Let your computer do the walking as we list people, groups, businesses, and organizations that serve the Los Angeles County vegetarian community. To assist you in discovering local resources, we have categorized the entries. If you prefer to go directly to a particular category, click on it below.
COOKING CLASSES & PERSONAL CHEFS
NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Editors' Note: This list will only prove valuable if it includes your suggestions and input. Let us know what you would like us to include. E-mail us at
Let your fingers do the walking to
The Nut Gourmet
Last updated July 21, 2008
CATERING
Catering
Many of our readers have asked us to recommend chefs who will do on-site catering for large and small gatherings. In addition to the caterers listed below, most of the vegetarian restaurants listed in our Los Angeles Restaurants will gladly prepare foods for your special occasions for take-out.
BIAN http://hometown.aol.com/deskbox/BIAN2.html
Mark Cleveland, chef-owner of Avanti Cafe in Costa Mesa, offers customized catering. He specializes in vegetarian and vegan cuisine as well as state of the art raw dishes. Having lived and worked in Japan, Mark blends distinctly Asian influences into his unique cuisine. He is available for event catering as well as intimate dinner parties.
Phone: 949-548-2224
e-mail: BIANdes@aol.com
Good Mood Food Deli and Juice Bar http://www.goodmoodfood.com
Ursula Horaitis, raw foods chef, specializes in European gourmet style raw foods and prepares meals for lunches, brunches, dinners, snacks, picnics, and parties. Though her cafe is located in Orange County she will gladly cater in Los Angeles. She also prepares meals for take out and home delivery.
5930 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Phone: 714-377-2028 or 714-840-8042
Jivana Vegan http://jivanavegan.gaia.com/
A vegan bakery with a full line of all the classic favorites like brownies, German chocolate cake, cheesecake, and cookies, plus unique variations of most items. Also available are items like hemp seed granola, quickbreads, raw sweets, and pyrohy, a Ukranian-style pirogy. Purchase items at the Calabasas Farmers' Market on Saturdays or place orders for pick up at their Culver City location.
Phone: 310-815-8273
e-mail: melissa@jivanavegan.com
Loren Cooper
With 15 years of cooking experience behind him, Loren has found his culinary niche in New Orleans French and Creole cuisine for vegans and vegetarians. However, his versatility is has allowed him to create a host of international veg dishes like Southwest Tamale, Ratatouille, and pasta-less Veggie Lasagne.
Phone: 626-398-1811
Cell Phone: 213-840-0376
Messob http://www.messob.com
An Ethiopian restaurant that prepares tasty and wholesome vegetarian platters to dining-in customers also provides complete catering for on-site parties of any size. Specializes in legume and vegetable ragouts and a unique bread made from teff, a grain indigenous to Ethiopia.
Phone: 323-938-8827
RAWvolution http://www.rawvolution.com
Raw food chef Matt Amsden creates an amazing six-course meal for all special events and can customize for special needs. His services are available throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, and the San Fernando Valley. Matt studied raw food cuisine with Chef Juliano. Matt also operates a home delivery service of freshly prepared raw foods.
Phone: 310-721-4222
Seasoned to Taste http://www.seasonedtotaste.net
Personal chef Linday Polak offers catering services specializing in completely organic raw vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free cuisine. Works with customers to develop unique menus to suit their dietary preferences. Daily, weekly or monthly delivery; special events, catering, in-home instruction also available.
Phone: 310-450-5710 or 800-9-2-TASTE
email: seasonedchef@gmail.com
Seedling Catering http://www.seedlingcatering.com
Vegan and Macrobiotic Chef Kristina Brindley uses her classical training to create innovative menus for events ranging from an intimate formal sit-down dinner to a hoe down. She is dedicated to maintaining the highest standard of culinary excellence primarily using fresh produce from a community supported agricultural farm. Her star-studded clientele raves about her "caviar" made from young Japanese eggplant.
Phone: 310-309-7152
email kristina@seedlingcatering.com
Spork Foods http://www.sporkfoods.com
Owned and operated by sisters Jenny and Heather Goldberg, this Los Angeles-based gourmet vegan food company creates delicious, happy-to-be-alive dishes that are only possible with organic, high-quality ingredients. Jenny and Heather are especially interested in the healing properties of food and offer cooking classes, in-home healthy-
eating consultations, group cooking classes, and catering.
Phone: 323-284-8733
e-mail: jenny@sporkfoods.com or heather@sporkfoods.com
Cooking Classes & Personal Chefs
Chef AJ
Chef AJ is a graduate of the Living Light Culinary Arts Institute and teaches raw food preparation classes at Chef's Inc. and Chefmakers in the Los Angeles area. She also conducts private classes in raw food preparation Chef AJ volunteers at the Braille Institute teaching healthy cooking classes to those who have lost their sight as a result of diabetes.
Phone: 818-430-3436
e-mail: chefAJ@att.net.
Christy Morgan http://www.eatyourveggies-la.com and Viva la Greens http://vivalagreens.com
Christy Morgan, a graduate of the Natural Epicurean Academy of Culinary Arts in Texas
teaches private and group cooking classes in the Los Angeles area. Classes can be demonstration style or hands on. Consider inviting friends for a cooking party where everyone dons an apron and cooks with the chef. Christy also offers macrobiotic meal delivery, cooking instruction, and counsulting to help families regain their helath and transition to a plant- based diet.
Phone: 310-633-7637
e-mail: christy@eatyourveggies-la.com and info@vivalagreerns.com
Del 'N Coluch Cook Meatfree http://www.delncoluch.com
Two great cooks of different ethnic backgrounds paired up to create a video on cooking hearty, meatfree meals that are mouth-watering and great tasting. They provide recipes on the site and offer convenient cooking classes as well.
