What's your favorite cuisine? Mine is Mexican, hands down! Ever since I was a little girl, I could put away tacos, enchiladas, and tamales like they were going out of style. I'm not picky about my Mexican food, either. I'll just as happily scarf dive bar nachos as dine on upscale Oaxacan mole, and I've even had my fair share of heated makeout sessions with the Taco Bell Mexican pizza.
What I don't love about Mexican cuisine, however, is how sluggish and bloated I sometimes after eating it. All that cheese and fried corn don't exactly do a body good. Which is why I was so thrilled when San Francisco's vegan Mexican food mainstay Gracias Madre opened a location in LA. It's quickly become one of my favorite restaurants, not only because each and every dish is lip-smackingly good, but because I leave the table feeling energized and satisfied. Die-hard burrito aficionados have been known to raise an eyebrow at the thought of exclusively plant-based Mexican food, but I promise you won't miss the dairy and meat for a second!
Favorite starters include crispy cauliflower with creamy cashew 'cheese', as well as gooey potato masa gorditas. The salad lineup is a force to be reckoned with, or if you're in the mood for something hearty try the pozole. Be sure to leave room for a cocktail or dessert, and take note of the atmosphere too—it's chic, warm, and inviting, with a patio that's perfect for either a breezy brunch or a festive supper. I've heard rumblings of a cookbook in the works, but until then I've made it my personal mission to try everything the menu at least once. A tall order but I'm up to the task!
Images: 1, 3. Me! 2. Kelly Leveque