Where To Eat: The Source Cafe

It seems I am a bit late to the fabulous The Source Cafe in Hermosa Beach.  Friends have been singing its praises for months, telling me I would love it with its fresh, organic, and vegan options. I finally treated myself there last week and am looking for an excuse to go back soon!  

I love so many things about this cafe.  It features fresh juices, smoothies and "elixirs" that celebrate the bounty of a plant-based diet.  I also am in deep gratitude for the multitude of vegan dessert options and muffins.  They offer gluten-free wraps for their sandwiches, and they have a variety of vegan spreads - cashew cream spread and a spicy hummus.   They also offer coconut and almond milk for your coffee and tea, and make an in-house, homemade almond milk.  They clearly are catering to the veegs and earth conscious.

Aside from the great tasting food, the restaurant is quaint and cozy, everything I would expect from my local, neighborhood cafe.  The staff was cheery and sweet.  I'd love to hang out for a morning or afternoon there.

Here are the details:

Info: 509 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach; (310) 318-1600; http://thesourcecafehb.com

Setting: Cozy beach-style cafe

Service:  The staff was super helpful in explaining the menu and highlighting the vegan options.  I ordered takeout, but there are several tables inside and out to stay for your meal.

Kids Menu:  No, but kids would love the smoothies, paninis/wraps, and most stuff from the "Edible Garden" section of the menu.

Prices: "Edible Garden" $5-$12; Salads $8-11; Paninis and Wraps $9.5-$12; Elixirs $3.75- $8; Smoothies $8-$10.50

What I ordered: I ordered the Rawsome salad and the Turmeric Tonic elixir.  The salad was fresh and tasty.  I am dying to try the Kale salad next time.  I enjoyed the tonic (made with turmeric, lemon, ginger, cayenne, cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar), although it was a little heavy on the cinnamon, making it a bit to sweet for my taste.  I was in heaven with their Almond Balls and Cacao Flaxseed Brownie.  They also had muffins and chocolate chip cookies.

If you are in the beach area, do yourself a favor and drop in!  If you do, let me know what you think in the comments section below.

Where To Eat: Gracias Madre

I died and went to vegan Mexican heaven two weeks ago.  I am a giving a muchisimas gracias to Gracias Madre, the newest addition to the LA vegan scene.  It opened January in West Hollywood on the very hip and chic Melrose Avenue.  Created by the founders of Cafe Gratitude, Matthew and Terces Engelhart, it is the restaurant's second location (the original is located in San Francisco).  They collaborated with Executive Chef, Chandra Gilbert to create a vibrant and plant based menu with ingredients that are sourced from local farmers markets.

My non-vegan husband and I couldn't stop celebrating Gracias Madre and the amazing food that graced our plates.  Do yourself a favor and book your next meal there!  Here's the info:

Info: 8905 Melrose Aveune, West Hollywood; (323) 978-2170; http://graciasmadreweho.com

Setting: We sat outside, which felt like we were on someone's private hacienda estate. Spanish villa comes to mind.  The indoor dining room is equally magnificent with a hoppin' bar and "scene."

Service: Extremely friendly and helpful.  Our waiter was spot on with every recommendation, including cocktails.  

Kids Menu: No...not sure I would bring them, as I loved the "upscale" ambience, but the food is definitely family friendly.

Prices: Starters and appetizers $4-$10; Entrees $12-$16; Sides $3-$6; Desserts $8-$9

What I ordered:  We started with the Cauliflor Frito (flash-fried cauliflower with nacho cheese and lemon), and then shared plates of Chilaquiles and Flautas.  Both entrees came with the best black beans I have ever tasted.  We topped off the meal with Mexican Wedding Cookies and their homemade coconut milk chocolate ice cream.  And let's not forget the cocktails - The Purista margarita for dinner and El Guey Aguanta with dessert!

Everything was incredibly delicious and fresh.  Oh, and did I mention the tasty homemade chips and guacamole?  Yep, pure heaven.  I can't wait to go back!

Where To Eat: Fresh Brothers

Fresh Brothers recently hosted me and few VeegMama readers to lunch on them at their Redondo Beach location.  The occasion?  They launched some new vegan items on their menu and wanted our opinions.  Lucky us!!  

I was already a big fan of Fresh Brothers.  Their pizza dough is the best, in my opinion, and they offer a gluten free crust too!  They have always offered Daiya vegan cheese as an option among their toppings, and their salads are out of this world.

