Review of Chomp Eatery & Juice Station

I gave Chomp Eatery & Juice Station an overall score of 2.6, or 3 stars, based on the following 7 categories: number of visits 2 of 5 price range 4 of 5 family friendly? 3 of 5 % menu vegan 3 of 5 quality of service 2 of 5 quality of food 2 of 5 local mainstay? 2 of 5 Comments: Sometimes good ideas don’t pan out. Chomp seems like one of those places. However, they’re still too young to write them off. Customer service was my first indication that something’s a little immature. Calls were taken while assisting us. And, as a direct result, our order was messed up; made not vegan even though we spent time on exactly what vegan meant. Instead of an apology, his brain was forming an argument after I told him. Seeing my look when I noticed this, he bit his tongue mid-sentence and fixed the order. To his credit, he offered an apology later when he realized the right thing to do. …friendly, but immature. Food was decent; though again signs of immaturity. The dishes are great creations and well thought out, but things were a little off because of a lack of process in the kitchen. For instance, the mushroom soup special had all the right ingredients, was fresh, smelled and looked great, but had way too much salt. These are things that will get worked out over time, but they need a lot of time. They are in a good location, serving an area of Santa Monica that seems a little under-served to a vegan, but the strip mall corner leaves more room for improvement. I don’t mind strip malls for cheap dives, but that’s not Chomp. Chomp Eatery & Juice Station has vegan options, upon request, but not as many as you would expect from a place where you can get a juice cleanse. Give them some time to mature, understand their market, and this will probably change. I hope the best for this place, as they have potential, it’s just well untapped at this point.

Additional Info
Address: 1612 Santa Monica Blvd, 90404
Area: Mid City
Reviewed Meal: Lunch
Ethnicity: American
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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 Loteria Grill

I gave Loteria Grill an overall score of 3.7, or 4 stars, based on the following 7 categories: number of visits 2 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? 3 of 5 Comments: While looking for happy hour one day, we decided to check out Loteria Grill’s menu. To my surprise, they had a separate vegan menu. I was happy. On 3rd Street Promenade, with an open front restaurant and nice decor, Loteria Grill is in a good location and very inviting. The hostess and wait staff also pulled us in and made us feel welcome and well taken care of, …happy. We settled in quickly. The happy hour menu has $4 beers and $7 margaritas along with a small list of appetizers. Unfortunately the happy hour appetizers only have guac, salsa, and chips for vegans. The vegan menu itself had a couple more appetizers, but not at happy hour prices. Outside of happy hour, vegans have the choice of tacos and bean smothered enchiladas. Not too exciting, but tasty and good with beer. There are better places in Santa Monica to get Mexican food, but Loteria Grill has a better location and happy hour. But above all is that beautiful vegan menu that tells me that they understand! …no lard, butter, chicken stock, and other sneaky offenders. So grab a vegan Negra Modelo, watch the tourists stroll by as the sun sets, and don’t worry, be happy.

Additional Info
Address: 1251 3rd St Promenade, 90401
Area: Mid City
Reviewed Meal: Dinner
Ethnicity: Mexican
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Review of Huckleberry

I gave Huckleberry an overall score of 2.3, or 2 stars, based on the following 7 categories: number of visits 1 of 5 price range 2 of 5 family friendly? 2 of 5 % menu vegan 3 of 5 quality of service 1 of 5 quality of food 3 of 5 local mainstay? 2 of 5 Comments: Upon entering Huckleberry, you are confronted by the non-relenting noise that drenches the tiny building. Then, as you make your way over to the counter to order, you are confronted by the waiter darting that way, patron darting this way, waiter darting this way now, and the long pause to let others pass the small passageways that connect the counter to the front door. After ordering, the punishingly long wait, and the expedition over to the sliver on the communal table to wait for your food, you realize that you may be sitting in the most chaotic place in Santa Monica. And, other than the punishing wait, that is the good part. On the bad side of things, the wait staff seems preoccupied with doing their job. …only their job, nothing more. They drop off your food then cower back into the abstract abyss beyond the chaotic event horizon. And don’t dare attempt something like ask for a glass of water while waiting for a table because those beyond the event horizon are not stable. Continuing the bad, you can get a vegan breakfast, but be ready for a painful exchange at the counter when, amongst the omnipresent chaos, it becomes amazingly clear that substituting is frowned upon. Oatmeal was decent but more of a desert than a breakfast. Come to think about it, it was more of an appetizer since I finished breakfast once I got home. There does appear to be a vegan item on the lunch menu, but the response to my related question was skewed and eventually lost in the event horizon. Huckleberry has decent coffee, communal tables, pleasant cafe chaos, and a few sustainable items on the menu. However, amid the long wait for a table, I failed to comprehend the gravitational pull of this place given this short list of positives. Maybe I’m just the wrong type of feeder to understand.

