Bulan Thai Vegetarian on Melrose

Posted by socalvegangal in Los Angeles, Veg Restaurant July 12, 2012

My vegan guy and I went on a double date to Bulan Thai Vegetarian. We know how good this place is, but wanted to show some omnivorous friends what good vegan food tastes like. The four of us ate every last bit of what we ordered and we proved to our friends how wonderful this place is.

Our first appetizer was the Summer Rolls ($8): baked tofu and vegetables wrapped in clear wrappers and served with a Vietnamese dip. I love summer rolls. I get so sick of the fried egg rolls (sometimes you just want something fresh!).

Summer Rolls

Our second appetizer was the Grilled Dumplings ($6): stuffed with mixed vegetables and bean curd and served with spicy soy vinaigrette sauce. I’m not a huge fan of dumplings, but my vegan guy loves them. He also thinks that Bulan makes them really well.

Grilled Dumplings

The Pineapple Fried Rice ($9) was very simple but so good! Made with pineapple, cashews, raisins, onions, bell peppers, and curry powder. We got it with pepper steak, which is chewier than the other protein options. I normally don’t get fried rice, but maybe I should. I was craving this for weeks after I had it. Although, next time, I think I’ll get it with a different protein option.

Pineapple Fried Rice with Pepper Steak

I am also always craving the sweet stuff, so we got some Orange Chicken ($11): crispy battered veggie chicken tossed in an orange sauce. This was nice and crispy on the outside and sweet in the sauce.

Orange Chicken

And how can one go to a thai restaurant and not get some Pad Thai ($8)? This normally comes with egg, so request it vegan. Nothing like some rice noodles in a peanut sauce.

Pad Thai with Tofu

Even after everything we ate above, three of us were still a bit hungry, so we got one more entree. Crisp Fish with Green Apple ($12) is crispy veggie fish served with fresh green apple, cashew nuts, red onions, chili, cilantro, and special dressing. They certainly named this correctly – it was super crispy. The lack of sauce is both good and bad. It’s good, because the fish won’t get soggy. The bad is that it was kind of plain.

Crisp Fish with Green Apple

Bulan Thai Vegetarian has two locations. I’ve only gone to the one on Melrose, but I’m sure Silver Lake folks will be happy to have one closer to them.

7168 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323-857-1882

4114 Santa Monica Blvd
Silver Lake, CA 90029
323-913-1488

New Veg Coffee House in Fullerton

Posted by socalvegangal in Orange County, Veg Restaurant July 10, 2012

A new coffee house recently opened in downtown Fullerton. It’s a cute place that tries to buy local and do other environmentally responsible things. Green Bliss has an all vegetarian menu with some vegan options.

Green Bliss

They have inside seating and a few tables in this really beautiful courtyard. I’ve read that sometimes there are weddings in this courtyard. You can see why. Be careful which table you choose to sit – some are designated for other restaurants.

Courtyard Behind Green Bliss

As for the food, my sandwich was very tasty. I got the Avo-Campania Panini with a Green Bliss Salad ($9). This sandwich has mushrooms, avocado, artichoke hearts, and hemp seed basil pesto on multigrain bread. It’s nice and warm with a wonderful blend of flavors.

Green Bliss Panini

My friend got the Curried Chickpea Salad Panini with a Green Bliss Salad ($9). It’s got chickpeas, raisins, almonds, organic baby spinach, tomato, and vegan mayo on marble rye. I didn’t have a bite, but she and her boyfriend really liked it. I’m not a huge fan of curry, but I might try this next time.

Curried Chickpea Salad Panini

And there are even vegan dessert options. I’m pretty sure the cupcakes are vegan from Luscious Organics and there was also a vegan cookie available when I went.

Bakery Display

If you live or are passing through North Orange County, I’d highly recommend stopping to refuel your body at Green Bliss. Parking in the area was not bad when I went.

305 N Harbor Blvd Suite 103 (at Villa Del Sol)
Fullerton, CA 92832
(714) 773-0018

Monday – Saturday from 7 am – 7 pm
Sunday 8 am – 5 pm

breakfast (vegans can get oatmeal or a fruit bowl) is served until 11am

Vegan Pizza Day at Follow Your Heart

Posted by socalvegangal in Pizza, San Fernando Valley, Veg Restaurant July 7, 2012

If you’re a social media addict, chances are you heard about Vegan Pizza Day that happened on June 30th. Quarrygirl had a detailed map of all the places offering specials for this food holiday. Because I had already tried some of these amazing pizzas, I went with something new. Follow Your Heart was offering a special deep dish pizza for Vegan Pizza Day. I love Follow Your Heart mozzarella cheese on pizza when it’s done right (aka- melted).