P.O. Box 4517, West Hills, CA 91308-4517
Phone/FAX: 818-988-5482
e-mail: coluch@ix.netcom.com
Elysa Markowitz
Elysa presents a lively, gourmet raw food preparation show on Opening New Doors, an online radio show at http://www.healthylife.net Elysa has thrived on raw foods for many years and has authored three cookbooks, Living With Green Power, Warming Up to Living Foods, and Smoothies and Other Scrumptious Delights. She also offers private classes in gourmet raw food preparation. Tapes and DVDs are available by contacting Elysa.
Phone: 760-251-7488
e-mail: elysaTV@earthlink.net
From Patio to Plate Workshops http://frompatiotoplate.com
Natural foods chef Christy Morgan, along with gardening expert Darren Butler, partner to teach small space gardening and seasonal cooking. Learn ingenious methods for growing edibles in spaces as small as a windowsill. Everything from containers to tools to preparing your own produce is included.
Phone: 310-633-76737
e-mail: christy@eatyourveggies-la.com
Good Mood Food Deli and Juice Bar http://www.goodmoodfood.com
Cooking classes held at the cafe. Learn about sprouting, soaking, and dehydrating in raw gourmet food preparation classes taught by chef/owner Ursula Horaitis. Features specialties like Pumpkin Seed Flat Bread and Strawberry Pie. Discover how to eliminate addictions to foods like chocolate, sweets, and coffee. Call Ursula to enroll.
5930 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Phone: 714-840-8042 or 714-377-2028
e-mail: rentachef@goodmoodfood.com
Johnny Lynch, N.D. (naturopathic doctor) teaches raw food cleansing and cooking classes to reverse the aging process, balance weight, and open doors to the enjoyment of well-seasoned healthy food that's quick and easy to prepare. Call to schedule classes.
Phone: 818-222-2037, 818-259-0262, or 805-522-4811
e-mail: cyberlightwave@yahoo.com
Kimya http://www.alohasanctuary.com
Kimya shares her passion for food with her vegan cooking classes that feature fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables, many that she grows in her own garden. Both her raw foods and cooked dishes reflect her extensive travels that inspire her to blend the flavors of many cuisines. She also conducts retreats.
Phone: 310-401-1260
e-mail: kimya@alohasanctuary.com
Kristina Brindley http://www.seedlingcatering.com
Kristina Brindley is a classically trained chef who created and runs Seedling Catering, a Vegan and Macrobiotic company that caters to a star-studded clientele. Chef Kristina teaches private or group lessons that are not only entertaining and educational, but delicious, too!
Phone: 310-309-7152
email kristina@seedlingcatering.com
Malibu Raw http://www.maliburaw.com
Dennis Knicely, raw food chef features gourmet 5 and 6 course vegan all raw meals for small dinner parties. He specializes in exceptional soups, sprouted crackers, bean patties, and flavorful soups. Dennis is also a nutrition educator and teaches the art of preparing raw foods and proper food combining.
Phone: 310-403-8160
Marilyn McDonald http://www.veganbitebybite.com
Cooking instructor, educator and chef has 30 years of experience in assisting people to transition into a vegan diet. She has prepared meals for well-known personalities such as James Cromwell and Howard Lyman and was Co-Chef at Woody Harrelson's restaurant O-2. Marilyn was featured in the September/October 2001 issue of Spa Magazine. She consults and coaches and presently offers private and group classes in vegan cooking and gourmet raw foods preparation.
Phone: 213-487-7962
e-mail: marilyn@veganbitybybite.com
Mark Cleveland, BIAN Personal Chef, http://hometown.aol.com/deskbox/BIAN2.html
Teaches vegan, vegetarian, and raw culinary classes at his restaurant Avanti Cafe in Costa Mesa. His 12 years living and working in Japan have taught him how to incorporate Asian ingredients and a variety of cooking techniques that he brings into his work. Call for event catering and intimate dinner parties or to schedule cooking classes.
Phone: 949-548-2224
e-mail: BIANdes@aol.com
Matt Amsden's RAWvolution http://www.rawvolution.com
Chef Matt teaches raw food preparation classes and offers complete consultation to students converting to a raw foods diet. His classes include a wide variety of preparation techniques including tips for staying raw while traveling or restaurant dining. Matt also operates a home delivery service of freshly prepared raw foods.
2301 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone: 310-392-9501
Seasoned to Taste http://www.seasonedtotaste.net
Personal chef Linday Polak offers catering services specializing in completely organic raw vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free cuisine. Works with customers to develop unique menus to suit their dietary preferences. Daily, weekly or monthly delivery; special events, catering, in-home instruction also available.
Phone: 310-450-5710 or 800-9-2-TASTE
email: seasonedchef@gmail.com
Spork Foods http://www.sporkfoods.com
Owned and operated by sisters Jenny and Heather Goldberg, this Los Angeles-based gourmet vegan food company creates delicious, happy-to-be-alive dishes that are only possible with organic, high-quality ingredients. Jenny and Heather are especially interested in the healing properties of food and offer cooking classes, in-home healthy-
eating consultations, group cooking classes, and catering.
Phone: 323-284-8733
e-mail: jenny@sporkfoods.com or heather@sporkfoods.com
Tegra Little http://www.tegralittle.com
Tegra Little is a raw food chef and teacher. She teaches a variety of raw food courses as well as offering one-on-one coaching and consultations. Potlucks are also offered quarterly. Located in Los Angeles (Eagle Rock/Mt.Washington/Pasadena area). She services the Greater Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, and Santa Clarita Valley. Tegra can be scheduled to teach classes across the country.