Additional Info
Address: 1014 Wilshire Blvd, 90401
Area: Mid City
Reviewed Meal: Breakfast
Ethnicity: American
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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 A Votre Sante

I gave A Votre Sante an overall score of 4.5, or 4 stars, based on the following 7 categories: number of visits 4 of 5 price range 2 of 5 family friendly? 4 of 5 % menu vegan 4 of 5 quality of service 3 of 5 quality of food 5 of 5 local mainstay? 5 of 5 Comments: Tucked away next to a little candy shop and gas station on San Vicente in Brentwood, A Votre Sante has been dishing up great vegan creations as long as anybody in the area. Though the entire menu isn’t vegan, there’s enough to kick in my rarely seen, “what to have,” paralysis. Their old mainstay dishes tend to be Southwestern or Asian fusion, like Dragontail which mixes black beans and vegies with ginger and hijiki. Since the last expansion, they’ve added a wood oven where they bake pizzas, but be careful because the soy cheese isn’t vegan. One sad thing about finding awesome hole in the wall, hidden restaurants is that others will soon find them. Then inevitably they raise prices, fund expansions, and raise prices again. A Votre Sante was no exception; though the last wall knockdown really opened up the place. The interior has always had a nice upscale cafe vibe with revolving photography and paintings, comfortable but packed in tables, good lighting, and a tiny little outdoor seating strip. Overall, A Votre Sante has many vegan options with some time tested masterpieces. It’s a little hidden and on the outskirts, but well worth the find.

Additional InfoAddress: 13016 San Vicente Blvd, 90049
Area: Outskirts - Brentwood
Reviewed Meal: Lunch, Dinner
Ethnicity: American
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Review of Ivy At The Shore

I gave Ivy At The Shore an overall score of 3.5, or 3 stars, based on the following 7 categories: number of visits 2 of 5 price range 1 of 5 family friendly? 3 of 5 % menu vegan 3 of 5 quality of service 2 of 5 quality of food 5 of 5 local mainstay? 4 of 5 Comments: Na, this place isn’t a flower shop; though I am sure I’m not the only one to make this mistake. After finally clearing that up, we decided to brave the floral jungle and see what’s coming out of the kitchen. The floral jungle itself is separated into a couple large rooms and a narrow outdoor seating area with no view. Picture your parent’s house and the high end party planner bringing in 50 tables (and 500 flower arrangements) for the wedding reception. For vegans, options are limited; one entree, not really listed on the menu. But the vegetable plate is something that you’ll wanna come back for. Very simple with spinach surrounded by carrots, zucchini, asparagus, corn, broccoli, and avocado served with a hot marinara. What makes it something to come back for is that it’s cooked to perfection; flavors kept separate and heat removed before texture removed. Oh, and tell them you want some bread cause they will serve you non-vegan muffins if you’re a Silent Bob. Don’t expect to have the wait staff reading your expressions, looking for the right tell to jump into action. In a naturally ironic twist, this visually relaxing floral paradise is a buzz with waiters hopping from table to kitchen and back, not spending too much time at any one place because the next understaffed and packed in table is requesting some honey for their tea. Again, don’t be a Silent Bob or you will view this as bad service. Deep from the middle of Ivy at the Shore floral jungle, we found that the good food and wine made it easy to tune out the commotion of the staff, colors, flowers, and bourgeois adventurers. And, after a somewhat entertaining wait, we finally found what was coming out of the kitchen, apart from the always in motion wait staff; a single plate of exceptionally tasty, though inordinately expensive, fresh cooked vegetables.

