Whether you and your family have chosen to eat a plant-based diet for years, or you’re more of a meatless Mondays crew, you’ll be happy to know that San Diego is home to some of the best family-friendly vegan and vegetarian restaurants around. Check out these 7 plant based, kid-friendly eateries that will keep you and your mini-herbivores coming back for more vegan food.

El Avocado

Jennifer A. via Yelp

OMG -- is this really plant based? That's a common exclamation from customers at El Avocado in La Jolla. Menu options like a Philly Cheese Steak or Cold Cut Sammie get people every time. The answer is always a resounding, "yes!" While the eatery is all veggie, all the time, they pride themselves on being creative with vegetables and grains and imparting new flavors in old favorites. Can't make it to their shop? They'll meal prep for you. Meal prep includes four hot entrees, three large salads and one soup delivered weekly.

El Avocado
1025 Prospect St.
La Jolla, CA 92037
Online: elavocados.com

Plumeria

Thuong T. via Yelp

Plumeria in the heart of University Heights, makes the list as one of Yelp's top 100 inexpensive restaurants. With almost 2000 reviews, the restaurant has earned a close to perfect rating for its high-quality vegan and vegetarian food. Meat eaters and vegetarians alike pass out high marks for their flavor packed menu. From the fresh start appetizers to the sweet ending desserts, be ready to enjoy a satisfying meal from beginning to end. Beyond the tofu, they also offer an array of mock meats from chicken to duck that you can add to most dishes. Plumeria also opened a second restaurant in Encinitas if that's more your neck of the woods. Their spicy noodle dish is a must-try.

Plumeria
4661 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA

527 S Coast Hwy. 101
Encinitas, CA 92024

Online: myplumeria.com

PlantX

PlantX via Instagram

We've got big news, San Diegans! PlantX, a buzz-worthy Vancouver-based company touted the "Vegan Amazon" is opening its flagship store in San Diego. Plant-based dieters and health conscious foodies will have immediate access to more than 5,000 plant-based skus for sale through a contactless checkout system. Home delivery is an option for customers who choose to stay home and order online (remember, Vegan Amazon!).

Besides everyday groceries like vitamins, supplements, plant-based chocolate bars, groceries, packaged goods from plant-based brands, private-label products and more, the 4,515 square foot storefront in San Diego will also have a coffee shop, grab and go meals and a restaurant with plant-based options made by Los Angeles-based chef Gregg Drusinsky who is also the chef behind the Sakara Life plant-baed meal delivery service. 

Online: plantx.ca

Nectarine Grove

Ryan F via Yelp

It feels good to have nothing to hide! Nectarine Grove is a local Leucadia favorite that prides itself on cutting out the suspect ingredients so diners are left with meals free of gluten, refined sugars, corn or processed ingredients. The healthy eatery boasts a full list of vegetarian options for breakfast, lunch and dinner––everything from veggie fajita bowls to gluten free pancakes are available all day long. Additionally, their kids' menu doesn't just include a grilled cheese and fries, but a robust list of healthy, yummy food to satisfy and nourish your little one. Nectarine Grove is filled with healthy, delicious food that you'll feel good about feeding yourself and your family.

Note: Nectarine Grove also serves meat, so it's a good option if there are some carnivores in your dining party. If you prefer a 100% meat-free restaurant, see some of the other options on this list.

948 N. Coast Highway 101
Leucadia, CA
Online: nectarinegrove.com

EVE

Eve via Yelp

More than just a vegan restaurant, Eve in Encinitas is a gathering space to share food, stories and smiles with the community. Conversation had over one of their delicious buddha bowls or satisfying flatbreads nourishes both the body and soul. Oh, and one more thing. Kids eat free. Yup, you read that right. Kids eat free— every. single. day. Now that's what we call family-friendly!

575 S Coast Hwy. 101
Encinitas, CA 92024
Online: eveveganeats.com

Flower Child

Flower Child via Yelp

Peace, love and tofu! Flower Child in Del Mar serves healthy food that takes you to a happy place. By using fresh, local ingredients their menu appeals to anyone who is vegetarian, vegan, paleo or just plain hungry. In addition to their kids menu, they also offer family pack bundles. Order online for an easy take out option.

2690 Via De La Valle
Del Mar, CA 92014
858-314-6818
Online: iamaflowerchild.com

Plant Power Fast Food

Ciara T. via Yelp

Fast food gets a nutrient upgrade with this southern California chain. Kiddos still get to indulge in their favorite go-to selections like burgers, fries, chicken tenders and shakes but at Plant Power Fast Food those items are 99% GMO-free and made entirely without the use of animal products, artificial flavors, and served to you in biodegradable materials. Fast and feel good!