I was thrilled to taste test their new items.  Our lunch spread included The Farmers Market Salad with their new vegan ranch and bleu cheese dressings, vegan chicken tenders, and a gluten-free pizza crust loaded with vegan sausage, Daiya cheese, and veggies.  Everything was delicious.  I was surprised at how real the sausage tasted, better than any other vegan sausage product I have ever eaten.  I brought some leftovers home and my kids, husband, and meat loving dad all loved it too.

The chicken tenders were equally tasty - a great "junk food" splurge for me.  I loved dipping them in the vegan ranch.  I wanted to order a tub of the dressing to go!  

When ordering pizza, Fresh Brothers is the only choice for me.  It has wonderful options for my whole family (I always order their kids sauce loaded with veggies).  I love that I can get a pizza with cheese and now something other than just veggies that is all vegan.  The vegan dressings and chicken tenders are an added bonus. 

Well done, Fresh Brothers.  VeegMama is a fan!  I want to extend a huge thank you to the Fresh Brothers for hosting me and and my readers.  I hope you will check them out.  This fantastic family owned business has locations all over Los Angeles and soon in Orange County.  Here are the details.

Info: They have various locations including Hollywood, Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Calabasas, West Hollywood, Brentwood, and Beverly Hills.  Visit their website for details: http://www.freshbrothers.com.

Setting: Casual, quick service style with comfortable dine in surroundings.

Service:  Friendly and helpful

Prices: Vegan tenders $10 for a half pound; Salads range $5-10; A large two-topping pizza is about $18. 

Where to Eat: Cook's County

I had the great pleasure of celebrating a very dear friend recently.  She chose Cook's County in West LA.  It was my second time dining at Cook's and I was delighted just as much the second time as the first.  Here are the details:

Info: 8009 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles; (323) 653-8009
http://www.cookscountyrestaurant.com/Eat.html

Setting: Chic and trendy, but comfortable and unassuming

Service: Very attentive and friendly.  My friend is a regular there so they served us with a glass of Prosecco upon arrival both times I have dined there!

Kids menu: Not specifically, but I saw several families dining there when I visited.

Prices: Dinner starters range $8-14; Dinner entrees range $20-25

What I ordered:  This is not a vegan restaurant, but it is very veggie friendly.  I visited the first time on a weeknight when it was not as busy so they were able to veganize several items on the menu.  I really loved the Chickpea pancake.  I started with the Beet Salad (minus the cheese).  My second visit was on a hopping Saturday night, where they were too busy to accommodate menu changes so I stuck to vegetables that they could prepare easily by omitting the cheese.  I loved the Roasted Caulflower, Shaved Brussels Sprouts, and Spinach.

Let me know if you visit - and what you order!

Where To Eat: Sage Bistro

I finally had the pleasure of dining at Sage Bistro's Culver City location (I love their Echo Park restaurant, but am excited to have a closer location available now).  This hot spot (it was hopping on a Saturday night) is hip and fun.  It feels like a local hangout, casual and laid back with a fun bar scene (the cocktails are awesome) and a KindKreme counter inside (woo hoo!).  I took my husband there on a date night and he loved it too.  We'll definitely be going back - and maybe bring the kids next time (it was very family friendly).  Here's the info:

Info: 4130 Sepulveda, Culver City; (424) 228-5835; http://sageveganbistro.com

Setting: Casual and hip, with an industrial feel to the decor (open beamed ceilings and concrete floors)

Service: Fantastic!  Our server gave great recommendations that were right on.  She was attentive and friendly.

Kids menu: Not specifically, but very kid friendly, with a specific pizza menu and a KindKreme counter inside the restaurant.

Prices: Appetizers $8-12; Entrees $10-14 including bowls, salads, soups, and tacos; Desserts $4.50-13

What I ordered:  I really love this restaurant.  Only having dined for lunch before, I was excited to try out their dinner menu.  We started with the Buffalo Cauliflower (amazing!), and then I had the Palms of Heart Salad, followed by the Pasta, Pesto, and Greens Bowl (my mouth waters when I think about how good it was).  I ordered a cookie sandwich for dessert - Superfood ice cream (must try!) piled between two chocolate chip cookies from BabyCakes Bakery.

I seriously cannot wait to go back.  Everything was so so so good!  Try them out and let me know what you think in the comments section below.

Where To Eat: Veggie Grill

I am such a fan of Veggie Grill, (crave their All Hail Kale Salad like a drug!), that I cannot believe that I have never blogged about this great vegan restaurant.  I met a friend there for lunch recently and tried out one of their new Winter bowls.  Now, I have another favorite item on the menu! 