 Additional Info
Address: 1535 Ocean Ave, 90401
Area: Mid City
Reviewed Meal: Lunch
Ethnicity: American
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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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Review of Z Garden

I gave Z Garden an overall score of 4.3, or 4 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 4 of 5 quality of service 5 of 5 quality of food 4 of 5 local mainstay? 2 of 5 Comments: Once in a while, an oasis of good food pops up in a place you don’t expect. If the food is right and the owner is a business-minded mover and shaker, deal maker, then it has a chance of sticking around. Z Garden seems like one of those places. They did the best they could with a sleepy and aging shopping center, and it’s much improved over the last tenants. The interior is trendy and clean, though, for the decorations and furniture, they have consistently chose expensive looking over quality and function. They also opened up the outside with a few tables between the building and the sidewalk. Service has always been great 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. Now, as for the food, it 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. Z Garden is a fresh new place that I hope has a future in Santa Monica. They have great food and good service. The only real drawback is that they use disposable plates and utensils. But, go support them, order vegan, and slip in a comment to ditch the disposable. Then go tell your vegan friends and let’s see if we can get them to stick around. Update: Z Garden has opened a 2nd restaurant in Santa Monica that has a better location, interior, and vibe.  Best of all, the ditched the disposable plates and utensils.

Additional Info
Address: 2350 Pico Blvd, 90405
Area: Pico
Reviewed Meal: Lunch
Ethnicity: Mediterranean
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Review of Fig

I gave Fig an overall score of 3.5, or 3 stars, based on the following 7 categories: number of visits 3 of 5 price range 1 of 5 family friendly? 3 of 5 % menu vegan 2 of 5 quality of service 4 of 5 quality of food 4 of 5 local mainstay? 3 of 5 Comments: Every now and again, I like to swap the t-shirt for a non-t-shirt shirt and hit a posh happy hour. One of the best happy hours in all of Santa Monica can be found on the ground floor of the Fairmont Miramar; Fig. Or at least that’s what my animal consuming friends would say. Park your bikes or drop off your car under the gigantic fig tree in the courtyard, and head in to find a half indoor, half outdoor restaurant next to the pool. There’s a nice bar on the right as you enter that serves up some good suds, wine, and wells, and tables sprinkled throughout; not too crowded but it can get loud. Service is solid and they always spend a lot of time with me going over the offending ingredients in the menu. On the other hand, the menu is anything but solid. Heavy may be a better description; and almost everything was heavy due to dead animals. They do have one good vegan entre, vegetable curry, and a couple good sides. Oh, and the breakfast menu is a little more vegan friendly. But, even though the vegan food is also heavy, it is very tasty and I have always enjoyed. If you are looking for a posh happy hour with good food and drinks and have an animal eater with you, then Fig is about the best there is. It has a great location, solid service, decent prices (as long as you hit happy hour where everything is half price), and good food. However, if you are looking for a place where there’s not a braised tongue on the plate next to you, throw your t-shirt back on and head down the street to Real Food Daily.

Additional Info
Address: 101 Wilshire Blvd, 90401
Area: Wilshire
Reviewed Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
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 LA Vegan

I gave LA Vegan an overall score of 3.2, or 3 stars, based on the following 7 categories: number of visits 1 of 5 price range 4 of 5 family friendly? 3 of 5 % menu vegan 2 of 5 quality of service 4 of 5 quality of food 3 of 5 local mainstay? 3 of 5 Comments: Upon a friend’s recommendation, we ventured out of town a bit to LA Vegan in West LA. It’s an Asian Buddhist place with a lot of Thai on the menu. It’s fairly typical for this type of place, right down to my “not really vegan” fears. We parked in the street out front and chose to sit inside; they do have 2 small tables outside. The interior is nicer that the exterior and they have some artwork that brightens up the place. Though it has that, “we tried but didn’t try that hard” look. We ordered a couple plates with the friendly wait staff, confirmed that everything is vegan, and got our order fairly quickly. My mouth watered when they arrived because they looked and smelled delicious. However, my 1st bite brought back some familiar fears; something didn’t taste quite right. …could it be fish sauce or egg which is often the case with these cheap imported ingredients. This only turned out to be a minor setback since I was hungry and gave them the benefit of the doubt. Once I returned home however, I found this article which seems to suggest that they aren’t always vegan.  This happens all too often in these restaurants. I find it astounding that SE Asia Buddhists monks justify eating fish and fish sauce by rationalizing that they voluntarily commit suicide by swimming into fishing nets. I think this speaks toward the lax nature at these Asian Buddhist places. I try to stay away from Asian Buddhist places since they seem to always spawn my “not really vegan” fears. I put that aside for this friend’s recommendation and got burned. If you are vegan and want to feel comfortable eating in the area, do your research before making the trek to LA Vegan.