2204 Sunset Cliffs Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92107
Online: plantpowerfastfood.com

––Aimee Della Bitta

featured image via iStock

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On Jan. 24, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Adminitration issued a notice that fresh peaches, plums and nectarines have been recalled from Walmart, Costco, Aldi and several other grocers. The cartons of fruit have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. Representatives from Jac. Vandenburg Inc. of Yonkers, New York (the fruit supplier) did not immediately return Red Tricycle’s request for comment.

The recall includes 1,727 cartons of peaches, 1,207 cartons of nectarines and 365 cartons of plums in 18 states. Here’s what you need to know.

Photo: Valerie Hinojosa via Flickr.

Recall Description: Fresh Peaches, Nectarines & Plums

The current recall affects fresh peaches, nectarines and plums sold at Walmart, Costco, Aldi, Fairway Market, Hannaford and Market Basket stores in Alabama, California, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia and Virginia.

For a full list of which items were sold at specific grocers, visit the FDA’s website here.

Why the Fruit Was Recalled

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the packing house, which found certain products contained the bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes. Currently, there have been no reports of illnesses in connection with this recall.

How To Tell If Your Peaches, Nectarines or Plums are Recalled

The peaches and nectarines sold as a bulk retail produce item with PLU sticker #4044, 3035, 4378, showing the country of origin of Chile.

The peaches, nectarines and plums sold at ALDI are packaged in a 2-pound bag with the brand Rio Duero, EAN #7804650090281, 7804650090298, 7804650090304.

The nectarines sold at Costco are packaged in a 4-pound plastic clamshell with the brand Rio Duero, EAN#7804650090212.

Visit the FDA’s website for a full list of stores, states and product information.

What Parents Can Do

If you have have purchased fresh peaches, fresh nectarines and fresh plums included in the recall you can return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Jac. Vandenburg Inc. at compliance@jacvandenberg.com with any questions.

––Karly Wood

 

RELATED STORIES

Recall Alert: Whole Foods Recalls Prepared Foods Made with Spinach

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One of the latest contenders to arrive at Seattle’s growing doughnut scene is General Porpoise in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Open for just a short time, this eatery is already becoming a number one stop for custard filled doughnuts and a tasty cup of joe. Put aside those “eat healthier” resolutions (if you haven’t already) and read on for the delish deets.

photo: Natalia Dotto Photography

Curds, Custards and Creams. Oh my!
Before you grab the Littles and run out to taste one of these delicacies, you should know there are no fluorescent pink-iced or sprinkle covered doughnuts to be found in the case here. General Porpoise doughnuts are delicate clouds of fried dough, slathered with sugar and filled with jams, creams, custards and curds made fresh with LFdA farm eggs. Vanilla custard (one of our favorites!), chocolate marshmallow and lemon curd are mainstays along with a couple of rotating seasonal fillings (think peaches and cream, plum jam and white nectarine jam), depending on the day and what local purveyors provide.

photo: Natalia Dotto Photography

What’s likely to catch your small fry’s attention is the eye level case of several dozen sugar-laden doughnuts, the hot pink espresso maker, that ever so sweet blue porpoise on the cups of steamed milk, lattes and Americanos and the absolute deliciousness of the entire tiny cafe. Little legs will need a boost to get into the tall bar seats at the garage-style front window, but they will be able to peer outside while devouring doughnuts and licking sugar covered lips and fingertips.

photo: Natalia Dotto Photography

Get ‘Em Before They’re Gone
General Porpoise pastry chef, Clare Gordon, fries up dozens and dozens (and dozens!) of doughnuts every day, hoping to have enough to last until at least 2 p.m.; they close at 3 p.m.. For parents who need a little more fuel than the high-octane of an Americano, General Porpoise has a fridge with bubbles and wine.

photo: Natalia Dotto Photography

Work off the Sugar High
After you and your crew have devoured your share of doughnuts, walk off the sugar overload with a stroll to Cal Anderson Park, less than a half mile away on 10th Ave. This park has plenty of paths to run, walk or scoot along, a children’s play area, a number of oversize chess boards and plenty of space to run off the crazies.

Good to Know
Doughnuts are available for pre-order. Give them a ring and 10 freshly made doughnuts, chef’s choice, will be ready for pick up. Note: fillings vary day-to-day, but they will try to accommodate tastes depending on what’s available. The latest in Renee Erickson’s food empire, General Porpoise sits on East Union St. next to two more of her popular (and super tasty!) restaurants, Bar Melusine and Bateau.

