Fans of classic British sci-fi show Dr. Who will remember that the Tardis is a time machine that looks like a regular sized telephone box from the outside, but on the inside it’s a huge room. The Grain Cafe has a similar, if slightly less dramatic, effect. Located in a strip mall next to an aquarium store, it looks like it might be cramped from the outside but it’s deceptively spacious.
When you do enter, the next thing that hits you is the art. The colored tiling is vibrant and immaculate, and the images decorating the walls look Aztec. It all adds to the overall vibe, of joyous, colorful fun.
That feeling is only enhanced when you approach the counter. The food at this vegan cafe, both on the menu and the sweet treats under glass, all seems so fresh and colorful, it could be art too.
“The Grain Cafe has deeply rooted traditions with unique spices & flavors originating from the small heartfelt region of Oaxaca, Mexico,” they say online. “Whose ancestry taught them how to be farmers and cultivators of land, growing what they could organically and naturally. Gardens in the yards of the village people produced naturally grown grains, vegetables and spices, which brewed mouthwatering kitchen aromas. With everything grown naturally and organic in a strong community where everyone is family, the knowledge of cooking and family recipes were shared.”
It had been a while since our last trip, and on that occasion we had breakfast. This time, we were that at lunch time so went for the Cobb Salad: “Chopped romaine hearts, tofu egg, tomato, vegan bacon, vegan chicken, avocado, tossed in our creamy ranch dressing.”
Despite the fact that the dish was entirely free of meat and dairy, two things often found in a regular cobb salad, the dish was a total delight.
The crunchy, leafy romaine was fresh and full of life, as was the tomato. The avocado wasn’t at all mushy–they’ve chopped it up at exactly the right moment in the fruit’s notoriously fickle life-cycle.
The tofu egg added texture, if not a lot of flavor. However, the vegan bacon and chicken was delicious–meaty texture and some nice, smokey touches. Finally, the ranch dressing toied it all together beautifully.
“By providing natural, organic foods without animal based products, no preservatives, or fillers ever, our goal is to share our unique flavors and spices with you that have been cultivated throughout decades by family traditions,” they say.
We can confirm that they’re doing a top job.
The Grain Cafe is located at 10032 Venice Blvd., Culver City 90232. Call 310-876-0180 or visit elgraincafe.com.