Phone: 310.433.6008
e-mail: TEGRA@TEGRALITTLE.COM
Viva la Greens http://vivalagreens.com
Christy Morgan, a natural foods chef, offers macrobiotic meal delivery, cooking instruction, and consulting to help families regain their health and transition to a plant-based diet.
Phone: 310-633-7637
e-mail: christy@eatyourveggies-la.com
C & F Landscaping and Construction http://www.angelfire.com/planet/candflandscaping/index.html
Los Angeles based landscaping team apply their vegan/vegetarian lifestyle principles to their environmentally conscientious landscape designs. They offer full landscape services including fountains, ponds, botanical gardens, patios, decks, and retaining walls as well as specializing in edible landscapes.
Phone: 310-714-3976
e-mail: John - johnrogers444@yahoo.com
Tom - mercury@rawfoods.com
Harmony Works http://www.harmony-works.com/
Ecologically oriented gifts and handmade art objects from recycled
materials. Sells books, handmade soaps, candles, greetings cards, handwoven
baskets, jewelry, and unique one-of-a-kind creations.
1705 S. Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Phone: Royce and Mike Morales at 310-791-7104
e-mail: info@harmony-works.com
LongBeachGreenGuide.com http://www.longbeachgreenguide.com
An A-Z "green" resource directory for finding earth-friendly businesses, health-promoting services, local events and activities with a gentle footprint in the Long Beach area.
e-mail: lbgreenguide@gmail.com
Simply Worms
Raises worms and sells worm castings, an organic fertilizer. Sells product at farmers' markets.
P. O. Box 5212, Playa del Rey, CA 90296
Phone: Chris Wilson at 310-398-1214
Educational
Organizations
Common Ground Garden Program
Educational volunteer organization focused on creating community gardens in disadvantaged areas to teach community people how to grow their own food, maintain their gardens, and prepare the food they've grown. Sponsored by the University of California, Division of Agricultural Sciences.
To volunteer for training contact Yvonne Savio, Program Manager.
2 Coral Circle, Monterey Park, CA 91755
Phone: 323-838-4532
Web site: http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/Common_Ground_Garden_Program/
The Gentle Barn Foundation http://www.gentlebarn.org
Ellie Callahan is the founder and guiding force of Gentle Barn, a humanitarian organization that rescues farm animals from abuse, neglect, and slaughter and cares for them. The group, located in Valencia, provides a series of weekly school visits to teach children kindness to animals, to each other, and to the planet. Each week they bring a different farm animal to school so children learn, touch, and connect to the animal world.
Phone: 818-705-5477
Natural Hygiene Society of Los Angeles
System that helps people live in harmony with the human body with the basic requirements of nature: natural unadulterated food, unpolluted air, pure water, mental and emotional poise, wholesome environment, and productive activity.
Monthly meetings held on Sundays at 1:30 p.m. at Howard Johnson-Wilshire Royale Hotel, 2619 Wilshire Blvd. Conference Room, Santa Monica
Fee $4 per person
Phone: Sophie Holzgreen at 213-388-4332 or
Art Baker at 310-479-4847
Prostate Cancer Foundation (formerly CaPCURE)
Michael Milken's organization for prostate cancer research
1250 4th St., Suite 360, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: 800-757-2873
Web site: Prostate Cancer Foundation
e-mail: info@prostatecancerfoundation.org
School of Self-Reliance http://www.self-reliance.net
Offers one-day and half-day weekend Wild Food Outings, Wild Food Cooking Workshops, Survival Skills Intensives and Workshops, and Mountain Survival Services
P.O.Box 41834, Eagle Rock, CA 90041
Phone: 323-255-9502
E-mail: contact@self-reliance.net
Eve Virginia Allen, Ph.D., N.D.c
A doctor of alternative medicine specializing in minerals, immune system building, nutrition, and detoxifying all systems.
Circle of Health
6399 Wilshire Blvd., PH. 4, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone: 323-658-1152
E-mail: Dr.Eve@Circle-of-Health.com
Discover Chiropractic Center http://www.DiscoverChiro.com/
Dr. Matt Freedman is a vegan chiropractor who uses gentle chiropractic adjusting techniques and plant-based nutrition to stop the pain and start the healing. He is also very experienced in adjusting dogs (and some other animals) and donates all proceeds of his animal treatment to animal organizations.
5953 Laurel Canyon Blvd. Suite A, North Hollywood (Valley Village), CA 91607
Phone: 818-506-0111
e-mail: mochihchu@yahoo.com
Jay Gordon, M.D. http://www.drjaygordon.com/
A vegetarian pediatrician dedicated to teaching his patients and their parents how to achieve good health with a compassionate lifestyle.
901 Montana Ave., Suite C, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Phone: 310-393-9784
e-mail: JNGMD@aol.com
Dr. Chuck Greenwood
Chiropractor who uses a profound approach to healing he refers to as Network
Spinal Analysis or Network Chiropractic. No bone crunching techniques, just light
touches to awaken your own life force and well-being
Yerman Chiropractic Group
6360 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 103, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone: 323-653-9530
Khalsa Chiropractic http://www.drmhaatma.com
Dr. Mha Atma S. Khalsa attended the University of California at Berkeley majoring in biology and environmental studies. Interested in healing, he graduated from the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic and now has a full practice. Concerned about our troubled environment, he founded
http://www.earthactionnetwork.org to promote environmental healing and social justice.