Everything at Veggie Grill is vegan - the sauces, dressings, everything!  I love that I can order anything I want without having to scrutinize the menu.  Even four years into being vegan, I still get excited when I can order anything from the menu. If you are a transitioning vegan, this is a great restaurant because it offers a lot of the faux meats - chicken and beef - that can be helpful when you first go veeg.  I am not so much into that anymore, but they also offer tempeh and other veggie based dishes, (like that awesome All Hail Kale Salad I mentioned above), that are fantastic.  Here are the details:

Info:  It is a chain with several locations all over Los Angeles.  I frequent the El Segundo (720 Allied Way) and Torrance (2533 Pacific Coast Highway) locations most often.  Visit http://www.veggiegrill.com for other restaurants.

Setting: Casual - you order at the counter, and the food is served to you at a table.

Service: Friendly 

Kids menu: Yes ($5 and includes a drink)

Prices: Entrees are $8-10; Sides are $3-4; Desserts are $2-5

What I order: The All-Hail Kale Salad is my go to.  I also love the Savory Kale Caesar.  My favorite sides are the Herb Roasted Veggies, Sweetheart Fries (served with an amazing chipotle ranch), and Steamin' Kale.  The Bombay Bowl was delicious.  They have a Chocolate Pudding Parfait that is better than any non vegan version I have ever had.  

Is your mouth watering yet?  Check out Veggie Grill and let me know what you think!

Join Me For Lunch At Fresh Brothers!

I have been a huge fan of Fresh Brothers since they launched their first restaurant in Los Angeles just a few short years ago.  They now have nine locations in SoCal with plans for two more in development.  There are many things that make them stand out from other pizza places - their deliciously, fresh ingredients...their signature pizza dough....their unique sauce blends...their mouth-watering salads.  In addition to their fantastic menu and food, they have an outstanding community presence and pride themselves on giving back to the neighborhoods they serve.  They are also innovative thinkers, always being health minded. Since their launch, they have offered a vegan cheese option for their pizzas (soy and casein free), as well as a gluten-free crust.  Fresh Brothers is my go-to place for pizza!

They are at it again and kicking things up a notch with a whole set of vegan menu items.  I have been invited, along with a few of my readers to try them out!  I'd love you to be my guest at lunch in February.  Email me at veegmama@gmail.com to join me.

What Does A Vegan Eat At A Steak House?

I recently visited BOA in Santa Monica for a celebration dinner with my parents, sister and her boyfriend.  As it was a celebration for my dad (a huge meat lover), we chose this restaurant as a treat for him.  As our date neared closer, I admit I was a bit worried about what I would eat (as I always tell everyone, "Don't worry about me.  I always can find something to eat.")  Turns out, I had no cause for concern.  I had a beautiful and delicious dinner at BOA.  Here's what I ate:

For starters, salads are a vegan's best friend.  Mostly all can prepared without cheese (added in many on the BOA menu), and can be served with a dairy free vinaigrette (or try fresh lemon juice and sea salt if all else fails).

For the main course, get to know the veggie section of the menu.  Most steakhouses serve a robust variety of veggies in a variety of sophisticated preparations.  True, some of the items on BOA's menu were not adaptable (such as the bacon Brussels Sprouts that my hubby loved), but I had a lovely choice of mushrooms, spinach, asparagus, steamed veggies, and farmer's market veggies that all could be prepared vegan if not already done so.

To complement my veggies, I ordered a baked potato (toppings on the side) and piled my veggies on top.  Steakhouses also have these plump, large Russet potatoes that are such a treat to eat.

If you are looking for something heavier, you can also look for ingredients on the menu that they can prepare special for you.  For example, BOA's menu had a spaghetti with bolognese sauce and meatballs.  I am sure they would have been able to prepare the spaghetti with olive oil, garlic, and some of the veggies from their menu instead.

Eating at a steakhouse is far from impossible.  It just takes a bit of creativity and flexibility by the waitstaff.  Bon appetit!

My Vegan London

My hubby and I enjoyed a quick getaway to London for four days during the holiday break.  This is the second year in a row that we have done a European vacation together over the holidays.  The timing with the holiday break works out perfectly because we get to spend time with our family until Christmas and then we head out the day after until New Year's Eve so we can be home to ring in the new year with our kiddos.

Given that it was only my second time in London, (the last time was 15 years ago), I soaked up all the sights and wonders that the enchanting city had to offer.  Visiting as a vegan this time also gave me the chance to eat my way through London, and that is exactly what I did!  Thank goodness that we walked everywhere!!  As I do any time I travel, I did a lot of research about where and what to eat.  Click here for my Pinterest London board to see what I gathered.  

