argh, i forgot that february is a short month…which means it’s almost half way over! this is just a quick post to alert you to some of the excellent monthly specials that hugo’s is offering, because they won’t be around much longer!

i am still working my way through these babies, but here’s what i’ve got so far…

Le Crostini: Crispy garlic herb toast (coated with a nut and seed spread) with red pepper hummus, blanched broccolini, artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes. Garnished with roasted garlic jalapeno sauce, a marinara drizzle and chopped basil. $7.50

the “le crostini” appetizer is fantastic. a light dish of toasted bread, coated with a delectable “cheesy” nut spread, and served with red pepper hummus, blanched broccolini, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, and sundried tomatoes. i must admit, i usually HATE anything that has to do with bell peppers, but this red pepper hummus was delish! not to mention the perfectly crispy bread, creamy/spicy sauce, and plump vegetables. one of my favorite starters yet.

everything was perfectly seasoned, and the different components of the dish went so well stacked up on the bread. i can’t wait to order it again.

La Roma Casserole: Sauteed broccolini, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, diced roasted rosemary potatoes, garlic, onion, and marinara sauce. Covered with pesto mashed potato topping. Served with organic mixed lettuce. $12.50

if you haven’t had a casserole at hugo’s yet, you are definitely missing out. they are always vegan friendly, and the restaurant continues to innovate with the fillings and toppings. their latest creation—the roma casserole—is totally italian-style, filled with sauteed broccolini, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, rosemary potatoes, garlic, onion and marinara. top all that off with VEGAN PESTO MASHED POTATOES, and you have a masterpiece! it’s served with a mixed green salad, and you can add tofu to it for an extra charge. my friend ordered this on a recent lunch date, and gave it a glowing review.

lastly, for dessert, don’t forget about the vegan chocolate lava cake…

Cherry Chocolate Lava Cake: A very unique cake prepared with oats and oat bran. Filled with a raspberry-chocolate truffle. Served warm on a cherry Marsala compote. Topped with organic powdered sugar. $7.50

this dessert walks the line of being healthy (it’s made with oats, after all), and ridiculously decadent at the same time. you can’t see it in the picture, but that little lava cake is just filled up with gooey delicious innards! i love that hugo’s has bothered to make their ONE dessert special vegan. not just “vegan-friendly”, it’s vegan and gluten-free by default. thanks, hugo’s!

i know for february 11th, i still have many more specials to work through. i’ve got my sights set on the following:

Vegetable “Noodle” Salad: Colorful “noodles” made from long and thin sliced vegetables mixed with bits of strawberries, oranges, tomatoes and chopped organic mixed greens. Tossed with carrot-ginger-mustard dressing and topped with toasted hazelnuts and chocolate chips. $11

and

Collard Soul Wrap: Roasted yams, grilled portabella mushrooms, caramelized onions, red pepper hummus, “house-made” dill pickle and organic mixed lettuce tossed with our roasted garlic jalapeno dressing wrapped inside a quick blanched collard leaf. Served with turmeric rice. $12.50

what about you guys? have you tried any of the hugo’s specials this month? what’s good? lemme know what you think.

hugo’s restaurant
12851 Riverside Drive
Studio City, CA 91607
(818) 761-8985
and
8401 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 654-3993