Go Veggie

I've worked around the corner from Go Veggie for years but it wasn't until a few weeks ago that a co-worker brought it to my attention when trying to figure out what to eat for lunch. " You're a vegetarian, why don't you try Go Veggie?"

Good question. So I tried it.




Attached to a market, Go Veggie is small enough, you'd miss it if you weren't looking. Inside, behind the counter is a small friendly staff which includes Maria.

Maria has worked at Go Veggie for almost a year. She's not a vegetarian but enjoys the veggie options the small restaurant offers.

A self serve buffet lines one side of the room with a limited number of tables on the other. Informative signs mark the type of food available. "I've written many of the signs," Maria says, "But I haven't tried all of the foods. My favorite is the pickling red cabbage. It's a regular".

Sandwiches, burgers, salads, and soups make up the menu at Go Veggie along with a number of tasty drinks such as veggie juices and fresh fruit smoothies.

"When I first started working here, I would drink the fresh grapefruit juice every shift. I think I've had enough of it now. I like the watermelon better."

With a rotating menu of delicious vegetarian options, including a curry which was recently introduced, Go Veggie offers a fresh alternative to eating vegetarian. There's something for everyone which Maria reiterates, "I don't have to eat the food we serve but I like it. The capellini pasta salad is good and the marinated tofu but I still like a burger too."

Go Veggie is close to the intersection on Centinela and Jefferson near Culver City.

The Green Temple

The Green Temple is a vegan restaurant located in Redondo Beach. While it may be a bit of a drive, it's well worth it. The food is delicious but The Green Temple's message is what's really inspiring. Based off concepts of caring and cultivating the space around us, the restaurant's environment is incredibly peaceful offering a zen lunch or dinner experience.

I can't help but get swept away into the peaceful experience of The Green Temple every time I eat here. My mother and I discovered the restaurant over 6 years ago, while vacationing in Redondo Beach. My mother was thrown off by the "new age hippie vibes", however she ended up really enjoying her meal. It's a great find. I still go back every few months to enjoy the multiple vegan entree options they have. To get a better idea of the setting, check out the website, which provides some great pictures. http://www.greentemple.net/index.php

The Veggie Grill

Eat in or take out. The always casual Veggie Grill is a great alternative restaurant opening around LA. With locations in West Hollywood, El Segundo, and Irvine the Veggie Grill is providing a meat free alternative for vegetarians and carnivores alike. With menu items such as the Chipotle BBQ sandwich and the Santa Fe Crispy Chicken sandwich, you'll never be able to tell its made from their special veggie protein blend. I stopped in for the first time over a year ago with a friend who's not vegetarian and she loved it. She could barely tell that difference, so it's a good choice whether you are eat meat or not. I recommend the Carne Asada but heard the Chill Out Chicken Wings are great too. It's worth a bite. Check out the full menu. http://www.veggiegrill.com/menu.html Don't get too hungry.