5880 San Vicente Blvd., Suite 101, Los Angeles, CA 90035
Phone: 323-857-1277
e-mail: drmhaatma@sbcglobal.net
John Lynch, ND http://www.JohnLynchND.com
The only vegan, licensed naturopathic physician in Los Angeles, Dr. Lynch is a graduate of Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona where he was trained in both natural and conventional medicine. An expert in the field of natural health, Dr. Lynch is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Healing and maintaining optimal health with raw food nutrition is another facet of his expertise.
7222 Owensmouth Ave., Suite 100, Canoga Park, CA 91303
Phone: Office: 818-222-2037 Message: 818-259-0262
e-mail: drlynch@johnlynchnd.com
Buddha Dog http://buddhadog.com
Non-Anesthesia Teeth Cleaning http://www.catdrinkswater.com
Megan Bamford, DVM
Nancy Scanlan, DVM http://www.shermanoaksveterinarygroup.com/ourdoctorsstaff.html
Eat Your Veggies http://www.eatyourveggies-la.com
Gourmet Soup Kitchen http://www.thegourmetsoupkitchen.com/
Los Angeles Organic Vegetable Express (LOVE) http://www.lovedelivery.com
Organic Express http://www.organicexpress.com
ParadiseO.com http://www.paradiseo.com/
RAWvolution http://www.rawvolution.com
Seasoned to Taste http://www.seasonedtotaste.net
Seedling Catering http://www.seedlingcatering.com
Vegin' Out http://www.veginout.com
Kids Make a Difference http://www. kidsmakeadifference.org
Kind News (Kids in Nature's Defense) http://www.kindnews.org
Busy Bee Hardware
Clean Living of Santa Monica http://www.cleanlivingsoap.com
Creative Ceed Company http://www.creativeceed.com
Our Daily Bread
Good Mood Food Deli and Juice Bar http://www.goodmoodfood.com
Johnny Lynch, N.D. (naturopathic doctor) teaches raw food cleansing and cooking classes to reverse the aging process, balance weight, and open doors to the enjoyment of well-seasoned healthy food that's quick and easy to prepare. Call to schedule classes.
Malibu Raw http://www.maliburaw.com
Matt Amsden's RAWvolution http://www.rawvolution.com
Orange/LA County Living Foods http://www.ocraw.com
Tegra Little http://www.tegralittle.com
Holistic Pet Services
Information courtesy of Marr Nealon. For more pet resources read her helpful article at
http://www.vegparadise.com/otherbirds410.html
Buddha Dog has been offering small animal massage therapy and wellness at your location in the Los Angeles area with Registered Veterinary Technician and Certified Animal Massage Therapist Pam Holt since 2003. Sessions include Acupressure, TTouch, Stone Massage, and Reiki. Gift Certificates are available. Reasonable rates start at $30, and work is guaranteed.
Phone: 818-300-4478
email: pam@buddhadog.com
Letisha Boyle, a vegan and experienced technician of 18 years, will schedule an appointment to come to your home to clean your dog's or cat's teeth. Uses gentle massage and music to relax your pet and eliminates the need for anesthesia to remove tartar and plaque. Methods and quality of service similar to human oral hygiene.
Phone: 800-329-5495
e-mail: catdrinkswater@yahoo.com
The following veterinarians are not vegan, thus some of the remedies they recommend may contain animal ingredients. If that is important to you, inform them. They do not necessarily recommend a vegan pet diet, but will respect the human companion's choices.
Holistic veterinarian, homeopath, and certified animal chiropractor. Her partner does acupuncture and will show you key points to massage at home to continue daily treatment to relieve symptoms. Their service is caring, attentive and very thorough.
10180 Stonehurst, Sun Valley, CA 91352
Phone: 818-768-0954
Excellent acupuncture, chiropractic and herbal treatments. Appointments on Tuesday through Thursday only. Ask to be put on the cancellation list if she is booked up.
Sherman Oaks Veterinary Group
13624 Moorpark St., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Phone: 818-784-9977
ABC Health Food Center http://www.vegefood.com
Health food store with a wide variety of vegetarian foods and health oriented books. The organization offers on-line home delivery.
1501 East Chevy Chase Drive, Glendale, CA 91206
Phone: 1-800-765-6955
e-mail: manager@vegefood.com
Choose from a weekly menu of animal-free, mostly organic items to order your lunchbox delivered to your home or office. The meals are well balanced, nutritious, and prepared with love by Carrie Vandenberg. Carrie will deliver meals in the West Los Angeles and Long Beach areas.
Phone: 714-425-7279
E-mail: info@eatyourveggies-la.com
Amy Caplan and partner Daniel Tout offer more than two dozen innovative varieties of vegetarian soups available frozen in 16-ounce cartons for home delivery. Some of the vegan choices include Cuban Black Bean, Mushroom Barley, French Onion, Old World Lentil, Thai Coconut Curry.
11123 Montana Ave., #85, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Phone: 310-393-6902
FAX: 310-399-7783
e-mail: amy@thegourmetsoupkitchen.com
Provides a user and earth friendly service for discriminating people who have chosen to live a healthier, greener lifestyle. Delivers fresh organic produce to homes and offices.
P.O. Box 1315 Venice, CA 90294
Phone: 310-821-LOVE
e-mail: info@lovedelivery.com
Certified organic boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables delivered to your home. Includes 12 to 16 types of produce with several servings of each. Option to choose an all vegetable or all fruit box. Grocery items also available. Choose delivery weekly or bi-weekly.
P.O. Box 11328, Carson, CA 90749
Phone: 310-ORGANIC
Delivers certified organic produce to home or office in Los Angeles
and Orange Counties. Free delivery weekly or biweekly. All-fruit or
all-vegetable boxes available. Offers a discount off your first order when you mention vegparadise.com and use code LAT06.
