From its website, I got the feeling that Flore Vegan Cuisine was a fancy little cafe. When I found it on Sunset Boulevard, however, I realized it was more of a deli and take-out joint. Go figure. Around the glass case displaying all of the delicious fruit, spreads, and desserts were a few tables. My friend and I grabbed one of the few booths and perused the menu.
Despite its size, the menu is extensive. From breakfast including veggie frittatta and appetizers including a kimchi quesadilla to salads, sandwiches, tacos, and bowls, there was a little something for everyone. Our server kept sort of lingering so once we were ready to order, we flagged him down. In such a small place, there it isn't like they have very far to go to reach all of the tables. :) I started with a delicious juice called the Ginerizer made with ginger, apple, and lemon.
For our appetizer, we went with the Cashew Cheese Plate. And, boy, was this fit for a party?! The platter came with a salad and grapes along with toasted batard and housemade cashew cheese. The cashew cheese was okay -- a little gritty and not mind-blowing, but a great way to start a meal and a nice platter to share with a friend.
For my entree, I went with the Burrito Bowl with Seitan. This meal came on a plate not a bowl and was quite simple. Brown basmati rice was topped with black beans, fresh pico de gallo, enchilada sauce, and avocado. On a bed of sauteed kale was sauteed zucchini, onions, and housemade seitan. The seitan was really good -- crispy and cooked just right with lots of flavor. I, of course, added hot sauce in addition to the enchilada sauce and really enjoyed this natural meal.
My friend ordered the Southwestern Seitan Quesadilla filled with cashew cheese, seasoned seitan, tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. It was served with cilantro cream, pico de gallo, and a red sauce. I did not try this, but my friend seemed to like it.
I took a peanut butter chocolate cupcake with me to go and it was absolutely fantastic especially while I sat in three hours of traffic in LA!
At $11.95 for the appetizer and $11 - $12 for our entrees, this place was not cheap, but not overly expensive either given the fresh organic food. I found it to be simple comfort food - not a place to go out of the way for, but a good, wholesome cafe. If I find myself in this area again, I'll definitely stop by...even if just to get more of their scrumptious desserts.
Flore Vegan Cuisine
3818 W. Sunset Boulevard
Silverlake, CA 90026
(323) 953-0611
When I lived in LA, I went to Flore pretty regularly. I liked their basmati brown rice bowl with baked tofu. However, when I go back to visit, it's not a "must." Since Southern California is overflowing in terrific vegan restaurants, I agree that there are plenty of other places that wow that I would seek out first.
ReplyDeleteThanks Cadry!
Delete