6:23 PDT, Tuesday January 6, 2009

Notes from LA

“It’s a great place to live, but I wouldn’t want to visit there.” —Will Rogers

Vegan fried chicken in CD1?

You still can’t find vegan Kung Pao in Chinatown, but Doomie’s menu of “classic American diner fare” is, ironically, a better welcomed addition to the neighborhood. After all, vegan Chinese options abound just a short drive east on the 10, while the nearest restaurant offering good chicken fried seitan is way out in the west Valley.

With menu options ranging from burgers to chicken alfredo; French onion soup to country fried steak with gravy, Doomie’s offers what I view as a coming trend in the evolution of vegan dining; no-compromise, cruelty-free food, sans the promises of divine health and spiritual enlightenment. This is, put simply, delicious food that’ll leave you ready for a nap.

Thanks to El Chavo at LA Eastside for the tip. Doomie’s is located upstairs at Roberto’s Club — 686 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.