If you're like me, you spend a significant amount of time each day thinking about food. First of all, I'm a grazer. I am hungry all the time. Secondly, I don't eat everything. Actually, I don't eat a lot of things.
As of last summer, for a variety of health and moral reasons, I am a proud (mostly) dairy-free vegetarian. I avoid meat completey and avoid seafood unless I know - and can most likely see - where it comes from. It's easier than going vegan, but pretty difficult nonetheless.
Fortunately, there are few better cities in which to live than Los Angeles when it comes to eclectic vegetarian cuisine. So, for the others of you out there with morals (I kid, I ate meat for 26 years #nojudging), or for those who simply like the veggie option and want to expand your horizons, here is a sampling of some of my favorite vegetarian, vegetarian-friendly and vegan spots in Westwood and beyond.
IN WESTWOOD
10916 Lindbrook Drive
When I went vegetarian, I realized I could no longer order fast food. As a an infrequent fast food connoisseur, I was mostly ok with this. However, then I discovered Veggie Grill! A rapidly expanding chain of all plant-based restaurants, Veggie Grill just opened a new location in Westwood Village. While much of the menu would disprove the false assumption that all vegetarian food is also healthy food, the entire menu is delicious. I highly recommend the Baja Fiesta salad with Grilled Chickin' and the "Bean Me Up" Chili, which can also both be served Gluten Free. Also, the lemonade/iced tea bar is incredible.
1114 Gayley Avenue
Another delicious - and casual - chain, Native Foods was founded in Palm Springs in 1994 and has been going strong since. Original recipes are made fresh daily - from their homemade tempeh and seitan, to their Native Cheese, sauces, drinks and desserts. I love the Earth Bowls, particularly the Rockin' Moroccan.
10917 Lindbrook Drive
The menu at Nature's Way is not 100% vegetarian, but the options are plentiful. Try the tofu veggie curry for a healthy serving of vegetables and a bit of a kick.
1510 Westwood Boulevard
Fresh Corn Grill is bit south of Wilshire, but well worth the walk (or short drive) from campus. This place has a wide selection of salads, pizzas and pastas for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. The classic Fresh Corn Grilled salad with tofu is simply scrumptious enough food to eat dinner and take some home for lunch tomorrow.
1050 Gayley Avenue
No, really. The ready-made meals at Whole Foods are delish, and the lunch and dinner bars are divine. Visit Whole Foods for a hearty vegetarian meal to-go, but be prepared to drop a pretty penny.
Alternatively, of course, buy your own ingredients at Trader Joe's, Ralph's or Whole Foods and the most healthy and affordable option is almost probably the one you could cook at home.
BEYOND WESTWOOD
West Hollywood
I just tried this new place for the first time this week, and I cannot wait to go back. For a higher-end, pricier and trendier dining experience, Crossroads offers an all plant-based tapas style menu. A group of four of us tried nine dishes, and all were incredibly tasty. I recommend everything.
Also, Danny DeVito was dining next to me. Take from what what you will.
Santa Monica, West Hollywood
LA's long-time super-trenty organic vegan restaurant, Real Food Daily is a another celebrity hot-spot and great for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The weekly and monthly specials are almost always divine.
Everywhere
So not everything at the Green Truck (my newest favorite LA food truck!) is vegetarian, but it is - in the vain of Anderson's Sustainability certificate - very environmentally conscious. Certified organic ingredients, compostable packaging and utensils, and the truck is powered by used vegetable oil.
And a Few Others Worth Checking Out:
- Vegan Glory | Beverly Hills | Asian-inspired vegan fast food
- Lemonade | Brentwood, Venice, Beverly, etc. | Salads, salads, lemonade and more salads
- LYFE Kitchen |Culver City | As fresh as can be
- Caf é Gratitude | Mid Wilshire | Super hippy vegan
Happy eating!
- Devon Dickau, MBA '15