Phone: Toll Free 888-802-0373 Monday through Friday
e-mail: cs@paradiseo.com
Chef Matt Amsden prepares all organic, vegan raw foods delivered to your door. He offers the perfect raw foods for lunches to carry to work or dinners that will be waiting for you when you come home. Meals include soups, salads, gourmet entrées, side dishes, and desserts.
Phone: 310-721-4222
Personal chef Linday Polak offers catering services specializing in completely organic raw vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free cuisine. Works with customers to develop unique menus to suit their dietary preferences. Daily, weekly or monthly delivery; special events, catering, in-home instruction also available.
Phone: 310-450-5710 or 800-9-2-TASTE
email: seasonedchef@gmail.com
Vegan and Macrobiotic Chef Kristina Brindley creates varied menus using fresh produce from a community supported agricultural farm and delivered to home or office. The
website is updated weekly.
Phone: 310-309-7152
e-mail kristina@seedlingcatering.com
Southern California's premier vegan home delivery service prepares fresh, vegan cuisine, using as many organic ingredients as possible, and conveniently delivers right to your door. Well-balanced meals contain almost exclusively, whole, unprocessed foods, and are free of cholesterol, saturated fats, and trans-fats. Mention Vegetarians in Paradise and receive $10 off of your first order!
Phone: 310-574-9405
Los Angeles
Youth Activities
Growing Great http://www.growinggreat.org
A non-profit nutrition education organization dedicated to inspiring children and adults to adopt healthy eating habits. Works to create collaborations that support healthy food choices and lifestyles in Manhattan Beach and the South Bay area of Los Angeles. Their long-range vision is to expand programs and services into school districts and communities outside of the South Bay.
e-mail: info@growinggreat.org
Kids Make a Difference brings together wonderfully caring children from across the broader Los Angeles area with other such children to have a great time making a
difference together. Kids Make a Difference offers these hands-on community service programs in which elementary and middle-school age children may participate on
weekends and school vacations: hiking and maintaining trails, surveying and
cleaning beaches, visiting and caring at retirement homes, gleaning farms,
feeding the homeless, removing graffiti, caring for animals at refuges and
sanctuaries, helping the handicapped, recycling projects, etc.
Kids Make a Difference teaches and helps children to reach out and make a difference in the worldaround them. This experience shows children that what they do matters and that they
can make a difference.
Phone: 818-344-7838
e-mail: info@kidsmakeadifference.org
An easy-to-read monthly publication that educates primary graders about respecting animals and the environment and encourages literacy, violence prevention, good citizenship, and peaceful conflict resolution. This classroom newspaper, published by the National Association for Humane and Environmental Education, is the youth education division of The Humane Society of the United States. The organization encourages all people to "adopt a teacher" who will then receive a classroom subscription to the publication.
Phone: 310-656-2016
e-mail: KindNewsLA@aol.com
Natural Health
Products & Services
Aloha Sanctuary Spa http://www.alohasanctuary.com
Kimia offers a refuge for those seeking relaxing and healing treatments of massage, energy medicine, reiki, hot stone massage, infrared sauna, and jacuzzi. Included are foods from a light vegan menu.
656 San Juan Ave., Venice, CA 90291
Phone: 310-401-1260
Don Kidson, owner of The Living Light House, operates this old fashioned hardware store that sells juicers, food grinders, health books, and dehydrators in addition to all the hardware anyone needs.
1521 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 91404
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Closed Sunday
Phone: 310-395-1158
Makes natural soaps and bath products without the use of animal fat. No artificial colorants, petroleum products, or artificial perservatives. Uses avocado oil, jojoba and shea butter, essential oils, beeswax and cocoa butter. Sells at farmers markets.
James Derner, Owner
1122 18th St., Suite 201, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Phone: 866-967-3700
e-mail: CleanLivingOfSM@aol.com
Makes and sells body care products free of sodium laureth sulfates, f, d, and c colors, preservatives, and hard chemicals. Cruelty free products are hypo-allergenic.
10401 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
Phone: 310-838-5001
e-mail: Sales@creativeceed.com
Seventh Day Adventist book store and health food market. Small lunch
counter in front of store with rear patio seating for 30 to 40 people.
Vegan food
12201 E. Firestone Blvd., Norwalk, CA 90650
Phone: 562-863-6897
Ursula Horaitis, raw foods chef, specializes in European gourmet style raw foods and prepares meals for lunches, brunches, dinners, snacks, picnics, and parties. Though her cafe is located in Orange County she will gladly cater in Los Angeles. She also prepares meals for take out and home delivery.
5930 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Phone: 714-377-2028 or 714-840-8042
Phone: 818-259-0262 or 805-522-4811
e-mail: cyberlightwave@yahoo.com
Dennis Knicely, raw food chef features gourmet 5 and 6 course vegan all raw meals for small dinner parties. He specializes in exceptional soups, sprouted crackers, bean patties, and flavorful soups. Dennis is also a nutrition educator and teaches the art of preparing raw foods and proper food combining.
Phone: 310-457-7055
Chef Matt teaches raw food preparation classes and offers complete consultation to students converting to a raw foods diet. His classes include a wide variety of preparation techniques including tips for staying raw while traveling or restaurant dining. Matt also operates a home delivery service of freshly prepared raw foods.
1233 14th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Phone: 310-721-4222
For the latest updates on raw dinners, pot lucks, special events, and gatherings in Los Angeles and Orange County check Karen Sussman's extensive calendar or call for information.
