R.I.P. Casa DTLA

Image courtesy of YelpUnfortunately, I hadn't had a chance to review Casa DTLA yet when I found out that the delicious upscale Mexican restaurant had been shut down for renovations and a change of concept. Casa had recently become a favorite of my brother, his friends and I for their killer happy hour deals, creative drink selections, views of the city's tallest buildings and most importantly, the vegan soyrizo potato tacos. The silver lining is that the new restaurant to take its place, which will be named Blue Cow, is the latest offering from the people behind Mendocino Farms. Blue Cow has been touted by the owners as a "think tank" for new, unique sandwiches, and since MF offers some vegan fare, we can only hope Blue Cow will also.

Product Review: Whole Foods' 365 Organic Frozen Vegan Lasagna

I was at my local Whole Foods today for the first time in months and while checking out the newest additions to the frozen section I came across this: 365 Organic Frozen Vegan Lasagna. I rarely eat frozen foods (other than veggie burgers) but I love lasagna and made it through my first year in college surviving on frozen veggie (non-vegan) lasagna, so I had to try it. It totally reminded me of something you might see reviewed on my homie John's blog, The Laziest Vegans in the World. Before I give you my opinions, here are the basic features:

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Hit or Miss: Pei Wei Asian Diner

For those who aren't aware, Pei Wei Asian Diner is the younger, fast-casual sibling of P.F. Chang's. Most vegans know that P.F.'s has some pretty safe choices, and we all appreciate that they have a section of their kitchen (at most locations) that is a designated meat-free zone. I find it surprising then, that so few vegans and vegetarians know about Pei Wei.

Pei Wei is an order at the counter and have your food brought to you type of place, so it's much cheaper than P.F.'s. All the menu items can be ordered with either chicken, beef, or tofu and veggies. The items that are vegetarian when ordered with tofu and veggies have a leaf next to them on the menu so they stand out to us herbivores. I'd be careful about some of the sauces as they may contain contain honey.

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Century Plaza's Breeze Restaurant to Participate in DineLA

If you read my review of the vegan options at Breeze Restaurant inside Hyatt Century Plaza, I'm sure you were salivating. The food is top notch, including locally grown organic produce, house-made nut cheeses, and plenty of gourmet vegan options. Now, as a part of DineLA, Breeze is offering a three course dinner for $34 with some amazing vegan options for each course. If you live in the LA area, and especially if you want to show omnivores how insanely delicious gourmet vegan food can be, you have to check this out. It would make a killer date night as well, so keep that in mind. And if no other reason makes you want to visit, the vegan tiramisu is downright orgasmic. Here's the official press release:

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Chipotle Adds Brown Rice Option

I know this isn't brand new news, but because today was the first time I visited a Chipotle since they added the brown rice option (the one right by my place STILL doesn't have brown rice), I thought I'd write a quick post.

Chipotle, long a staple for a decent veggie/vegan burrito, bowl, salad or tacos when there aren't any better options, has stepped up their health game by adding a brown rice option. The brown version is the same cilantro lime style as their white, only ten times better.

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