Review of Satdha

I gave Satdha an overall score of 4.6, or 5 stars, based on the following 7 categories: number of visits 4 of 5 price range 3 of 5 family friendly? 3 of 5 % menu vegan 5 of 5 quality of service 4 of 5 quality of food 5 of 5 local mainstay? 3 of 5 Comments: This is what vegans in Santa Monica have been craving for years; good, comfortably vegan Thai food. Satdha doesn’t seem like one of those Buddhist “vegan” places where they purposefully ignore ingredients in their sauces and mixes. Instead they have thrown together some wonderful creations that keep my non-vegan fears at bay. Slightly off the beaten track, and well away from most tourists, Satdha has a stylish and clean little restaurant on Lincoln next to their small parking lot. Their full service eating area is well lit with beautiful white tables and an artistic wooden wall slash bench along the interior. Upon entering, you find yourself slightly transported from a drab part of Lincoln just outside. Service has always been solid and, for lack of a better way to say this, authentic. I don’t know how they put their staff together, but they all seem to have grown up with this food. Now, what to say about the food. I wouldn’t say authentic because they don’t sneak fish sauce and other aquatic offenders in at any opportunity like they do in SE Asia, but I could say that it is pleasing to my epicurean side. The Shallot Tempeh is perfectly prepared with slightly crispy tempeh cooked in a sweet tamarind sauce, covered with crispy shallots, steeped on a plate over broccoli, and then slowly reduced to a few streaks of tamarind sauce that I couldn’t get on my fork. The Catfish Eggplant and other dishes are also very good giving vegans many choices and reasons to keep coming back. Oh, and I love their rice too; both the brown and the sticky. And if you’re entree wasn’t too sweet, a lot of them are on the sweet side, try the coconut sticky rice with mango before the bill great reveal; Satdha tends to be slightly expensive. I find Thai food, and Southeast Asian food in general, very enjoyable and to have many vegan options; that is if they can keep the fish sauce out of it. Satdha found a way to do that and have convinced me that this isn’t one of those vegan in name only places. So much so that I think it may now be easier for vegans to get good Thai food in Santa Monica than in Bangkok.

Additional Info
Address: 2218 Lincoln Blvd, 90405
Area: Ocean Park
Reviewed Meal: Lunch
Ethnicity: Thai
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Review of Hummus Bar Express

I gave Hummus Bar Express an overall score of 4.6, or 5 stars, based on the following 7 categories: number of visits 5 of 5 price range 5 of 5 family friendly? 3 of 5 % menu vegan 5 of 5 quality of service 3 of 5 quality of food 5 of 5 local mainstay? 3 of 5 Comments: First Z-Garden and now this; Mediterranean is taking off in Santa Monica, and I love it. Hummus is the ultimate vegan food. And as far as hummus goes, Hummus Bar Express has the right mix. As the name suggests, this place was built on their hummus and for good reason; it’s a great mix, perfectly accented with either tahini or mushrooms, and delicious. However, the hummus may possibly be eclipsed by their laffa bread which is chewy nectar. They have a lot of vegan options, but I honestly can’t get past ordering the hummus to try them. They are in a good spot on The Promenade with a cozy front veranda to people watch as you enjoy your fat tire. Inside, they have high and low tables preceding the counter where you order, take a number, and give them a few chips. And seemingly for the families and larger groups, they have tables in the back under a couple large skylights. Service at the counter has never been the best, but they make up for it at the tables; keeping water flowing and plates cleared. ...and if needed, the laffa filled. Whether you’re vegan or not, if you like hummus, it’s hard to beat Hummus Bar Express. They have awesome food and drinks, a great location, and leave you with a good price tag. It’s the perfect mix.