Phone: 949-651-6309
Cell: 818-419-5350
e-mail: simplyraw@ocraw.com
Tegra Little is a raw food chef and teacher. She teaches a variety of raw food courses as well as offering one-on-one coaching and consultations. Potlucks are also offered quarterly. Located in Los Angeles (Eagle Rock/Mt.Washington/Pasadena area). She services the Greater Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, and Santa Clarita Valley. Tegra can be scheduled to teach classes across the country.
Phone: 310.433.6008
e-mail: TEGRA@TEGRALITTLE.COM
Restaurants
(Vegetarian and Vegetarian-Friendly)
Restaurant listings are now found at http://www.vegparadise.com/restaurants.html
The Ark Trust, Inc. now Humane Society of the United States Hollywood Office http://www.arktrust.org
National non-profit animal protection organization devoted to raising public awareness of animal issues. Site includes pages about the group's proactive media projects to promote positive coverage of animal topics. Maintains a library of videotapes covering animal use and abuse as a resource for the media. Links to other animal friendly sites.
Phone: 818-501-2275
e-mail: winikoff@envirolink.org
Green People http://www.greenpeople.org
Provides an online searchable directory of products and services provided by eco-friendly people and organizations.
420 Raymond Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone: 310-399-9355
San Fernando Valley Greens
A non-profit organization that focuses on Ecological Wisdom, Social Justice, Grass Roots Democracy, Non-Violence, Decentralization, Community-Based Economics, Feminism, Respect for Diversity, Personal and Global Responsibility, and Future Focus.
Meets every second Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Faye and Norm Gottlieb, 9743 Noble Ave., North Hills, CA 91343
For information contact Jen Holle at 818-764-7354
Southern California Vegetarians http://SoCalVeg.org
A Los Angeles based organization that aims to educate on the benefits of a plant-based diet and to demonstrate concern for the environment, human health, the treatment of animals, and world health. The site features educational events, current events, pot lucks, restaurant outings, lists of local vegetarian restaurants, and vegetarian links.
Phone: 310-289-5777
e-mail: info@SoCalVeg.org
Vegan Toastmasters http://natashaperez.com/vegan.htm
Open to all, this group offers helpful techniques to sharpen your speaking skills for addressing groups on vegan topics.
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1st and 3rd Saturdays
Wilshire Wild Oats Community Room
500 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90401 (corner Wilshire & 5th)
Enter, curl around to your right, open door to right, go up the stairs
Phone: 310-395-4510
For questions call Dave Rutan 310-480-2039
Veg-LA Digest http://www.waste.org
Get on board to discover what's going on in vegetarian Los Angeles via the happenings bulletin board where you can send and receive regular postings. To sign up, visit the website and click on "subscriptions and archives" to find waste mailing lists. Scroll down and click on Veg-LA, then add your email address. Click "Go" and you're all set. Within a day or two, you'll receive an email asking you to confirm your subscription followed by an email with a welcome message. It costs nothing to subscribe. When you want to post an upcoming Los Angeles veg event, send the information in an email to veg-la@waste.org
CHEF (Community for Health, Ecology and Freedom)
Discussion and vegan potluck held monthly on rotating days.
Workmen's Circle
1525 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035 (Free parking in rear)
Phone: Larry Silvermintz 310-825-8472
e-mail: LarryS@ucla.edu
Jewish Vegetarian Society of Los Angeles
Group meets at 2:00 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at Valley Beth Shalom Synagogue to hear educational speakers, plan social events and pot lucks, and network with other vegetarians.
Valley Beth Shalom Synagogue
15739 Ventura Boulevard, Encino, CA 91316
Phone: Irv Kett at 818-349-2581
MEETUPS
Natural Health Group http://www.naturalhealthgroup.org
The Natural Health Group (formerly The Vegetarian Dining Club) hosts weekly vegan dinner events throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Some events feature living foods. The group provides information, resources, and support to individuals making transitions to whatever health level they wish to reach from a Standard American Diet to a Vegetarian Diet, to a Vegan Diet, and/or to a RAW Diet Lifestyle. They publish a comprehensive Holistic Directory of Vegetarian Restaurants, and offer over 136 different DISCOUNT COUPONS, as well as an ONGOING DISCOUNT CARD.
Phone: Randy Ellis: 800-701-9364 or Ken Ziff: 310-396-2826
e-mail: nathealthgroup@yahoo.com
VegLA (Passion Fruits Gay and Lesbian Vegetarian Club) http://www.veggiela.com
Gay and lesbian vegetarian club that holds potlucks usually on the 3rd weekend of each month. They offer a free emailing every month.
e-mail: veggiela@aol.com
Veg-LA Digest http://www.waste.org
Get on board to discover what's going on in vegetarian Los Angeles via the happenings bulletin board where you can send and receive regular postings. To sign up, visit the website and click on "subscriptions and archives" to find waste mailing lists. Scroll down and click on Veg-LA, then add your email address. Click "Go" and you're all set. Within a day or two, you'll receive an email asking you to confirm your subscription followed by an email with a welcome message. It costs nothing to subscribe. When you want to post an upcoming Los Angeles veg event, send the information in an email to veg-la@waste.org
Vegan Potlucks (Free)
Southern California Vegetarians monthly potluck. Bring your own recyclable utensils.
Phone Aouie at 310-289-5777
e-mail: veggie@socalveg.org
VegLa's monthly potluck social gathering for gays and lesbians.
Phone: 818-999-0852
e-mail: VeggieLa@aol.com
San Fernando Valley
Northridge Vegan Potluck--4th Saturday of each month, 6 p.m. at Coby
Seiganthaler's home
8843 Penfield Ave, Northridge, CA 91324
Phone: 818-341-6153
Close to the intersection of Nordhoff and Oakdale. Sometimes there
is a speaker or a video. Bring your own recyclable utensils.
