I'm a fan of all things light and healthy, but after I had my first vegan meal at Real Food Daily a couple years ago I was completely turned off to extremes. After eating their "meatloaf" plate my stomach started talking to me. The next day I stank some kind of nasty. I decided that'd be my first and last venture into veganism ...or so I thought.
The other day, my friend invited me there again. And like the good sport (or chump?) I gave in. Luckily, we were joined by a real life vegan who'd been to RFD a dozen times, so he knew exactly what to order. The first being their nacho plate topped with guacamole, chopped tomatoes, olives, melted cashew cheddar cheese, black beans, pico de gallo and tofu sour cream, which has a curiously thick consistency, but after a few bites you'd swear you're eating Taco Bell.
We also shared a southwest salad which was more of the standard deal. Still very tasty, but iceberg being its main leafy green we were felt like we'd been cheated out of good nutrients. I have pictures but it's not exactly a photogenic salad.
Our third dish was the 'Stir it Up,' a medley of vegetables, cabbage, tempeh and gingery garlic sauce over soba noodles. Tempeh is a staple ingredient for vegans because it's high in protein (soybeans), but it's way too soft to give you the stuffed satisfaction of a meaty meal. The soba could've been a tad more al dente, but then again what non-Japanese restaurant in LA really knows how to cook soba?
The other day, my friend invited me there again. And like the good sport (or chump?) I gave in. Luckily, we were joined by a real life vegan who'd been to RFD a dozen times, so he knew exactly what to order. The first being their nacho plate topped with guacamole, chopped tomatoes, olives, melted cashew cheddar cheese, black beans, pico de gallo and tofu sour cream, which has a curiously thick consistency, but after a few bites you'd swear you're eating Taco Bell.
We also shared a southwest salad which was more of the standard deal. Still very tasty, but iceberg being its main leafy green we were felt like we'd been cheated out of good nutrients. I have pictures but it's not exactly a photogenic salad.
Our third dish was the 'Stir it Up,' a medley of vegetables, cabbage, tempeh and gingery garlic sauce over soba noodles. Tempeh is a staple ingredient for vegans because it's high in protein (soybeans), but it's way too soft to give you the stuffed satisfaction of a meaty meal. The soba could've been a tad more al dente, but then again what non-Japanese restaurant in LA really knows how to cook soba?
Last on menu was pumpkin ice cream. Surprisingly not disappointing. I've never been big on the taste of frozen tofu but RFD managed to infuse enough spice and sweetness to keep you licking.
RFD is definitely not for everyone. Especially people who need their meat. But if you need a break from heavy, greasy fast food then RFD hits the spot. Just stay away from the meatloaf.
Real Food Daily
414 N. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
414 N. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
3 comments:
I went there recently for the first time and loved their enchiladas. I was really surprised at how good they were - and filling! I guess I got lucky with that order. :)
Even if you're not vegan, which I'm not, vegan products provide some truly great alternatives if you're trying to cut fat and cholesterol out of your diet.
Nice blog thankss for posting
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