Tag Archives: Vegan

It’s Real At Myke’s

Are you looking for the most delicious latte ever made with Intelligentsia coffee and the thickest, most juiciest burger ever to go along with it? Do you crave food that hits the mark and ticks all the boxes for a fabulous burger? Well then, if that sounds like what you have been dreaming of; then head on over to Myke’s Cafe in either Pacoima or Sherman Oaks.  These are two very intensely populated areas with hard working people and great locations for Myke’s.  Myke’s  has been around for quite awhile. It’s a great cafe with great food and eclectic artwork by up and coming artists.  They have a grill where the food is made to order and an espresso bar for cappuccino, espresso or lattes.  They describe their food offerings as Wild Pancakes, Crazy Burgers and Tantalizing Mexican Food.  That was enough to make we want to have a meal there immediately. It was a call to my inner gourmand that loves all new types of food strange and wonderful. 

The store front is unassuming except for the black and white hand painted sign in a cartoonish font. It’s located in a mid-century modern type mini strip mall  right next to a residential area. The location is modest and not at all exciting. Nothing really to do around there but eat and live. Which actually makes it perfect.  It’s very easy to focus on your food.    There’s a big A in the window which is something I always look for as well and I find quite comforting.  For those of you who are curious and would like more information, please email me or DM me on Instagram at Victoriagoodsandtradingcompany.com, my partner and affiliate. 

The vibe is relaxed and it’s a great place for meeting friends and working on projects. The counter help is friendly and make you feel at home with their genuine smiles and questions to make sure they get your order just right.  The menu has creative dishes that I’ve not seen at other cafes such as banana pineapple pancakes with chocolate sauce, which was decadent and delicious and there is plenty for meat lovers too. The burgers are made of a high grade beef thats grilled to perfection and comes out hot and oozing goodness. 

I especially love the vegan burgers, since I’m currently a flexitarian(got that from a good friend),  that are thick, juicy and so full of flavor that with one bite your mouth is infused with delicious sauce and natural elements that fill you up and make you feel good. When the food comes out, the presentation is appealing and the food is dressed to kill with the appropriate garnishes and sides you order.

My friend and I were able to easily hear each other and it was fun to take in the eclectic art that decorates the walls. My favorite was the huge black and white graffiti depicting all sorts of things, that made a statement and was eye catching.  There were other works in different metiers as well to peruse and discuss. 

Well, hopefully this short little adventure into tastebud heaven has got you curious and you will head over to Myke’s Cafe soon.  I’m so glad I did and I’ve now added it to my arsenal of amazing cafes to take family and friends for a delicious outing that’s fun and relaxing. 

Where latte magic happens-photo by J. Stern

Sunset and seals

Photo by Lou Liebau on Unsplash

I’m a virgo and that means I like healthy stuff. I love food that is green and full of natural ingredients. My old roommate and one of my best friends dubbed me granola head while we lived together. She always had a cupboard full of captain crunch and fruity pebbles and I would always bring home granola, fresh veggies and trail mix for our kids. Not to say she didn’t know how to cook healthy too. She taught me how to make a killer tomatoe and cheddar tortilla in the microwave and I’m still making it for snacking, 20 year later.

So when I walked into Lean and Green Organic Health Bar in La Jolla. It was amazing and I was in heaven. It was located off the beaten track in a corporate building’s inner courtyard. The setting was modern, with upholstered benches and iron patio tables overlooking the business scene. It was an amazing find by my niece who was in training with a goal no less than to make it to the olympics.

We ordered smoothies loaded with protein, avocado, fruit, coconut oil and I had a bowl with quinoa, veggies, beans and savory spices. It didn’t take long to feel full and I looked forward to the energy I’d have once all of these great nutrients were metabolized. After eating, we decided to head down to Seal Beach. The beach was full of tourists that had set out blankets and umbrellas and were relishing the last rays of sun as it set over the sea. Wistful seals swam into the beach, wanting their beach back. A seal would cautiously swim in to the cove halfway and assess the human swimmers and then swim back out. A few brave seals that had made it all the way to the beach, lounged among the humans.They were beautiful laying in the last rays of light, their coats thick and glossy, their eyes closed in rapture, enjoying the soft beach, the playful noise of happy people and the cool mists sweeping off the waves.

Photo by Joss Woodhead on Unsplash

After taking in the brilliant sunset and sea winds we headed back up to our car. The climb was fairly steep and a great workout after our awesome meal. It was the perfect way for the quinoa and other yummy ingredients to be absorbed and metabolized. Blended with the fresh sea air, heavy with nutrients, I felt completely at one with all things healthy and natural.