With only four nights to spend, my husband chose two restaurants for dinner and I made selections for the other two nights.  Manna and Mildred's were my top two choices (my first choice, Vanilla Black, was closed during the time were were there).  I made reservations for Manna two weeks in advance (Mildred's doesn't take reservations).  Both restaurants were lovely, fine dining choices.  My husband, who teases me that every vegan restaurant I take him to has people wearing Birkenstocks and playing save the eels videos, approved.  I highly recommend both restaurants.  Here's what we ate:

Mildred's
We ate here our first night in London.  Their website said to expect a wait if you arrive after 6:30 p.m.  We got there around 8:00 p.m. and the place was hopping.  The restaurant is located in Soho - a fun part of the city.  The place is intimate, with a trendy vibe.  I loved it.  We stood around the bar and had some drinks while we waited only about a half hour for our table.

We started with a delicious artichoke appetizer.  For dinner, I ordered the special - a beetroot, fennel and apple burger with sweet potato fries.  Amazing!  My husband ordered a vegetarian ravioli that I didn't try because of the cream sauce, but he equally enjoyed his meal.  We shared a yummy dessert.  The restaurant also has a nice selection of organic, vegan wines.  I was a happy gal.  It was a great place to kick off our London dining experience.

Manna
This restaurant was elegant and laid back at the same time.  I loved the setting (in Primrose Hill/Regent Park area).  I ordered dishes from the special holiday menu, and my husband ordered two appetizers to make a meal, which is often done there (canellini bean slider and jalapeño cashew cheese croquettes).  We ordered two desserts - the bread pudding and a tiramisu cheesecake, because I couldn't decide between the two.  Both were outstanding.

My husband's choices were Patara, a great Thai restaurant in The West End (theater district), and Mint Leaf, a popular Indian restaurant.  We went to Patara before seeing Once, (one of the highlights of the trip), and they were great at getting us in and out on time.  I ordered some amazing appetizers and a vegetable curry.

At Mint Leaf, we ordered a variety of dishes.  They were very gracious about adapting some vegetarian dishes I wanted so that they would be vegan, but they also had several that didn't need modification.  The food was delicious and the atmosphere was chic.  

And then there was tea!  Afternoon tea is one of my favorite things to do.  I started going with one of my best friends about eight years ago and it is an indulgence I still enjoy and do a few times a year.  My husband, however, has never been, so I wanted him to experience a fancy tea in all of its English splendor.  I narrowed my choices to The Ritz and Fortnum and Mason.  Since we can do the Ritz here, I opted for Fortnum and Mason.  After a few clicks online, I discovered they have a Diamond Jubilee Room built for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.  I was sold!  I made a few more clicks to check out the menu and was ecstatic to learn that they have a special vegan menu (as well vegetarian and gluten free versions.) 

And let's not forget the cupcakes!  During my research about where and what to eat in London, I came across a blog post on Chloe Coscarelli's website (famed first vegan winner of The Food Network's Cupcake Wars.)  She raved about a cupcake shop called Ms, Cupcake, so I knew I had to make that a stop.  We visited the day before we left so we could bring some home.  It was a bit of trek (located in Brixton) and the neighborhood wasn't fantastic, but the cupcakes were worth it.  The Ferrer Rocher and  Tiramisu were the best cupcakes I have ever had - vegan or not.  I am still dreaming about them...

I also made some other great finds...

Jamie Oliver's Recipease in Notting Hill: A cute cafe sits atop a bustling cookware shop and demonstration kitchen.  We didn't get a chance to sample the food, but the menu featured several vegan friendly breakfast and lunch items that looked delicious.

Ottolenghi: A friend of mine who lives in London gifted me with one of this chef's cookbooks last time she came to stay with us.  They have several restaurants, but we were lucky that one of them was around the corner from our hotel.

- Granger and Co.: A very good friend from graduate school lives in Notting Hill.  She took us here for lunch during our visit.  Their food was delicious - several vegetarian/vegan options.  

 - The Coach and Horses Pub: This was a random discovery as we were wandering Soho after the theater.  It is a vegetarian pub!  Sadly, we didn't have time to test it out, but it's on my list for next time!

- Borough Market - An open-air market that puts every farmer's market I have ever been to shame.  Walking this market overwhelmed me with glee.  I wish I could shop there every week.  Upon entering, we were greeted by a raw vegan stand with salads and quinoa burgers.  It was one of the best lunches I had during the trip. 

- The Falafel Burger at St. Stephen's Tavern Pub: We popped into this pub after a morning of museum hopping.  It is right across the street from Big Ben.  My burger was delish, as was the cider.

As you can see, I really did eat my way through the city.  What a wonderful trip!

