Thursday, February 28, 2013

Veggie Grill, Los Angeles

On a quick one-day trip to Los Angeles, I headed over to the Veggie Grill for lunch. I'd heard a lot about the simple, yet satisfying menu at Veggie Grill and was excited to finally experience it for myself.


Veggie Grill is owned by Ray White, one of the founders of the most well-known vegan cafe chain in the country, Native Foods. But, unlike the hip Native Foods, Veggie Grill is a simple, no-frills restaurant...and it also has really good food. The walls are painted white and red with the Veggie Grill logo behind the counter. Light brown tables set-up booth-style surround the front counter with room for a line to form around the perimeter. It is a basic concept -- just wait in line, order at the counter, take a number, and wait for your meal. Because I had just gotten off a plane, as much as I wanted to try the famed chicken protein blend they are so known for, I just ordered a salad instead. I just couldn't have eaten an entire sandwich during this visit.  The menu had a lot of great options from salads and sandwiches to soups and homestyle plates. I ordered the All Hail Kale salad, then headed over to the fountain drinks to grab a strawberry lemonade.


It was a beautiful day in Southern California -- the kind of day that calls for outdoor seating and a fresh, kale salad. As I was sitting there waiting, a girl got up to ask one of the busboys if she was eating real chicken to which he replied that it was vegan soy protein. That must be some convincing faux chicken!


After a few minutes, a beautiful kale salad arrived. Talk about an entree salad - it was piled high with kale, shredded cabbage, carrots, and a corn, tomato, and onion salsa. I also chose blackened tempeh as my protein. It was just the thing I needed after a long day of travel.  Delish!


For $11, I'd say that was a great, filling salad. I'm really looking forward to coming back to try the sandwiches sometime soon.

Veggie Grill
2025 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 829-1155

The Veggie Grill on Urbanspoon

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