Bein' Green Savin' Green

Bein' Green Savin' Green at the Supermarket Part 1: Sprouts

2016-04-14T18:31:00.004-07:00

Too often I hear complaints about how difficult it is to shop healthily at a supermarket. I frequently see people gravitate toward the junk food aisles or the substandard meat counters. People would rather purchase a $1 burger at McDonalds than a pint of berries for the same price. The real issue is the lack of knowledge about how to purchase pricy organic items for a fraction of the price. Just because a product is labeled as $4 does not mean that it needs to be purchased at that amount. I am starting this series of saving money at various supermarkets in hopes that it will encourage people who are on a budget to purchase more wisely. There are plenty of ways to cut back on your spending, while still enjoying the most lavish meals you can find at your neighborhood supermarket.

I am kicking this series off with one of my favorite stores: "Sprouts Farmer's Market". This store has been gaining momentum in the last couple of years and is continuously opening new locations throughout the US. While they are now mostly in the West, I do not doubt that they will soon be making their way to the East. What I love most about Sprouts is that they are like a more affordable version of Whole Foods. They do not have as wide of a variety as Whole Foods does, but they do have a large selection of organic and vegan products. Their selection seems to be growing as well, as they are constantly securing new partnerships with budding businesses. I love shopping at Sprouts for their fresh and tasty produce as well as packaged items. Their beauty items are also very affordable.

Here are some helpful tips to make your Sprouts trip more cost effective:

* It's best to shop on Wednesdays. Both week's ads apply, so there are double the sales occurring. It's more likely that you'll find a good produce item on sale on this day and berries have a tendency to be the cheapest on a Wednesday.

* Make sure to look through their monthly coupon book, which can be found at the front of the store alongside the weekly ad. Many of the items that are in there also go on sale at some point during the month. You will find yourself with some big savings purchasing it on sale on top of using a coupon. I once paid $2 for 2 large seventh generation items when it was on sale as BOGO and then used a coupon for additional savings.

* Just like clothing, a lot of great seasonal items are often deemed as unsellable. Or perhaps the store just got a surplus of items and they aren't selling as well as the store intended. Those items can often be found in the clearance section, usually located in the back of the store. Sometimes individual sections have their own clearance items, particularly the frozen and refrigerated areas. One of my most memorable purchases was a pack of shredded Daiya cheese for a mere $1. My homemade pizza couldn't have tasted better that night.

* Often Sprouts will have a sale, but since it's so popular, the item will sell out quickly. You will find yourself at the store staring at an empty shelf, wishing you had come 15 minutes earlier and maybe you would have scored that pack of kale chips that is half off. No need to fret and curse aloud at that slow car that was ahead of you that delayed your trip. Just purchase the items that you are able to find and while you check out, ask the cashier for a rain check. Sprouts is amazing with both writing and honoring their rain checks. They will allow you to use it during a future visit and purchase as many items as you wish, honoring the sale weeks later. Recently, one of my favorite cold pressed juices, Forager Project had an amazing BOGO sale. I went a couple of times during the sale, but the juices were never in stock. I got a rain check, and then came back a few weeks later when I found myself craving those luscious juices. I purchased 6 juices, which came out to only $18 total. $3 for cold pressed juice is unheard of, so I was thrilled to be able to take advantage of this deal.

* Lastly, Sprouts has fantastic brand sales throughout the month. Sometimes Sprouts greatly discounts its own brand and often they focus on a select group of brands and slash their prices. I've never been much of a morning fan, but since I've been recovering from back surgery, I've found myself craving a sweet breakfast in the morning. I was thrilled to discover Nature's Path Organic cereal because not only is it flavorful, but it also provides a lot of great health benefits, such as as Omega-3s. I'm also obsessed with the all of the crispy and crunchy textures the cereal provides which is right on par with my high expectations. This cereal was 40% this past week, so I made sure to stock up until I'm fully recovered.

Sprouts is my all time go to store when it comes to both health and saving money. My only hope is that they will continue to expand nationally, so I can access it when I travel. I also would love for the store to have a prepared foods section that matches Whole Foods, since I'm sure it would be way more affordable. I cannot wait for my next Sprouts shopping trip and wish that they would open up a store down the street from me, so I could shop there every day!

A Magnificent Meal At M.A.K.E.

2014-07-23T23:15:00.000-07:00

On a gorgeous summery afternoon, I met up with one of my friends to dine at M.A.K.E. in Santa Monica, a completely raw Vegan restaurant. The calming breeze starkly contrasted with my excitement to finally dine at this establishment. Ever since I heard rave reviews from various friends, I imagined myself stuffing my face with their delicacies. My dream of dining there came true when I noticed that they were participating in Dine LA's Restaurant Week, offering a more "affordable" menu. For lunch, they had a two course menu for $25 with the optional addition of a juice for just $6 more. Considering that the entrees normally cost close to $20, this is a fantastic deal.

I scanned the menu closely, faced with the ever so difficult decision of what to order. Everything on the pre-fix menu made my mouth water and I wanted it all. Trying to stay on a budget, I opted to restrict myself to only ordering a salad and entree. I ultimately ended up ordering the kale salad and lasagna. My friend decided to stick with the regular menu and ordered the Baja + Ceviche King Trumpets.

The California Kale salad came out first and I dug in immediately.

The kale did not resemble kale in the slightest and had a softer texture. It seemed way closer to spinach and lacked the bitter taste that kale normally has. The salad was well dressed and had a lovely succulent tomato flavor. The pickled peppers added a nice crunchiness. The wasabi pine nuts took the dish over the top and added a lovely spice and a subtle smoky flavor.

Next, I had the main course: the Market Tomato Lasagna.

I loved the presentation of the lasagna just as much as I loved the dish. It looked so beautiful, I found it difficult to cut into (but of course that didn't stop me!). The dish had so much flavors going on and it was so hard to fathom that it was completely raw! M.A.K.E. did an exquisite job at getting the zucchini slices to perfectly mimic noodles and I never would have believed there was no gluten in this dish. The tomato sauce had a wonderful sweetness with just a slight tartness to balance it out. The cashew cheese truly made the dish and was so rich and creamy, with a fabulous nutty flavor. There was also a lovely pesto that added even more depth to the lasagna.

My wonderful friend let me try some of her dish, since I was curious what it tasted like.

The vegetables utilized in the lettuce tacos were very fresh and crisp. The homemade ceviche was a standout and seemed to resemble fish very well. It had a light flavor and a fantastic texture. I also loved the creaminess of the perfectly ripe avocado.

Lastly, we had a lovely tart for dessert. It was so rich and decadent and had a smooth, creamy texture. The taste of lemon was dominant, but the bitterness was balanced out with a slight sweetness.

