as you may well know, i’m pretty conflicted about m café. they have some of the most amazing food combined with the crappiest, trendiest atmosphere. small tables crowded onto a strip mall patio and pushy patrons tend to overshadow the amazing vegan fare—that’s why i often get my food to go. however, over the past few weeks, i’ve decided to give dining in another try and i’ve found that during certain times of the day, it can be tolerable. here’s some of the stuff i’ve been eating up from m café, on the premises and at home. 

panino tuscano: tuscan white bean spread, spicy seitan “salami”, caramelized onions & arugula on house-baked focaccia grilled hot & crisp to order. served with a side deli salad (kale!). $11.45

california club sandwich: a triple-decker of savory tempeh “bacon”, lettuce, tomato, avocado, carrots, sprouts & soy-mayo on your choice of house-baked toasted sourdough or multi-grain & seed bread. served with a side deli salad. $11.25

seitan katsu bowl: crispy seitan cutlet, tangy katsu sauce, shredded cabbage salad & steamed vegetables. $10.95

bi-bim bop: marinated pan-fried tofu, Korean-style vegetables, spicy miso sauce & house-made kim chee. $11.45

as i’m sure you can see, the food at m café is extraordinary. if this place served tap beer (or any alcohol for that matter), didn’t offer fish, and didn’t have such shit ambiance…it might be my favorite restaurant. i know that sounds like a lot of conditions, but what i’m trying to say is: the food kicks ass.

these dishes for example…

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the vegan joint is definitely one of my favorite thai-inspired vegan restaurants with the word “vegan” in its name here in los angeles, and as you probably already know, there are SEVERAL. i usually steer clear of the various curries and noodle dishes (after all, if that’s what i want, i can always go to toi) and opt for salads, sandwiches, or wraps…all of which the vegan joint does quite well.

oriental tossed salad: romaine lettuce, napa cabbage, carrots, onion, garlic, shredded beets, cucumber, bean sprouts topped with mixed grilled shitake mushrooms, been noodles, tofu & seasoning. $6.95

seitan wrap: grilled seitan, avocado, lettuce, tomato and alfalfa sprouts in chapatti bread, served with tahini sauce. $5.95

blt sandwich: crumbled tempeh bacon, tomato and vegan cheese on bread slices. $3.95 (i substituted the cheese for avocado!)

the service is pretty hit-and-miss at the vegan joint, the atmosphere is kinda blah and the portions are small, but the food tastes great and it’s cheap as hell. if you wanna eat at an asian vegan place, i definitely recommend the joint. i’ve been pleased with everything i’ve tried on their menu.

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