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A California Road Trip with Kids: 2-Weeks Itinerary

February 7, 2018

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USA had never really featured high on my travel bucket list. So, when we started planning our recent trip to California to meet family, I wasn’t really that excited. Till I started planning that is, and realized how much the state has to offer.

What started off as a meet-the-family trip, escalated into an amazing road trip across California that eventually included cityscapes, iconic attractions, lake, mountain, forest, and even an amusement park. Add to that the lovely weather, snowfall in summer and delicious plant-based food, and it readily became a cherished memory.

Planning the Trip

When it comes to an expanse as vast and vibrant as California, it is wisest to try not to cram everything into two short weeks. So, we picked and we chose, which wasn’t an easy task at all. After spending days trying to zone in on the most desirable places and experiences, we decided on the 2 top cities, a lake town and a National Park. So, San Francisco to Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park to Los Angeles it was!

Once we had the cities down, the planning started in earnest. Between booking a car (read van big enough to accommodate 4 adults and 5 kids), booking Airbnb apartments, realising that 3 months prior to the travel was too late to find accommodation within Yosemite National Park and finding out that part of the Pacific Coastal Highway would be closed during our trip, we managed to chalk an itinerary and most importantly, book our flights.

If you’re flying into the West Coast of USA, chances are you’ll fly into San Francisco or Los Angeles. We opted for a direct flight to SFO to make the long journey just a wee bit less painful. Before we knew it, we were on the way to sunny California.

Days 1-5: San Francisco and the Pacific Coastal Highway

View of the Bay Area from Twin Peaks

Walking on the Golden Gate Bridge

Settle in and give yourself and the kids some time to adjust to the jet lag.

We covered quite a bit in San Fran. I was seriously surprised at how much the city has to offer besides the Golden Gate Bridge – chic neighbourhoods, picture perfect streets, museums and art galleries galore, beautiful parks and gorgeous views from just about any corner. You could happily spend a week here but you probably want to see the rest of California, so 4-5 days are enough to cover the city well. In fact, check out our article for a 4-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for San Francisco for details. And if you’re vegetarian here are the 11 Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in San Francisco.

Some of our most favourite experiences in San Francisco were:

Taking in spectacular views of the sprawling Bay Area from Twin Peaks
Enjoying the gorgeous views at Lands End
Walking on the Golden Gate Bridge
Walking along the waterfront & the piers
Watching the Sea-Lions at Pier 39
Gorging on an amazing vegetarian Cauliflower Burger at Hard Rock Café
Walking up and down Lombard Street

On Day 4, Visit Land’s End and drive along the scenic Pacific Coastal Highway

Gorgeous Views at Lands End

Yes, this while still staying in SF. Instead of doing the whole long PCH drive which most people do, we drove to just Santa Cruz and back in a day (because of road closures before and after the Carmel area).

If you cannot do the entire stretch because of kids or other circumstances, you should still enjoy driving along the Pacific Coastal Highway for the breath-taking views of the blue waters and the Californian coastline. Start your day by driving to Land’s End for some great views and then continue on the Pacific Coastal Highway to enjoy the scenic drive.

: Just about any street is clickable

: Walking along the Waterfront and the Piers

: Sealions at Pier 39

: The world famous San Francisco Cable Car

: View from the bottom of Lombard Street

: Ghirardelli Square

: Majestic Redwood Trees at Muir Woods

Above: A slideshow of some of our favourite experiences and attractions in San Francisco.

Days 6-8: South Lake Tahoe

The shimmering silver waters of Fallen Leaf Lake

‘Just a waterfall’ by the road

The Drive from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe can take 3.5 to 4 hours, so do start right after breakfast on Day 6. Also, try not to take more than 1 pit stop on the way. If you’re travelling with kids, discipline is key here, else you’ll just waste the entire day on the road (yup, 4 stops and lesson learnt for the next drives). As you approach Tahoe, the drive gets more and more beautiful, so also factor in some time to stop for some photo-ops.