Additional Info
Address: 4507 S Centinela Ave, 90066
Area: Outskirts - West LA
Reviewed Meal: Lunch
Ethnicity: Thai
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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 True Food Kitchen

I gave True Food Kitchen an overall score of 2.9, or 3 stars, based on the following 7 categories: number of visits 1 of 5, Once was enough. price range 3 of 5, Let's splurge tonight; less than $35. family friendly? 3 of 5, No kids menu. % menu vegan 3 of 5, At least one good entrée. quality of service 3 of 5, Didn't notice. quality of food 3 of 5, TV dinner. local mainstay? 2 of 5, Fresh paint, but it's a good color. Comments: After True Food Kitchen’s facade caught my eye about 30 times, and after about 30 declarative statements like “we should try that place,” we finally stopped. This place catches your eye because it’s a beautiful location, on the western edge of our stylish new outdoor mall. The interior is trendy, with a sweet, sunlit eating area on the west, kitchen on the east. After we were seated by the energetic hostess, the waiter started his cycle of neglect. We wanted an appetizer, but after the waiter’s first cycle of neglect and apology, we decided that we had better get our entree order in. It came, we ate, and after the 2 quick visits by the mildly apologetic waiter, we decided to take a chance and ask for the desert menu. After realizing that the desert menu wasn’t coming before COB, we put our credit card on the table. They immediately swooped up the card and returned the receipt. Well, that is after the intervention with the waiter and another that we flagged down, again after waiting seemingly forever. Somewhere in this cycle of neglect, I became the waiter. In this flurry of activity, I found myself enjoying a tomato and kale pizza. It was very good with one exception; way too much sodium. This observation was echoed by my wife who had a different entree. They have an extensive menu, with plenty of vegetarian options. But vegans, you’re a little out of luck because they won’t substitute out the dairy or other offending ingredients. …really, a strawberry chopped salad can’t be served without the Goat Cheese! Then again, this may have been intentional misinformation to manipulate us in our waiter’s cycle of neglect. The facade and atmosphere caught my eye, as did the menu, but the service reminded me of an Eminem song. I’m glad that we finally stopped, if not only so we can cease with the declarative statements as we stroll by. Overall, it’s a decent place and it’s nice to have more vegetarian options around, but, for me, service is paramount.

Additional Info
Address: 395 Santa Monica Pl, Ste 172, 90401
Area: Mid City
Reviewed Meal: Lunch
Ethnicity: American
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Review of Urth Caffe

I gave Urth Caffe an overall score of 4.0, or 4 stars, based on the following 7 categories: number of visits 4 of 5, I don't need a menu. price range 4 of 5, I only have a $20. family friendly? 3 of 5, No kids menu. % menu vegan 3 of 5, At least one good entrée quality of service 4 of 5, Attentive and friendly. quality of food 4 of 5, Happy toung local mainstay? 3 of 5, Been here since I've been here. Comments: In the beginning, Urth Caffe West Hollywood consumed our every Sunday morning; half the morning taken by commuting over there and back. I was amped when I heard they were coming to my neck of the woods in Santa Monica. We monitored the construction closely during our bicycle drive-bys, salivating for those vegan muffins. Like West Hollywood, Urth Caffe Santa Monica has limited indoor seating and a lot of outdoor and patio seating. You order at the counter with the busy register jockeys and then grab a seat amongst the somewhat forced, voguish milieu. The help staff then quickly shuffles your drinks and food to your table and the dishes from. Though the Santa Monica location is a model home version of the West Hollywood location, it still has a pleasant atmosphere with a great location on Main. The menu is somewhat limited, but has enough vegan lunch options to keep me interested. I enjoy breakfast more than lunch, but that’s only because they have great organic coffee. However, unlike West Hollywood, Santa Monica does not carry the vegan muffins; though I tried hard but unsuccessfully to change this. This leaves me with my only breakfast option of oatmeal with soy milk. Oh, and of course my soy latte, cappuccino, or just coffee, black. Overall, Urth Caffe Santa Monica has good food and great coffee for a somewhat reasonable price, though their location is their biggest asset. They are quick and usually busy, but with the late crowd; eat early and you won’t notice. They open a half hour early for drinks, so go early, grab a coffee and a table, and build your appetite while enjoying the peaceful, misty and cool Santa Monica mornings. Though we are no longer religious about our Urth Caffe Sundays, every so often, we still stop for a relaxing soymilk drowned oatmeal and coffee during our bicycle drive-bys.

