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Our favourite Glowcations, Los Angeles

The City of Angels, Tinseltown or La La Land, whatever you call Los Angeles, Hollywood put it on the map. But this Californian city is now making a name for itself as a hub for plant-based food.  Here’s our top three vegan and vegetarian cafés in LA:

Malibu Farm

It’s worth the drive out to Malibu for the sensational scenic view over the Pacific Ocean, and hyper cool Californian interior. Malibu Farm is a must visit and where the Glowcation brand began when our Founder Ophelia Froud discovered it. “It’s one of those Glowcations that has it all” she says, “Sensational views over the ocean, sunshine on tap, a quirky location at the end of the pier and fresh, local and seasonal salads with turmeric shots on the side” she adds. “Our top tip is to eat then stroll to the end for a visit to the carefully curated One Gun Ranch store”.

There’s a restaurant and the café, both situated either end of the pier.  Their motto  is “Organic. Fresh. Local”.

Our local Glowstar, Caly (AKA @veganfeelsgood) visits for their colourful juices served in Malibu Farm-stamped glass jars with reusable straws. They are all about fresh, organic and local produce and serve amazing salads, sandwiches and vegan matcha ice-cream.

For Caly’s full review click here

Café Gratitude

Gratitude (the local name if you want to sound like an Angelino) has given all its dishes life affirming names.  When you order, you have to declare yourself as elated or lucky or gracious…and if positivity isn’t your thing, then the amazing raw, plant based dishes probably will be.

This gourmet organic chain now has six branches. Our Glowstar Caly’s favourite is  in Downtown’s Art’s District.

There’s  a large menu with starters, soups, salads, bowls, entrees, desserts and bars. Their signature dish is their selection of six bowls, the Humble is our top choice.

For the full review click here

Backyard Bowls

Backyard Bowls first opened in Santa Barbara selling açai bowls and, after huge success, they expanded the menu and opened in more locations in LA. Our Founder Ophelia Froud first discovered their Santa Barbara branch when staying nearby. “Don’t be put off by the setting in a parking lot. Staff and customers are super friendly and their bowls are some of the best we’ve ever tried” she says. “Our top tip is to share a bowl, as portions are US size!”

Our Glowstar, Caly, loves their Downtown branch.

They sell six delicious juices and we love “Green the Smoothie” with spinach, kale, banana, strawberry, mango, spirulina, coconut oil, coconut water, coconut milk.

Their avocado toasts are some of the best we’ve had, but their açai bowls are the signature dish.

Try the had the dragon bowl with pitaya, banana, mango, coconut milk, granola, kiwi and coconut flakes. You won’t regret it.

For Caly’s full review click here 

To book your trip to Los Angeles with our partner Expedia click here

 

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Malibu, LA: Malibu Farm

With a sensational scenic view over the Pacific Ocean, and a cool, Californian interior,  Malibu Farm is a must visit and where the Glowcation brand began.

 

Both the Malibu Farm Restaurant and Malibu Farm Café perch on Malibu Pier, overlooking the ocean front. The restaurant at the entrance of the pier serves full plates, while the café at the end of the pier offers counter-service. I would recommend the restaurant for its elegant setting and fuller menu. The motto “Organic. Fresh. Local” sets the mood for a healthy Californian meal.

Setting

Malibu Farm is a chic, clapperboard beach house that overlooks a haven for surfers. It has whitewashed wooden furniture, string lights hanging from beams, linen cushions and blankets to curl ups in, a flying Californian flag and large communal tables.

If you wander to the end you will find Ranch on the Pier- a carefully curated gift shop owned by a member of the Bamford family who run Daylesford.

There is both indoor and outdoor seating available, but we suggest outdoor sitting either directly overlooking the pier or in a cozy booth.

Your view is waves crashing on the shore and watching surfers from afar!

Little things

The staff embody the casual Californian and friendly attitude and are very attentive. Even though there is not a lot of veggie options, they nicely make recommendations as to what to order or replace in your dish.

We also love there merchandise which includes branded kilner jars, blankets and cookery books.

Nothing compares to having a meal in the sun with the wind in your hair, breathing the salty air and taking the time to pause and appreciate the calming view.

The fresh juice test

Malibu Farm is known for its colourful juices served in Malibu Farm-stamped glass jars and reusable straws.

The smoothies and juices are all freshly squeezed with a choice of green (mint lemon), pink (watermelon) or orange juice. I chose the kale and apple juice which has a beautiful dark green hue. It was refreshing, but a little too sweet for my taste.

What else?

Malibu Farm is all about fresh organic and local produce which I’m all for ! The founder states on the website that for her people should “Eat the real thing or don’t eat at all”.

Another good point for me is that it is accessible by public transportation with a bus stop in front of the pier. LA is not known for having an efficient public transportation system, but there is a direct bus from Santa Monica to Malibu and it is more eco-friendly !

What we ate

You will find healthy dishes in the menu ranging from salads to fresh small plates, sandwiches or cauliflower crust pizza. There are not a lot of vegetarian and vegan options but I chose a grilled vegetable sandwich.

The sandwich itself is composed of multi-grain bread,  hummus, zucchini, arugula, eggplant, bell pepper and served with a side of arugula and beetroot quinoa salad.

It’s a filling fresh dish which leaves a little bit of room for dessert. You have to order ice-cream at Malibu Farm – instead of scoops, they give you a small pint ! I had the vegan matcha which is my favourite and it’s super creamy!

The bill

Kale Apple juice   $9.00
Vegan Sandwich  $15.00
Vegan Matcha Ice cream  $8.00
+ tax

What made us glow

The breathtaking view, the casual surfer chic atmosphere and the ice cream !