Tahoe is better known as a winter destination, but summer here promises beaches with clear blue waters, ridiculously beautiful lake and mountain views, and a chance to have a couple of laid-back days minus the crowds. Then there is the nightlife, the shopping, the casinos and the spas.

With 2 full days to explore Tahoe, hit Emerald Bay State Park, Pope Beach, Taylor Creek and Fallen Leaf Lake. We enjoyed our trek to Vikingsholm, located at the base of Eagle Falls in Emerald Bay. Built in 1928, by a possibly eccentric millionairess, the mansion is a popular tourist attraction thanks to its scenic location. Word of warning: You might end up carrying a kid or two on the uphill hike back.

In the evenings, explore Heavenly Village with its boutiques and eateries. We enjoyed a wonderful vegetarian meal at Blue Angel Café, a very popular dining spot with the locals. The café is just a few minutes’ drive away from Heavenly Village. For the veg foodies, here are South Lake Tahoe, California: 5 Best Vegetarian & Vegan-Friendly Restaurants.

: Vikingsholm

: The stunning location of Vikingsholm

: We flipped a coin, hubby got to carry the 2-year-old, I got the 6-year-old

: Enjoying the ‘summer’ chill at Pope Beach

Above: A slideshow of some of our favourite experiences in South Lake Tahoe.

Day 9: Drive from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park

Driving along enjoying the views

Onwards to Yosemite! The incredibly scenic drive from South Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park is around 4 hours, but as we all know, a 4-hour-drive with kids is actually 6-7 hours on the road (factoring in meal stops). On the way to Yosemite, you can enjoy Tuolumne Meadows if you have the inclination and the time.

Tip: Make sure you get dinner on the way before you enter Yosemite Valley, especially if you’re not staying within the park.

Days 10-11: Yosemite National Park

The best seat in the house to get a bird's-eye view of Yosemite National Park

The best seat at Glacier Point to get a bird’s-eye view of Yosemite National Park

This is what he’s looking onto (just in case you were wondering)

Yosemite National Park is known for its waterfalls, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias and a vast wilderness area. The kids though, were most excited about the possibility of seeing a bear – unfortunately, we didn’t get to see one.

We started our first day in Yosemite by taking the Glacier Point Tour (a four-hour tour to Glacier Point and back) – highly recommended as you get to learn a lot about the history and ecology of the park. The views from Glacier Point are breathtakingly magical. On the way back, the bus stops at Tunnel View, which is a mandatory stop if you want to enjoy sweeping vistas of the park. The viewpoint affords you views of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall.

Take the morning tour, so that you can be back by lunch. We lunched at the café next to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Centre, followed by a walk along the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail. Part of North America’s tallest waterfall, Lower Yosemite Fall is the final 320-foot (98-meter) drop. The walk is short and easy (around 30 minutes) and rewards with spectacular views of both Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls. The evening was spent driving around the valley floor, exploring meadows and getting hundreds of pictures. Tip: Please don’t walk on the grass. The next day, you can also go to Mirror Lake and Tuolumne Meadows or just spend more time on the valley floor.

Bridalveil Fall

Must-visit in Yosemite is Bridalveil Fall. This is often the first waterfall you’ll see when entering Yosemite Valley – so you can stop here when you’re entering the park, saving you a drive later on. Plunging 620 feet (189 meters), the fall affords you majestic views. This was a favourite spot with the kids, thanks to the mist flying around.

Yosemite National Park is very popular for adventure-lovers – think hiking, biking, camping, rock-climbing – but if you have young kids, don’t let that deter you from visiting. Yosemite is among the most beautiful places I have even been to. No wonder it consistently features as one of the top destinations in West USA. We hope to return here when the kids are older, after all, there’s always next time for the adventure.

Tip: If you want to stay within the park, you will have to book your accommodation at least 6 months in advance, preferably more. Check the NPS website for information about Yosemite National Park (weather conditions, road closures etc).

Above: Slideshow of some of our favourite views in Yosemite.

Day 12: Drive from Yosemite National Park to Los Angeles

The drive from Yosemite National Park to West hollywood is around 5 hours. So you won’t really be doing much else on the day, especially if you’re travelling with kids.