North Hollywood Vegan Potluck --No regularly scheduled dates, 6.pm. to 10 p.m. (eat at 7 p.m.)
7018 Morse Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91605
Call Southern California Vegetarians at 310-289-5777 for information.
South Bay
Manhattan Beach Vegan Potluck--every other month, 1st or 2nd Saturday
Body in Balance Day Spa
808 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Phone: 310-406-1910
Friendly dogs welcome
VeggieDate http://www:veggiedate.org
Those looking for that ideal person who shares their vegetarian views
can sign up with this vegetarian dating and networking service.
Vegetarian
Angel's EarthKind Kitchen http://www.imearthkind.com
Prepares Vegan Gourmet Cheese Alternative in nacho, cheddar, jack, and mozzarella flavors. Available in 12 oz. bricks. New on Angel's list are cheeses that melt! Easy to order online for shipping across the country. Available at Follow Your Heart and Whole Foods Markets.
P.O. Box 9400, Canoga Park, CA 91309-0400
Phone: 818-725-2820
FAX: 818-725-2812
e-mail: angel@imearthkind.com
Bezian's Bakery
Bakes a wide variety of breads, many wheat free, dairy free, and all yeast-free.
Breads are sold at five farmers' markets and at their store.
4725 Santa Monica Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90029
Phone: 323-663-8608
Cary Brown's Vegan Foods
Manufactures vegan foods for food service. See Follow Your Heart in VegParadise Yellow Pages and Vegetarian Food Companies.
Cedarlane Natural Foods, Inc. http://www.cedarlanefoods.com
Producer of low-fat natural foods including frozen dinners and entrees, salads, and specialty breads. Many of the dinners are made with soy protein.
1135 E. Artesia Blvd., Carson, CA 90746
Phone: 310-886-7722
Fax: 310-886-7733
e-mail: feedback@cedarlanefoods.com
Corn Maiden Foods http://www.cornmaidenfoods.com
Maker of 26 varieties of tamales including 8 vegetarian and 6 vegan selections. No lard or preservatives in any of their products. Sells their products at a number of farmers' markets.
24201 Frampton Ave., Harbor City, CA 90710
Phone: 310-784-0400
FAX: 310-784-0404
e-mail: cornmaiden@earthlink.net
Culinary Farms http://www.livinglettuce.com
Culinary Farms grows and sells a wide variety of hydroponically grown lettuces, herbs, edible flowers, and baby lettuce mixes at many farmers' markets as well as restaurants and caterers in the Los Angeles area. bettergroHYDRO is a retail store in Pasadena that offers instruction and sells equipment to anyone interested in growing vegetables hydroponically. The store has a small café that prepares salads and sandwiches made from vegetables grown on the farm.
Culinary Farms 818-700-1071
bettergrowHYDRO
1271 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106
Phone: 626-449-6677 or 877-640-GROW
FAX: 626-449-6688
Web site: http://www.bghydro.com
Edible Arrangements http://www.ediblearrangements.com
Makes colorful, eye appealing fresh fruit displays that make attractive table centerpieces. Made to order in varying sizes, the arrangements contain no preservatives.
9545 Reseda Blvd., Northridge, CA
Phone: 818-772-5300
FAX: 818-772-5337
El Burrito Mexican Food Products, Inc. http://www.elburrito.com
Manufactures vegetarian soy products using non GMO soybeans. Items include Soyrizo (meatless soy chorizo), SoyLoaf (meatless meatloaf), SoySteak, and SoyTaco.
P.O. Box 90125, City of Industry, CA 91715-0125
Phone: 800-933-7828
FAX: 626-369-6972
e-mail: info@elburrito.com
Flamous Brands, Inc. http://www.flamousbrands.com
Manufacturers a line of 100% vegetarian falafel chips in spicy, sesame, and original flavors. The chips contain no dairy or eggs and no trans fats and are non-GMO, certified organic, gluten-free, and kosher.
P.O. Box 5695, Pasadena, CA 91117-5695
Phone: 877-8FLAFEL
e-mail: melanie@flamousbrands.com
Follow Your Heart http://www.followyourheart.com
Packages their Vegenaise (mock mayonnaise) /Vegan Gourmet Cheese Alternative, Chicken Free Chicken*, and vegetarian and vegan salad dressings which contain no preservatives. Available at health food stores.
21825 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303
Phone: 818-348-3240
Jamae Natural Foods http://www.jamae.com
Produces a variety of vegan oatmeal cookies that are sugar free as well as soynut crunch bars.
P.O Box 481096, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone: 800-343-0052 or 323-937-3670
FAX: 323-937-0849
K&L Veggie Market
A vegetarian specialty store that sells all kinds of vegetarian products from veggie seafoods and faux meats to organic foods.
605 N. New Ave. #D, Monterey Park, CA 91755
Phone: 626-288-7048
Fax: 626-288-7869
Leda's Bake Shop http://www.ledasbakeshop.com
Vegan savvy, this bakery includes a full line of made from scratch mini and regular size cupcakes, cakes, fillings, cookies, muffins, and scones in addition to their regular bakery items. Vegan ingredients include non-hydrogenated Earth Balance shortening, organic soymilk, and organic sugars from Wholesome Sweeteners and Florida Crystals.
13722 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Phone: 818-386-9644
Melissa's World Variety Produce, Inc. http://www.melissas.com
Packages soynuts, meat alternatives, and tofu products along with unique varieties of fresh and dried produce from around the world.
P.O. Box 21127, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Phone: 800-588-0151
e-mail: hotline@melissas.com
Mighty Soy, Inc.
