Quick Eats!

Babalou's Mediterranean
Walnut Creek
1645 Bonanza St
http://www.babalous.com/

This place is wonderful for many reasons. First, and most importantly, the food is magnificent. Portions are generous but not insane. The pita bread comes warm and toasted, and the falafel are to die for. They are also incredibly flexible, allowing you to substitute any of the side dishes for each other. I was delighted when they told me that all of the side dish items are vegan, and made fresh daily. I hadn't even asked. He just offered the information! They have tons of options to choose from, so I don't feel marginalized as a vegan. Finally the staff are amazing. They are so friendly, and accommodating, and they treat everyone like a regular. I always feel so welcome when I come here. Please give this place your business. You won't want to go anywhere else after you've eaten here!  

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill

http://www.bajafresh.com/ 

One of the greatest challenges of being vegan is finding quick, delicious food that is not a side salad. Baja Fresh is now one of my go to places. I have always loved their nachos. Now I just get them without the cheese and add one or more salsas from the fresh salsa bar, and voila! An awesome lunch that leaves me feeling satisfied. I also love their grilled vegetable burrito (again without cheese) which they fill with a ton of good veggies.  An added bonus, they actually take money off the price of your order when you ask for no cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and meat.

Chipotlé
www.chipotle.com 

God, I love this place. I have loved this place since I was introduced to it in college. I have eaten there almost weekly since I discovered it six years ago. When in Denver, my only request was to make a pilgrimage to the original Chipotlé location. Chipotlé should pay me for all the good press I give them. But, this place is even more magnificent now that I’m vegan. It is quick, delicious, and filling. I prefer the burrito bowl, but I’ve tried burritos, soft and crispy tacos with corn and flour tortillas. They are all delicious. So here’s what you need to know about Chipotlé: the tortiallas are vegan, corn and flour; the rice is vegan; the black beans are vegan, the pinto beans are not; the sautéed veggies are vegan; all of the salsas and the guacamole are vegan. So now that you know your options, you can mix and match to your heart’s desire. Thank you Chipotlé for being so good to the vegan population!