant. Inspired by Buddhist thought, Andy Nguyen's menu offers intriguing culinary delights like Transformation of the Mind, a grilled Hanoi-style soy meat dish in a lettuce wrap. Though a vegan paradise, our reviewer says meat-eaters should be wary.

Layalina offers a bit of Far East exoticism, too, albeit fewer references to the Dalai Lama. A smoker's delight, the hookah bar, restaurant and club offers everything from baba ghanouj to a DJ spinning beats. Our writer says get there stylishly late to enjoy the DJ and stop by on Thursdays for a hip hop-themed night.

And then there's Table 260, which serves up Southern-fried soul food with a twist. Mouth-watering chicken and waffles, jambalaya, pulled-pork sandwiches and ribs are all on the menu, but, our reporter warns our readers the prices may be a bit high for the average college student.

For more dining reviews, visit The State Hornet and get the skinny. We'll figure out which restaurants are worth the time of your taste buds.

Journalism, I repeat, is hard work.