Makes soy milk drinks and tofu.
1227 South Eastern Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90022
Phone: 323-266-6969
Miyako Oriental Foods, Inc. http://www.coldmountainmiso.com
Manufactures miso and soy bean paste and prepares edamame (fresh soy beans) under the Cold Mountain and Yamajirushi labels.
4287 Puente Avenue, Baldwin Park, CA 91706
Phone: 626-962-9663
e-mail: joearai@coldmountainmiso.com
Morinaga Nutritional Foods, Inc. http://www.morinu.com
Makes silken tofu varieties under the brand name Mori-Nu.
2441 West 205th St., Suite C 102, Torrance, CA 90501
Phone: 310-787-0200
FAX: 310-787-2727
e-mail: info@morinu.com
Naked Juice http://www.nakedjuice.com
Prepares 60 varieties that are 100% fresh, natural juice. Their products include smoothies, vegetable juices, fruit juices, nectars, fortified juices, and frozen juices.
935 West 8th St.,Azusa, CA 91702
Phone: 877-858-4237 or 626-812-6022
FAX: 626-334-6439
e-mail: customerservice@nakedjuice.com
The Organic Gourmet http://www.organic-gourmet.com
Produces organic vegan and vegetarian soups, soup stock concentrates, sauces, bouillon cubes, nutritional yeast spread, oat miso pastes, tartar sauce, patés, and instant sauce mixes for quick meal preparation.
4092 Deervale Drive, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Phone: 800-400-7772
FAX: 818-906-906-7417
e-mail: scenar@earthlink.net
Organica Foods http://www.organicafoods.com
Produces cookies with organic ingredients free of genetically modified organisms with no cholesterol, hydrogenated oils, refined sugars, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. Completely animal free. Varieties include Double Chocolate Coffee Toffee, Peanut Butter Almond Chocolate Chip, Gingered Walnut Cherry Chocolate Chip, and Oatmeal Coconut Cranberry Chocolate Chip.
P.O. Box 4966, Carson, CA 90749
Phone: 877-647-6986
e-mail: info@organicafoods.com
Quinoa Corporation http://www.quinoa.net
Produces pastas made from quinoa, a high-protein grain that dates back to the Incas. Wheat-free types include elbows, pagodas, linguine, spaghetti, rotelle, and shells.
P.O. Box 279, Gardena, CA. 90248
Phone: (310) 217-8125
e-mail: QuinoaCorp@aol.com
San Moritz Bakery and Deli
Bakes organic high-fiber dairy-free breads without preservatives. Included are 9 Grain, Savory Italian Tomato, Potato Toasted Onion, and High Fiber Carrot.
6949 La Tijera Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Phone: 213-670-7570
Smokin' Garlic http://www.smokingarlic.com
Susan Elmasian smokes whole garlic bulbs to enhance your favorite recipes, salads and cooked dishes. Available at the Santa Clarita Farmers' Market on Sundays. Be sure to check out the tasty recipes on her web site for more ideas on using her product.
Phone: 877-807-4706 or 805-373-1336
e-mail: info@smokingarlic.com
Soofer Co., Inc. http://www.sadaf.com
They distribute Sadaf products that include pickled hot Mediterranean peppers, grapeseed oil, hummus, baba ghannouge, Mediterranean salad, and hot crushed red pepper relish. Some items are vegan.
2829 Alameda St., Los Angeles, California 90058
Phone: 323-852-4050 or 800-852-4050
FAX: 323-234-2447
e-mail: info@sadaf.com
e-mail:
Spice of Life Meatless Meats & Jerky http://www.Spice-Of-Life.com
Creates meatless meats and jerky that are wheat-free, gluten free, salt free, cholesterol-free, high in fiber and protein, and have the look, taste and texture of a wide range of meats. Products are made from defatted soy flour, Bragg Liquid Aminos, sunflower oil, and natural spices and are 100% VEGAN. Items are not only for vegetarians but also for celiacs, diabetics, low sodium dieters, and athletes who require additional protein.
15445 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Phone: 800-256-2253 or 818-909-0052
Sproutime Living Foods
All kinds of sprouted products featuring different varieties of hummos including red pepper and black bean, sprout pate, veggie delight mini wraps, and baked sprout nuggets.
21217 Chase Street, Canoga Park, CA 91304
Phone: 818-882-7505
Van's International Food http://www.veat.com
Using the brand name Veat, this company prepares pre-cooked heat and eat soy-based meat alternatives with the ultra-realistic meat-like textures of chicken, turkey, beef, duck, pork, and fish. Products are all natural, no preservatives, MSG, additives, or coloring. All vegetarian.
3285 East Vernon Ave., Vernon CA 90058
Phone: 323-585-5581
FAX: 323-585-4084
e-mail: eat@veat.com
Visoy Corporation
Manufactures baked tofu, pressed tofu, fried tofu, and tofu strips.
111 West Elmyra Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: 323-221-4079
Will-Pak Foods, Inc. http://www.tasteadventure.com
Under the brand name Taste Adventure they produce a variety of vegan, preservative-free, almost instant soups, chiles, and refried beans. Their Quick Cuisine items include vegetarian side dishes such as Bombay Curry and Jambalaya.
3350 Shelby St., Suite 200, Ontario, CA 91764
Phone: 800-874-0883 or 909-945-4554
FAX: 909-899-7822
e-mail: taste-adv@earthlink.net
Zen Bakery http://www.zenbakery.com
Bakes a variety of rolls without sugar or honey. Fruit juice sweetened rolls include Whole Wheat Sesame and Cinnamon Raisin.
10988 Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Phone: 310-475-6727
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