Native Foods in Westwood.

Native Foods is basically my favorite place to eat these days. I treat myself about once a week by going.  Last week I went twice. Lucky for me quite a few of my coworkers are veggie or at least health conscious as well, so I can usually find someone to go with.  Today I got...

Native Chicken Burger and sweet potato fries

I am in love with "native chicken."  It's 100% vegan, but it also tastes strangely like chicken and enough unlike chicken at the same time that I have no doubt it's ok to eat.  I really love this stuff.  The burger had a great crispy crust, but I think I like my native chicken just a little better the times I've had it in "wings" or a wrap.  There was also a lot of red onion on the burger which I could have done without.  All in all though, delicious.  Fries were also good.  As you can see from the picture, I ate half the burger before I remembered I was supposed to be taking pictures.

African Peanut Soup

Again, half-eaten, I know.  I got this for my friend because she had a teleconference and couldn't get away from her desk :(  She wasn't sure before she tried it, but kept saying again and again how good it was and how much she'd like to have it again.  I took a taste.  It was thick, creamy, a little spicy, peanutty, but well balanced and not at all sweet. I would have it again too, and probably will when one of those rainy L.A. winter days roll around.

Cardamon Rose Cupcake

What's not to like here?  The frosting is a wonder of thick, creamy, flavorful goodness and the cake is, well, cake.  I have to say I didn't like it as much as the vanilla, which I usually get.  The flavor of the frosting was a bit strong.  I am not at all sorry I got it, but not sure I would get it again.  Like I always do when I get a cupcake at Native Foods, I saved the frosting and ate it slowly during the rest of the afternoon.