My Vegan Vegas

I was in Las Vegas last week for The Latin GRAMMY's.  Since going vegan four years ago, Vegas has become a lot more vegan friendly.  We stayed at The Four Seasons because that was where the show took place, but we spent a lot of time at the Encore and Wynn, eating at the hotel's many restaurants.  Steve Wynn, owner both hotels, is vegan, and has ensured that his restaurants feature not only vegan dining options, but also gourmet, delicious options that would please any carnivore!

I literally ate my way through the trip!  Here's a play by play for each of my meals!

Wednesday night dinner:
We were invited as guests at The Latin GRAMMY Person of the Year Tribute dinner, honoring Miguel Bose.  The event was held at Mandalay Bay.  From my experience, vegan banquet dinners are usually a plate of vegetables or pasta with marinara sauce.  Upon my arrival, I immediately informed the wait staff that I was vegan, and was pleasantly surprised by their "no problem" response.  This is what they brought me:

Breaded tofu on a sweet potato puree, served with roasted vegetables and quinoa mashed potato croquettes.  Wow, this was sooooo good.  For dessert, I was served a gorgeous fruit plate.


Thursday brunch/lunch:
After staying out until 3:30 in the morning, we didn't make it to "breakfast" until 1 the next afternoon, but I still wanted brunch!  The Society Cafe had a "Vegan Benedict" on the menu that I was dying to try.  But before I had that, I had t sample the vegan tomato bisque.  I had a small cup as an appetizer.  Here's what it looked like:

They make the Hollandaise sauce with sriacha, which gave the dish a delicious kick.  I loved this meal.

Thursday night dinner:
After the show, my husband entertained clients at a restaurant called Fleur at The Mandalay Bay.  It was a dinner for 14 with a tasting menu, but he let them know ahead of time that there was one vegan (me!).  When we arrived, they already had my own menu ready to go!  It was amazing.  

First course: Mixed green salad with green apples and tangy vinaigrette

Second course: Golden and red beet salad (This was one of my favorite dishes of the trip.)

Third course: Roasted Brussels sprouts

Fourth course: Vegetable fried rice

Fifth course: Grilled Gardein chicken served with vegetables

Sixth course: Citrus sorbet with a sweet basil drizzle served alongside shaved pineapple.  It was garnished with edible flowers.  This dessert was delicious and so beautiful to look at it.  I have never had pineapple served this way.  

Friday breakfast:
We journeyed back to The Society Cafe because I had to have the vegan French toast (prepared with bananas and vanilla creme).  They did not disappoint.

Friday lunch:
We ate a light late lunch at Wazuzu.  I ordered the vegan crunchy roll (amazing!) and sage dumplings (so so so good).  I couldn't resist the vegan brownie sundae on the dessert menu, so my husband I shared that for dessert.

Friday dinner:
We ate at Lakeside Seafood.  Their vegan menu was overwhelming - so many delicious looking choices.  I settled on the Risotto Balls as my starter, Crab Cakes for main course with the Oyster Mushrooms as a side.  I wanted to keep eating, but could only make it through half the crab cakes and mushrooms.  This was one of the best gourmet vegan meals I have had.  

This was a dream trip for vegan eating.  I highly recommend the Wynn for vegan dining if you are staying in Vegas.  My husband and I will be staying there for our next visit because of all the great dining options!

Vegan Afternoon Tea

VeegMama and family at Tiffin at The Langham

I have always been a huge fan of tea parties.  Aside from the delicious teas (I am partial to chamomile) and cute sandwiches, I suppose I also really love the feeling of being a "lady of leisure."  I devoured Jane Austen novels as a teenager and would love to be a character in her book who receives afternoon callers for tea and scones, and dresses accordingly for the occasion.

My stepmom has been my "partner in crime" for some time now when I need my "tea time" fix.  Recently, she and I splurged for tea at Tiffin at The Langham Huntington Pasadena and brought my girls.  Not only was the setting gorgeous and the service impeccable, but also the food was delicious.  They were completely accommodating for vegan, as well as vegetarian for my step mom and girls.  Everything was plated beautifully.

Here's what the chef prepared for me (When we made the reservation, we requested vegan.)

An assortment of tea sandwiches that included: an over sized cherry tomato stuffed with asparagus spear tops, a cucumber wedge filled with a fresh tomato salsa, and two raw vegetable sandwiches featuring tomatoes and squash

















Zucchini bread and chocolate chip scones

Fresh fruit

It was all delicious.  I equally enjoyed the teas.  We selected the Green Tea Passion, Silver Jasmine, and Golden Chamomile varieties.  I could have stayed in that room all day, sipping the afternoon away.  What a treat!  I highly recommend Tiffin at The Langham.  