Overall, the meal was fabulous and I enjoyed every bite. I didn't find the food to be very filling, however, and I wish I had ordered the optional juice. This restaurant is great for an occasional indulgence, but not very practical to eat at too often with the hefty prices. Still, I am hoping for an opportunity to dine there again soon, so I can try more of their mouthwatering dishes!

A Darling Evening At Darbster

2014-06-05T23:00:00.003-07:00

On my recent trip to Florida to visit my grandma, we dined at one of my favorite restaurants: Darbster. The restaurant has two locations and we opted to go to the West Palm Beach one, since we were nearby shopping at City Place. It just so happened that night that they posted a fantastic deal on their Facebook page to reward their loyal fans. The deal was a complimentary order of the palm cakes with an entree order. I was excited because not only are the palm cakes valued at $8, but they are one of my favorite dishes at Darbster.

The palm cakes were brought out fairly quickly, which was great, since my grandma and I were both famished.

The palm cakes were just as scrumptious as I remembered. The outside was crispy and fried to perfection, which the inside was nice and crumbly. The hearts of palm had a slightly fishy flavor that enabled it to mimic crab cakes very well. The palm cakes were coated in a creamy aioli taste that had tasted of harissa and bell peppers. It added a great depth to the dish and took it over the top.

Next, my dish came out: the Quinoa Loaf.

This is a very innovative dish, since the quinoa and vegetables have been combined to simulate a meat loaf. The end result was a very crispy, savory dish, which did not resemble quinoa at all. My favorite aspect of the dish is the crunchy fried onions on top, adding a nice bitterness to the dish. The gravy provided the loaf with even more flavor and even had a slightly sweet taste. The steamed broccoli and mashed potatoes were nice accompaniments and made the dish even more of a comfort food.

Lastly, my grandma had the Barley Filet Au Poirve w/ Cognac Creme, Asparagus, and Caramelized Shallot & Rosemary Fingerling Mash. This was a special Entree, since it was French week.

This dish was spectacular. Thankfully, the dish was too much for my grandma and I was able to finish it for her. The filet had a great texture and a fantastic crispiness and savoriness that was reminiscent of its meat counterpart. I enjoyed the cognac creme, which had a slight tartness and enhanced the flavor of the barley filet very well. The caramelized shallot and rosemary fingerling mash had a unique blend of spices and seasonings. The balsamic reduction was a nice touch and added an extra tartness and slight sweetness to the dish.

Darbster is a must go to when in the South Florida area. The West Palm location overlooks a picturesque river and the patio provides a lovely, relaxing view of the wildlife. On top of that, the restaurant is always full of adorable dogs that provide an extra level of entertainment. While Darbster is quite pricey, the restaurant constantly offers deals to email and Facebook subscribers, as well as donates its proceeds to its own animal rescue organization. I cannot wait to dine there again on my next visit to Florida.

A Fantastic Dinner At Franchia

2014-01-13T22:28:00.003-08:00

During my visit to the Big Apple to see my big sister, I ventured to Franchia, a cute Korean restaurant that is very decorative. The menu is vast and not only includes Korean specialties, but also Japanese and Chinese specialties. We had quite the feast since we were famished.

We began the meal with some appetizers. First, we had the Crispy Scallion Pancakes ($9).

These pancakes were indeed crispy and fried to perfection. The scallion flavor was very prominent and gave the pancakes a bitter flavor. The dipping sauce accompanied the dish very well, adding even more saltiness.

Next, we had the Assorted Dumplings ($13).

These were very interesting. The dumplings were lightly fried and filled with a variety of flavors. The first ones I tried were a variety of vegetables, which were delectable and airy. The next ones were more healthy tasting, being that they were composed of kale and were more chewy. Next, I had the spicy kimchi dumplings, which had a stronger flavor but could have been even spicier. Lastly, I had the "meat" dumplings, which were very savory and the tastiest.

Next, we had the Spicy Vegan Buffalo Wings ($9).

These were decent although pretty forgettable. The texture was a bit off and they were overly chewy. I did like the sauce, however, which gave the dish a meaty flavor and had a nice kick to it. They were also quite filling, despite there only being a few of them.

Next, we had the Spicy Tuna Roll with brown rice ($6.50).

I was never much of a sushi fan, ironically, until I turned vegan. So I always get excited when a restaurant offers a vegan version. Franchia's version was spectacular. The tuna was so realistic. It had a strong fishy flavor and even embodied the mushy consistency of the real thing. The mayo on top was very creamy and had a spicy flavor.

Lastly, for our entree we got the Vegetarian 'Duck' Stone bowl ($18).

This dish was superb. The mock dock was very meaty and had a perfect consistency of the right amount of chewiness. The vegetables were well cooked and coated in a lovely seasoning. The Korean spices were savory with a subtle sweet flavor.

Overall, the meal was very good. Everything was tasty and still pretty light and healthy. The vegetables were very fresh tasting and the ingredients were high quality. The only negative part of the dining experience was that they were all out of dessert! I was bummed out about that, since I had raving reviews about their cheesecake. The food was pricy, but considering the restaurant's location, it's not very surprising. Luckily, I was able to use my Green Menu card for a 10% discount, which reduced the price. I cannot wait to dine there again on my next visit to NYC.

An Eventful Meal At Evo Kitchen

2013-11-22T00:03:00.000-08:00

Evo Kitchen is a delightful restaurant that serves up some of the best pizza I've ever had. The food is all organic and the vegetables are always very fresh. They have a great variety of vegan selections to choose from and everything I've eaten there has been delicious.

On my most recent dining venture there a couple months ago, I had a pretty subpar experience, which was a huge let down. The service was very slow and the waitress made a critical mistake of putting the order in as real cheese, despite my emphasizing twice that I have a dairy allergy. I would have expected a free dessert to make up for the fact that we had to wait another twenty minutes for the new pizza to be made, but she merely comped us with some watered down beverages. When our new pizza came, I was so ravenous that I gulfed it down very quickly.

The pizza we got was the large build your own with vegan chicken, avocado and caramelized onions.

The pizza was very scrumptious. The bread was crispy, the tomato sauce was sweet with a slight tartness, and the daiya cheese was perfectly melted. The soy chicken was very savory and meaty and had a wonderful seasoning. The avocado balanced out the soy chicken with its buttery, more mellow flavor. The caramelized onions were cooked to perfection and had a nice crunch.

Despite being in a rush, we opted for a dessert to end the meal. We had the Brownie with the Vegan Sorbet.

The brownie was so moist and very decadent. It had a strong chocolate flavor and was rich and heavenly. The taste lingered on my tongue for awhile after. The coconut sorbet was very creamy and also had a luscious buttery flavor. This was a great finale and almost redeemed the horrible service.

