In a country filled with fast-food drive thru's and half-pound burger appetites, is there any hope of filling our empty bellies with something, anything that is satisfying and tasty, yet healthy? The Veggie Grill is the answer to that question.  After giving a “marinated veggie protein blend” a try, you will be surprised to find you truly enjoy the answer!

The tasty Chipotle BBQ Sandwich

In the past, a soy substitute, tofu or veggie burger probably made you cringe, but three astute businessmen took a healthy idea and turned it on its head by taking the time to find some amazing tastes that will satisfy your taste buds as well as your hunger, while filling your body with truly healthy items, ranging from salads and soups, to sandwiches and desserts.

The Veggie Grill in El Segundo

The recipe for the Veggie Grill came from two businessmen, Kevin Boylan and T.K. Pillan. They were looking for a restaurant that allowed the customer to enjoy great tasting food, while at the same time making it healthy. Enter the third member of their party, Ray White.  He was the co-founder of Native Foods, a very successful vegan chain of restaurants, and was exactly who Boylan and Pillan were looking for to perfect the Veggie Grill menu. The ability to spare no expense, and the expertise in developing a menu, has brought their vision to life.

The success of The Veggie Grill had the official stamp put on by patrons when the restaurant won the Orange County Register’s “ Best New Restaurant in Orange County” award last year. Keep in mind that every type of restaurant was eligible, not just vegan or specialty restaurants, making this an even more impressive award.

The V-Burger

Most people, when looking for a sandwich, would likely go after some type of hamburger or chicken concoction, and The Veggie Grill has you covered in both areas.  At first, a veggie burger might not sound appetizing, but your opinion will change after your first bite of the V-burger. This marinated and grilled veggie-steak burger not only has the texture and feel of a hamburger, but the taste will leave you asking yourself, "how did they do that?" If you are looking for a little kick to your sandwich, get the Chipotle BBQ, if you are a fan of barbeque sauce, grills and lots of flavor, this is the sandwich for you.

None of these sandwiches contain animal products, trans-fats, cholesterol or other harmful ingredients that are present in a lot of food. The Veggie Grill also offers a wide-variety of "chicken" sandwiches, again combining great taste and that meat-like texture that will bring you so close a real chicken sandwich. The slight difference in texture equals a vast difference in healthiness.
 
If you are looking for something beyond sandwiches, no need to worry, the Veggie Grill has plenty of other options. A great way to start off your meal is one of their great soups. They change the soup on a daily basis, so as with everything on the menu, it's fresh. The varieties range from a hearty corn chowder, to chicken gumbo or chicken noodle. The other can’t miss on the menu is the Sweetheart Fries.  French fries' healthy brother, these sweet potato fries give you just hint of sweetness, while still giving that crisp and salty French fry flavor - don’t forget to dip them in The Veggie Grill’s tasty chipotle ranch sauce.

Delicious Carrot Cake and Cheesecake

Adding to the list of surprises at The Veggie Grill was the fabulous desserts. Desserts that are free of dairy, cholesterol and refined sugar, surely you are taking all of the fun out of dessert aren’t you?  Once again, The Veggie Grill shocked the tasted buds with a carrot cake that you would think was off of the most fattening menu in California.

In keeping with the theme of the menu, The Veggie Grill offers a splendid, flavorful and robust organic red wine, as well as organic beer to enjoy with your lunch or dinner.

The Veggie Grill recently opened its second location, at Plaza El Segundo, joining its flagship restaurant in Irvine in what is hopefully a continuing growth pattern. Both restaurants are eye-catching, clean and filled with incredible staffs that make sure you are well taken care of.

If your New Year’s resolution was to start creating a new and healthy body, The Veggie Grill should be on your list of places to start.

For more information, visit: www.veggiegrill.com

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