Where To Eat: Le Pain Quotidien

Le Pain is my new favorite "cafe."  Serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, this restaurant offers many vegan options, denoted with a cute, little carrot icon on the menu.  With locations all over Los Angeles, it is my new go-to spot for meeting up with friends across town - and around the corner.  I am so excited to have discovered this place.

Info: Several all over Los Angeles.  I have been to the Manhattan Beach (451 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Manhattan Beach) and Beverly Hills (9630 S. Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Hills) locations.  Visit http://www.lepainquotidien.us for other restaurants.

Setting:  Casual, "cafe" dining, featuring a French style bakery

Service: Attentive and friendly

Kids menu: Not specifically

Prices: $4-14 for breakfast; $11-14 for lunch

What I ordered: When I visited the Beverly Hills location a few months ago, I had their organic vegan bread assortment with spreads and a tea latte with soy milk.  I would love to try one of their many breakfast items, starting with their tofu scramble.

Recently, I met a friend for lunch at the Manhattan Beach location, and ordered the gazpacho and organic lentil and avocado salad.

My food at both locations was delicious.  I highly recommend Le Pain and will be visiting again myself very soon!

Where To Eat: Petros

I am a huge fan of Greek food.  I could eat it almost every day.  It is one of my top picks for dining out when given the choice, and luckily for me, I have several options close to home.  Petros, located in Manhattan Beach's Metlox Center, is one of my favorites.  Although it is not a primarily vegan restaurant, they have a few vegan things on the menu that I keep coming back for more.  Here are the details:

Info: 451 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Manhattan Beach; (310) 545-4100; http://petrosrestaurant.com

Setting: Elegant, yet casual.  I love the outdoor patio.

Service: Attentive and friendly.

Kids menu: Not specifically, but it is kid friendly.

Prices: Appetizers: $9-16; Salads: $10-14; Entrees: $13-21; Desserts: $8-10

What I order: I get the Super Salad without cheese every time.  It combines tomatoes, cucumber, olives, avocado, and capers with chopped romaine lettuce, carrots, radishes and red onions.  It is dressed with a homemade red wine vinaigrette.  I am also a huge fan of their vegetable bean soup.  During my last visit, I ordered the Horiatiki flatbread pizza (tomatoes, olives, avocado, red onion, and capers) without the cheese and it was delicious.  Beware though, it is huge and it doesn't really keep for leftovers with the fresh avocado topping.  I also like to order the dips appetizer with a few modifications to get only the vegan spreads (just let the server know and they will accommodate you.)

The Super Salad

The Horiataki Flatbread Pizza

I hope you will give Petros a visit and if you do, let me know what you think in the comments section below.

The Happiest Vegan on Earth

My in-laws gifted my family with Disneyland/California Adventure season passes this past holiday season.  It has been a real treat.  We have been enjoying the parks about every other month since January.  We have gone enough now where I have scoped out my favorite places to eat.  I was surprised to find several vegetarian and vegan options at many of the restaurants.  I haven't tried all of these yet, but below is my go-to list for dining vegan at The Happiest Place on Earth.


California Adventure

Schmoozies - (Located in Hollywood) I haven't tried this yet, but looks fantastic - a smoothie bar at an amusement park!
Flo's Taste In - (Located in Cars Land) This is set up like an "open market" and offers fresh fruit and juices.
The Lucky Fortune Cookery - (Located on the Pacific Wharf) This restaurant offers Asian rice bowls featuring rice, vegetables, your choice of meat (including tofu) and your choice of sauce.
Ariel's Grotto - (Located in Paradise Pier) For finer dining, this restaurant offers character dining with the Disney Princesses!  There are many pasta vegetarian options that you can veganize by asking your server.
Goofy's Fly School - (Located by Pacific Wharf) There is a great Mediterranean to-go restaurant right next to Goofy's Fly School that has become my favorite place to order lunch.  You order at a walk-up window.  They offer kebobs (including a veggie/tofu variety) with a choice of four sauces (I get the chimichurri).  It is served with rice pilaf, pita, and cucumber salad.  It is delicious.

Disneyland

Plaza Inn (Located in Main Street U.S.A.) - This is set up like a buffet and has pasta and salad options.
Tomorrow Land Terrace (Located in Tomorrow Land) - There is a great veggie burger and fries at this stop.

For more info on dining at The Happiest Place on Earth, click here for links to the parks' maps where you can view write-ups on all of their dining options.

Did I miss something?  Please let me know if there is a vegan dining option at Disneyland that isn't included above.  I would love to add it to my go-to list!

