Review of Z Garden on Wilshire

I gave Z Garden and overall score of 4.5, or 5 stars, based on the following 7 categories: number of visits 4 of 5 price range 4 of 5 family friendly? 4 of 5 % menu vegan 5 of 5 quality of service 4 of 5 quality of food 5 of 5 local mainstay? 2 of 5 Comments: I reviewed Z Garden on Pico and gave it one real strike; they use disposable plates and utensils. I was stoked to find this 2nd location and that they not only fixed the disposable problem, but they have a better spot, place, and vibe. This narrow building at the end of 3rd Street Promenade has the counter to order in the back, seating up front, and a few more tables up the stairs on the indoor balcony. It’s a good layout with comfortable seating and interior. As with the other location, service is solid and they understand and work with vegans. When I asked if the falafels are vegan, they responded, “yes, we don’t use egg,” putting my “don’t understand vegan” fears to rest. It has a family feel and the people they hire, whether they are family or not, are always friendly and helpful. The food is very tasty and they seem to use good ingredients. Most vegan selections like hummus and baba ghannouj are olive oil heavy, so it appeals more to my sense of taste than to my sense of health. For entrees, they have a vegetarian kebab and a vegetarian plate that are both filling and delicious. There’s plenty on the menu and you can’t really go wrong. This 2nd Santa Monica location is a step up from the place on Pico, but that’s not taking away from the Pico restaurant that still has the same good food with its own vibe. I am thankful that they fixed their disposable problem, and gave them an extra star for doing so.

Additional Info
Address: 313 Wilshire Blvd, 90401
Area: Wilshire
Reviewed Meal: Lunch
Ethnicity: Mediterranean
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Review of Creation Grill

I gave Creation Grill an overall score of 3.4, or 3 stars, based on the following 7 categories: number of visits 1 of 5 price range 3 of 5 family friendly? 3 of 5 % menu vegan 4 of 5 quality of service 4 of 5 quality of food 3 of 5 local mainstay? 2 of 5 Comments: As we walked past Creation Grill heading to Native Foods Cafe, both my wife and I looked at each other and voiced, “I’ve heard good things about this place.” So, we skipped Native Foods for the day and gave it a try. Part of the pull is the design and décor. Though the large windows on 2 sides is the main draw, the cleanliness and hip but casual theme helped pull us in. There are a few tables outside, but the inside has a lot of sunlit seating at comfortable, though slightly packed in, tables. We didn’t have to wait long with our number on our table; and the service behind the counter and at our table was relaxed and friendly. No complaints, but no mad props either. “Another Middle Eastern restaurant that has good vegan options” was my thought that was pwned. The pita is crunchy, the humus is blah, and the other things, the same. The food itself was not bad, but less than anticipated. And like the food, the vegan options are less than anticipated. Creation grill has a good spot, nice place, and decent staff; just lacking on the food side of the house. Next time we will keep walking to Native Foods Cafe. And if we are feelin’ Middle Eastern, we’ll head over to Z Garden.

Additional Info
Address: 2901 Ocean Park Blvd, 90405
Area: Sunset Park
Reviewed Meal: Lunch
Ethnicity: Mediterranean
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