The options included two different options, so my vegan guy and I got one of each. Our favorite was the Meat Lover’s Pizza. As you can see, there were tons of melty cheese covering different types of vegan meats. My only complaint about this pizza was actually the reason I came – the deep dish. I didn’t think it was like a pizza crust at all. To me, it was almost like a really thick piece of toast: too crispy for me. My vegan guy was a fan of the crispiness, though. To each his own, I guess.

Meat Lover’s Pizza

The Margherita Pizza was the same as the Meat Lover’s – only with less flavored toppings. It still had that crispy crust and melty cheese, but was more plain only topped with just some tomatoes and basil.

Margherita Pizza

And there you have it! I hope you enjoyed Vegan Pizza Day. And if you missed it, there’s always next year. But as always, most of these places have vegan pizza year-round (just without the special discounts). Make Everyday Vegan Pizza Day.

The Best Refried Beans are at Cuca’s

Posted by socalvegangal in Inland Empire, Omnivorous Restaurant July 5, 2012

This post is going to have the most boring food photos ever, but I have to tell you about my favorite place to get a bean burrito. Cuca’s Mexican Food started in Redlands at a little hole in the wall and have since expanded around the Inland Empire. They now have seven locations for refried bean enthusiasts like myself.

Some locations are purely take-out. Others are counter service only. The location I frequent when I want to sit down and relax while I’m catching up with friends is their full service restaurant in Mentone. When you sit down, you always get a bowl (or two or three or four…) of freshly fried tortilla chips and some of the best salsa ever!

Chips and Salsa

There menu is large and consists mainly of meat and cheese laden items, but there are some vegan options. The beans, tortilla, veggies, and guacamole are vegan for sure. Never get the rice, because it is cooked in chicken broth. I don’t need anything but a nice hot tortilla wrapped around their refried beans. Sure, I’ll add a bit of that salsa, but really, I could just drink those beans. If you know anyone from the area, chances are, they are a fan of Cuca’s. I have waited in line and have heard conversations of people shipping Cuca’s to those unfortunate loved ones living out of state. Of course they were probably shipping the cruel stuff, but it shows how much people love this place. Now if only they carried some Daiya, vegan sour cream, and maybe even a little bit of Gardein.

My boring photo of the most amazing Bean Burrito ever!

Check out their website to see which location is close to you.

Happy Family in Loma Linda

Posted by socalvegangal in Inland Empire, Veg Restaurant July 3, 2012

I’m seriously in love with Chinese food (or at least what we call Chinese food here in the states). I already told you about my delicious meal at Happy Family in Monterey Park, and now I tell you about my other delicious meal at another Happy Family. I mentioned before that these two restaurants share the same name, but are not the same company. They might have been at some point, but I am not sure about the details.

My “happy family” went here for Father’s day and feasted on lots of menu items.

First, as always, we got the Hot and Sour Soup ($6.95 – medium). This is my all time favorite soup and they do it very well. Never overly spicy, but oh so flavorful.

Hot and Sour Soup

Another dish we always order is the Sizzling Plate ($10.95), because this is my dad’s favorite dish. We get it without the “beef,” since we don’t like it as much as the tofu and “chicken.”

Sizzling Plate

My sisters like the Cashew Nuts Wheat Gluten Chicken ($8.50) the most. I also like this dish, only I’m not a fan of the plethora of water chestnuts.

Cashew Nuts Wheat Gluten Chicken

My mom and I love the Crispy Shiitake Mushroom with Bean Sprout ($9.95). These tiny strips of fried shiitake mushrooms are tossed with a wonderful sweet sauce (or as my dad calls it – “red sugar”). Whatever, dad, I’m an advocate of balancing out the savory with the sweet.

Shiitake Mushrooms with Bean Sprouts

My one sister loves soft tofu dishes, so she tried the Szechwan Style Tofu ($7.25). This dish is slightly spicy, but not too bad. It’s a great dish if you happen to like soft tofu.

Szechwan Style Tofu

And the overall favorite is the Crispy Oyster Mushroom ($9.95). I got a similar dish at the Happy Family in Monterey Park, but I definitely like this version better. I think this one has more flavor. It doesn’t even need a sauce – it’s that good.

Crispy Oyster Mushrooms

I am so happy they opened near my hometown. Now my family has a place to eat that satisfies everyone. If you aren’t in the Inland Empire, they also have locations in Costa Mesa and Rowland Heights. Seriously – check them out.

