July 20, 2009
Downtown News 15
DowntownNews.com
No Meat? No Problem Checking Out Downtown’s Best Vegetarian Dining Options by AnnA Scott StAff writer
B
eing vegetarian in Downtown Los Angeles doesn’t mean you have to brown bag it for lunch every day or munch on plain salads. Along with the area’s restaurant explosion of the past couple years, there has been an increase in creative, exclusively vegetarian or vegetarian-friendly establishments. Some, like Casa and the City Hall Farmers Market, have plenty for herbivores and carnivores alike. Others, like Shojin and Tierra Café, cater primarily to diehard veggies and openminded meat-eaters. Either way, even the pickiest vegan should come away pleased. Shojin: The word “shojin” in Japanese means to “make every effort to achieve something.” When it comes to healthy eating, this restaurant in the Little Tokyo Shopping Center lives up to its name: The menu is vegan (no meat, dairy or eggs), organic and macrobiotic. And, believe it or not, delicious. The menu at Shojin includes fish-free sushi stuffed with ingredients such as cucumber, kale and barbecued seitan (wheat protein), noodle dishes like spicy tofu soba and various curries. The delectable desserts, made without refined sugar, include a chocolate and raspberry mousse, apple tart with vanilla rice milk ice cream and the recently added vegan tofu tiramisu. Shojin also caters and offers cooking classes in English and Japanese. At 333 S. Alameda St., Suite 310, (213) 617-0305 or theshojin.com. Casa Cocina y Cantina: This Mexican restaurant, which opened in California Plaza in January, is by no means vegetarian, but is definitely vegetarian-friendly. Partner Mario Del Pero also owns the popular sandwich joint Mendocino Farms at Cal Plaza and applies his signature formula of healthy ingredients and a seasonal menu at Casa. Vegetarian summer options include the Vegan Verano, with squash, savory plantains and corn, served in tacos, a burrito, a salad or on flatbread with a black bean puree. The restaurant also offers a crispy potato and vegetarian chorizo option, which can also
be served several ways. At dinnertime, the casual space transforms into a sit-down dining room, and meat-free choices include the poblano-stuffed summer squash with goat cheese, corn truffle, cilantro rice and black beans. The house margaritas, made with tequila, lime juice and agave nectar, will please everyone, vegetarian or not. At 350 S. Grand Ave., (213) 6212249 or casadowntown.com. Infusion Café: This nearly 6-month-old restaurant on the ground floor of the National City Tower Lofts at Spring and Eighth streets offers an eclectic, mostly vegetarian menu (minus some fish options) that includes breakfast dishes, pizzas, salads, sandwiches and crepes. There’s a Caprese omelet with tomatoes, basil and mozzarella for breakfast; the Infused Pizza, with olives, roasted pepper and artichoke pesto; and the roasted vegetable wrap with sesame tofu and hummus. Fruit shakes, specialty teas and coffee and espresso drinks — try the blended chai latte for a refreshing summer treat — round out the offerings. During the Downtown Art Walk on the second Thursday of each month, Infusion extends its closing time from 7 until 10 p.m. At 808 S. Spring St., (213) 327-2255 or infusioncaffe.com. City Hall Farmers Market: Of course most farmers markets offer plenty of fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables. But if you mosey over to the south lawn of City Hall any Thursday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., you will also find a bustling lunch scene with many vendors offering up vegetarian meals. Our personal favorite is the Corn Maiden tamale stand, where a mere $5 gets you one tamale with rice, beans and salsa. Vegetarian options include the delicious spinach-artichokecorn-chipotle tamale and a Mediterranean-inspired tamale with feta cheese, tomato, kalamata olives and red onions. You can also find hearty, meat-free salads, and even a booth hawking vegan “chicken” salad and meat-free lasagna. As a bonus, you can rub elbows with civil servants (really, that’s a bonus). At 200 N. Spring St., downtownfarmersmarket.org. Tierra Café: Not to be confused with the Fashion District’s Tiara Café (also vegetarian-friendly), this easy-
photo by Gary Leonard
Vegetarian soups and sandwiches are popular choices at Tierra Cafe.
to-miss eatery in the ground-floor food court of a Financial District high-rise is one of Downtown’s best-kept vegetarian secrets. The strictly vegetarian and vegan cafe and coffee shop serves breakfast and lunch on weekdays only, from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Morning treats include fresh juices and tofu scrambles, while lunchtime brings the Tofurkey wrap (made with a soy-based turkey substitute) and the burrito with organic black beans, vegetables, soy cheese, guacamole and soy chicken. Don’t be fooled by the no-frills appearance — the food is soy delicious! (OK, that was bad). At 818 Wilshire Blvd., #D, (213) 626-0024. Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com.
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