When you have casually prepared Oprah’s 21-day cleanse, catered Ellen Degeneres’ wedding and penned a New York Times bestselling vegan cookbook, the obvious next big move is to open a trailblazing, plant-based restaurant inspired by the cuisine of your origin.
So in 2013, Israeli born chef Tal Ronnen opened LA’s first plant-based fine dining establishment in LA with a sizable, vegan-friendly drink list (unbeknownst to many, alcohol is often filtered using animal bi-products). With upscale decor, private rooms, and brunch and dinner menus confidently stripped of that trusty old "[V] symbol," Crossroads Kitchen became a fast favorite among vegans, celebrities, and even everyday omnivorous people.
Several of Crossroads Kitchen's vegan cocktail offerings. Image by Lisa Romerien courtesy of Crossroads Kitchen
The unassuming diner could easily neglect to notice that the “lox” on Tal’s infamous menu item, Jann’s Bagel, never actually swam in the ocean, but instead emerged from the earth’s soil in the form of bright orange carrots. Between the halves of an everything bagel smothered in almond cream cheese, the carrots are hickory smoked, roasted in nori powder and shaved thinly to take on the texture and flavor of the real deal.
Jann’s Bagel. Image courtesy of @sica_schmitz
Lychee Ceviche. Image courtesy of @crossroadskitchen
Tal’s vegan, mediterranean-inspired menu set the bar high, and now, other LA establishments have followed suit. Needless to say, Los Angeles is one of the most happening cities in the world right now for plant-based eaters. Some places offer complete vegan breakfast menus and there are even a plethora of vegan happy hours out there, too. But if it weren’t for Crossroads Kitchen, it’s likely that Los Angeles wouldn’t be recognized today as the epicenter of herbivorous eats.
The trendsetting is all thanks to Tal, who has long declared that vegan food must be good enough to gratify all foodies, not just those who adhere to specific diets. So, we challenged him to showing us other tasty plant-based dishes around town that would appeal to even those of us in long-term relationships with red meat.
From pho to moussaka and buffalo wings, read on for a tour of the best plant-based dishes in Los Angeles with Tal Ronnen. No animals were harmed in the making of this guide:
Crossroads Kitchen
Beverly Grove, Sweet Corn Pizza $15; Moussaka $16; Watermelon Salad $12
Tal Ronnen: Some of my favorites off of our summer menu here at Crossroads include: The Smoked Sweet Corn Pizza, which allows the summer corn we have at the market to truly shine; The Moussaka, a classic Mediterranean dish, where we use grilled eggplant and barley, shitake, and beets to make up the layer that is traditionally ground beef for a hearty flavor and texture; The Watermelon Salad features the best of summer’s ingredients including watermelon, cucumber, and tomatoes. Then the almond ricotta, and the slight sweetness of the balsamic vinaigrette tie the whole dish together.
The Moussaka. Image courtesy of @crossroadskitchen
Smoked Sweet Corn Pizza.Image courtesy of @crossroadskitchen
Ink
Beverly Grove, Fresh corn dip with house-made ranch ‘foritos’, $12
TR: Michael (Voltaggio) is one of the most talented chefs in town. The service is always spot on. My favorite dish is the fresh corn dip with housemade ranch doritos — all vegan! I look forward to them every summer.
Corn with house-made ranch ‘foritos’. Image courtesy of @brittvalles
Ink. Image courtesy of @snuff_dex
Mohawk Bend
Echo Park, Vegan Pizza $13-$15; Buffalo Cauliflower $9
TR: Mohawk is a great place to catch a game. I love the wide selection of beers (that include vegan varieties) and the vegan pizzas. Also try the Buffalo Cauliflower, made to look like buffalo wings.
Banh Mi Vegan Pizza. Image courtesy of @mohawkla
Buffalo style cauliflower. Image courtesy of @littlebites_la
Viet Noodle Bar
Atwater Village, Vegan Tofu Basil Banh Mi $9.45
TR: The vegan banh mi and a Mexican Coke always hit the spot at this understated Atwater village restaurant. I could really recommend all of the vegan dishes here.
Vegan tofu basil Banh Mi. Image courtesy of @deeandlala
Vegan bowl at Viet. Image courtesy of @magsv_98
Âu Lạc LA
DTLA,
Spring rolls $8; Vegan Pho $12
TR: Living downtown this is always a great spot to walk to. I love their spring rolls which are served with a piece of romaine to wrap around the spring roll that adds an extra crunch as well as the Vegan Pho. Burlesque shows on the weekends are a must.
Spring Rolls at Au Lac. Image courtesy of @canigetakaleyeah
Vegan pho at Au Lac. Image courtesy of @yvonne_deliciously_vegan
Ramen Hood
DTLA, Ramen bowls $12
TR: I've really been enjoying the ramen at Grand Central Market from the vegan Ramen Hood.
Vegan ramen. Image courtesy of @ramenhood
Vegan ‘spicy tuna’ on crispy rice. Image courtesy of @ramenhood
Shojin
DTLA, Crunchy Dynamite Roll $14
TR: I've been living downtown for eight years and have been going to Shojin since it opened. It's tucked away in a little Tokyo mall. The (vegan) crunchy dynamite roll is my favorite and they have a great sake menu.
Crunchy Dynamite Roll. Image courtesy of @shojinlove
‘Crab’ Cake Tartar. Image courtesy of @shojinlove
Plant Food + Wine
Venice, Cacio E Pepe Kelp Noodles $17
TR: A must stop for any foodie — vegan or not. Veteran chef Matthew Kenney creates beautifully plated seasonal fair. The Black Pepper Kelp Noodles are a must.
Cacio E Pepe kelp noodles. Image courtesy of @plantfoodandwine
Smoked Sweet Potato Florentine. Image courtesy of @plantfoodandwine
Bar Amá
DTLA, Vegan ‘cashew’ queso $10
TR: I love the Vegan Queso at Bar Ama. It’s a great spot to stop on my way home and has a great selection of vegan dishes.
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Belinda Gosbee is an Aussie writer, actress and coffee snob based in Los Angeles. Follow her jaunts on twitter @belindagosbee or instagram @gos22
Header Image by Lisa Romerein courtesy of Crossroads Kitchen
