Earth Day is this Sunday, April 22, and regardless of where you stand on the dietary spectrum, consider curbing your carbon footprint with a meal free of animal byproducts. Nonprofit organization Environmental Working Group found that eating one less burger per week for a year equates to reducing 320 car miles driven. Even if you only swap out one meal in observation of Earth Day, that's six miles you just saved.
This meal need not stray too far from your preferences. Not when there are such wide-ranging options like vegan ice cream, pizza and com ga hai nam available. Here are the 10 Best Vegan-Friendly Restaurants, keeping in mind that, ultimately, one person's pumpkin seed chorizo wrap is another's jackfruit taco.
10. Stuff I Eat:
Stuff I Eat is located diagonally across from the now-closed Inglewood Fox Theatre and blocks away from the Forum. Despite its proximity to landmarks steeped in modern cultural history, this family-run neighborhood favorite is focused on reinterpreting tradition. Regional American food -- mostly Southern and Tex-Mex -- comes in vegan form: organic soul food platter, enchilada pie and Kilimanjaro quesadilla. Keep in mind that the half portion is already generous for one person. 114 N. Market St., Inglewood; (310) 671-0115.
9. Happy Family Vegetarian Restaurant:
Chinese vegetarian restaurants are a good source for vegan fare, with the cuisine's propensity to lay off of dairy. Happy Family, an elder among similar establishments across the San Gabriel Valley, is no different. Six dollars will buy a complete meal of soup, entrée and a traditional carb, like mung bean porridge. Eggs may pop up here and there, so it's advisable to check with the staff before ordering. 500 N. Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 171, Monterey Park; (626) 282-8986.
8. Seed Kitchen:
Like many vegan restaurants around town, each of the menu item works double -- sometimes triple -- time at Eric Leschasseur and Sanae Suzuki's Venice spot: All of them are listed as vegan and macrobiotic, with a number also gluten-free. Tempeh and seitan make repeat appearances dressed up in various cultural guises, like the saisai donburi, Italian "soysauge" panini and blackened tempeh burger topped with mango salsa. Leschasseur extends their eco-sensibilities to kitchen tools, forgoing the use of microwaves and nonstick pans. 1604 Pacific Ave., Venice; (310) 396-1604.
Read the full list at the LA Weekly







