This hit list from superfoodie Kat Odell has us penciling in lunches just a little earlier this week. As editor of Eater L.A. and star of Bravo’s new series Eat Drink Love, Kat knows a thing or two about the edible LA landscape! When Odell offered to share her list of secret spots relied upon for a healthy bite, we had one word for her: ‘spill.’ Naturally, we’re already fans of a few of these hotspots (we can’t get enough of the giant veggie crudite at TFK, MAKE’s cilantro dumplings, and everything at Pressed Juicery!) and, as for the rest, we’ll be on a food-hunting crusade ’til we knock each and every one them off our list!
Watch Kat in action: Catch the latest episode of Eat Drink Love, Thursdays on BRAVO at 10PM PST. She’s joined by private chef Nina Clemente, fonuts’ Waylynn Lucas and a bevy of other female foodies! Food fights are bound to ensue…
True Food Kitchen: Although part of a mini chain, True Food does a great job serving consistent healthy seasonal plates. My go-tos are the addictive edamame dumplings, Tuscan kale, and market salad.
Golden Mean: A hidden gem right by Huckleberry on Wilshire, this tiny vegan eatery serves up a mean veggie burger. I usually get mine with kelp noodles on the side. And if I am especially hungry, I go with the chicken parm.
Pressed Juicery: I like to workout at Bar Method in the Brentwood Country Mart and my post exercise routine is a bottle of Pressed Juicery’s almond milk. It tastes like a milkshake, but healthier.
LifeFood Organics: Swing by for juices, supplements, and a bevy of raw to-go foods like vegan taquitos.
Seed: Seed chef Eric Lechasseur has counted Madonna and Tobey Maguire as clients, which isn’t surprising after tasting his macrobiotic cuisine. I am especially keen on his veggie burgers, namely the Southwest Burger. Also, go for his chocolate mousse terrine.
Rustic Canyon: It’s likely you’ve tried Rustic Canyon for dinner, but have you stopped by just for drinks? Within the past year, the seasonal small-plate eatery has launched a stellar cocktail program defined by classics and drinks made with seasonal ingredients like Melon Mojito (rum, fresh melon, mint, lime, agave) and You Say Tomato… (vodka, tomato water, chili, horseradish, pickled onion).
Valerie Echo Park: Valerie Gordon of Valerie Confections has launched a quaint new hyper-seasonal cafe with epic baked goods (think salted caramel croissants), and a fantastic list of breakfast and lunch fare made with thoughtfully sourced high quality ingredients.
Haus Dessert Boutique: Totally under the radar, Haus, located in K-Town, brews an impressive list of Kona coffee (priced at up to $15 a serving!), and unique juices and smoothies. There’s a fantastic strawberry latte made with fresh strawberries and sweetened with maple syrup, and the green grape slushy (a house special) blends ice and fresh green grapes for a refreshing treat.
Moon Juice: Try the Spiced Yam juice. I also dig the banana walnut and bee pollen shakes. I am addicted to the mango and papaya dried fruit, the dried bananas with walnut butter, and last but definitely not least, the coconut yogurt. You really can’t go wrong here.
Kippy’s Ice Cream: If you’re lactose intolerant or choose to avoid dairy for any reason, then Kippy’s vegan ice cream shop is for you. The ice creams here are raw and organic, made with a coconut milk base and sweetened with local honey. Pro tip: Get the house-made Mexican spiced chocolate cream as a topper.
M.A.K.E.: Situated atop Santa Monica Place, M.A.K.E., the raw restaurant from reputed chef Matthew Kenney (he co-founded Pure Food + Wine in NY), serves some of the best, and most beautifully plated raw cuisine I’ve found. The Market Tomato Lasagna is a classic, but I am a big fan of the Nori Roll and Summer Mushrooms.
What say you? What tops your healthy hit list? We want to hear from you! Otherwise, we’ll see you soon at a few of the spots on Kat’s list…
