The holiday season is upon us! As we head towards 2019 and into colder weather (yes, anything below 70 degrees in Los Angeles is cold), the comfort food that we love so much becomes easier to indulge in. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying one or six slices of pie, it’s helpful to know that there are healthier options out there.
Don’t get me wrong, folks. While these menu items definitely have a less-guilty spin to them, they still have just the right amount of indulgence. Keep reading to learn about meals that will make you feel like you’re cheating…sans food coma.
1. Lodge Bread Company
(Photo taken by @chrissylenguyen)
Almond Butter Toast for Breakfast…
Get toasty at Lodge. Whether or not you enjoy bad puns, it’s time to take your comfort food cravings to Lodge Bread Company. This wild yeast bakery is known for their insta-worthy toasts and some of the best bread you’ll ever have in your life. Not to mention, they have the biggest cinnamon roll I’ve ever seen with my own eyes.
Just like a book and its cover, you can’t judge the Almond Butter Toast by the name. You have to see and taste it to believe the hype. The bread itself is enough to write songs about, but what’s on top seals the deal. Starting with the rich almond butter that is made with house-milled almonds, down to the raw, locally-sourced honey and sea salt, this toast will sustain your appetite throughout the day and make you wish you had room for one more.
Location: 11918 Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066
2. Tocaya Organica
(Photo provided by Tocaya Organica)
Harvest Bowl for Lunch…
If you’re anything like me, Mexican food just has a way of speaking to your soul. I truly could eat tacos and burritos for every meal, however, it’s just not a sustainable way of living. Luckily, Tocaya Organica offers a clean and healthy way to engage with the traditional cuisine that we all love. With nine locations across Los Angeles, you’re probably close to one right now. If you’re looking for a Fall-themed lunch that’s filling but all-natural, it’s time for you to meet the Harvest Bowl.
This bowl is graced with a ton of hearty, locally-sourced ingredients that are packed with familiar holiday flavors. Some of those ingredients include glazed rainbow carrots, sweet potato bravas, and roasted cauliflower. Poblano brown rice and sweet arbol salsa are added to the mix to bring in just enough spice. Another perk of this bowl? You can modify it to be vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or packed with grass-fed carne asada.
Playa Vista Location: 12150 Millennium Dr #101, Los Angeles, CA 90094
Venice Location: 1715 Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291
Santa Monica Location: 507 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
West Hollywood Location: 8720 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
3. South End
Kinney Pizza for Dinner…
This day of comfort foods would not be complete without pizza, am I right? Frankly, it would be rude if I recommended anywhere besides the one and only South End. This isn’t your average pizza. We’re talking about authentic Italian pizza crafted by Pizzaiolo Mario Vollera.
The Kinney Pizza is a perfect combination of authenticity and simplicity. Every part of this pie is made with care and love, from the made-from-scratch sourdough to the fresh, tangy tomato sauce that comes from a family recipe. The health perk of this dough is that it doesn’t become the normal, heavy pizza crust that we’re all used to. South End lets their dough rest for over 24 hours, allowing it to break down and be much easier to digest once it’s cooked. Cheers to health! Once you take a bite of this pizza, you’ll taste the array of locally-sourced toppings including Burrata, basil pesto, crushed tomatoes, and monini EVOO. Say goodbye to your taste buds and your worries —they’re headed to Italy.
Location: 2805 Abbot Kinney Boulevard B, Venice, CA 90291
4. Winston Pies
Vegan Spiced Apple Pie with Walnut Crumble for Dessert…
Remember when I said “there is nothing wrong with enjoying one or six slices of pie“? Well, I stand by that statement, especially when it comes to Winston Pies. These made-from-scratch fruit pies are locally sourced using organic produce, making your dessert (or dinner, we won’t tell) feel like you did a good deed. If you’re looking for a healthyish option that eases that late night sweet craving and smells like Fall, go for the Vegan Spiced Apple Pie with Walnut Crumble.
Just saying the name of this pie makes me feel like I’m romping through an apple orchard. Packed with spiced apples and walnuts in a vegan “butter” crust, the Vegan Spiced Apple Pie is friendly for most eaters and exudes comfort without weighing you down. To top it all off, the delicious walnut crumble gives this dessert just the right amount of texture without the excess sugar to leave you fully satisfied.
Location: 11678 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Heading to a tailgate? Check out this blog post to learn about the best takeout spots for tailgating in LA, hitting every type of cuisine that your taste buds could be craving. Not in the Los Angeles area? Discover delicious eats near you.
