Foodie Friday: Lyfe Kitchen is loooovely!

Dear LYFE KITCHEN,

 

Lyfe Kitchen in Culver City

Thank you for opening your doors in Culver City and opening your kitchen and comforts to all of Los Angeles. Your chef, manager and staff were so friendly and concerned with customer care that it felt like you were opening your hearts to us, as well.

LYFE Kitchen stands for Love Your Food Everyday and if I could eat like this every day, I would.  As a gal who likes to eat healthy 80% of the time and allows 20% for those charming “cheaty” foods, I love that at Lyfe Kitchen, I don’t have to choose. While you have menus for the gluten-free/celiac crowd and the vegans among us, you also have a full-service and fully pleasing menu for all the rest of us. Best part? All of the dishes and drinks are on the low-moderate-calorie side at under 600 calories. And it marries the best of both worlds: sustainable practices and natural, healthy, whole foods.

I came in last Monday night with my dear friend – and foodie guru – Whitney of HoopLA. I had no expectations and was at the mercy of Whitney and your fine executive chef, Jeremy Bringardner, which was totally my pleasure.

Some of my favorites on your menu?

Just a few of my favorites from Lyfe Kitchen...

 

Starters & Salads: The grilled artichoke ($7.99) paired with garlic aioli and the vegan caesar dressing. Let me tell you, honey, that I will be back to buy a pint of that caesar dressing, it is so delicious. And, sir, I’m not even a vegan. Yes, it’s that killer. The chunky guacamole ($5.99) was the best guacamole I’ve had besides my Mama’s with that perfect amount of citrus, acidity and creaminess. Served with gluten-free, house-baked tortilla chips and salsa fresca, I’ll be back soon for a true taste of the border! And the Farmer’s Market salad ($8.99) was simple, tangy and delicious thanks to the blackberries, spiced pecans, goat cheese and balsamic vinaigrette.

Entrees:  Art’s Unfried chicken ($12.99) with roasted brussels sprouts, butternut squash, dried cranberries, cashew cream and dijon vinaigrette was again something that reminded me of something Mama would make. Terrifically tasty with a juicy, mouthwatering texture, it’s sure to please. And you also offered a Gardein “chicken” version, as well.

Desserts: Well, now this was just ridiculous. We were delighted with the vegan and gluten-free ChoColaTe Budino with pomegranate-soaked chia seeds and slivered almonds ($3.99) and the Apple and Quinoa crisp ($3.99). We realized that you really cannot go wrong with either one and I don’t recommend that anyone leaves there without trying at least one of these delicious desserts.

Drinks: I sampled each of their red wines and they were divine!

Setting & Ambiance: This is a perfect spot for everyone. With comfy booths, a bright feel and inspiring quotes on the wall, everyone will feel at home here. Great for couples, kids and singles alike!

Lyfe Kitchen is full of life!

Overall, Lyfe Kitchen converted me into being a believer that low-cal, vegan and gluten-free cooking cannot only be as good as its higher caloric, nutrient-lacking counterparts but that it can actually taste BETTER. Job well done.

 

xoxo,

Dawn McCoy

Foodie Fridays

BeautyFrosting

Cost: $

Lyfe Kitchen

9540 Culver Blvd.

Culver City, 90232

*Keep your hearts full and your taste buds happy, people!*