Address: 7300 W. Sunset Blvd. #A LA, CA 90046, (323.874.9079) AND 12113 Santa Monica Blvd. #207 LA, CA 90025 (323.874.9079)
Hours: 11:00 am – 10:30 pm
Contact: californiavegan.com
Via Maureen Whitehouse…
When I dined here I spotted Ariel, Juliano’s partner from Juliano’s Raw restaurant, enjoying a meal with her family. So I thought to myself, I must be in the right place. My friend and I visited the no frills but clean and bright (mostly all windows) Santa Monica location. And yes, at his suggestion, I tried their infamous Orange Chicken. Though it was hard for me to discern it from the “real thing” (but I haven’t eaten chicken in years) I found it a bit too sweet. But don’t let that deter you; this eatery has been drawing a loyal crowd of vegan customers since they first opened. One fellow we met in the elevator on the way up to the restaurant told me he’s a meat eater, but that he still prefers this spot to the many other Chinese food establishments in the area. Other vegan “meat” dishes, besides the soy chicken based ones, include a beef-like seitan and pepper steak.
My standard Chinese restaurant order is spicy eggplant, so that’s my standard barometer for excellence. Here, at California Vegan, along with brown rice, it passed the test. They also offer wonderful lunch and dinner specials along with a good selection of appetizers, soups and salads. Try the curries, noodles and rice dishes for fulfilling and economically priced repast. You can also find American-style fare here, in the form of veggie burgers and wraps. Their deserts include banana spring rolls, carrot cake and soy ice cream. I found the wait staff to be a bit aloof and laisé fair—not all that mindful—and it took a bit longer than is typical at such an establishment for our meal to arrive, but the food is great and the priced price is right for dine in, take-out or delivery.
Photos courtesy California Vegan.
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