Overall, the food was good as usual but the service was definitely lacking, which was a bit surprising, since they seemed very attentive during my previous visits. I think this restaurant has a lot of potential to be really great and of course I would love them to add even more vegan options! I used a living social voucher for $10 for $20 worth of food and drink, which was a pretty significant discount and made the food more reasonably priced.

A Fierce Meal At Follow Your Heart

2013-10-31T00:00:00.004-07:00

On a hot summery afternoon, I ventured to Follow Your Heart in Canoga Park for a scrumptious lunch. The all-vegetarian restaurant was completely packed with a lone table waiting just for me. The menu was even bigger than it was my last visit, so I was excited that I had more options (although I was also a tad overwhelmed).

I started the meal off with a refreshing shake, which was a meal in itself. I opted for the Peanut Butter Shake made vegan ($6.50).

The shake was so decadent and had a rich peanut butter flavor. It was very thick and frothy and filling. It served as a dessert replacement in having the perfect amount of sweetness and a great accompaniment with my entree by counteracting the saltiness of my meal.

For my entree, I had the Spanakopita ($14) made vegan.

This dish was amazing. The spanakopita was fantastic and had a flaky, crispy outer layer and a savory interior. The spinach and tofu feta concoction had a creamy texture and were generously coated in Mediterranean spices. It was so flavorful and melted in my mouth as I ate it. On the downside, the rice was a little bland, however and could have used some seasoning and the salad was dry without any dressing. The onions were also very overpowering and I felt wasteful not being able to eat all of them, since my mouth was on fire. It is such a shame that such a delectable entree was accompanied with underwhelming sides.

Overall, I felt satisfied with the meal and found the tastes lingering on my tongue for quite awhile after. I would love to see Follow Your Heart improve the Spanakopita dish as it has such potential. I used a $20 voucher that I purchased for just $8 so the meal was very reasonably priced. Follow Your Heart had raised the prices of its dishes slightly since my last visit, but it is still well worth it. The food is delicious and the portions are quite large. I cannot wait to return again and wish they would add a second location on the West Side so I could visit more often!

A Charismatic Meal At Crossroads Kitchen

2013-10-15T00:06:00.004-07:00

During my dad's visit, we ventured to the luxurious, recently opened restaurant, Crossroads, to experience their magnificent food. The restaurant has had quite the buzz and has been lauded by many celebrities and food publications. Luckily, his visit coincided with Dine LA's bi-annual Restaurant Week, so we decided to take advantage of the special pre-fix menu.

For our first course, we had the Kale Salad and Pee Wee Potato Salad.

First we tried the Kale Salad.

The salad was fantastic. The kale was well massaged and had a light, citrusy vinaigrette. The currants added a lovely sweetness to contrast the tangy dressing, while the pine nuts were a nice touch.

Next, we had the potato salad.

This salad was a little heavier than the kale salad, but was very hearty. The dressing was fabulous and very savory, with a slight bitterness. The potatoes and green beans were well cooked and easy to chew. I also enjoyed the crunchiness of the toasted pine nuts.

For our second course, we had the Spiced Chickpeas and the Wood Roasted Okra.

First, we had the Spiced Chickpeas.

These were fantastic. The chickpeas were soft and delectable and were coated with succulent roasted tomatoes and Mediterranean seasonings. The creamy garlic whip was heavenly and took the dish to a whole other level.

Next, we had the Wood Roasted Okra.

I've never been a fan of okra, due to its overwhelming bitterness. This okra was unlike any I have tasted before. Somehow the seasonings masked the okra's pungent taste and made it taste scrumptious. It had a savory flavor and had a wonderful crunchiness as if it had been deep-fried. The peppers added a lovely heat that lingered in my mouth, until the next course was brought out.

For our third course, we had the Ragu and Scallopini Piccata.

First we tried the Ragu.

This dish was very interesting. The eggplant stew was superb and I appreciated the contrasting sweet and bitter flavors of the tomatoes and kalamata olives. What made this dish so unique was the cottage cheese concoction on top, which added a wonderful nutty taste.

Next, we had the Scallopini Piccata.

I wasn't really sure what to make of this dish, but it was quite spectacular and perhaps one of the most memorable dishes of the night. The dish was purely concocted of vegetables and seemed to mimic meat almost perfectly. It was very tough and chewy and juicy. It was coated in a scrumptious gravy and had a slight tanginess.

For our final course, we both had the Chocolate Ganache Tartlet.

This was the perfect way to end the meal. The bite size pie was filled with a rich, decadent chocolate mousse and covered with perfectly crunchy popcorn glazed in a caramel coating. There was a slight saltiness to the dessert, which was a lovely contrast to the sugary flavors.

Overall, the meal was one of the best I've had in my life. The flavors were truly gourmet and the dishes were so inspired and unique. I appreciated that the chef used vegetables in such a creative way and limited the use of soy and gluten. The meal only cost $25 a person (not including tax and tip), which was a great deal considering how much food we were given and the quality. Ordering a la carte would have cost way more. I will definitely return to Crossroads again for an occasional splurge on scrumptious food.

Taco Tuesdays At Veggie Grill

2013-09-09T18:39:00.003-07:00

Throughout the summer, Veggie Grill had a wonderful promotion on Tuesdays called Taco Tuesday. I ventured there a few times, since there are two Veggie Grills conveniently located to my house. I have had mixed feelings about Veggie Grill for quite some time now. I love that the food is reasonably priced (although I do think it could be more affordable) and the service is always very fast. On the other hand, the menu is uninspired and overuses Gardein products (although this is changing a bit) and the food is too greasy and heavy in sodium. Still, there are occasional times when my former omnivore comes out and desires the taste of faux meat. Luckily, this happened on a Tuesday, thus I headed to Veggie Grill in Westwood to satisfy the craving.

Since I wasn't super hungry at the time, I opted for an appetizer. I ordered my absolute favorite dish: nachos ($5).

While Veggie Grill's version is far from the best, it is still tasty and enjoyable. The chips were crunchy and the chili was very savory and hearty. The Daiya cheese was made into a creamy cheese sauce, yet retained its usual odd aftertaste. The guacamole and salsa made the dish, adding a wonderful spiciness to the nachos and balancing out the cooling "sour cream".

For just $1 more I added on the Steak Taco (which normally costs $3.50 a taco).

The taco was delectable. The faux meat was juicy and succulent. It was coated in a smoky sauce and had fantastic seasonings. The lettuce and tomatoes were crisp and crunchy and took on the flavors of the faux steak very well.

