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ByChloe Silver Lake, LA

ByChloe is the award winning, uber cool vegan sensation that has taken New York, and more recently London, by storm. Delivering delicious plant-based food in cutting edge cafés, it has a global fan base……..

With a mission statement of “Eat Well. Eat with purpose”, this must visit destination takes plant-based fast food, salads and treats seriously.  Currently, there’s only one café in LA in the peaceful, residential area of Silver Lake.

The setting

The Silver Lake café is located inside the Whole Foods supermarket, but makes the most of its space with clever design. Bay windows open up the area which features colourful benches, their iconic hanging basket chairs, communal tables and white exposed brick walls with calming plants. Plus, there’s the signature ByChloe neon sign – while London has “Guac save the Queen”, Silver Lake has a picture of their veggie burger and fries. The white tiled tables make a perfect Instagram backdrop!

I also suggest exploring Silver Lake if you’ve time. The neighbourhood reminds me of San Francisco. If you  wander through its hilly streets, you will find incredible houses, gardens and the famous Silver Lake Reservoir. There’s also the gorgeous Echo Park nearby with a profusion of palm trees and cool cafés.

The little things

You will instantly feel at home in ByChloe, as the smell of freshly baked goods fills the space and you swing in a hanging chair.

Everything is made in-house daily and that is reflected in the freshness of the food.

The fresh juice test

They didn’t  have any juices or smoothies on the day I visited, which was a little disappointing. They usually offer a selection of cold pressed juices and I would have probably had the Giving Tree with kale, spinach, wheatgrass, apple and lemon. Instead, the staff kindly offered me samples of their selection of aguas frescas,  but they were too sugary for my taste. So, I went for a fresh coconut which instantly reminded me of holidays.

The Thai coconut is stamped with a cute ByChloe logo and the coconut water was so refreshing on the warm day.

What we ate

There’s a large choice between salads or healthier versions of comfort food dishes like the creamy Mac ‘n Cheese, fries with chipotle aioli, burgers (I hear the guac burger is the best) or sandwiches.

As it was 30+°C  when I visited, I chose the Spicy Thai salad with shredded kale, chopped romaine, apricot-sriracha glazed tempeh, almonds, quinoa, edamame, scallion, crispy wontons and peanut dressing – to which I also added some aioli and beetroot ketchup. The salad was large and filling. It had a great crunchy, fresh texture and the combination of dressings on the greens made it extra creamy and spicy.

For dessert, I couldn’t resist the gluten-free chocolate chip cookie.

It turned out to be probably the best cookie I have ever had with a super soft centre, oozing chocolate and a lovely golden colour.

ByChloe

All PostsWhat else?

I always like places that use seasonal, locally-sourced, organic ingredients and are transparent about their preparation. ByChloe does not use artificial preservatives and makes everything in-house and you can definitely taste this in the food!

The staff  are very accommodating and the menu is certified kosher with soy, nut and gluten-free options as well. All the packaging and utensils are compostable or recyclable, but I do still wish they used less plastic.

What made us glow

The freshness of the ingredients, the satisfying salad and that dream of a cookie!

Plus, in true LA style, ByChloe also cater for dogs with peanut butter cupcakes and more! 

The bill

Spicy Thai Salad  $11.95
Chocolate Chip cookie  $2.50
Coconut  $5.00

For more LA inspiration click here. 

ByChloe
ByChloe
ByChloe

 

 

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Downtown, LA: Wild Living Foods

Wild Living Foods has inspirational mantras on the walls and ceiling such as “Live dirty, eat clean”, “Food is Spirit”, “Rise like the Eagle”.

Located bang in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles in the Fashion District, this deli specialises in plant-based, organic fresh foods with an emphasis on South American and Native American cuisine and art. Wild Living Foods aims to bring fast and nutritious food to busy LA residents…and it certainly succeeds!

The setting :

Wild Living Foods is on the corner of 8th and Main Street. It is easily recognisable with its neon lettering and bright red arrow pointing to the entrance. The bold colours of the traditional Native American tiles on the bar and floor, plus the wall art, create a warm atmosphere. The vibrant mosaics and the thick wooden tables combine perfectly to make the light filled  space welcoming. Large windows, and its position on the corner of two busy streets, also let you enjoy the outside view while eating.

I always love an open kitchen – and this deli has two of them!

One bar is dedicated to salads and packed with fresh ingredients. The other is called the “remedy” bar where you can order juices, wellness shots and smoothies. Next to the remedy bar, is a wall entirely lined with steel fridges containing a rainbow selection of juices. The deli has plug sockets and wi-fi if you want to recharge or browse.

Downtown Los Angeles is for me one of the most under-rated areas of the city. It used to be dangerous and felt abandoned, but the neighbourhood is experiencing a new boom in investment and gentrification. It is now a busy hub of sky-scrapers (the rest of LA is completely flat!), warehouses, museums, cafés and new points of interest for foodies. My suggestion would be to also visit The Last Bookstore, an incredible bookstore and vinyl shop with cool installations. Then maybe, check out Grand Central Market, the Bradbury Building, the Walt Disney Concert Hall and The Broad museum.