Where To Eat: Red O

Red O is Rick Bayless' gourmet Mexican restaurant in Hollywood.  Although it is not a vegan restaurant, it has lots to offer a veeg gal like me.  I am not sure if it is the guacamole and mouth-watering chipotle salsa...or it may be the La Dama margarita...or the churros I just discovered are vegan (without the chocolate dipping sauce)...I really dig this place.  The Improv is right across the street so it makes for a night out.

Here are the details:

Info:  8155 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles 90046; http://redorestaurant.com; (323) 655-5009

Setting: The restaurant is stunning.  The furniture is grandiose and hip.  Make sure you ask to sit in the main dining room and not the patio (better ambience and people watching!).  The bar is so cool and I love the tequila tunnel in the middle of the restaurant. 

Service: The servers and hosts are attentive and knowledgeable.  I always appreciate the extra effort they make to ensure that my meal is vegan.

Kids menu: Nope.  This is a grown up place!

Prices: $10-20 for Soups and Salads and $20-30 for Entrees (Enchiladas, Tacos, Cazuelas and more.)  

What I ordered: The menu is vast and diverse.  For veegs though, there are only a couple of options.  I order the Spinach, Woodland Mushrooms and Roasted Garlic Cazuelas every time.  They cook it in vegetable broth (you need to specify this) and I ask for no cheese.  If I am being good, this can easily keep as lunch the next day (but, most times, I gobble up the whole thing!).

Where To Eat: Off Vine

For Mother's Day earlier this month, my family went to see Rain at the Pantages Theater.  My husband booked us reservations at this lovely restaurant, Off Vine, before the show.  The setting was charming and the service was impeccable.  I was impressed that they had a small vegan menu for me to choose from.  It was perfect.  I will definitely be visiting again the next time we have show tickets.  Kudos to my hubby for finding this gem!

Here are the details.

Info: 6263 Leland Way, Hollywood; http://offvine.com; (323) 962-1900

Setting: The restaurant is situated in a turn-of-the-century Craftsman-style bungalow.  It is charming.

Service: The staff was flawless.  They thought of everything and were attentive and respectful.  It didn't hurt that all the waiters looked like actors too!

Kids menu: No, but we were able to order pasta three different ways for each of my kids.  They have a pesto served with bread on the table that one of my daughters used to top her pasta.  My son had a butter sauce, and my other daughter had hers served with marinara.  They cleaned their bowls!

Prices: $7-11 for Starters and $13-27 for Main Courses.  

What I ordered: I had three options - Stuffed Bell Pepper (quinoa, mushrooms, asparagus, apples, mandarin oranges, topped with a truffle oil and orange dressing); Beluga Lentils (with grilled zucchini, tomato, eggplant and a roasted bell pepper coulis); and Pistachio Encrusted Vegan Chicken (with a mango sauce and served with vegetables and dairy free mashed potatoes).  I chose the Vegan Chicken and loved it.  There were also several salads that I would love to try.

I wish I hadn't been so stuffed from Mother's Day lunch earlier that day and we weren't so rushed to get to the theater.  I would have eaten and enjoyed the setting of this beautiful restaurant a lot longer.  It gives me an excuse to visit again soon!

Vegan Fast Food

Vegan fast food seems like an oxymoron to me.  In order to be a healthy vegan, I would argue that your food must be heavy on the plant based, which means fresh and made to order (if it's going to be delicious, that is!)  I love to cook and make the majority of my family's meals during the week, but there are times when I need something quick and I don't necessarily have time to make it right then.  For most people, fast food is the answer.  Fortunately, being vegan keeps me out of the drive thru lanes, but what's a veeg to do when she needs a quick grab on the go?

Below are a few of my favorite places for "fast food" and what I usually order at them.

Veggie Grill: I order the All Hail Kale Salad every time I go.  Seriously, I have no idea what anything else on the menu tastes like.  I can call in my order and have it ready to be picked up by the time I get there!  I also occasionally order their sweet potato fries (the best ones in town, in my opinion!).

Chipotle: I keep it simple and get a regular burrito - black beans and rice with veggies, salsas and guac.  Recently, I have been changing it up and making it a salad instead of a burrito.  Delish!

Subway: This is my family's favorite "fast food" restaurant.  I order the Veggie Delight with no cheese and all the veggies, except onions and jalapeños!  I always ask for avocado and drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, and salt and pepper.

Panera: This is one of my favorite places for their black bean soup.  I also am a big fan of their Greek salad and vegetarian sandwich.  But, it's the soup that I go back again and again for...and that freshly baked bread.

Do you have a favorite "fast food" joint that is vegan friendly.  I'd love to hear about it.  Let me know in the comments section below.

