Real Food Daily

There is one place I always always go when in Los Angeles, and that bastion of vegan goodness is Real Food Daily. The menu is huge, the ambiance homey and welcoming (I love it even though the redness in the lighting makes for horrible food pictures), and everything I've ever ordered has been delicious. This includes the best nachos evah - covered in cashew cheese, guac, beans, salsa...mmmmmmm. I'm already sad I didn't order them this time around. But, in the words of my governor, "I'll be back."

On this visit, I was feeling the need for some healthy stuff. (Note to self: Go to RFD first on future LA trips so you still have room for nachos and burgers.) Having missed out on my huge daily salad for a few days, I decided to get some nutrition via the "Basic 5". To create said dish, the diner simply picks 5 things from the long list of "basics" along with a sauce. The only catch is that only one item can be a protein. My choices? Brown rice, 2 helpings of steamed greens, blackened tempeh, and a side of salad greens in house dressing. My sauce of choice was peanut:

The savory, yet slightly sweet sauce was divine with the smokey tempeh, and the greens were cooked to perfection; Still verdant and not at all soggy. Some not-too-sticky brown rice and my bright and refreshing side salad rounded out this masterpiece of a meal.

Meanwhile, my husband chowed down on another favorite of mine - the Club. This dream sandwich is seitan, tempeh bacon, avocado, lettuce, and tomato, all on toasted white bread and served with a big yummy glob of the best vegan potato salad you ever did try. Why is there no RFD in San Francisco?

To finish things off, I split this heavenly concoction of chocolate upon chocolate. Aptly named "The Blackout", I was happy to have a partner in crime to help me devour it. So rich, so decadent, so close-your-eyes-and-moan chocolatey. On second thought, it's a good thing there's no RFD in San Francisco. I don't think my waistline could handle it.

As for the others I was dining with, everyone enjoyed their meal fully, as have all the others I've taken there over the years. Seriously, if you live in L.A. and haven't gone, you're missing out. Hopefully, I'll see you there next time I'm in town. I'll be the one with the nachos.