The meal at Veggie Grill was satisfying, yet left a lot to be desired. The nachos could have been more flavorful and a more innovative fake cheese could have been used (perhaps cashew cheese like Native Foods and Real Food Daily use). I also would have loved the dish to have had more seasonings. I did really enjoy the taco, however, and would definitely order that again. The meal was very inexpensive and came out to less than $7. I hope Veggie Grill does this promotion again soon.

Switching It Up At Sage Bistro

2013-08-25T18:18:00.002-07:00

On a lovely summer night, I ventured to Echo Park to dine at one of my favorite restaurants: Sage Bistro. The food there is wonderful and so scrumptious. It is one of those places that is consistently good and they are always coming out with new items, so I never have to worry about getting bored with their selection. Since their menu is also vast, there are always plenty of options! They had just switched up their menu when I dined there, so I got to try a couple of new items.

I started the meal off with the Crispy Samosa Rolls ($8).

These were superb. They were a great fusion of spring rolls and samosas. The rolls were perfectly crispy on the outside and filled with a spiced potato and green pea concoction. I loved the mixture of Indian and Chinese seasonings. The sauces also were a fantastic compliment, especially the succulent mango aioli.

For my main dish, I ordered one of my favorites and fairly recent new addition to the menu: Butternut Squash Tacos ($12).

These were very delicious. The kale was soft and well-massaged. It was coated in a creamy, savory cheese sauce that had a lovely chipotle flavor. The sweet, juicy butternut squash was a great contrast to the spicy sauce.

My mom had the Butternut Squash Ravioli ($14).

This was fantastic and totally not what I was expecting. The ravioli pieces were huge and were very thick. They were filled with a rich, luscious butternut cream filling. The sauteed kale was similar to that in my dish and was very easy to chew. The pesto sauce really took the dish over the top, adding a bitter, garlic flavor.

For dessert, we shared a small brownie sundae ($10).

This sundae was magnificent. Although the ice cream was not as creamy as I prefer, it was still very decadent. There was a great mixture of chocolate and coffee flavors from the ice cream and a wonderful salty caramel sauce to balance everything out. The chocolate chips were very crunchy and had a sweet taste.

Overall, the meal was excellent. Everything was so flavorful and I enjoyed the uniqueness of the menu items. Since I used my Green Menu card, I got a 10% off discount, which took a few dollars off the bill. I will definitely return to Sage again very soon and am excited that they will be opening soon in Culver City, which is way closer!

A Steamy Meal At Sun Cafe

2013-08-06T19:37:00.001-07:00

During my mom's visit to LA, we ventured to the steamy valley to dine at Sun Cafe in Studio City before seeing a musical. We were a little pressed for time, since we had a show to catch, but that didn't stop us from fully appreciating the scrumptious food Sun Cafe has to offer.

We began the meal with two complimentary Lettuce Leaf Tacos, which I received by presenting my Green Menu card. These are normally valued at $2 a piece.

These tacos were fantastic and great to have during the hot summer in the valley. The lettuce was very crisp and absorbed the flavors of the taco very well. The "chorizo" was very juicy and meaty, while the avocado was soft and succulent. The cashew cheese added a lovely saltiness and was so creamy, while the basil ranch was very cooling and balanced out the spiciness the salsa and "chorizo". The pecan pieces were a nice touch and added an extra nutty flavor.

Next, our entrees were brought out. I had one of my favorites: Mac & Cheese ($14).

This is hands down one of the best macaroni and cheeses I've had in my life, vegan or not. As a former cheese addict, I appreciated the nutty, tangy flavor of the sauce, which had the perfect amount of creaminess to mimic the real thing. I was also surprised that this was gluten-free, using quinoa pasta as the base. This definitely had the soft, doughy texture of wheat pasta and no weird aftertaste that many gluten-free pastas typically have. The pecan cheese really took the dish over the top, adding a wonderful taste and texture to the dish. I also found the accompanying salad to be quite enjoyable. The lettuce tasted fresh and the bitterness was complimented by the subtly sweet, refreshing vinaigrette.

My mom ordered the Cutlets & Sweet Potato Mash ($16) for her entree, which she really enjoyed. She gave me some to try.

This dish was superb. The seitan cutlets were tender and juicy and seemed like a close replica of steak. They were coated in a sweet and tangy orange sherry sauce. What was even better, was the balsamic glaze on top of the sauce, which added a slight tartness. The sweet potato mash was so heavenly. It was very light and airy and whipped to perfection.

For dessert, we shared the Cookie Dough Cheesecake ($8).

The cheesecake was delicious and a great way to end the meal. It was very dense and had a rich chocolate flavor. It had a lovely combination of bitter and sweet tastes. I appreciated this, since I don't particularly enjoy desserts that are too artificially sweet. This in fact was more natural tasting than the desserts I typically have at restaurants.

Overall, the meal was fabulous. I enjoyed everything we had. I love that Sun Cafe takes traditional comfort food and puts a healthy spin on it. I never would have realized the seitan and mac and cheese were in fact good for me, since they definitely didn't taste it. While the meal was on the expensive side, it was very filling and worth the money. I appreciated getting the free lettuce tacos, which took a few dollars off the bill. I will definitely return to Sun Cafe in the future.

A Sacred Meal At Shojin

2013-07-29T22:05:00.003-07:00

It had been so long since I had eaten at Shojin (2 years!), so I was stoked to be able to dine there during my mom's visit to LA. We arrived just as they were opening and the well-dressed waitstaff smiled and greeted us as we opened the door to the quaint, sophisticated restaurant. As we took our seats on the large cozy pleather seats, the waitress unfolded the cloth napkins, placed it on our laps and put our purses in the bins below. The whole experience made me feel like royalty. A few moments later, the waitress returned to bring us a fizzy, fruity welcome drink and a complimentary appetizer.

This was scallions dressed in a lovely miso sauce. The bitterness of the green onions was enhanced by the saltiness of the miso sauce.

We began with the Osaka Ablaze ($14).

I am not much of a fan of brussel sprouts, so I was worried I wouldn't like this. The strong flavor of the ginger sauce and the various seasonings did a great job of disguising the brussel sprouts and I found that I barely noticed they were there. The sushi was so soft and had a slightly fishy flavor, which I actually enjoyed.

Next, we had the Pirates of the Crunchy ($14).

I have had my eye on this sushi roll since Shojin launched it last year and had been dying to try it. It was definitely worth the wait! This sushi was fantastic and truly was the standout of the meal. The tempeh was fried to perfection and seemed to mimic salmon really well. The corn flakes added a lovely crunch and a subtle sweetness. I normally detest mayo, but Shojin's homemade version was so creamy and scrumptious, I found myself licking the plate. I would order this dish again in a heartbeat.

Finally, we had the Orange "Chicken" Seitan ($19).