Happy Family – Loma Linda
2150 So. Waterman Avenue
San Bernardino, CA 92408
909-333-6988

Monday – Friday 11am – 3pm and 5pm – 9pm
Saturday and Sunday 11am – 9pm

Breakfast at Freesoulcaffe

Posted by socalvegangal in Dessert, Orange County, Veg Restaurant July 1, 2012

I’ve said this many times, but vegan breakfast foods are so hard to find at restaurants. Oatmeal or a tofu scramble might be here and there, but sometimes you just want a classic waffle. I could be wrong, but I think one only needs a single finger to count the number of restaurants offering a vegan waffle in Orange County. That place is the all vegan Freesoulcaffe in downtown Tustin. If you know of another place, please let me know in the comments. Freesoulcaffe is awesome… really awesome. I’ve already mentioned their delicious lunch and dessert options before, and now I’ve come back to tell you about their amazing waffle.

On their menu, they list their waffle flavors as classic, green tea, and pumpkin. I ordered the pumpkin, but found out that they were no longer doing this option (sad). So I got the Green Tea Waffle ($6.95). You can opt to add fruit for an additional $2. This waffle was so good! Nice and crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. When lots of people are ordering waffles, it takes some time, but it is worth the wait. They stop serving breakfast at 11am – no sleeping in if you want to get your waffle fix.

Green Tea Waffles

But of course I couldn’t leave without getting something from their bakery case. Dessert at breakfast is what I call living!

Glorious Bakery Case

The Key Lime Pie ($5.50) has the most delicious and creamy topping. It’s the same topping they put on their Mocha Pie I mentioned in my last post. The pie itself was equal parts sweet and tart. I shared it with my fellow diners and they liked it, too.

Key Lime Pie

They have an annoying online menu that doesn’t list prices. Their paninis run about $11.50, sandwiches are $7.95 for a half and $10.50 for a full, soups are $6.50, brownies/blondies are $3.75, and the cheesecakes/pies are $5.50.

They have a lovely covered courtyard that has heaters going on colder days. Their hours are: Monday – Saturday: 9am – 9pm (closed on Sundays).

191 East Main Street Suite 1B
Tustin, CA 92780
714.371.0976

Vegan Sandwich Shop in Irvine

Posted by socalvegangal in Orange County, Veg Restaurant June 28, 2012

This new sandwich shop opened in Irvine called Phoney Baloney (awesome name, right?). It’s a little hard to find. You first have to find this gym, then go inside, and you’ll see the counter immediately on the right. They have a small seating area where you can feel guilty by watching people work out.

I got the Cali BBQ ($5,95): grilled Phoney’s beef slathered in cherry chipotle BBQ sauce and topped with slaw, pickles, and mustard on a sourdough sandwich roll. I love sandwiches in general, but I really loved this sandwich. The roll was a tad bit thick and hard to bite into, but other than that, the taste was wonderful.

BBQ Sandwich

And of course I had to try their Strawberry Cookie Monster – a spring sandwich special. If they are still offering this sandwich, you have to try it! It’s fresh strawberries, cookie butter, cream cheese, and agave drizzle that’s panini pressed between two slices of whole wheat sourdough. Genius combination.

Cookie Monster

Good luck trying to find this gem. It’s worth it!

4880 Irvine Blvd., Suite 102 (inside Custom Bodies Fitness)
Irvine, CA. 92620
949-885-6237

Monday – Fri 11am – 9pm
Saturday 11am – 4pm
Sunday closed

Veg Friendly at Taco Loco in Laguna Beach

Posted by socalvegangal in Omnivorous Restaurant, Orange County June 27, 2012

Taco Loco is one of my favorite places to eat in Laguna Beach. It is also one of the few places I go and get the same thing every time. The location has been there for a while and is one of those surfer-type joints that is popular with the locals.

My vegan guy went with the Blackened Veggie Phish Burger ($6.50): spiced and blackened veggie phish served with mushrooms, guacamole, and salsa (make sure you get it with no mayo). Of course I love this dish – it has a bit of spice and you get that fake meaty texture (if you’re into that). My vegan guy didn’t have the same love for this dish I as do – whatever: he’s crazy.

Phish Burger

I went with a different burger, but still wanted a small taste of the blackened phish. Enter Blackened Veggie Phish Taco ($3.35): same phish as in the burger, but in a small soft tortilla. It’s the perfect small bite – and a great choice for those small eaters out there.