The little things

The touches of colour and emphasis on Andean and Native American culture in the middle of Los Angeles is so refreshing.

The campaign against  single use plastic and straws is close to my heart, so I was pleased to see the staff use either sustainable or compostable utensils.

The fresh  juice test

I was a little intimidated by the massive selection of freshly pressed juices to choose from! I eventually chose the Habanero Hallelujah. As the name suggests, it is spicy ! I definitely wouldn’t recommend it if you can’t handle spice, but I personally love it. The other ingredients were green apples, kale, cucumber, lemon and ginger, but the habanero pepper dominates. If spicy is not your thing, Wild Living Food has plenty of other green or non-green juices, wellness shots and smoothies.

What I ate

Wild Living Foods’ specialty is their bowls. The menu offers raw as well as warm salad bowls with fresh ingredients and the staff make them in front of you. The base for warm bowls is “Andean gold”, as they call it, but more modestly quinoa! I chose the Machu Picchu bowl with quinoa, romaine, carrots, beets, bell pepper, brazil nut cheese and a sesame sauce. I was surprised by the large size of the portion and it was very nourishing. The creamy dressing contrasted perfectly with the crunch of the vegetables.

I couldn’t walk by the dessert station without being tempted by their raw creations, dairy-free ice-creams or chocolates!

So, I ordered a slice of raw strawberry cheesecake with a berry swirl. It was smooth and delicious as expected!

What else?

Wild Living Foods emphasises organic and locally grown produce which explains why everything tastes so fresh and hearty!

The dishes are also prepared under 118ºF to keep their enzymes intact and  preserve nutrients.

There is a little corner in the shop with more South American art and organic products for sale.

What made us glow

The fresh ingredients, large quantities, vibrant colours and proximity to my favourite spots in Downtown LA!

The bill

Machu Picchu Bowl  $12
Habanero Hallelujah juice  $9
Raw cheesecake slice  $8
+ taxes

 

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Sage Vegan Bistro, LA

If you are looking for beautiful al fresco plant-based eating in  LA then head to Sage Vegan Bistro.

With locations in DTLA, West LA and Pasadena plus their own food truck, you will have plenty of locations to choose from. The diverse food options, the rustic atmosphere and warmth of the staff make it a must visit café.

The setting

I decided to visit Sage in Pasadena, as it’s easily accessible by public transport and I have grown to love the museums there. The Norton Simon collection is mind-blowing and there are cute cafés and boho independent clothing stores all around.

You will find Sage in an alley of brick buildings alongside independent stylish stores and cafés.

Sage has the biggest open-air terrace and veranda. Their outdoor space is packed with trees, has wild plants growing in the pavement, strings of lights and much-appreciated outdoor heaters. I know we are in LA, but I’m always chilly-  don’t judge me!

The indoors areas a mix of rustic meets industrial with mismatched steel tables and chairs and a large wooden bar with a multitude of fresh flower bouquets.

The little things

The abundance of plants and flowers make you feel at home, while the colourful blankets add a welcome cosy feel. The menu is full and interesting so you may well need a good ten minutes pondering on what to order!

Sage is committed to serving locally sourced, organic and seasonal products and regularly change their menus to be more eco-friendly.

As a plant-based café, all of the dishes are vegan – even the chicken or mozzarella are in fact vegan!. But they also cater  for allergies such as gluten, soy and nuts. The waitresses were all friendly and good with suggestions. They also have a menu for kids, so it’s it good for families as well as being plant-pretty for Instagram.

The fresh juice test

Sage has a wide selection of drinks from kombucha to smoothies and juices – including five green juices.

I chose the Fresh which had a good balance of spicy ginger, acidy lemon and refreshing cucumber and apple.

It had a beautiful green hue and a fresh ginger kick! The straws were also reusable which is a huge bonus point from me.

What I ate

Don’t laugh, but I must have spent at least 10 long minutes browsing the two-page menu… Looking at other tables – the pizzas looked ah-mazing with creamy vegan cheese and a fluffy dough, the “chicken” wings made from cauliflower seemed incredible, and the taco and burger choice was so creative!.

When in doubt, I choose a bowl…

but I was torn once more between an Indian-inspired bowl, a soul food bowl and a Brazilian-inspired bowl. Eventually I went Indian. The Bollywood Bowl contained a hearty yellow lentil dhal, a bed of brown rice, steamed kale, an eggplant-tomato-onion-corn-potato stew and was topped with a spicy mint chutney, pickled cabbage and cilantro. The house-made bread which came with it tasted, and looked more like pizza dough, than a naan-style bread, but it was delicious.