This dish was delicious. The seitan had a wonderful chewy texture and was very meaty. The orange sauce had a spectacular balance of sweet and spicy. The vegetables were lightly seasoned and roasted, making them easy to chew. The tofu slabs were also very good and complimented the dish very well.

Overall, the food was amazing. Everything was tasty and had the perfect combination of seasonings and spices. I also love that the ingredients were all organic and macrobiotic, so I didn't feel weighed down by the food, as I typically do after eating Asian cuisine. The service was also impeccable. I appreciated that we were given some "freebies", ending with a complimentary cup of tea to end the meal. Since I am a subscriber to Shojin's e-newsletter, I received a coupon for a free sushi roll. The week we went it was a complimentary Osaka Ablaze roll, with the purchase of any entree. Thus we ended up saving $14, which was pretty significant. I cannot wait to return to Shojin again soon.

A Creative Lunch At LA Vegan Crepe

2013-07-22T19:01:00.001-07:00

For my mom's first meal during her visit to Los Angeles, we ventured to Beverly Hills to dine at the fairly new restaurant, LA Vegan Crepe. Despite that the cafe has been open since last December, this was my first time dining at the quaint establishment. The restaurant had such a relaxing atmosphere. When we arrived around noon, the place was nearly empty and the smell of freshly made pastries made my stomach growl. As we sat down, I looked over the menu and immediately settled on the crepe section. My mom and I opted to both get savory crepes for our meal and split a sweet crepe for dessert.

For my entree, I ordered the Savoyarde Crepe ($14).

This crepe was very delicious. The outside was soft and easy to chew. The inside was fantastic and the thin crepe absorbed the flavors so well. The meaty soy sausage worked perfectly with the hearty potato slices. The cheese mixture enhanced the saltiness of the soy sausage and helped bring out the flavors. The white wine sauce took the crepe over the top and had a great balance of bitterness and sweetness. The seasonings were fantastic and lingered in my mouth until dessert came. The accompanying salad was very good, although there were too many mushrooms. The salad was slightly creamy, but very light and refreshing.

My mom ordered the Veggie Lover's Crepe ($12).

I got to try some of this crepe and it was fantastic. It was very simple in comparison to mine and the focus was more on the crisp vegetables. I enjoyed the melty Daiya cheese and the wonderful seasonings used.

For dessert, we had the Banana Chocolate Crepe ($8.50).

This crepe was not what I expected, but still very good. The waiter explained to us that the chocolate used had a bitter flavor and was unlike Nutella, which is traditionally used in crepes. I still enjoyed the crepe despite that it was not as sweet as I would have liked. The chocolate still had a rich flavor and the bananas added a natural sweetness. The crepe itself had a slight sugary taste. The ice cream made the dish even better, adding its own creaminess and heavenly taste.

Overall, the food was very good. It was a little on the expensive side, but considering that the food is completely vegan and it seems like they use organic ingredients, the food is definitely worth the price. Even better, I used my Green Menu card for a 10% off discount, which saved us a few dollars. I will definitely be back soon to try more of their lovely crepes.

Happy Birthday Real Food Daily!

2013-07-11T23:58:00.001-07:00

Last month, my friends and I ventured to Real Food Daily for a delicious dinner. Their birthday celebration consisted of sampling some yummy juice concoctions along with the option of ordering from their original 1993 menu. We were delighted to scan over this special menu and find that the options twenty years ago were way different than those today. It's exciting to see this progression occurring and even more motivating to imagine how much improvement will happen in the next few years. While the original menu was a bit limited, I still was able to make a wonderful choice: The Real Food Meal. Today, this meal values at $15, but on the original menu it was only $7.50.

This entree was fantastic. The vegetables were fresh and crunchy and lightly seasoned. The rice and beans had a savory flavor. The best part of the meal was the creamy house dressing, which was a lovely miso tahini dressing. It had such a rich taste and really brought out the sweet and savory flavors of the various vegetables. The seaweed and greens especially added a wonderful bitterness that was greatly enhanced by the fabulous dressing.

For dessert, the owner brought us a complimentary piece of birthday cake, which despite being cold from the refrigerator, it still tasted heavenly. The cake was so moist and decadent and the sweetness lingered in my mouth for hours after.

Overall, the meal was superb, as is every meal I eat at Real Food Daily. I was so happy to be able to eat this great meal for half off. It was so filling and tasty, yet was healthy and invigorating. I highly recommend dining at Real Food Daily, and while their food is normally a bit pricy, it is definitely worth the splurge.

A Shining Meal At Sublime

2013-06-30T21:54:00.000-07:00

During my recent trip to Florida, I ventured to Fort Lauderdale to dine at one of my favorite restaurants, Sublime. This restaurant is truly unique, with a picturesque waterfall in the restaurant and classy ambiance. It lacks the traditional hipster vibe that so many Vegan restaurants have. I also feel great about dining at the restaurant since the food is not only 100% Vegan, but the proceeds benefit the restaurant's Foundation, which spays and neuters dogs and cats.

We began the meal with a must-have: the Frito Misto ($11).

This dish was fantastic, as usual. The cauliflower was perfectly deep-fried and crispy and coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. The sesame and poppy seeds added a slight crunchiness, while the green onions added a lovely bitterness.

Next, I had my entree, the Reef Tacos ($15).

These were delicious. The tofu was coated in a wonderful crunchy batter and had a "fishy" flavor. The slaw was very creamy and crisp. It had a superb saltiness to it, which contributed to the seafood taste. The rice and beans were very hearty and were well-seasoned.

I tried some of my grandma's dish: the Thai Red Curry ($15).

This dish was also very good. It was quite spicy and the red curry taste was very strong. The sauce was fairly creamy and had a slight coconut taste. The tofu and vegetables were perfectly grilled and was easy to chew.

My grandma's friend had the Mushroom Risotto Cake ($16), which she also let me try.

As a mushroom loather, I was a bit nervous to try this dish. But I have to admit I was surprised that I actually liked it. The risotto was very creamy and had a rich flavor. It had a slight tanginess and the mushrooms had a meaty texture.

For dessert, we all shared the Chocolate Nirvana ($9). Since everyone else was full, I ended up eating the majority of it.

The cake was fabulous. It was moist and had a rich, chocolate flavor. The butter creme was light and heavenly and a great contrast to the more dense cake layer. The chocolate ganache was a superb finish, making the cake even more decadent.

Overall, the meal was very good. Everything we had was very tasty and it felt great supporting such an amazing restaurant. During Black Friday, I had ordered a few $50 Sublime gift cards for $25 each, which made the meal half price. Regardless, the food was so wonderful and flavorful, I would have paid full price for it. I cannot wait to return again on my next trip.