Phish Taco

I am not a small eater and needed a burger to go with my taco. The Blackened Tofu and Mushroom Burger ($6) is my absolute favorite item at Taco Loco. It’s blackened the same as the phish, but if you’re not into the fake meat, this is a wonderfully healthy way to have your burger. Just like the phish burger, the tofu burger is served with mushrooms, guacamole, and salsa – and also say no mayo. It comes as a taco, as well, but I like the burger a lot better.

Blacked Tofu and Mushroom Burger

Taco Loco has some (crazy) great hours. In the summer, they are open really late (2am on weekends!).

640 S Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 497-1635

Monday – Thursday, Sunday 11 am – 12 am
Friday – Saturday 11 am – 2 am

M Cafe in Los Angeles

Posted by socalvegangal in Los Angeles, Veg Restaurant June 26, 2012

I’ve posted before about M Cafe’s macrobiotic eats and now I’m back again to tell you about another meal here. A nice little pre-meal snack is their Shiitake Inari ($2.25). It’s a wonderful bean curd skin filled with rice and marinated shiitake mushrooms. Sweet and simple.

Braised Shiitake Inari

I think I missed the boat in posting this. This item is off M Cafe’s spring menu, but now it is summer so you probably won’t be able to get it anymore. It’s a Dill Tofu Salad Wrap with a side of their Barley and Green Garbanzo Bean Salad ($8.95). I loved this wrap. It reminded me of an egg salad sandwich. It was so fresh tasting. The side salad was an interesting one. I’ve never seen green garbanzo beans, but they were good.

Tofu Dill Salad Wrap

My vegan guy got the Carolina BBQ Seitan Burger ($11.95): thinly sliced grilled seitan basted with zesty barbeque
sauce and piled on a house-baked whole wheat bun with grilled onions, pickles and creamy cole slaw. This burger has a spicy kick to it, but gets cooled down by the coleslaw. If you can handle the heat, you’d like this one.

Carolina BBQ Burger

Parking is no fun at M Cafe. There are a few spaces connected to the restaurant, but mainly you will have to find a spot on the street.

7119 Melrose Avenue
Hollywood, CA 90046
323-525-0588

Monday – Saturday 9 am – 10 pm
Sunday 9 am – 9 pm

They also have a location in Beverly Hills at:

9433 Brighton Way
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310-858-8459

Monday – Saturday 9 am – 8 pm
Sunday 10 am – 7 pm

Vegan Friendly at Rutabegorz

Posted by socalvegangal in Omnivorous Restaurant, Orange County June 22, 2012

Rutabegorz is a very vegetarian friendly cafe featuring healthier cuisine. It used to be not so vegan friendly, but one of my friends recently told me they updated their menu to solve this. I went in expecting boat loads of new vegan options. True, they had more, but not as many as I had thought. They don’t label what is vegan, so finding these new items was hard. I kept having to ask the waitress if there was egg in this or milk in that. Rutabegorz, if you are reading this, please add a vegan icon next to your menu items that can be made vegan!

When I used to work near a Rutabegorz, my co-workers and I would get food from here a lot (mainly so “the vegan” could have something to eat). I used to get their smoothies all the time. I love smoothies that are only fruit and juices and Ruta’s lets you choose apple or orange juice and some fruits (none of those annoying ice and yogurt fillers). Back then, the smoothies were bigger and sometimes that’s all I would need for lunch. Today, the smoothies lost some weight, but not flavor. I always got my Smoothie ($4.75) with OJ, strawberries and bananas. Delicious and nutritious!

Smoothie: banana, strawberries, OJ

While waiting for my meal, I noticed a sign on the table advertising their Mango Salsa with Chips for only $0.42! Ruta’s always has some deal like this, but none have ever really interested me. This was a nice little treat and for only 42 cents, not much to complain about.

Mango Salsa

The vegan option I chose was the Falafel Wrap (8.25): falafel patties, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and a creamy herb dressing and served with hummus on the side. The creamy herb dressing is not vegan, so don’t get it. This wrap was more of the rustic style Mediterranean food. It was a good wrap, but did taste a bit on the “healthy” side. The hummus on the side was also nice, but (again) was more of that rustic style cuisine.

Falafel Wrap

If you are in the area of a Rutabegorz with a bunch of lunch-seeking meat-eaters, I would suggest a stop here. I’d like to go back and see if I can find other vegan items on their menu, but I’m not in a huge rush. It’s a lovely place, but I’d probably go to a nearby all-veg restaurant if I was on my own.

They have three locations: Tustin, Orange, and Fullerton. Check out their website to see which is closest to you.

So Cal Vegan Gal

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