Days 13–16: Los Angeles, West Hollywood and Disneyland

Enjoy breathtaking views of Los Angeles from Griffith Observatory

See the Iconic Hollywood Sign from Griffith

When you think of Los Angeles, you think of style, swagger, glamour and celebrities. What you probably don’t think of are the words ‘child-friendly’ or ‘family-friendly’. But truth be told, LA is a diverse city with something to offer everyone. The entertainment capital of the world is bustling with museums, aquariums, beaches and a whole lot of other stuff for well-rounded family fun.

We based ourselves in West Hollywood (WeHo) and I highly recommend that you do too. It is central, close to Hollywood & Beverly Hills and a destination on its own. It is home to the legendary Sunset Strip and the West Hollywood Design District is urbane, chic and worth a visit. Spend 2 days in West Hollywood and then head to Anaheim for the next 2, so you can maximise your time in Disneyland.

Some of our favourite things to do in West Hollywood and Los Angeles, with the little ones in tow, were:

Catching the sunset from Griffith Observatory
Walking with the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Family beach fun at Venice Beach followed by a stroll around Venice Canals Walkway
Getting a feel of the good life at Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive
Walking along Sunset Strip and visiting an American diner
And of course, spending two very exciting and happy days at Disneyland

Once again, there’s a lot to do in the LA area, so, for details check out West Hollywood and Los Angeles with Kids: Top 6 Things for Well-rounded Family Fun. For the foodies, here are the 11 Top Restaurants in Los Angeles for Vegetarian & Vegan Dining.

: Beverly Hills – Home to the rich and famous

: Welcome to Rodeo Drive – The epicentre of luxury, fashion and style

: Getting a feel of the luxury at Rodeo Drive

: Family beach fun at Venice Beach

: Venice Canals Walkway at Dusk

: Twinkle Twinkle Tinseltown – The twinkling lights of LA below

: Everything LA at Hollywood Experience Store

: Fun for the whole family on Hollywood Walk of Fame

: The sun setting over Venice Beach

Above: Our favourite times in Los Angeles

So, while the trip is over the fun memories linger on. We took it a step further though, as we flew to New York City from Los Angeles. But more on that, later. For now, enjoy California!

South Lake Tahoe, California: 5 Best Vegetarian & Vegan-Friendly Restaurants

February 7, 2018

Vegetarian and vegan restaurants South Lake Tahoe

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An activity hub and tourist magnet, South Lake Tahoe is a few hours’ drive from San Francisco. The alpine lake town is a place with winter sports, water sports, bike trails and a vibrant night life with about 300 days of sunshine per year. A great place with easy access to Heavenly Village, the ski destination attracts tourists from far and wide. In a destination with so much foot fall, there are bound to be people in search of good, vegetarian food. And South Lake Tahoe doesn’t disappoint, with ample places offering vegetarian and vegan meal choices. Here are 5 Best Restaurants in South Lake Tahoe, for Great Vegan and Vegetarian Meals, that find favour with food lovers. (And if you’re on a Californian Trip and visiting San Francisco and Los Angeles, we’ve got you covered there too with 11 Top Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in San Francisco and 11 Veg Eats in Los Angeles.

1. Blue Angel Café

Sesame Kale Salad (Image credit: Blue Angel Cafe’s website)

Blue Angel Café does amazing international cuisine with a laid-back vibe. Highly recommended here is the Coconut Crusted Tofu (US$ 11.50) that is apparently light and crispy on the outside, silky on the inside and comes with a sweet and hot sauce. However, I do not like Tofu, so I went for the vegan & gluten free Sesame Kale Salad, which was extremely good. Blue Angel is famous for massaging their Kale, which breaks up the cell structure and releases glorious nutrients. The salad is tossed with shredded carrots, toasted almonds, cauliflower & cranberries, ginger & toasted-sesame dressing. We also tried the Thai Curry (US$ 15), which again is vegan & gluten free, and is, interestingly, served with quinoa – delicious! The Fresh Mozzarella Sandwich (with Buffalo mozzarella, avocado, lettuce & sun-dried tomato pesto spread on a fresh, warm baguette) was a bit dry and rated average. The kids enjoyed the Marinara Pasta from the Kids’ Menu which was lapped up fast enough.