A Distinguished Dinner At Darbster

2013-06-23T21:53:00.004-07:00

On my recent trip to West Palm Beach, Florida, I dined at one of the few vegan restaurants in the area, Darbster. Since the food and ambiance are so fantastic, I actually dined there three times. The first occasion occurred on a stormy night. My grandma was reluctant to go, but the weather did not deter me from venturing there. When we got there, the rain had nearly stopped and there was a slight wait in the cool dining room.

Since we had eaten a late lunch, we decided not to order an appetizer. For my entree, I had the Tacos ($13).

The tacos were spectacular. They were filled with juicy tempeh slices, succulent tomato, buttery avocado, and slightly melty daiya cheese. The only think that would have made this better would be a nutty cashew cheese. The tempeh really stole the dish and had a wonderful assortment of spices and seasonings. The rice and beans made a great accompaniment and was very hearty.

My grandma ordered the Quinoa Loaf ($15).

This dish was very innovative and tasty. It was very meaty, yet was not heavy at all. The mixture of quinoa and vegetables had a lovely nutty flavor. The mashed potatoes had a creamy consistency and was well-seasoned. The gravy took the dish over the top, along with the tangy balsamic glaze. The fried onions on top were a nice touch and added a crunchiness to the dish.

Lastly, we had the Peanut Butter Ganache Cake ($8).

The cake was fantastic. It had layers of moist peanut butter cake, creamy frosting, and rich chocolate mousse. The culmination of the layers was very decadent. I liked that the cake was not too sweet. The chocolate syrup and berries were a superb addition and enhanced the already perfect cake.

Overall, the meal was very good. The food was a little pricy, but we did have a coupon that I received from Darbster's e-newsletter. With the coupon, we got the cake for free, which took $8 off the bill. Everything we had was tasty, yet fairly healthy. I felt really good after eating the meal and ready to take on the windy, humid weather.

An Exquisite Meal At Evo Kitchen

2013-06-14T17:47:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, I ventured to Hollywood to dine at Evo Kitchen, a lovely restaurant which was formerly the beloved pizza chain, Pizza Fusion. The day I dined there it was hot outside, yet the restaurant was cool and refreshing. The waiter was attentive and noticed I was overheated from the short walk over from my car and brought me water almost immediately. I was happy to sit in the cozy restaurant and relax for a bit on the lethargic day.

For an appetizer, I got the Raw Veggies with Fig & Hummus Tapenade Platter ($7).

This was delectable. The vegetables were very crisp and fresh and took on the flavors of the dips very well. The fig tapenade was sweet and succulent, while the hummus was creamy with a slightly bitter tahini flavor. The portion was very good and filling.

For my main dish, I got the personal size BBQ Chicken made Vegan pizza ($10.50).

This pizza was fantastic. The BBQ sauce had a lovely sweet flavor, with a subtle smoky taste. The faux chicken was slightly chewy and very meaty. It absorbed the sauce perfectly. The red onions added a slightly sweet and bitter flavor, which was enhanced by the green onions. The Daiya mozzarella cheese was melted very well and was not too oily.

To finish off the meal, I had the Vegan Coconut Sorbet ($4).

I'm usually not a fan of sorbet, but I loved this concoction. The sorbet was very creamy and resembled ice cream more than the typical icy sorbet. The coconut flavor was very prominent, but did not taste artificial at all. The sorbet had a lovely sweetness, but was not too decadent. It was light and refreshing on the warm pre-Summer day.

I really enjoyed my meal at Evo Kitchen and loved the atmosphere. It wasn't too noisy and would make for the perfect place to get work done or just take a break from a busy day. Everything was very tasty and did not leave me feeling heavy. Since I had a $12 for $24 Living Social voucher, the meal was very reasonably priced, at about $15 total. I will definitely return to Evo Kitchen soon and hope they have another deal.

A Vivacious Brunch at Veggie Galaxy

2013-05-20T22:40:00.002-07:00

On my recent trip to Boston, I dined at one of my favorite Vegetarian diners, Veggie Galaxy. The fun and futuristic vibe of the restaurant went hand in hand with the decadent food they served. My dad decided to order something sweet, while I ordered a savory dish. This may seem odd, but the dishes really complemented one another and left my mouth full of an array of flavors.

My dad ordered the Silver Dollar Pancakes with mixed berries & whipped cream ($8).

The pancakes were fantastic. They were light and fluffy and not too sweet. They had a lovely buttermilk flavor, despite that they lacked dairy. The mixed berries added a slight, natural sweetness while the coconut whipped cream was airy and had a subtle tartness.

For my dish, I had the "Road Not Taken", a build your own omelette. For my fillings, I opted for roasted tomato, seitan chorizo, and the housemade vegan cheese ($8.50). The "egg" was made vegan by using a tofu egg.

I loved the omelette. It didn't taste exactly like it's non-vegan counterpart in that it lacked the "eggy" sulfuric taste, but I preferred it that way. Instead, it had more of a chickpea flavor, which I attributed to the use of garbanzo flour, which I am sure they used. It was also very light and had a similar consistency to a pancake. The fillings were fantastic. The tomato was sweet and oily and was a great contrast to the savory, slightly spicy seitan chorizo. The housemade vegan cheese was almost an exact replica of dairy cheddar and retained a similar salty flavor and was so creamy and luscious. The omelette was accompanied by a crispy piece of toasted bread coated in vegan butter and home fries that were cooked and seasoned to perfection.

Overall, the food was fantastic. Everything was tasty and made me feel nostalgic for the diner food I grew up with. Nevertheless, this was such an improvement from the grease and cholesterol laden food that made my stomach feel ill after eating. I was so happy to enjoy such delicious food and feel uplifted afterward. We used a $10 for $20 Groupon voucher that significantly reduced the cost of our meal (we also both ordered drinks). I cannot wait to return to Veggie Galaxy on my next visit to Boston.

A Vegan Frappy Hour Week

2013-05-07T01:03:00.001-07:00

This week, Starbucks is having their much anticipated, much loved Frappy Hour! As long as I can remember, I have been addicted to the decadent coffee flavored milk shakes, so I am excited that I can continue to enjoy them all week as a vegan for half the price (from 3-5 pm).

I have already gone once so far and ordered the soy mocha frapp. While the frappuccino was perfectly frothy, chocolaty and decadent, I do have a few complaints. First, the soy milk is no longer complimentary, although with the deal it is 30 cents, rather than the standard 60 cents. Secondly, despite that I didn't get any whipped cream (sadly there's no vegan whipped cream option), the barista still did not fill up the drink to the top. This made me feel a little ripped off, since the cup is already so small. Nevertheless, I will still be back to get the caramel frapp and coffee frapp.

