Veggie Grill- I'm a Believer

I've been meaning to review Veggie Grill for a while, so here it is. From the super friendly service to the insanely delicious vegetarian fare, you can't go wrong at VG.


Trust me, I'm not a vegetarian by any means, and it took a while before my BF could convince me to try this place. Fake meat? No meat? Are you kidding me?!


I tried a vegan joint in Santa Monica once and it was quite tasteless. Since then, I've distanced myself from all these non-meat places.


Finally, I relented. How bad could it be?


My first trip was on a weekend during lunch. As we pulled up into back parking lot, I started getting curious. The place was packed! I mean, how bad could it be if all these people were going?


I ordered the Santa Fe Crispy Chickin with a side of cole slaw. Fried "chicken" with lettuce, tomato, onion and avocado. It came with a side of spicy vegan mayo.

Santa Fe Crispy Chickin

The food arrived and I dug in. WOWWOWOWOW.. WHAT?! How is this possible?! This shit was amazing! I couldn't even tell it wasn't chicken! Tempeh, you are now my friend.


Since this first visit, I've been back too many times to count. How can I resist food that tastes good AND is good for you?


Other highlights are the Grilled Chickin, Sweetheart Fries, Cauli-Mashed Potatoes, and Kale.

Grilled Chickin on kale with cauli-mashed potatoes

You can't go wrong with the damn kale! I've asked for my sandwiches to be made kale style instead of on the bun. Kale lovers, rejoice!


I'll be back again and again! This is definitely a successful restaurant and I'm excited to see how big it will expand.


5*****


Veggie Grill
2025 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90403

Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle

In the last few months, I've had the pleasure of visiting this popular noodle restaurant five or six times. On my first trip, it was definitely a five star experience. The last few times I've gone, it's dwindled down to 4 stars overall.

The wait can be ridiculous if you go anytime after it opens. I've gone there at 11:15 am, 15 minutes after opening and have waited 30 minutes. On a weekday, no less. On weekends, forget it, it's definitely at least 45 minutes. My advice, get there early, like before 11 am.

Tsukemen is the way to go here. These thick noodles are not ramen, but beat their ramen by a landslide. Basically, you dip the tsukemen  into a pork based broth that has pork, egg and bamboo shoots. The fatty broth is damn delicious and if you're really a glutton, you can ask them to fill the remaining broth with hot water so you can drink the fat. Yeah, I did that once and I was thirsty for the rest of the day. I also gained a couple pounds from that meal so don't do that if you're on a diet.

Tsukemen with egg

Tonkotsu ramen

The ramen is pretty good, although the portion size is smaller than other ramen places. However, if you're still hungry, you can ask for a side order of just noodles to add to your ramen broth. I think the bowls just look smaller, because after I was done with my ramen, I was stuffed! I still think Santouka has better ramen and it's cheaper too.


They have spicy tuna rice bowls on the menu as well for those who don't want noodles.

The service is usually good, but I have felt rushed at times. Not good for someone who has waited outside for a while.

BTW, cash only. Hit the ATM before going.


4****


Tsujita LA
2057 Sawtelle Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 231-7373