Orange County Food Blog

It's unfortunate, but after a few years spent living up in Berkeley I can safely say that, here in SoCal, most restaurateurs treat veganism as more of a novelty than a lifestyle. From the premium pricing of upscale establishments such as Costa Mesa's 118 Degrees to being pierced by the gazes of a thousand headband-wearing hipsters, there always seems to be a catch to dining out.

Thankfully, Au Lac Vegetarian Restaurant in Fountain Valley, which has been dishing out delectable vegan cuisine for more than 13 years, would never dream of faking the funk. A place where you can witness the phenomenon of yuppie and hippie dining side-by-side, Au Lac offers a laid-back atmosphere and an entire second menu dedicated to raw food, making this place is a genuine wonderland for herbivores and health enthusiasts alike.

Noorani's Halal Tandoori Restaurant is a hole-in-the-wall type establishment that is pretty easy to overlook, particularly amid the clusterfuck that is Little Saigon's urban design. If you do notice, chances are you'll experience a moment of severe disorientation when you realize you're looking at a Pakistani restaurant in... well, Little Saigon.

It may look like a fish out of water, but since it has been located on the same block for about 20 years, it's most likely that the outgrowth of Garden Grove's Little Saigon from its nucleus on Bolsa Avenue was built up around it. Regardless, if you're looking for a filling and flavorful meal this place is worth definitely worth a shot.

The biggest grievance vegetarians have while dining out is most likely going to be lack of selection. Most restaurants think they've got all their bases covered by keeping a few boxes of frozen garden patties in stock and a few salads on the menu. At first glance, Memphis Soul Cafe's menu seems to be the perfect example of such a cop out. That is, until you ask for the specials.

Being a vegetarian isn't all salads and seaweed. We also fall victim to the snack attack, but that doesn't mean that--when we do--it has to be face first into a plate of French fries. If you're in between meals and are jonesing for some substantial nosh that doesn't consist of carrot sticks or deep-fried potatoes, there are some easy-to-get and surprisingly tasty alternatives out there capable of stimulating your taste buds while taking the edge off your hunger. Today we feature three ready-made snacks from Trader Joe's that are cheap, quick on the draw, and hold some respect for your tongue.