An Earthy Deal At Veggie Grill

2013-04-20T22:06:00.001-07:00

For the next few days, Veggie Grill is offering a fantastic deal to encourage patrons to be more eco-friendly. Of course eating a vegan meal is already the most eco-friendly thing a person can do, but since ALL of our actions are important, it's great that Veggie Grill is rewarding customers who are strive to help the environment through riding a bike or taking public transportation. All you have to do is bring your helmet or show your bus receipt to get a free meal. The deal is that if you purchase a meal, you'll get a voucher for a future entree. Make sure you read the fine print, though, since the entree card expires in a month.

I went yesterday with some friends to take advantage of the deal by bringing in a bicycle helmet and presenting it to the cashier. I ordered a baja fiesta salad which was quite tasty with the succulent papaya and buttery avocado slices. I still find the vinaigrette to be a little too sweet, though. I cannot wait to return again with my free entree card. If you haven't gone yet, you have until Monday to bike or bus yourself to one of their locations. I find it odd that walking doesn't count, since that doesn't cause any CO2 emissions, but I guess it's harder to prove that you walked there, unless you present the scuff marks on your sneakers.

A Lingering Meal At Leaf Organics

2013-04-13T21:02:00.006-07:00

On a lovely March evening, my friends and I had a delicious meal at Leaf Organics. This wonderful raw/cooked vegan fusion cafe had plenty of options for our growling stomachs and left us feeling pleased.

We began the meal with one of my favorites: Rawchos ($6).

These were even better than usual. I'm not sure if they revamped the recipe, but the appetizer was so flavorful and had the perfect amount of spices. I loved the variety of cheeses, from the smooth cashew "queso" to the the almond, nutty parmesan. I normally loathe sour cream, but Leaf's version is very light and doesn't have an overpowering sour taste. The chips were perfectly crunchy and the beets on top added a lovely sweet touch.

Next, our entrees came out. I had the Shanti in a baked sweet potato ($11).

This dish was fantastic. I loved the mixture of saag and chana masala, as both had wonderful Indian spices and seasonings. The chickpeas and spinach were soft and easy to chew. The cashew sour kreme was a nice touch and balanced out the spiciness of the curries with its cooling taste. The baked potato absorbed the flavors perfectly and was sweet and succulent.

One of my friends got the Sloppy Jose in a baked sweet potato ($11).

This was also very delicious. The chili was fantastic and so savory. The beans and corn concoction was very juicy and had a meaty taste. The cashew sour kreme and pico de gallo enhanced the flavors of the dish. Similar to my dish, the sweet potato added a lovely sweetness and balanced out the spices very well.

Lastly, I tried my other friend's dish: Thai Simmer over quinoa ($11).

This was equally fabulous and enjoyable to eat. The grilled vegetables were soft and delectable and covered in a smooth, rich sauce that had a wonderful coconut flavor. The quinoa absorbed the flavors of the sauce well and provided its own nutty taste. The cashew kreme cheese took the dish over the top added a slight sweetness and enhancing the nuttiness of the quinoa.

Unfortunately, we were too full for dessert and the restaurant was about to close when we finished. Despite the lack of dessert, the meal was still fantastic and so tasty. Since we used a $25 restaurant.com gift certificate, the meal was about $20 total for the three of us. I cannot wait to return to Leaf again soon and order more of their delicious food.

A Sweet Meal At Sage Vegan Bistro

2013-03-27T18:52:00.001-07:00

On a lovely evening after spending the day with my friend at the Griffith Observatory, we headed over to Sage Vegan Bistro to enjoy a delicious meal. I love how the food is eloquently presented and has sophisticated flavors, yet the atmosphere is so contradictory with a laid back, hipster vibe. It was a little noisy, since the restaurant was packed, but my friend and I were still able to catch up over a wonderful meal.

For my entree, I ordered the Gluten-Free Vermicelli Bowl ($13).

I honestly had no idea what to expect from this dish, but I found it to be very good. The grilled tofu battered with a fantastic sesame ginger sauce was spectacular. It seemed like the perfect replacement for salmon (which I used to love prior to going Vegetarian). The kimchi added a wonderful bitterness, while the juicy mandarins and succulent pomegranate seeds were a great contrast, adding a subtle sweetness to the dish. The kale was well massaged and the cucumbers were nice and crispy.

For dessert, I had a waffle sandwich ($7).

This was spectacular and everything I would expect from a waffle sandwich and more. The waffle was so soft and buttery with a slight crispiness. The ice cream had a lovely chocolatey coffee mixture and was not too sweet. It was a little too icy in spots, but still very enjoyable. The maple syrup took the sandwich over the top and made it taste so heavenly. Eating this dessert made me feel like I was floating on clouds for the rest of the night.

Overall, the meal was fabulous. Everything was so tasty, but not too indulgent that I would feel disgusting afterwards. We used a 30% off coupon from Blackboard Eats, which significantly reduced the cost of the meal. It ended up being about $17 (with tax and tip) per person. I cannot wait to return to Sage soon.

A Gorgeous Meal At Cafe Gratitude

2013-03-14T22:18:00.000-07:00

On a frigid winter night, my friends and I ventured to Cafe Gratitude in Venice to indulge in their heavenly food. The restaurant is unlike any other with its earthy, laid back atmosphere and luscious, yet healthy concoctions. I was excited when Blackboard Eats had a special deal for a three course meal for only $17 and my enthusiasm became even greater as the day I was to dine there approached. Since the restaurant was full when we arrived (approximately 9 pm), we ended up dining outside. I was reluctant to be seated out there, but when I saw the cozy seating under the warming heat lamps, I felt at ease.

We began the meal with cold pressed juices (which of course is so stereotypically LA). My friend and I opted to split the I Am Worthy and I Am Healthy (normally $5.25 each).

The I Am Worthy drink consisted of apple, celery, kale, beet and ginger. The apple and beet gave the juice a lovely sweet flavor, but the ginger and kale were very overpowering in making the drink taste tart and bitter. I would have liked some more sweetness to balance it out (perhaps a banana?). I really enjoyed the I Am Healthy juice which consisted of kale, celery, cucumber and lemon juice. This drink was more mellow and while it also had a tartness, it is a little more subtle.

For my appetizer, I had the I Am Local salad ($13).

This salad was magnificent. It had lovely succulent flavorings from the roasted beets, maple walnuts and apples. The bitter red onions balanced out the sweetness perfectly. The fig balsamic vinaigrette had a fantastic blend of sweet and tangy that worked great on the salad. The creamy, nutty cashew mozzarella cheese took the salad over the top and made it very decadent. The oregano crostini was a fabulous accompaniment, adding a crunchiness and savory taste.

Lastly, I had my entree: I Am Elated ($13).