Where To Eat: Lyfe Kitchen

Lyfe Kitchen Culver City

LYFE Kitchen (stands for Love Your Food Everyday) is a cool concept for a restaurant: fresh, natural ingredients (preservative free) that are quickly prepared to give you delicious meals.  It is essentially the closest thing you'll find to a healthy fast food restaurant.

Their second restaurant opened in Culver City last month so my hubby and I thought we'd try it out.    They serve breakfast (their breakfast menu looks really good!), lunch and dinner and have separate vegan and gluten free menus, making it very easy to order.  I really like that there were lots of choices for me, while my hubby could still get non vegan fare.  All of the menu items list the caloric and sodium information.  Tal Ronnen, founder of Gardein products (and restauranteur - see my previous post on his new restaurant Crossroads), is one of the chefs so Gardein products are featured in some of the menu items (which I love).

I ordered a simple wrap for lunch, but would love to try all of the salads and veggies (their brussell sprouts and baby kale salad look yummy) on the menu.  They also have a chips and guacamole item that looks delicious.

Here's the info.

Info: 8540 Washington Blvd, Culver City, http://lyfekitchen.com, (310) 507-7955;  Their original location is in Palo Alto.

Setting: Modern and casual

Service: You order at the counter and someone brings your food to the table.  It's a bit laid back, but the staff is friendly.

Kids menu: Yes

Prices: Starters $6-8; Salads $9; Entrees $9-15; Sandwiches and Burgers $8-10

What We Ordered: I got the quinoa crunch wrap, which had veggies, avocado, edamame hummus, rice and beans rolled together in a whole wheat tortilla.  It came with a hot sauce on the side that was too spicy for me.  It wasn't the best wrap I ever had, but definitely tasty.  My husband ordered their chicken sandwich that he really liked.  We also ordered some baked sweet potato fries (always a table pleaser).

Overall, I really love the concept and would like to visit again to give some of the rest of the menu a try.  It is definitely a great casual dining option for the family.

Quinoa Crunch Wrap

Where To Eat: Shojin

I have had the great pleasure of dining at Shojin in downtown LA twice.  Every time I go, I wish they had one close to my South Bay home.  My wish was finally answered last month with the opening of their Culver City location!  Shojin provides excellent, vegan sushi and more.  They use organic, natural ingredients in traditional Japanese and macrobiotic dishes.

Their food is creative and artistic.  My tummy and soul is always nourished when I eat at Shojin.  I dined with non-vegan friends at the Culver City location and they loved it too.  The menu is diverse so that there is something for everyone.

Info: 12406 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, (310) 390-0033, http://www.theshojin.com/cchome.htm

Setting: It looks like a hole in the wall from the outside, but the inside is artfully and elegantly decorated.  You feel you are in a fine dining oasis.

Service: Traditional Japanese - very attentive and respectful.

Kids menu: Not really.

Prices: Appetizers are $7-12; Soups are $7; Rolls are $14; Entrees are $19

What we ordered:  We started with two appetizers: Shishito Peppers & Fried Tofu and Spicy "Tuna" on Crispy Rice.  Both of these were delicious.  The Shishito Peppers were a little spicy but I really enjoyed it.  The Spicy "Tuna" was insanely delicious.  It definitely gives you the feel of spicy tuna.

We then followed with Mushroom Miso Soup.  This soup was delicious.  I love a good mushroom soup and the miso gave it a little extra something.  It thought the combo was genius.  It made me wonder, "Why have I never eaten a miso like this before?"










We ordered three rolls:  Pirates of the Crunchy (Fried tempeh and crunchy corn flakes with spicy mayo on green vegetable roll served with dynamite sauce) -  This is THE rolls of all rolls in my opinion and why I love Shojin so much.  They are so creative.  No avocado and cucumber plain rolls here.  They know how to kick it up and combine flavors and ingredients to surprise and delight your palate.  This is a must order, veegs.


Green Forest (Avocado wrapped asparagus and carrot roll, tempura broccoli and yuzu mayo on top; Served with ginger soy sauce on top) - This was a new try for me.  I really liked this one.  The sauce was delish and I loved the tempura broccoli on top - so cute!







Rocky Mountain (Avocado, cucumber and shiso inside, tempura shitake on top, served with sweet soy sauce and wasabi mayonnaise) - This is a close favorite for me with the Pirates of the Crunchy.  I have never ordered this before because it has as mushroom on top (I usually dine with my hubby who is not a fan of the 'shroom), so this was an indulgence for me.  I loved it and will order it again!

The next time you are in the mood for sushi, do yourself a favor and go to Shojin, and if you do, please let me know what you think in the comments below!