Blue Angel Cafe: 1132 Ski Run Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. P: +1 (530) 544-6544

2. Sprouts Natural Foods Café

Tempeh Burger (Image credit: Sprouts Cafe’s Website)

If fresh, clean, organic and wholesome is your thing, Sprouts Café is your kind of place. It has one of the best fresh juices around. Though the place is not strictly vegetarian, they have great options for those looking for vegetarian food. Their Tempeh Burger (US$ 8.95, with toppings like melted Monterey Jack cheese, crunchy vegetables, sprouts, avocado, sunflower seeds and stone-ground mustard) is highly recommended, as are the Ugly Gooey Excellent Nachos (US$ 9.25). The portions are generous and so are the flavours. Give the Blueberry Smoothie (US$ 5.50) a go and you won’t regret it. Be ready to wait in line for a place during rush hours on weekends or holidays.

Sprouts Café: 3123 Harrison Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. P: +1 (530) 541-6969

Also Read: 11 Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in San Francisco
Also Read: 11 Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in Los Angeles

3. Cold Water Brewery and Grill

Cold Water Brewery and Grill boasts of freshly brewed, hand crafted, all grain beer with delicious comfort food. A wonderful place to hang out with your meat loving friends, it will spoil even the choosiest vegetarian with variety and sumptuousness. Catch a game while you enjoy fresh beer in the jovial vibe of the place. Don’t forget to order their yummy Pretzel Bites (US$7.50, Served with Cheddar Beer Fondue). Tuck in the Veggie Rice Bowl (US$ 15, Wild Rice, Bell Pepper, Broccoli, Carrot, Cashew, Jicama, Mushroom) or the creative Green Grape Salad (Almond, Apple, Bacon, Brussel Sprout, Cranberry, Ricotta, Turnip, Green Grape Vinaigrette) for a delicious meal.

Cold Water Brewery and Grill: 2544 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.

4. Base Camp Pizza

(Image credit: Base Camp Pizza’s Facebook Page)

Doesn’t this picture just make you drool? Located at the base of the picturesque Heavenly Ski Resort, Base Camp Pizza is the hub for pizza lovers. Their Fire Roasted Medley and Pear & Gorgonzola are popular pizza choices or go for the Pear and Walnut Salad for a healthier meal. All of their pizzas can be made Gluten-Free. Remember to drop by way before you are hungry as the wait times can be quite long.

Base Camp Pizza: 1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.

5. Azul Latin Kitchen

Another gem in Heavenly Village, Azul Latin Kitchen is a sister concern of Base Camp Pizza Co. Everything here is light, fresh and healthy with a variety of Mexican and South and Central American dishes on offer. All produce used is local and organic, wherever possible, and their drinks use fresh juices instead of ready-mixes. They also prepare gluten-free food on order. They do a wonderful Quinoa Kale Salad (US$ 13.5) and delicious Azul Burrito Bowl (US$16.5). With wonderfully attentive waiting staff, the food experience here is very special.

Azul Latin Kitchen: 1001 Heavenly Village Way, Ste 4, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.

Singapore to LA: 11 Top Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Los Angeles

October 15, 2017

Kelp Noodle Cacio E Pepe at Plant Food + Wine

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When you think of Los Angeles, you think of glamour, fashion and all things style. Add to that the vivacious food scene and you want to stay on forever. A paradise for those who love food, Los Angeles doesn’t disappoint the vegetarians either. Come and explore the many options for a plant based diet with our list of the 11 Top Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Los Angeles. The list below has been crafted based on personal experience or recommendations by locals. So mark these for your next trip to LA.

