Vegan Sunday Suppers and Carnivorous Comforts at Willie Jane (Venice, CA)

Los Angeles vegans rejoice, Willie Jane has started a 3-course Meatless Sunday Suppers for $26 pp. Chef Govind Armstrong does have vegetables and herbs growing at the urban farm next door, Cook's Garden, so you can imagine how delicious and fresh his vegetables will be.

I tried out the vegan supper one night, and dinner started with a Hearts of Palm and Vegetable "Crab" Cake, miso remoulade, edamame hummus

This was vegan? Chef Armstrong got the flavors and textures of crab cakes right on point with the hearts of palm. I couldn't even tell it was vegan, and it was in fact better than most crab cakes I've had!

Many people love Govind Armstrong's shrimp and grits. At least for the entree, you can try his grits. The entree is a plate of Anson Mills grits with romanesco cauliflower, "chorizo" aioli, cabbage chip

It's hearty full of flavor - you won't be missing the meat with the mushrooms around in this dish.


The dessert is small and light, a cup of Basmati rice pudding, Fuji apples, Thai basil

Don't miss the cocktails here as well. I enjoyed the seasonal Jou Jou (Laird's Applejack, pumpkin, apple tarragon shrub ($12), but there are other cocktails named by their flavor profile, like "Tart" or "Smoke."

As you well know, I'm not vegan, so even though I came for the vegan supper, I can't help but try some of their other stuff, like the famous Buttermilk Biscuit with burnt orange butter. So buttery and fluffy!

Mac n Cheese with bacon and breadcrumbs

I came for brunch here as well. The smaller brunch menu includes fresh vegetable salads and heartier dishes like this shrimp and grits with scrambled eggs and bacon.

The perfect Southern breakfast?

I loved their amalgamation of Southern desserts in the sweet potato-chocolate-pecan pie. I love all three things, so why not combine them?

Don't get scared off by Willie Jane's "southern food" status, they have plenty of options for those of you who are vegans, or just want to eat a lighter fare. Of course, it's also perfect if you want to indulge.

Disclaimer: The vegan supper was comp'd by the restaurant, but we paid for the brunch ourselves.

Willie Jane
1031 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 392-2425
http://www.williejane.com/