As a French person, I am very fussy about pastries, but, oh my, their cinnamon roll for dessert was exquisite.

It was still warm, fluffy and tasted exactly like the ones I used to eat before I went vegan. I bet the muffins, donuts and cakes all taste equally as good.

What else?

The diversity and length of the menu  will satisfy everyone from health-conscious people, to meat-eaters looking for familiar dishes (but veganised !). The rustic feel and warm, welcoming vibe.

Sage is also sustainable, partnering with local farmers, organic produce and an emphasis on a plant-based diet.

What made me glow

The incredible choice on the menu (!), the hearty dishes and the calm outdoor atmosphere in the middle of a busy city.

The bill

The Fresh juice   $10
Bollywood bowl  $16
Cinnamon roll  $4,50
+ 18% tip

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Caly, AKA veganfeelsgood

Food blogger Caly (AKA @veganfeelsgood), 21 is a Political Science student from Paris.

Caly is passionate about plant-based food, food photography and staying active and runs the blog veganfeelsgood.

Why did you launch Vegan Feels Good ?

I started Vegan Feels Good without actually posting pictures. I just wanted to find some healthy and plant-based meal ideas to make for myself. I have almost always been a vegetarian and went vegan when I was 16.

veganfeelsgood

I loved how aesthetically pleasing food can look and I noticed that I never really followed a recipe and always adapted them.

After much internal debate, I started to make my own recipes, photograph them and in 2013, actually started posting them.

My feed consists of a lot of bright smoothie bowl shots(!). But you can also expect to find Buddah bowls, lunch boxes and sweet treats! I have been trying out posting more travel and lifestyle content and the response has been great so far.

What are you learning from your Instagram and blog journey?

When I look back at older pictures I only focus on the horrible lighting, weird styling choices and over-saturated editing! I eventually discovered some basic photography tips and spent more time making my pictures prettier.

I’ve learnt so much about photography, connected with wonderful people all over the world, met real life vegan friends and discovered amazing restaurants.

I’ve also tried out countless recipes and discovered so much about myself in the process.

I am a full time college student and I approach Vegan Feels Good as a job. I try to have a good work ethic as it demands a lot of organisation to prepare and shoot multiple meals a day, come up with new recipes, edit them and engage with people. More and more people are interested in eating more plant-based food and it makes me hopeful for the future!

What differences do you find between healthy eating in LA and Paris?

Healthy eating in LA is so much easier  than Paris! It’s kind of a temple of açai bowls, detox juices and buddha bowls ! You can find healthy, plant-based options in almost all restaurants and it is normal here to be a vegetarian or vegan.

The diversity of restaurants in LA allows to try many different types of vegan cuisine and so you can go from a tiny taco joint to an elaborate restaurant. I especially love all the juice bars, açai bowls and avocado toasts in LA.

But I don’t want to give the impression that eating healthy in Paris is impossible. Over the past 5 years, a myriad of vegetarian-vegan restaurants have opened and the 9th district is even nicknamed Veggie Town now.

veganfeelsgood
veganfeelsgood

I’m super excited about a fully vegan bakery which revisits typical French pastries. Overall, the main difference is the availability and the fact that the Californian mentality is more focussed on health and fitness. But I would not say that one place is essentially better than the other. They are just different!

How important was food to you growing up?

I grew up in Paris with my parents and two younger brothers (I now have more siblings !). We were raised on a healthy balanced diet. My mom would always come up with new recipes to try, made sure we ate an abundance of fruit and veggies and varied our meals.

Our parents taught us about nutrition, the importance of fresh produce, that protein does not necessarily come from animal-based ingredients and made sure we stayed involved in sports.

It does not mean that we were not allowed to have fast foods, soda or candies from time to time, but they definitely put a strong emphasis on instilling healthy habits in us. When I moved to my first apartment at 18, I had all they keys to continue to eat healthily.

What is the mission of Vegan Feels Good?

The mission of Vegan Feels Good is to show that eating plant-based does not have to be restrictive, expensive or boring.

I want to show that eating plant-based can be affordable, easy, convenient, fun, nutritious and, most importantly, delicious!

Why did you decide to collaborate with Glowcation?

Glowcation struck me as an amazing concept! I love the idea of having honest reviews, well-documented photos and getting the opinion of food bloggers. Having a central point for cool addresses on one well-designed website that shows all the amazing options in different locations further convinced me!

veganfeelsgood
veganfeelsgood

What are you excited about?

I’m ecstatic about trying new cafes, new inventive dishes, taking beautiful pictures and being able to share my opinion to our community on Glowcation!

What are the top 5 things in life that make you glow?

The top 5 things that make me glow in life would be :

• Knowing that I treat my body right with healthy plant-based food
• Exercising as much as I can
• Having an amazing support team with my family, boyfriend and friends
• The sunshine in Los Angeles!
• And taking a good hike in nature

Caly has reviewed for us in both LA and Paris.