Additional Info Address: 2327 Main St, 90407 Area: Ocean Park Reviewed Meal: Breakfast, Lunch Ethnicity: American Click for more info.

Review of Mrs Winston's Green Grocery

I gave Mrs Winston's Green Grocery an overall score of 3.6, or 4 stars, based on the following 7 categories: number of visits 1 of 5, Once was enough. price range 4 of 5, I only have a $20. family friendly? 2 of 5, You're cramping my style. % menu vegan 5 of 5, No worries. quality of service 3 of 5, Didn't notice. quality of food 4 of 5, Happy tongue. local mainstay? 2 of 5, Fresh paint, but it's a good color. Comments: Mrs Winston’s is a great little salad shop and green grocery, the type that I wish was on every corner. The Water Garden is a blight on Santa Monica. Mix the 2, and you get GW Bush at a Kanye West show. For our first venture to The Water Garden, we entered the central area, made our way along the vacated ponds and streams to Mrs Winston’s, found a nice outdoor table next to the water, and leaned our bikes on each other, next to the table. The landscape was serene but very sterile and manufactured; think poorly funded Disney or a suburbia park that’s struggling to pull off the wealthy community feel. It seems extremely out of place in Santa Monica. Mrs Winston’s has a solid, but not large, salad bar; eclipsed by Whole Foods up the street if you don’t mind the lack of intimacy. Additionally, they have a lot of green grocery merchandise that is packed into this very small space. It’s a fun store with plenty for vegans and greenies, and cheaper than you would expect for a corner grocer. However, they do not have “for here” plates and utensils, which is a big strike in my book. Once we paid for our food and returned to our table and bikes, we realized that Gestapo had locked the bikes together. It turns out that The Water Gardens frowns on anything that takes away from their crappy, sterile look. They “prefer” that bikes get parked underground in the subterranean car parking structure. This was strike 2. I didn’t ask directly, but I would guess that they also prefer no facial hair or unescorted women. Mrs Winston’s is a great little green grocer corner store with a good salad bar. For some strange reason, they chose to put one in The Water Garden. Which brings me to strike 3, there’s another Mrs Winston’s within 2 miles on Ocean Park. If you want to try this place out, ride another few minutes and avoid the juxtaposed suburbia at all costs.

Additional Info Address: 2450 Colorado Ave, 90407 Area: Mid City Reviewed Meal: Lunch Ethnicity: American Click for more info.

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 The Veggie Grill

I gave The Veggie Grill an overall score of 3.9, or 4 stars, based on the following 7 categories: number of visits 3 of 5, When I'm bored with my other options. price range 4 of 5, I only have a $20. family friendly? 3 of 5, No kids menu. % menu vegan 5 of 5, No worries. quality of service 4 of 5, Attentive and friendly. quality of food 3 of 5, TV dinner. local mainstay? 2 of 5, Fresh paint, but it's a good color. Comments: The Veggie Grill sits between Poquito Mas and No Mas (aka Nomas), and it leaves me wanting something more. They have a cool atmosphere, interesting menu, nice staff, and are completely vegan, but have rather plain tasting food. The community finally dislodged Sizzler who had been wedged in this location for a long time. They then ripped out the crusty booths, divided the building, gave the other side to Poquito Mas, and set up a trendy and comfortable, green themed restaurant with an elevated front porch. All Hail Kale, Bean Me Up Chili, and Bali Bliss grace the large menu next to the cash registers where you order; sounds great right. The menu is short but well thought out and inspired. …though most of the menu is meat-likes, maybe geared toward the crossover, dabbler, or entry level vegan. After a slight jaw dislocation at the cash register, I took my number and found my way to a table on the porch. As soon as I was settled, my food hit the table. But, as soon as it hit my mouth I finally realized what this place was. The food was plain; as if they wanted to create something that they could readily mass produce and be conservative enough to hit the largest market. This place is a vegan fast food restaurant! I never thought I’d see the day. So, I can’t really complain because The Veggie Grill is 100% vegan. And, in fact, I like a lot about this place. It’s a cool, comfortable place to get a quick, worry free, vegan bite. But, for your first visit, think upscale fast food but with a super healthy twist and you won’t be disappointed.

Additional Info Address: 2025 Wilshire Blvd, 90403 Area: Wilshire Reviewed Meal: Lunch Ethnicity: American Click for more info.

