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.

The Gypsy Den in Santa Ana

I recently started doing marketing for an apartment complex in Santa Ana, so when I went there to shoot photos of the available units last week, I figured I would meet a friend who works locally for some lunch in in the revitalized Arts District of Downtown Santa Ana. My friend suggested The Gypsy Den, and after looking at the menu I happily agreed.

There's another Gypsy Den in Costa Mesa across the street from Native Foods, but I had only been there for tea recently, although I know I tried the veggie burger there many, many years ago. The Gypsy Den isn't all vegan or even vegetarian, but they do have a decent selction of foods for us to choose from.

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CAMBRIDGE, MA: Clover Food Lab

Words and Photos by VV East Coast Correspondant Natalie Padilla. Check out her blog, Vegitate, for other awesome vegan content not published on this site.

Among the numerous greasy pizza and burger joints offered to students, the fresh, new addition to Harvard Square, Clover Food Lab, stands out as one of the few that serves up healthy, fresh, and simple food that is still outstandingly delicious (kudos also to Crema Cafe, Cafe Pamplona, Falafel Corner, & Boloco, among potentially others).

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