Real Food Daily, Santa Monica

Here's a slightly off the beaten path restaurant (well , it's quite small in size but it has a menu large enough for rest status). Right away, I'll say that the ambience here is not for everybody. For one, this is not the most romantic place to dine because it is so cramped inside. The bar seating is better if one is having a cup of organic coffee or a juice, not a meal course. Also, this is a place to be in with the real vegan an vegetarian crowd (inlcuding the wanna-be veg and "half-ass vegs -I include myself here :-). If you are a purist carnavore, don't bother to step foot here! The real vegans often have an arrogance about themselves and this I felt a bit here but I overlook this mostly. However, the Real Food goers can also be a hip, diverse and colorful group.

What is impressive is the pale yellow and earthy brown wood decor. It's simple yet chic. There is the main bar area with a few tables for dining and as well as more tables cramped in area upstairs. Better to come early here for for downstairs seating!

OK, as for the food... for those curious about the vegan diet but are a bit intimated to try it should have no problem here. The key to the tasty quality of Real Food meals is the wonderful blending of natural flavor. Savor it!

Kudos to Anne Gentry who founded RFD, which has now three locations: Santa Monica, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. The one here in Santa Monica is the oldest, as its doors were first opened in 1994.

Favorite Dish: Ciao Bella, a sandwich and caesar salad...full of taste without the meat and diary !

Ciao Bella

Roasted portabella mushroom (which gives the feeling of eating meat without the animal byproduct) on a toasted rustic roll (which I seperate in two because to eat the roll as a sandwich gets quite messy) with sautéed onions, roasted red peppers, lettuce, tomato and pesto spread (and here is where the taste is really satisfying) $9.50

Real Food Daily has a nice vegetarian menu that is all organic. It's pretty approachable even for folks who are not vegetarian (like me). Besides nice things like Soba Noodles and Walnut/Lentil Pate', they serve various vegetable protein dishes in a comfort food style. So for example you can get a veggie meatloaf with mashed potatoes, a Reuben sandwich etc. Another nice feature are the bowls you can make choosing a grain (like quinoa) some veggies (like sea veggies) and sauces. It's pretty swank and I like the fact that they serve you nice filtered water cool but not iced cold if you want. And check out Blueberry Restaurant Tip too. It's right next door.

Favorite Dish: Tempeh TV Dinner, the Miso Soup, Reuben Sandwich.