Additional Info
Address: 1333 3rd St Promenade, 90401
Area: Mid City
Reviewed Meal: Lunch
Ethnicity: Mediterranean
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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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Native Foods Cafe

I gave Native Foods Café an overall score of 4.6, or 5 stars, based on the following 7 categories: number of visits 4 of 5 price range 3 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? 3 of 5 Comments: For me, it started in Westwood with a hole in the wall restaurant amongst traffic and parking pandemonium. That restaurant, now super-sized though still small, is still there. However, they found a great location for another one on Ocean Park in Santa Monica that has less traffic and easy parking. With a large patio area, it’s easy to determine where to eat. That is until you enter and realize that the inside eating area has its own charm. It’s well laid out with the order and take a number counter to the right and the chillax eating area to the left. They have their own eco-friendly style that’s fresh and clean. And like the Westwood location, the service still has that small shop, on an eco-mission vibe. The food is a diverse and tasty. They have everything from a faux sausage burger to Asian style macro bowls to non-traditional salads. And unlike potential competitors like Veggie Grill, the tastes are very diverse. And bonus, you can wash it down with organic beer or wine. Native Foods Café has a good vibe, good food, and is helping spread the vegan boon. So bike, walk, bus, or if you’re into that type of thing, drive over to Ocean Park, past the other tempting restaurants in the same area, to Native Foods Café. You’ll be happy you did.

Additional Info
Address: 2901 Ocean Park Blvd, 90405
Area: Sunset Park
Reviewed Meal: Lunch
Ethnicity: American
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Review of Swingers

I gave Swingers an overall score of 4.6, 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 4 of 5 quality of service 4 of 5 quality of food 4 of 5 local mainstay? 5 of 5 Comments: I can’t believe that I haven’t reviewed this place yet. For quite a while, this late night, irreverent, slice of hipster Americana was our weekend hangout. …though, we usually hung out at 7am when the help staff is still hung over. Inside, you’ll pass a very small but usually crowded waiting area, Andy Warhol cows plastered on the wall to the left, Evel Knievel overhead, and red plaid booths and blue plaid stools along a cupcake lined counter on the right. A wall of windows fill the area with natural light and Bob Dylan tunes fill the airways. It definitely has a diner feel, but assembled in artsy Hollywood pickers’ style. Vegans, you’re in luck; they have plenty of offerings on their decked out menu with iconic images from the golden age of the diner. Since I’m in early, I usually stick with the vegan breakfast burrito, which is loaded with quinoa and is spanglicious. If I am feeling like breaking out, I go for the steel cut oatmeal or the soyrizo scramble. There are good options for lunch and dinner too, though the thought of cross contam is a little disconcerting. And though this place is a diner, it’s definitely not a greasy spoon. Overall, Swingers definitely has diner tasting coffee, but the rest of the menu is a step above. I enjoy the vegan options and miss this place being around the corner. And though I haven’t made it to the Hollywood location yet, I would doubt that it’s any more, ya, Hollywood.

Additional Info
Address: 802 Broadway, 90401
Area: Mid City
Reviewed Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Ethnicity: American
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Review of Cora's Coffee Shoppe

I gave Cora's Coffee Shoppe an overall score of 4.6, or 5 stars, based on the following 7 categories: number of visits 4 of 5 price range 4 of 5 family friendly? 3 of 5 % menu vegan 3 of 5 quality of service 4 of 5 quality of food 5 of 5 local mainstay? 5 of 5 Comments: Cora’s has really good oatmeal and toast. Their prices are high, but it‘s in a good location, has solid eats, and seats you at a very cozy table to bring in the new day. Cora’s is located on Ocean, where it has been for many years. And although it’s very close, there are no ocean views since it faces east. It’s a very small building with a much larger, but still small, outdoor area under a floral arch. It’s a beautiful place to sit with birds going about their daily business in the canopy, the sun cheating through and illuminating portions of the table, the sounds of the cyclists and runners seemingly overpowering the cars on Ocean, and any coldness being quenched by the background radiation of the patio heaters. The food at Cora’s is solid, though not many options for vegans. My regular is steel cut oatmeal with fruit, dry rye, and jam. The oatmeal is usually cooked to perfection, but the toast is the highlight; it is thick cut, toasted appropriately, and ready for the not too sweet, chunky and delicious jam. I always polish it off with a reliably solid cup of Joe. The service is rather laid back and not too aggressive as evidenced by their somewhat gray opening time. We’ve arrived a good 15 minutes after open only to find them unlocking the door with sleepy eyes. It’s the service that I prefer that early in the morning; though I shy away if I have somewhere to be. As I stated before, Cora’s has really good oatmeal and toast. Unfortunately for vegans, that’s about all they have. If you’re not into oatmeal, then stop by early to welcome the sun with coffee and toast. It beats any chain coffee house scene, though it’s probably more expensive.

