Veggin' Out, L.A. Style

People love to complain about, or even hate, Los Angeles. I guess it's easy to whine about its incessant, unrelenting, guaranteed traffic at almost all times of the day -- save the wee morning hours of a Sunday. Or the searing and menacing hot days of summer that hang you dry and transform you into a prune. I get it, LA can be occasionally overwhelming and burdensome, but I'm not a hater of this city. I have learned a lot from it and taken advantage of and grown from all of its diversity.

This brings me to the topic of food. I love me some well-made, creative, thoughtful vittles. I'm the type of person who dreams of my next meal. Finding satisfying and delicious dining experiences in LA as a pescetarian is easy. So if you're in LA and happen to be vegan, vegetarian, lacto-ovo vegetarian--or even carnivorous, check out this list (in no particular order) of fantastic eateries that serve up the best and freshest in healthy vegan and vegetarian fare:

1. Vegan Glory: This fast and low-cost restaurant offers a healthy and diverse menu. It's a perfect, casual dining place for lunch, or you can pre-order and have a light, but filling meal in your hands in no time. If you like Thai flavors, this is the one-stop vegan and mostly organic place for you.

2. Native Foods in Westwood and Real Food Daily remind me of each other, but more like fraternal twins would. They share the same macrobiotic-inspired concept, but their menu items and flavors are distinctly different. In my opinion, Native Foods uses more spices in their meals, but that's not to say Real Food Daily lacks any flavor either. You'll just have to try both and decide! Both Westsiders and Eastsiders can take delight in the fact that Real Food Daily has two locations -- one in Santa Monica and one in West Hollywood. And checkout out RFD's desserts! Sweet Vegan ingredients never fused so well.

3. Paru's Indian Vegetarian Restaurant: I love the ambience, colors, and smells of this Los Angeles staple. It's quintessentially eclectic LA in all its glory that attracts many walks of life--from young families, screenwriters, hipsters, and grandparents. The food ain't so bad either. In fact, the cuisine is South Indian so it has some fire and kick, and the chutneys are just downright fun. It's almost like the brilliant colors of the fruits in the chutney are doing a jig in your mouth.

4. Cru: While you're still in Hollywood and still hungry for more, head farther East, my friend. Cru may be a Raw Food joint but it will not disappoint even the most meat-adoring palate. If you love the creativity and beautiful presentation of food, then Cru will rock you. The prices may be on the higher side for uncooked vegetables but you're paying for the best in produce and fruit, and well, your health. And you can't leave without trying what Cru is known for, Cru Chocolate Truffle Cake. Need I say more?

Vegan/vegetarian recommendations for Non-Angelenos can be found using VegGuide.org and if you have your own pescetarian suggestion, add it in the comments below!