These raw enchiladas were very delicious. There was an excellent blend of flavors from the spicy, savory corn to the sweet, juicy mango. The cacao mole had a wonderful chocolate taste and a slight bitterness. The cashew queso added a nutty flavor and was rich and creamy. The tortillas being raw were a little difficult to cut and chew, but the fillings softened them a bit.

Overall, the food was amazing. Everything was flavorful, filling, and uplifting. The name of the restaurant truly suits the place, since I felt so grateful for the food and appreciative of the fact that I am able to eat such wholesome food. The meal was pretty expensive at around $20 with tax and tip, but definitely worth it. This meal could have lasted me at least two meals (perhaps even more), but since I was famished, I ended up eating it all at once. I cannot wait to return to Cafe Gratitude soon and am hoping they will have another deal soon!

A Magnificent Deal From M Cafe

2013-02-26T22:43:00.002-08:00

This week only, celebrate an aMazing vegan-friendly establishment in Los Angeles: M Cafe. They are currently celebrating the 4th year of their Beverly Hills location. I have dined there several times and have found their food to be quite delicious, especially their desserts. My favorites are their breakfast food and specials. For the next two days, after 4 pm, they are offering $4 off your purchase of $15 or more. This is pretty much equivalent to getting a free dessert with the purchase of an entree.

On my last visit there, I got a scrumptious vegetable lasagna that was loaded with a luscious cheese and delectable veggies. While I'm sure they no longer run this special, they may have items that are similar in taste. I hope to make it there while they are running this special. If not, I wish M Cafe a very happy birthday celebration and hope they will continue to thrive.

A Squeaky Clean Meal At Sun Cafe

2013-02-21T23:18:00.001-08:00

I've noticed lately that a lot of my favorite raw food places have been closing. First, Cru sadly closed its doors. Next, Better Life Cuisine bit the dust. While some new raw restaurants have come to take their place, I still find myself craving something familiar. Thankfully, Sun Cafe in Studio City has weathered the storm and judging by the full tables, it seems that it's here to stay. I dined there recently with some friends and enjoyed everything we ordered.

We began with a Lettuce Taco, which I received for free with my Green Menu membership.

I was a little upset that this was so small, but only because it was just that delicious. The lettuce was very crisp and absorbed the flavors well. The savory meat was mildly spiced and the cashew cheese was so creamy and luscious. The avocado was rich and buttery, while the tomatos were succulent.

Next, we had the Sun Nachos ($12), which is my favorite menu item, and a must for every visit.

The chips were crispy and warm from the oven. The cashew cheese was liquidy, yet formed small globs in certain places. It had a slight kick to it. The guacamole was heavenly and had such a rich flavor. The cabbage and olives added a lovely bitterness, which the juicy soyrizo and jalapeno spices burned in my mouth.

Next, we had the Mac & Cheese ($14).

This is seriously the best mac and cheese I've ever had, vegan or not. The quinoa pasta was slightly doughy and pillowy. The cashew cheese sauce had a wonderful saltiness and a cheddar flavor, without the artificial taste. The pecan cheese on top really took the dish over the top, adding a light, nutty flavor.

Next, we had the Roasted Vegetable Curry ($13).

I was a little nervous to try this, since it deviates from the normal curry. I found it a little odd that quinoa was being served as an accompaniment instead of the traditional rice, but I actually found that the nutty flavor of the quinoa complimented the sweet and salty flavors of the curry. The yellow curry itself was mild in spiciness. The sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and bell peppers added a wonderful succulent flavor, while the onions and spinach contrasted with a bitterness. There was a dollop of cashew cream which made this dish a real standout.

Overall, the meal was very good. I was completely stuffed, yet satisfied (as I often am after eating healthy food). It was a little odd that we ordered almost all cooked food, yet each dish had elements of raw food in them. We did not have much of a discount, unfortunately, so the meal was a little on the expensive side. With tax and tip, we each paid $15. I am hoping Sun Cafe participates in more deals in the future so I can visit more often!

A Crazy Good Meal At Cowboys And Turbans

2013-02-14T17:44:00.003-08:00

On a vibrant weekday night, I headed over with two of my friends to Silverlake to dine at one of my favorite fusion restaurants, Cowboys and Turbans. Since it was freezing cold outside, we opted to dine inside and sat in a cozy booth. The restaurant smelled of Indian and Mexican spices, which was very pleasant. Since the restaurant does serve meat, unfortunately, there was a slightly smoky scent, but thankfully not too unbearable.

We began the meal with a few appetizers. The first appetizer we had was the Cauliflower Samosa ($6).

The samosa was very crispy and had a lovely cauliflower mixture, which was moderately spiced. I really liked the curry flavor of the cauliflower and how there were a few crunchy bits.

Next, we had the Spinach Samosa ($6).

This samosa was very similar to the other, in having a perfectly crispy interior from being deep fried. The inside was almost as spicy, but had a more creamy texture from the spinach. It was also softer and easier to chew than the cauliflower samosa.

Next, we had the Potatoes and Cauliflower Pakoras ($7).

The pakoras were great. The batter had a lovely seasoning and was deep-fried to perfection. The vegetables inside were so luscious and juicy and had such a great flavor.

Next, we had the Aloo Gobi Quesadilla ($11).

This quesadilla was fantastic. The potatoes were so soft and delectable and had a wonderful seasoning. The daiya cheese was very melty and took on the flavors of the curry. The tortilla was slightly crispy and easy to chew.

Next, we had some Tofu Tacos ($6).

These tacos were very delicious. The tofu was very meaty and had a savory taste. There was a variety of chutneys which provided a mixture of heat and sweetness. The taco shells were warm and crunchy and took on the flavors of the spices very well. The avocados added a rich, buttery taste and took the dish over the top.

Our last entree was a pizza, which was half Mixed Vegetable and half Aloo Gobi ($11).

The pizza was phenomenal. I appreciated that the waitress told us we could do half and half, since we debated over which one to try. The mixed vegetable half was very good. The vegetables were well-cooked and the masala sauce had wonderful spicy notes. The pizza was loaded with gooey daiya cheese. The aloo gobi half was also very tasty. The curry worked well on the pizza and the soft bread sopped up the flavor well.

Lastly, we had a side of Kachumbre Salad ($7).

This was a great accompaniment to the meal, since it was so cooling and refreshing. It counteracted the spices and prevented our mouths from an intense burning. The vegetables were crisp and fresh tasting.

Overall, the meal was spectacular. The food was so flavorful and I loved the blend of Indian and Mexican seasonings, which complimented one another so well. Since we used a Groupon voucher for $15 for $30 worth of food, the meal was under $20 a person. This was a pretty good deal, considering the amount of food we got!