Additional Info
Address: 1802 Ocean Ave, 90401
Area: Ocean
Reviewed Meal: Breakfast
Ethnicity: American
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Review of Funnel Mill Rare Coffee and Tea

I gave Funnel Mill Rare Coffee and Tea an overall score of 4.9, or 5 stars, based on the following 7 categories: number of visits 5 of 5, Norm. price range 5 of 5, Pocket change, less than $10. family friendly? 3 of 5, No kids menu. % menu vegan 4 of 5, Humm, what to have quality of service 5 of 5, Like family quality of food 5 of 5, Sorry Mom, but this place knows how to cook local mainstay? 3 of 5, Been here since I've been here. Comments: The Funnel Mill is a fun, family-run coffee shop tucked away on Broadway that serves incredible coffee and tea drinks. This little oasis has many great attributes, but the cozy, coffee house chill stands above all. It’s a simple, well-decorated space with a comfortable, Asian feel. In the center of the shop, there’s a coffee counter and raised tables, while the front has a loungey feel with couches and even rocking chairs. Outstanding service is their thing. They work with you to pick your perfect poison, and then prepare it as if the slightest misstep would unleash the evil, caffeinated coffee reaper. …he guards tea too. And the preparation isn’t that easy either; each tea seemingly has different rules, devices, and gadgets for preparation. And on the coffee side, they have drip, cold drip, boiled, espresso, and my favorite, siphon. If you’ve never had siphon coffee, it comes from a chemistry set containing two glass flasks separated by a great filter, and a Bunsen Burner. If you love coffee, you must try the siphon. …and if you don’t, beware, this stuff will pull you in. The Funnel Mill to me is like Cheers to Norm. In fact, I have 2 vices; coffee and beer. And though I haven’t found that perfect spot to scratch that beer vice, The Funnel Mill is exactly that for my bean passion.

Additional Info Address: 930 Broadway, 90401 Area: Mid City Reviewed Meal: Breakfast Ethnicity: American Click for more info.

Review of Fritto Misto

I gave Fritto Misto an overall score of 4.8, or 5 stars, based on the following 7 categories: number of visits 5 of 5, Norm. price range 4 of 5, I only have a $20. family friendly? 4 of 5, Wait staff entertains kids. % menu vegan 4 of 5, Hmm, what to have. quality of service 5 of 5, Like family quality of food 4 of 5, Happy toung local mainstay? 4 of 5, Sponsors local teams Comments: Fritto Misto is probably my favorite overall place in Santa Monica. If you’re the “look for crowded restaurants and you’ll find good eats” type, then this place will suck you in if you wander by because their always crowded wait list is outside like an old time theatre marquee. That’s if you wander by; this place is off the beaten path and the building is unassuming. If you do happen across this corner oasis, when you enter you will find those cooking immediately to your left and those slurping it up immediately to your right. The interior stretches across two rooms that are both homey and decorated with art, dishes, and wine crate tabletops. Upon being seated by the vegan host, they will drop bread and butter on your table. Give ‘em back the butter and ask for garlic and olive oil. My wife and I have an agreement that neither of us eat here without the other; we can’t stop because the pureed garlic’s that good. But whether or not you like garlic, the menu’s large, diverse, and most entrees can be made vegan. I order off the “build your own” page with wheatless-eggless pasta, marinara, and then mix it up on the additions. That is unless their vegan lentil soup’s on the board. Then it’s that, another basket of bread, and a usually great, inexpensive bottle of red.

