This was lunch at Native Foods in Westwood about a month ago. I wish I had a better photo of it for you because it was mighty tasty.

From the menu: “Portobello & Sausage Burger: Big grilled beauties with seitan sausage, pommodoro, caramelized onions, pesto and sweet roasted garlic clove garnish.”

On the side is yummy Thai cole slaw. The sandwich was great… very garlicky and the sausage tasted authentically Italian. Kind of a messy meal, it was easier to eat with a knife & fork than as a “handheld”.

Native Foods rules. When I was last there they were expanding to occupy the much larger space next door, which is great because their existing space was much too small. How lucky the UCLA students are… if I was going to school or working near this place I’d have to muster great restraint to not eat there every day.

Native Foods restaurants rock so hard. My only previous visit was to their location in Costa Mesa but I’m pleased to report that their Westwood kitchen is just as awesome. Parking sucks because it’s right in the middle of the Village, but so what. If you’re within driving distance of this place, you should be grateful anyways. If you’re nowhere near a Native Foods (most of the world outside of southern California) than, well… eat your heart out friends!

The Indonesian Tempeh Chips: “Crispy battered tempeh strips served with Ketchap (a slightly sweet soy dip)”. I am in a happy place now.

The Ghandi Bowl: “Jasmine and brown rice, steamed veggies and blackened tempeh topped with cranberries and wild curry sauce.” So, so, so good… this food is the opposite of a hunger strike. The bright slice of something yummy on the left tasted just like a grilled mango to me, though the menu said it was supposed to be banana squash. Does banana squash taste like mango?

The only thing that could make Native Foods even better is if they were to open one up even closer to where I live. Too bad that I can’t twitch my nose and make places like this replace McDonalds everywhere. If I could I totally would.

This was my first visit to “Native Foods” an organic vegetarian – vegan restaurant. The food here was amazing! This was at their location in Costa Mesa.

Seen here is the “Thai Sticks” sauteed and grilled tempeh satay with peanut sauce.

This was the tempeh Reuben sandwich. Perfectly seasoned, delicious saurkraut, yummy sauce, loads of veggies, served on an organic wheat and sprouted brown rice ciabatta roll with a very tasty slaw side salad. This was so good I almost ordered another one.

My friend ordered the “Iron Yam” salad. Steamed yam on salad greens dressed with balsamic vinaigrette, topped with steamed veggies, tofu & caramelized onions. He said it was fantastic. Who could resist a giant phallic tower of tofu for lunch?

This was their vegan carrot cake with “dream cheese” frosting, whatever that means. It was simply to die for. I’m willing to bet a non-vegan wouldn’t know the difference if they weren’t told… it was moist, fluffy, sweet and delicious, rivaling any regular recipe for carrot cake that I’ve ever had.