Did Netflix doc What the Health make you swear off meat for life? You’re not alone. But when it comes to healthy diet changes, it’s not always easy to dive right in and cook up the meals yourself.
One of the things that I love about Los Angeles is that it’s easy to get your grub on in a healthy way when you’re dining out. From vegan to plant-based to vegetarian options, the City of Angels has it all.
Take a peek at the three healthy hot spots that I’m obsessed with in the city.
Beefsteak: I need to talk to you about something. They’re called potachos. The first time I ever had one was last August during the soft-opening of Marcel Vigneron’s plant-conscious restaurant. As food was whipped up, it was set out on platters for guests to try. Everything was tasty – but there was one thing that kept disappearing seconds (I’m not kidding) after it was put down: the potachos (potato nachos). The first time I tasted one I wanted to slap somebody. It was just that good.
They serve up these fried potato cubes in a bowl topped with carrot queso, sunflower sour cream, pico de gallo, and pickled jalapeño. You can also add protein to it – pulled petaluma chicken, korean short ribs, or laughing bird shrimp.
Aside from the potachos, they also have seasonal California cuisine, including healthy bowls and smoothies that are worth trying for sure.
Gracias Madre: It wouldn’t be L.A. if there wasn’t a scene-y vegan food spot (natch), and I was lucky enough to try it for the first time when I covered Kate Hudson’s Pretty Happy book release party last year for work. Call me a sucker for a patio with strings of light bulbs strewn above, but this hot spot makes for such a cute date night moment – and it’s also clutch for a girls’ night on the town. Some of my faves here are the guacamole and quesadillas de calabaza for appetizers, enchiladas, black bean burger, and the pozole. As for the cocktails, you can’t go wrong with the La Quinceanera (basically a snow-cone topped cocktail made with tequila blanco, muddled kiwi, lemon, and more) and the Boozy Popsicle (a literal spiked popsicle served inside of a cocktail whipped up with jalapeno, mezcal and pineapple) even if it’s cold outside. *Big Tip*: Don’t miss happy hour here.
Bondi Harvest: I first met the Australian duo behind this farm-to-table spot at their restaurant preview last year. From the first ‘G’day’ greeting Guy Turland and designer Mark Alston gave me, I was smitten. I mean…does it really get better than a pair of attractive Aussies serving up healthy, innovative food that tantalizes your taste buds? I can’t call it. Every dish they put in front of me, though, I had never had before, and loved. My top picks here are the chopped kale salad, as well as the avocado toast, and the acai breakfast bowl.
*Big Tip*: If you can’t get enough of the food, they have a cookbook, so you can whip up your faves at home too.
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