In keeping with the exploration of delicious vegan and special diet fare in Los Angeles, I thought I’d highlight Highland Park. the newest up and coming hood on the east side. Hipsters have been moving in and taking over, opening up super cool places to eat and drink in this hill nestled area of the city!
Located in a small strip mall, you’ll find Figueroa Produce. A great little neighborhood market and deli that stocks all kinds of goodies as well as hard to find, awesome vegan products. Stuff you don’t find at the big healthy chain stores, Fig Produce has it. Additionally, they have a nice deli that makes killer sandwiches and sides! The perfect spot to shop in this cool eastside neighborhood and even folks who don’t live in Highland Park travel here for cool, hard to find items!
If you’re in search of a satisfying veggie meal, Cinnamon is a must! Veg-friendly Latin fare, get your Mexican food fix taken care of. With breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as desserts and juices, you can visit Cinnamon for days on end and never eat the same thing twice! I’m partial to the tamales and tacos!
One of the hippest watering holes in town is The York. A cool gastropub with an even cooler menu (they even have weekend brunch!!) Go for the booze, stay for the food! My personal fave, the grilled tofu sandwich with sauteed kale!
Brand new to York avenue is Scoops! A homemade, gourmet ice cream shop that also features a nice variety of interesting non-dairy flavors. Forget about the usual ice creamery staples, at Scoops they choices are unique, to say the least. Lots of great combos and tastes you wouldn’t think of trying but all very good. I love seeing ice cream shops open up in walking friendly neighborhoods because I think it brings a little slice of old fashioned Americana back into the fray!