General Porpoise
1060 E. Union St.
Seattle, Wa 98122
206-900-8770
Online: gpdoughnuts.com
Open: Daily, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Have you been to General Porpoise? What’s your favorite flavor? Dish in the Comments below!

— Natalia Dotto

Whether you call it a macaron or a macaroon, you don’t have to fly all the way to Paris to indulge in this latest French desert trend. Located in Kirkland, Lady Yum serves up a colorful assortment of macarons in crowd-pleasing flavors like chocolate, strawberry and mint chocolate chip along with more unusual pairings like mango-habanero and maple-bacon. But the macarons are not the only showstoppers on the menu. Read on for the sweet details.

photo: Danielle Fernandez

The Story Behind the Business
Starting off as a custom dessert business out of her home kitchen, owner Megan Gordon made her dream come true. Thanks to hard work, a knack for perfecting a difficult cookie, and a clever Kickstarter campaign, Megan was able to expand her business to a new store front in the heart of downtown Kirkland, where her perfect macarons are now available to the masses.

photo: Danielle Fernandez

Take ‘Em or Leave ‘Em
Perfect for an afternoon date with your l’enfant, Lady Yum serves up several kid-friendly macaron flavors; chocolate, s’mores, PB&J, strawberry and mint chocolate chip are just a few of the more popular choices amongst the younger crowd. Take the fun a bit further in your afternoon adventure and treat the minis to a “Sophia” – sparkling cider or water served up in a tiny wine glass. What could be more fun than eating fancy cookies and drinking from a special glass? Better yet, Lady Yum is just begging for you to take your friends here for an opulent Moms Night Out. Catch up with friends over a generous pour of champagne and these perfectly airy macarons (make sure to try the salted caramel and pear ginger cardamom) amongst the historic brick and warm glow of beautiful chandeliers. Bring the kids home a box of macarons and everyone is a winner!

photo: Danielle Fernandez

Wake Up Your Tastebuds
While macarons are the star of the show, Lady Yum also serves up one of the hottest new beverage crazes, Shrubs. This refreshing cocktail of flavored sipping vinegars made by local company Sweet Carolines and champagne (or sparkling water) is the perfect  pairing with sweet macarons. Pick from flavors such as Nectarine White Balsamic Vanilla, Fig and Honey or Rhubarb Ginger Peppercorn. Sounds weird, but it’s an absolutely perfect combination of sweet and tangy topped off with bubbles!

photo: Danielle Fernandez

Keepin’ It Local
Gordon is all about supporting her fellow local entrepreneurs and the small business community that surrounds her. All products in her store (with the exception of some wines) are sourced from either Washington or Oregon. Gordon even utilizes her featured local products in many of her macaron flavors. Psst… Look for local artisan treats such as jams, caramels, and toffee lining the store’s shelves.

Beyond Macaroons
While Lady Yum is working on creating new savory macaron flavors (think Smoked Salmon & Sesame, Red Pepper & Goat Cheese and Fig & Bleu Cheese) there are other options available on the menu if you want some nourishment to go with your sweet and bubbly. Try a mini quiche from WaWa Cakes, or a salad from Molly’s to complete your afternoon voyage to Paris er Kirkland. You will also find more than just macarons to satisfy your sweet tooth; holiday-themed treats of cake pops and cookies as well as chocolate covered marshmallows are often available.

photo: Lady Yum Instagram Page

Treats All Week
Need a mid-week pick-me-up? Tuesdays are all you can drink champagne and shrubs for $15. This gives you plenty of opportunity to try all of those unique flavor combinations. Or come in for a free macaron on Thursdays when you purchase a glass of wine or champagne. Check out Lady Yum’s Facebook page for more reasons to indulge.

Spread the Yum
Don’t have time to stay? Lady Yum offers many options of beautifully packaged macaron boxes to take home, or wine “to go.” Be the biggest hit at your next tailgate with the 12th Man vanilla bean macaron or make your child’s party the talk of the neighborhood by having Lady Yum create a custom dessert table. Check out Lady Yum’s website for all the delish details.

Lady Yum
111 Lake St.
Kirkland, Wa 98033
425-285-9628
Online: ladyyum.com or on Facebook

Hours: Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Closed Mon.

Already been to Lady Yum? What’s your favorite item on the menu? Have an idea for a fabulous macaron flavor? Indulge us with a comment below.

—Danielle Fernandez