A few nights ago Kyle and I went to dinner with another couple at Rustic Canyon. It’s less than a hundred steps from our apartment.
I did what I usually do when I’m going to be dining with others at a non-vegan restaurant and called ahead of time to make sure (a) they were able to accommodate my diet, (b) the chef was aware of what veganism is, and (c) the staff was comfortable in helping me navigate the menu. This may seem annoying or impolite, but if you approach it the right way, it’s way more helpful than hurtful. Sure, I’d like to think most chefs know what veganism entails, but not all restaurants are as enlightened. Plus it’s just as important that the waiters and waitresses know what’s in every dish because hidden sources of beef stock and butter are not uncommon.
I’ve found as long as I assume others are in-the-know and steer clear of sounding condescending, calling in advance is beneficial for everyone.
Rustic Canyon was no exception. They assured me that several items on the menu could be veganized and the staff was very knowledgeable about such matters. Easy as that!
So back to the dinner.
Rustic Canyon is the sister restaurant to one of my favorite brunch spots, Huckleberry, and Sweet Rose Creamery, another Santa Monica hot spot.
Similar to Huckleberry, it has a cozy feel which makes it a true local gem. Even though we had only been for drinks before, we still consider it our neighborhood restaurant and wine bar.
The concept is farm to table, with a daily menu that changes based on what’s in seasons and fresh. The restaurant prides itself for it’s farmer’s market-inspired dishes with ingredients that come from local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen who practice sustainable agriculture.
And since it’s also a wine bar, all of the food is made and plated with sharing and paring in mind.
You can read all about how the restaurant came to be and the back story to the name on their website, but suffice it to say, the focus is on celebrating the best things in life: great food, great wine, and great people.
We started with a Pinot Noir that was honestly one of the best wines I’ve had in a while. It was flavorful but still neutral enough to go with all our dishes.
When it came time to order, I informed the waitress that I was vegan and asked for her help in navigating the menu. She had plenty of recommendations and I happily chose two small plates for my meal.
I started with the Coleman Farms Lettuces with pickled shallots and mustard-vinaigrette (minus the parmigiano-reggiano).
If I’m being perfectly honest, it was semi-boring. The greens were perfection and the dressing was good, but it needed more than that to be anything other than just a salad.
Kyle got the Butternut Squash Soup with roasted apples and sage. He loved it.
Greg got the Flora Bella Arugula Salad with walnuts, red onions, lemon, and parmigiano-reggiano.
Hadley got the Roasted Beets Salad with Valencia oranges, shaved fennel, green olives, Drake Farms goat cheese, mint, and pistachios. This was the dish I almost got (sans goat cheese). I love beets and it looked pretty tasty!
For our main courses…
I got the Sprouting Broccoli with garlic and pickled chilies (minus the pecorino-romano).
It was salty, spicy and buttery all in one. It was probably the best way I’ve ever eaten broccoli.
I had to drink lots of water in between each bite because the chilies had a serious kick, but I loved them. Unfortunately, the garlic stayed with me all night long. Bummer. At least my GI system was cool with the meal though.
Kyle got the Half Jidori Chicken with soft polenta, wild mushrooms, and marsala. He liked it at the time, but he said his stomach felt a bit iffy afterwards. It may be because he rarely eats meat anymore, but who knows.
Greg got the Whole Roasted Trout with heirloom spinach, capers, currants, pine nuts, chilies, and breadcrumbs.
Impressive presentation much!
Like me, Hadley got another small plate for her main course too – the Local Prawns with garlic, rosemary, and lemon.
And finally, dessert. We shared them as a table.
The non-vegan choice was Cranberry Orange Sorbet. Holy wow this was good. More tangy than sweet. Mmmm…
And the Chocolate Caramel Layer Cake with candied almonds, fleur de sel, and whipped cream.
It was such a great night – I will certainly be back for more of their farm fresh eats – and not just because we live three feet away.
Have you ever called a restaurant ahead of time to ask about the menu? I’ve always found it to be helpful, but if you’ve been given a hard time I’d love to hear about how you handled it.
Ive never even thought to call ahead. Although i dont usually go to restaurants, i prefer to make my own meals. But i could see how it would be beneficial. Im jealous of some of the interesting restaurants and foods you have had though!
That meal looks great, especially your broccoli dish. I have the same problem with garlic- it stays with me for at least 4 hours after I ingest it! What is that about?
I think we are both lucky living in relatively big cities, restaurants are usually prepared to accommodate a large range of dietary preferences/needs!
Thanks for the review and if I am ever up there, I know I could visit you and Rustic Canyon within a 3 block radius 🙂
one day i will actually make it here!
I’ve never called ahead to ask about the menu, but once i am there I sure ask a lot of questions, and do a lot of google-ing prior to my trip! I’m loving that a lot of places are offering their nutrition information and so many healthy options… finally 🙂
I had to get up halfway through the post and roast my beets! Sounds like a great night.
That restaurant looks awesome! I’ve never called ahead, but that’s a great idea. I do, however, always look at the menu beforehand, which is super easy now that I have an iPhone.
I’ve called ahead to restaurants a number of times to make sure they would be able to accommodate my vegan diet. And i’ve never run into any problems. The staff is always quick to find meals and substitutions that fit my needs.
I’ve found that as long as you make it sound like you’re calling ahead for THEIR benefit (to save them trouble and frustration when you’re at the restaurant) they don’t take offense to it at all. 🙂
Looks like you managed to get a delicious meal!
The owners of Rustic Canyon, et al. just opened another place near 26th & Wilshire – http://www.miloandolive.com/ – not sure of the vegan options, but the food is phenomenal and since Huckleberry and Rustic Canyon are vegan-friendly, I’m sure Milo + Olive can make it happen too
i recently heard about milo and olive. i think its italian though…not generally my #1 choice, but since its the same restaurant group im sure its great. thanks jenny!
exactly. its all about how you approach it.
If I know where we’re going ahead of time I always call ahead. It saves some time and frustration at the table, particularly if it’s a weekend evening and things are busy. Luckily my boyfriend is adventurous so we try a lot of vegan restaurants, and our friends are pretty conscious of what I do and don’t eat. They always ask if there’s at least one thing I can eat!
im pretty much in the same boat w regards to dam and friends being conscious of where i can eat (well). and kyle is very into vegan dining as well, so thats helpful.
this dinner was with a couple that i had never met, but they were foodies so it all worked out.
pretty annoying, huh? i rarely opt for onions and garlic but when you are dining out they are in just about everything.
youre right though, im pretty lucky with the dining options in LA – and specifically santa monica.
ive heard they have *THE* best burger.
congrats on the new iphone! i just got one too – any good foodie apps you can recommend??
I haven’t explored the app store too much, but I’m a big Yelper, so I have the Yelp app, and I also have Alfred which recommends restaurants based on previous places you’ve been to and liked. It’s worked for me so far!
cool. ill have to check out alfred (what a funny name?!?)
Merry Edwards is known for their Pinot Noirs. I have never tried one that wasn’t sensational! I am incredibly jealous and my mouth is watery for a glass
Menupages has saved me any number of times- the search by cuisine/neighborhood/etc is amazing