Real Food Daily in Los Angeles: Restaurant Review

It sounds like something one should consume for a healthy life: Real Food Daily. However, it's the name of a dynamic restaurant in Los Angeles. They actually ave two locations, one sits in West Hollywood and the other is in Santa Monica. Ann Gentry is the owner and chef. The great news about these restaurants: they are all vegan. I've eaten there once in a while for the past couple of years, and I have never eaten a bad meal. I went today for a full review, hoping to give an objective point of view of this enchanting eatery.

I went there today to write, reflect and...of course...eat. Once I arrive at the restaurant (and am lucky enough to find free parking which is no small victory in this city), I was greeting by a group of friendly people. I was seated at a table and promptly order a vanilla latte. I love that there is no need to communicate that I am a vegan here. At most restaurants, I worry about putting the servers through extra worry. You can have your choice of soy or rice milk in a latte, and you also have a choice of sweeteners. Sugar isn't served, but Stevia or other sweeteners are.

The service was friendly and efficient. My server kept making sure I was alright, and the food came out almost right after ordering. It was a friendly atmosphere altogether. I felt a communal comfort about the place, although I was dining alone on an impulse lunch break.

I had this amazing pasta dish with vegetarian meatballs. It's called Viva Las Pasta. The vegan meatballs were so good and fulfilling in and of themselves that I could barely eat the delicious spinach fettuccine pasta. It's served with tomato sauce and crumbles. I added melted cashew cheese. It's heavenly, a pasta dish that rivals all dishes made by any Italian restaurant in the city.

Despite being completely satisfied, I had to order a vegan cupcake. It was described as an oreo cupcake It's a small portion, but it's just enough sweetness. The icing is lush and the cake was moist.

A full lunch with special coffee drink, main course and dessert ended up costing only $25.00. After experience with being a server, I think it's only appropriate to leave between 30 to 50 percent to the server, especially to those at this fun restaurant. It's a place that I recommend to any with a palate for great food who want to stay on the healthy side of eating.