M Cafe, Culver City

When my mom saw my first post on M Cafe (here) she demanded I take her there on her next visit to LA. We saw a peek of sunshine last week and jumped at the chance to leave the house - looks like the rain hasn't come back since. Phew!








Tuna Tataki - organic mixed greens, avocado, daikon sprouts, pickled lotus root, citrus-soy marinated grilled tuna, wasabi mayo, ponzu dressing

Organic Fries - house made "macro ketchup" *I DIE*

Pumpkin Soup + Panino Margarita

Panino Margarita - fresh tomato, soy mozzarella, basil-almond pesto, house baked focaccia

Chocolate Cupcake

...I prefer other places for a cupcake fix ;)

Seed Kitchen

Not that I'm on a macrobiotic kick or anything, but I happened to try another cafe serving the "M" food: Seed Kitchen. Located just upon the main Venice Beach entrance, Seed Kitchen is based around the notion that the food we eat provides the beginnings of a vibrant, flourishing life - just like a seed does for a plant. With that being said, Seed Kitchen focuses on ecological sustainability: no microwaves, no non-stick pans, biodegradable packaging, etc. The simplicity of the place keeps the vibe very fresh and uplifting. I really enjoyed it!

My friend and I shared both the sandwich and the salad... The salad was great; the fried tempeh cubes do a lot for the flavor and texture of the chop-chop. The soysage panini is obviously a "sausage" substitute sandwich. I'm not going to say, "It tastes exactly like sausage guys!" because we all know it really doesn't... BUT it was a filling and satisfying panini keeping in mind that is of the "M" kind ;) Also, soy cheese isn't my favorite... but it's all good. To end on a good note, the pesto added just the right kick to the mix!

Seed Chop-Chop

[romaine, red cabbage, cucumber, carrots, tomatoes, tempeh, ume-ranch dressing]

Italian Soysage Panini

[Italian soysage, roasted red peppers, arugula, vegan soy cheese, pesto]

Mmmm! M.CAFE

So I tried a new "cuisine" if you will: the macrobiotic cuisine. Macro-bye-what-ic?

Yes, I went to M Cafe in downtown Culver City and had a balanced, nutritious meal that consisted of no refined sugars, eggs, dairy, red meat or poultry. And the best part is, I ENJOYED it! That's some creative cooking right there...

M Cafe prides itself in contemporary macrobiotic cuisine that is popular with the likes of Gwyneth Paltro and Madonna. Honestly though, it's not even about what the celebs are doing... Don't think: fad diet, think more: a lifestyle. It's about whole, natural foods that we put in our body to give us positive energy as fuel. I read a bit on macrobiotics and it is not to be confused with a raw-foods diet.

My friend Claudia and I spent the afternoon under the lemon yellow awnings that shaded the outdoor customers on such a bright, sunny day. The light wood interiors kept the inside looking cheerful, vivid and fresh - just like the food! Soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, sushi and more are prepared in the culinary styles of a few different nations. Comfortable and familiar textures are used so don't worry about that silly stuff. I say, if you want to stay well, look good and live long, experience the healthy world of macrobiotic cuisine! For me, it was a nice change and I want to go back and try other things on the menu. But I will go home and bake afterwards ;)

Can you spot my bangin' brunette date? She has bangs, ok!

Hummus & Falafel Wrap w/ Scarlet Quinoa

California Club