November 16th, 2007

Organic Dining Across America: Los Angeles

Posted by Jessica Jensen

Well, if you know me, you know I love food. I love to eat, eat, eat. Then drink a little and eat some more.  And these days here in Los Angeles we have so many delicious, nutritious organic and local food options it’s mind-blowing. There are too many to cover here– but it is my joy to share with you a sampling of some our favorite LA eateries that feature wonderful organic, local cuisine.

Tender Greens

We eat here about once a week. Tender Greens is friendly little spot in Culver City that is affordable, delicious, and attractive. You walk in, order in line while they prepare the food right in front of you, and then you take it on a tray to a sweet seat either outside on the garden patio or at one of the tables in the warmly-lit dining room. They serve bountiful organic salads– but its the hot plates that will keep you coming back hungry and happy.  Organic chicken, beef, ahi tuna and typically a special (lamb? duck? who knows but you won’t be disappointed) and these come with a side of their FAB-ulous mashed potatoes. Pair your meal with one of the great wines by the glass or a home-made mint lemonade. Then they have sinful dessert treats to really lay you out flat (or was that fat?).  One of the best things about Tender Greens is the price– you can have an amazing dinner for two for under $40, and feel like you’ve been out for a top-flight gourmet meal. Anyone from LA knows that ain’t easy to do. We give this place 5 pine trees (or alternative to stars).

9523 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 90232 Phone 310-842-8300   (*Note to owners: Please open more of these around town! Thanks.)

Bloom Cafe

Another favorite.  Started by the same Frenchman who was one of the original owners of foodie-fave Pastis on Beverly, the fairly new Bloom Cafe on Pico is a gem. They make great salads– the heirloom tomato salad and the tamale salad are stellar. I particularly love the soba noodles with chicken, and my hubby loves the Thai-style pasta (the sauce has coconut-milk!).  Vegetarians and carnivores will both be very happy here. And it’s BYOB and wonderfully priced, so you have a really amazing dinner for two for $40 or less (not easy in LA!).

 5544 West Pico Blvd (between Fairfax and La Brea), Los Angeles 90019, Phone 323-934-6900

Canelé

This is a fairly new spot in up-and-coming Atwater Village and it is a great winner.  The ingredients are fresh, organic and delicious. The menu changes frequently but the beet salad is devine as are the clams…the mains are hearty and thoughtful. You’ll feel like you’re in a French neighborhood restaurant with some Cal-Med flair thrown in for tasty measure. The desserts are sinful and fabulous.  I didn’t have the chocolate almond cake, but I’ve heard I need to go back for it. You will not regret an evening spent at Canelé.

3219 Glendale Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90039  phone (323) 666-7133

Axe Restaurant

Over on the Westside, residents of Venice Beach have a real treat in Axe Restaurant(pronounced A-shay).  Axe focuses on organic, super-fresh produce and they turn out delicious creations every day.  The flatbreads are amazing, as are the steaks and chicken. The crowd is very artsy and swank, and the aesthetic of the place is quite hip. This is a great place to take a date you’re trying to impress with your excellent taste.  And if the date is boring, at least you will really enjoy the meal.

Real Food Daily

A member of our Low Impact Living staff, Shayna Prunier, could practically live at Real Food Daily.  (She is one of those dedicated souls who just calls it “RFD”– assuming we’ll all know the glory of which she speaks.)  I have to concur that Real Food Daily offers a delicious, healthy homecoming meal every time we go. These are dedicated organic vegetarians– you won’t find any steak here. But the lentils, the noodles, the fresh veggies, the tofu, the sauces…. they are all excellent. I am not a vegetarian and I get cravings for this place every other week. They have outlets in Santa Monica and West Hollywood, so you can get your RFD fix anytime.

Real Food Daily, in Santa Monica is located at 514 Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90401 Phone (310) 451-7544 and in West Hollywood at 414 N. La Cienega Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90048 phone (310) 289-9910