I found myself in Costa Mesa, California recently for 6 days. It was a great trip because I had great friends and family in the area and was able to see them several times each. (Obviously, more would have been nice! :) I was there on business and was in class each day from 7-3) The Orange County area and L.A. both offered up some phenomenal restaurants for vegans. I went to a few of them multiple times because of the extent of their menus.
Native Foods bills itself as "California Vegan" and has 4 locations in the southern California area. One of them happened to be about 1.6 miles from my hotel, so I found myself getting something from there 4 of those days. That location is 2937 Bristol St in Costa Mesa. It is located in a "camp" of like minded shops/boutiques/restuarants and immediately as you walk inside you are greeted by a sense of peace. It is a nice circular model with a good amount of indoor and outdoor seating (not enough sometimes; since it seems to be VERY popular). They also make their tempeh and seitan in-house. I was excited to see a bakery as well and the entire menu is vegan. My only complaint (and I say this with Love) was that certain dishes were very bland. I LOVED the "Save the Chicken" Wings (Housemade soy chicken), but the "Thai Sticks" (Grilled tempeh) was good, but not excellent. I LOVED their "Mad Cowboy Earth Bowl" (A bowl of rice with grilled veggies, potatoes, tempeh, and BBQ sauce), but was disappointed somewhat by the "Philly Peppersteak Sandwich" (Housemade seitan with portobellos, peppers, onion, and soy cheese). I think the reason is that I do not like MOST vegan cheeses. Their french fries are great and the "Native Nachos" were unbelievably tasty. Their assortment of vegan burgers is astounding as well and the "Chicken Run Ranch Burger" was the best vegan chicken burger I have ever had (sans Ranch though; I do not know why, but I HATE ranch dressing, even when it is vegan). Definitely visit this restaurant whenever possible. http://www.nativefoods.com/
Another gem in Costa Mesa is right around the corner from my cousin Melissa and her husband Josh. Avanti Cafe is located at 259 E. 17th St in Costa Mesa. It is a great little cafe with a mission. They run a vegetable co-op where local people pay a certain amount to receive a basket of whatever vegetables are in season. Buy local; what a great concept. They host events for local Green businesses and are very involved with energy conservation. I had a wonderful organic beer and a "Roasted Riviera" sandwich with roasted tofu and tempeh. They have agreat array of vegetable dishes, not all vegan; but they can make jsut about anything vegan. Good sandwiches, veggie burgers, pizzas, salads, tapas, soups, and baked goods. They even sell organic dog food. Another definite must for anyone in the area. http://www.avantinatural.com/
The Wheel of Life vegan Thai restaurant in Irvine was quite possibly the best vegan Thai I have ever eaten. (A close second would be Komol Thai in Las Vegas) In a strip mall with tons of Asian shops, groceries, services, and restaurants it sits calmly in the middle of activity and once you walk inside, the calm set in. It is run by some amazingly friendly people, most of whom were family. At first glance, one might think of it as small and dingy, but once you taste the food and talk to the people, you will find a wonderful place. I was told by other customers that EVERYTHING is good there. I really enjoyed the Vege BBQ Chicken and Thai Spring Rolls appetizers. As for entrees, I would highly recommend the Vege Shredded Chicken with dry Bean Curd for those who don't like deep fried entrees like Sesame Vege Chicken. If you are deep fried inclined, the Orange Vege Chicken was incredible. It is located at 14370 Culver Dr in Irvine. Wonderful food, great message. http://www.wheelofliferestaurant.com/
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