I have just returned from a visit to Southern California. I was amazed by how great the food was that I ate on my trip. I have travelled to the USA before and have not been over impressed by the restaurant food. Deep fried, little in the way of fresh vegetables, and generally unhealthy. This time that view was completely shattered. Yes, there were the chain of US restaurants that we all know, but this time I was impressed by the selection of independent restaurants and the quality of the food that they served.
One of my favourite places was Lulu's Californian Bistro. It served some of the most varied and delicious food I have tasted in a while. Take a look at the menus. I was, for once, struck by the choice. They cater for most people's tastes. I was most impressed by the healthy options and the way that they incorporated gluten-free into their menu. They also have a Gluten-Free and a Vegetarian menu.
The first time I went to Lulu's, I had the Chicken Lettuce Wrap, which was chicken in a dark asian soy savoury dressing with chopped water chestnut, mushrooms and green onions, served with whole ice berg lettuce leaves. Light and flavour-some. After sampling this, I had to return, as I wanted to try the Tower of Avocado & Ahi Tuna Tartar. I was not disappointed. It was like a giant sushi without the rice, amazing!
My other favourite was a vegan restaurant called Native Foods. I took a meat-eating friend there for lunch. He even thought he was eating chicken in his club sandwich. He wasn't, as everything was vegan. The "Native" Chicken, Bacon & Avo Club, which contained crunchy herb-crusted "Native" chicken, tofu bacon, avocado, chipotle sauce, romaine, tomato and carrots, served on multi-grain ciabatta. The "Native" chicken is made of plant based proteins such as wheat, soy & pea.It tasted just like free range chicken. Delicious!
One of my favourite places was Lulu's Californian Bistro. It served some of the most varied and delicious food I have tasted in a while. Take a look at the menus. I was, for once, struck by the choice. They cater for most people's tastes. I was most impressed by the healthy options and the way that they incorporated gluten-free into their menu. They also have a Gluten-Free and a Vegetarian menu.
The first time I went to Lulu's, I had the Chicken Lettuce Wrap, which was chicken in a dark asian soy savoury dressing with chopped water chestnut, mushrooms and green onions, served with whole ice berg lettuce leaves. Light and flavour-some. After sampling this, I had to return, as I wanted to try the Tower of Avocado & Ahi Tuna Tartar. I was not disappointed. It was like a giant sushi without the rice, amazing!
My other favourite was a vegan restaurant called Native Foods. I took a meat-eating friend there for lunch. He even thought he was eating chicken in his club sandwich. He wasn't, as everything was vegan. The "Native" Chicken, Bacon & Avo Club, which contained crunchy herb-crusted "Native" chicken, tofu bacon, avocado, chipotle sauce, romaine, tomato and carrots, served on multi-grain ciabatta. The "Native" chicken is made of plant based proteins such as wheat, soy & pea.It tasted just like free range chicken. Delicious!
Finally I have to tell you about Fresh which is the best juice bar that I came across on my visit. WIth it's extensive menu of unusual juices and smoothies, it was difficult to choose. I had the "Maca Mama" which consisted of raw maca, raw organic coconut, coconut water, raw cocao nibs, cinnamon, banana, ice and pink himalyan salt. A strange blend, but oddly delicious.
I can't help but think that here in the UK, outside of London and Brighton, we are a long way from having such different independent restaurants. Our high streets are monopolised by chains as these are the only restaurants that can afford the high rents and business rates on premises. Which is such a shame as it restricts choices about healthy foods. These chains are waking up to the fact that customers want more healthy choices when they eat out - but we are a long way off.
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