In between apartment searching, we’ve been doing some exploring…
Looks like WF has some competition (not really, but let’s pretend)! Can you believe I had never heard of Co-Ops until a year ago? I grew up with Farmer’s Markets, Health Foods Stores, and the likes, but somehow this amazing phenomenon eluded me. Luckily Santa Monica has one that I know will become a mainstay in my life.
In addition to local growers’ produce, etc. this place has tons of great prepared eats…vegan and raw goods aplenty! The raw foods section was really $$$, but sometimes those treats are worth it, nameen? Maybe when I have an income again… And it all looked SO incredibly tasty (upwards of 10 raw hummus/nut pate flavors – score!!), and there were tons of options. I thought I would miss One Lucky Duck and Pure Food & Wine, but it looks like I have found a (barely cheaper) alternative.
So what did I get on my first trip? Falafel!!
Since I was having issues making decisions (I wanted everything!), I went with this stand-by fave and TWO kinds of hummus (OG and RRP).
Look how bright orange that Roasted Red Pepper flavor is!?! Also notable was how incredibly runny it was, as compared to the original, which was a bit thicker. No matter…I left no prisoners (aka I licked them both clean).
I also discovered they changed the location of the Westwood Village Farmers Market (since I last lived here circa 2000s).
If you had to guess what I got, what do you think it would be…
Obvs.
Guess where else we went? D & P!
Damon & Pythias is another favorite spot from back in my college days. I used to frequent this restaurant once a week minimum.
I wasn’t super hungry when we went, so I made my own salad.
Voila!
Ok, this is the HALF size. I can’t even begin to think of how big the full would be. I mean, I am no stranger to packing it down (I can stuff my face with the best), but I this had several fists of spinach alone.
The rest of the ingreds I asked for got a little messed up, but still made for a legit salad (kidney, white beans, peas, corn, raisins, carrots, tomatoes). I also got a balsamic vinaigrette on the side (I only used one of the two).
The above masterpiece is my WF vegan Caesar pride and joy (romaine, cabbage, shredded carrots, tofu, fresh sourdough croutons, vegan caesar dressing, Bragg’s apple cider vinegar, and vegan Parma sprinkled on top). Faboo.
I have actually managed to find my way to about five different Whole Foods hot bars in Santa Monica. I can stiff them out like it’s my job (and what a job THAT would be!!!).
Do you feel a WF montage post coming soon? Nod “yes” because it’s only a matter of time. 😉
FIVE!?!?!? I think I should come visit you in Santa Monica so you can teach me the proper way to dominate the hot bar. I’ll even bring a house warming gift – will a fern work? Who am I kidding? I’ll bring a gross of hummus. Deal?!
oh how i wish that there was a hot bar near here! or a co-op! or ANYTHING other than bi-lo 🙁
so jealous.
um, yes. i’m a legit nodding at the moment 😉
♥ lindsey
Amazing vegan Caesar! You’re making me crave WF…
I couldn’t live without my co-op here in San Diego. I can’t wait for the day where there are nothing but co-ops! 🙂
I still can’t believe you had never been to a co-op…they are where it’s at! I am glad you have found them in CA 🙂
Courtney
girl.you are like a talent scout for WF’s: all over the good stuff!
hope you are loving life! we are all settled and sooo happy!
meant to talk to you about a So Cal bloggie meetup! LMK your summer plans and any time youre available!
Whhaaa I go to school in Malibu & am moving to SM soon & have never heard of Co-ops! Have I been living in a hole my whole life?!? Can’t wait until I get back to la la land to check it out (as well as Damon & Pythias).
The farmer’s market in Westwood is the best!