Review of Le Pain Quotidien

I gave Le Pain Quotidien an overall score of 3.5, or 3 stars, based on the following 7 categories: number of visits 2 of 5, Every once in a while. price range 3 of 5, Let's splurge tonight; less than $35. family friendly? 3 of 5, No kids menu. % menu vegan 4 of 5, Hmm, what to have. quality of service 3 of 5, Didn't notice. quality of food 4 of 5, Happy tongue. local mainstay? 2 of 5, Fresh paint, but it's a good color. Comments: I really enjoy communal tables and Le Pain Quotidien has a beautiful one down the middle of their slender, cozy, and boulangerie décor restaurant. They also have a small, but nice sidewalk café if you are a watcher rather than a talker, and this is a good location for watching because it’s around the corner from The Promenade. I’m not sure how to comment on the bipolar service; …or that may have captured it perfectly. On our first visit, shortly after they opened, the service was attentive and friendly, though she forgot my toast. On our return however, the service jumped to the other side of the spectrum. A wactor, or possibly worse, an industry keener, was not attentive and seemingly had no patience once we paused while ordering. Given that this place is new, I am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt for now. But, I’ll be on the lookout for another too-cool-to-be-cool though. The food was very tasty, but, somewhat as expected for an international chain, a little sterile and conservative. They use top, mostly organic ingredients and have a lot of vegan options, though they seem to love cheese; be careful. The breads are good, but not inspired like you would find at a local artesian bakery that’s baking because they enjoy it. The coffee was really good, but they served it in a metal teapot. If you like hot coffee, you can quickly pour it from the metal teapot to a thin walled bowl, but this is only incrementally better. Continuing my conjunctional phrases, overall, the food was delectable, but overpriced. Le Pain Quotidien has a great location and good ambience, and I look forward to giving the wait staff one more shot on a lazy morning where we wake up late and head for the ocean. This is the type of place that, if they survive, it will no doubt be on the backs of the unsuspecting tourists. Though the communal table and cozy atmosphere should bring about community, the overpriced food will no doubt keep most away.

Additional Info Address: 316 Santa Monica Blvd, 90401 Area: Mid City Reviewed Meal: Breakfast Ethnicity: French Click for more info.

Review of Poquito Mas

I gave Poquito Mas an overall score of 3.6, or 4 stars, based on the following 7 categories: number of visits 3 of 5, When I'm bored with my other options. price range 5 of 5, Pocket change, less than $10. family friendly? 3 of 5, No kids menu. % menu vegan 3 of 5, At least one good entrée. quality of service 3 of 5, Didn't notice. quality of food 4 of 5, Happy tongue. local mainstay? 2 of 5, Fresh paint, but it's a good color. Comments: Poquito Mas and the Veggie Grill moved into an old Sizzler; imagine the shock of the meat and potato seniors looking to finally redeem that coupon for angioplasty. They ripped out all the 30-year old booths, put a dividing line wall down the middle, created a front porch with tables, and added their paint by number décor for a bright and inviting, though sterile, ambiance. The west side, Poquito Mas, is basically a slightly upscale Baja Fresh where you can see them assemble your food behind the cash registers. The upscale part comes at the end of the assembly line, a shiny, steaming tortilla press. For vegans, the upscale part of their menu is their Natures Grill line. The Natures Grill burrito for instance has eggplant, bell peppers, mushrooms, onion, black beans, zucchini, and salsa. Be careful to ask for no dairy though. I always substitute guacamole for sour cream and ixney the cheese. Like Baja Fresh, they advertise natural ingredients, no lard, no cans, and 0 grams of trans fat. This is music to my intestinal tract, (pause), except for the last one which is a pet peeve of mine. Instead of saying “no added trans fat,” they say “0 grams trans fat.” Trans fats should be measured in milligrams not grams, and food suppliers have exploited this to be able to add trans fat and, thanks to the mathematical concept of rounding down, still claim zero. I would guess that Poquito Mas is utilizing this loophole because they are not a clueless mom and pop shop. Regardless, they still make good, filling, and relatively healthy food that is assembled fresh and served quickly. If you are in the area, looking for filling Mexican food, and have had enough of Tacos Por Favor, by all means necessary, skip past El Cholo and head to Poquito Mas for a Natures Grill burrito, hold the cheese, and substitute guacamole for sour cream. Then, sit back on the front porch and see if you can spot any disappointed seniors mumbling something about hippies.

Additional Info Address: 2025 Wilshire Blvd, 90403 Area: Wilshire Reviewed Meal: Lunch Ethnicity: Mexican Click for more info.