• 4
• Great Vegan Place right by the Beverly Center

When you first arrive, the sign looks like the 'V' and the 'O' fell off, but later you realize that the 'V' is two wheat strands and the 'O' is a tomato. The relatively small, but modern space is welcoming and comfortable with toasty brown paint, faux muslin shades, and a mint green accent wall. The bar (turned service counter top) in front of the kitchen is situated in such a way that when I entered I thought that they would take my order first and then sit down. So, if you go, sit down, they'll come to you. Following one friend's recommendation, I ordered the Basil Leaves Lunch Special with Soy Pepper Steak, but they offer eight different types of "protein" that you can switch out, so you can have the same lunch combination 8 different ways. This wide of a range of meat substitutes is the most expansive I think I've ever seen at a vegan place. This friend was actually already eating this dish when we arrived, so I knew it had to be good since he comes at least once a week to this restaurant. The Lunch Specials came with Tom Yum Soup, spring roll, salad, and steamed brown rice. This item is marked spicy and they mean it. Basil leaves is a misnomer for how hot and spicy it was. Also, they list it as a "spring roll", but I consider them egg rolls since they're deep fried, which is what I prefer. My other friend ordered the Pad Thai Lunch Special with Soy Chicken which was good, but a little dry. I enjoyed this place and will probably visit again the next time I'm at the Beverly Center. Veg Out, Veggie Army www.VeggieArmy.com