Additional Info Address: 601 Colorado Ave, 90407 Area: Mid City Reviewed Meal: Dinner Ethnicity: Italian Click for more info.

Review of Chandni

I gave Chandni Vegetarian Restaurant an overall score of 4.9, or 5 stars, based on the following 7 categories: number of visits 5 of 5, Norm. price range 5 of 5, Pocket change, less than $10. family friendly? 5 of 5, This reminds me of Sesame Street! % menu vegan 4 of 5, Hmm, what to have. quality of service 5 of 5, Like family quality of food 4 of 5, Happy toung local mainstay? 4 of 5, Sponsors local teams Comments: I lived less than a block away from Chandni Vegetarian Indian Restaurant for about 5 years, but never knew of its existence. It is a small retail space wedged between a cleaners and a hearing aide center; each with a bigger, and much less weathered sign. The interior suggests that the creators of the Simpsons may have taken inspiration from this place in dreaming up the aging, poorly lit, booth and mirror filled Moe’s Tavern. As you exit the dining area, down the hallway to the back, toward the restrooms, you’ll find that this place even has a full Indian bar with 2 bar stools taking up half of the hallway. Once I finally found this place, the staff quickly learned our names since we showed up at their doorstep every other week or so. They are extremely friendly without being overburdensome. They have a full menu and the food is aromatic, tasty, and cooked to order meaning that if you want less oil, just tell them. Apart from their menu, they have a great, but limited selection, buffet for lunch; usually 3 items with 2 being vegan. They are rarely busy except for the day of the year that the buffet is free, celebrating a Hindi holiday. But, the free food day isn’t the best thing about Chandni. Unlike other Indian places in the area, the staff at Chandni understands exactly what a vegan is and is quick to point out the dishes that do not contain yogurt, milk, or cheese. I have full confidence in what they tell me and in what they serve me. I usually start with some papadum, hit the buffet a few times, and spice it all up until my eyes water. Oh, and get the naan because it is vegan and delicious.

Additional Info Address: 1909 Wilshire Blvd, 90403 Area: Wilshire Reviewed Meal: Lunch, Dinner Ethnicity: Indian Click for more info.

Review of Real Food Daily

I gave Real Food Daily and overall score of 4.6, or 5 stars, based on the following 7 categories: number of visits 4 of 5, I don't need a menu. price range 3 of 5, Let's splurge tonight; less than $35. family friendly? 4 of 5, Wait staff entertains kids. % menu vegan 5 of 5, No worries. quality of service 4 of 5, Attentive and friendly. quality of food 5 of 5, Sorry Mom, but this place knows how to cook. local mainstay? 3 of 5, Been here since I've been here. Comments:I used to call Real Food Daily my favorite restaurant and visited several times a month. That was before they increased their prices. They just acquired the place next door and expanded by adding a little bakery. And, as is required I think, increased their prices again. One positive from all this food inflation though is that it seems less crowded now. …and it wasn’t the expansion that’s to thank because the bakery brings in a different cast of characters. The menu is 100% vegan, 100% trans fat free, and 99% organic. On rare occasions, if they have a hard time finding produce to support the menu, they will use conventionally grown. I always order The Basic Three. You can choose three sides and a select a sauce. I usually get either the beans of the day or tempeh, greens of the day or kale, and the veggies of the day. And for your sauce, ask for the 5 spice carrot spread. It’s not on the list, and it is amazing. You can also order prepared plates off the menu like TV Dinner, but those often times are a little salty; though still incredibly good. And for your non-vegan friend, order her the veggie burrito. It has tempeh bacon in it, but she’ll never know.

Additional Info Address: 514 Santa Monica Blvd, 90401 Area: Mid City Reviewed Meal: Lunch, Dinner Ethnicity: American Click for more info.