eLOVate Kitchen is the newest vegan creation in Santa Monica, California, just one block south of the Santa Monica Pier serving lunch, brunch, and dinner, as well as some of the tastiest juice and juice concoctions on the West Side. The evening menu offers appetizers, entrees, desserts, cocktails, smoothies, cold-pressed juices and elixirs prepared from seasonally fresh ingredients by Chef Roberto Martin.
The décor has a fresh farm-to-table vibe with fresh grown herbs in pots. I was impressed that almost every beautiful counter top and table had been fashioned from reclaimed wood. The same level of thought and style were put into the menu. ““We are excited to showcase what I consider to be ‘evolved’ vegan cuisine at eLOVate, with an approachable menu that is packed with flavor and seasonal freshness,” said Martin. Each day, I celebrate the challenge of creating new approaches to traditional vegan fare, as well as 100 percent vegan recreations of dishes that are reminiscent of popular dishes that meat lovers crave.”
I started off with the most unique cocktail with Sassafras IXA reposada tequila, snap liqueur, root liqueur, ginger syrup, oj, and banana-thyme shrub. The mixture of flavors was a buzz in itself. All the cocktails are made with the most organic and fresh, local ingredients – detox and retox.
The Guajillo Jackfruit Tacos with avocado and shredded cabbage were by far one of my favorite ways to enjoy this interestingly textured fruit.
The Artichoke Ceviche Nachos smothered in gooey cashew cheese and Maitake Mushroom Skewers wet the appetite and left us salivating for more.
The Grilled Vegetable Lasagna is a noodle-less lasagna with all of the flavor but far healthier.
Just when I thought I had enough surprising and superb flavors the Daikon Scallops arrived! This by far won the most inventive vegan dish award in any restaurant that I have been to. The flavor of and texture of the “scallop” had me fooled.
The gluten-free Pecan Carrot Cake with vanilla frosting topped off a very eclectic and tasty culinary adventure with its creamy vegan frosting.
What really makes eLOVate a go-to place for those who love healthy, vegan fare is the ability to get something easy on the go or to sit down and enjoy a meal. It hits all the marks with healthy ingredients, variety, and presentation.
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