1. Plant Food + Wine

Kelp Noodle Cacio E Pepe (Image credit: Plant Food + Wine)

Chashew Raclette (Image credit: Plant Food + Wine)

Coconut Cream Pie (Image credit: Plant Food + Wine)

No better place for a unique experience that revolves around fine vegan food and organic wines! Headed by Matthew Kenny who is heralded as one of the world’s top vegan chefs, Plant Food + Wine Venice makes for a memorable dining experience, with its beautiful selection of locally sourced fare in a seasonally crafted menu. The dishes here are innovative, nutritious and minimally processed.

While all the food is amazing, there are certain dishes that you must have here. One of the most popular dishes here is the Heirloom Tomato + Zucchini Lasagna, which is thinly sliced zucchini marinated in herb oil layered with housemade macadamia ricotta, sliced heirloom tomatoes, sundried tomato marinara, and pistachio pesto. Other crowd pleasers include the Cashew Raclette (warm baked cashew cheese served with grilled bread and garnished with a radish + herb salad); and Kelp Noodle Cacio E Pepe (marinated kelp noodles served with a peppery cashew cream sauce and spicy greens; garnished with dehydrated black olives, snap peas, and pea sprouts). Indulge your sweet tooth with a Boysenberry Cheesecake or a Coconut Cream Pie. Drool drool!

Plant Food + Wine: 1009 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291. P: +1-(310) 450 1009

2. Mohawk Bend

: Impossible Sloppy (Image credit: Mohawk Bend)

: Impossible Burger (Image credit: Mohawk Bend)

A cool, chic place with a great ambiance, Mohawk Bend has a wide array of vegetarian, vegan and allergy friendly dishes on offer. A dog friendly place, it has a patio where you would love to spend time over a meal. Once you take in the interiors that are blend of industrial and warm, complete with a photo booth, consider ordering the most loved dishes here.

While the Buffalo Cauliflower (with vegan bleu cheese and celery, $10) is a Mohawk favourite, the vegan Banh Mi pizza (with marinated tofu, pickled carrot and daikon, jalapeño, herb salad, cilantro, sriracha aioli, sesame seeds, $15) is as creative as it gets. Order the Mediterranean Platter to share or go for the tantalising and huge burgers. The dishes here are perfect not just for vegans and vegetarians, meat-eaters would be hard-pressed to find a fault with the food as well.

Mohawk Bend is also one of the first restaurants in LA to use Impossible Foods meat (plant-based meat) in menu items that go beyond just the burger to more varied offerings, giving diners out of the box dish options to choose from. So, if you’re missing meat, try The Impossible Burger (2 Impossible patties between a sesame seed bun, shredded lettuce, grilled onions, pickles, Russian dressing, vegan cheddar, $16) or the Impossible Sloppy (Impossible meat with spicy stewed tomatoes, crispy onions, pickled fennel and lemon/thyme focaccia, $16).

Mohawk Bend: 2141 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026, Echo Park P: +1 (213) 483-2337

Also Read: Best Mainstream Restaurants in Singapore for Vegetarian Dining
Also Read: Local Vegetarian Dishes You Must Try in Singapore

3. Zinc Cafe and Market

Pappardelle Pasta (Image courtesy: Zinc Cafe & Market’s Facebook page)

An aesthetically done up vegetarian place in the Arts District, it has big glass windows that let in ample natural light. With an outdoor sitting area, it is a wonderful place just to sit back with a delightful meal and watch the world go by. The brunch here is sumptuous and with plenty of seating, wait times shouldn’t be long.

The Zinc Waffles ($11) are recommended – fresh, fluffy and served with a refreshing array of sides such as seasonal fruit, fresh ricotta, ginger syrup and candied ginger – a must have. The crunchiest Zinc French Fries, the amazing Breakfast Burritos, delicious Huevos Rancheros and the amazing coffee, will keep you hooked and longing to come back. The spacious place is dog friendly as well.

If you’re here for lunch or dinner, try the wood-fired Cauliflower Pizza (béchamel, garlic confit, chili flakes, mozzarella, baked cauliflower, green olives, parmesan, lemon rind, bread crumbs); the Zinc Reubenesque on Pumpernickel ($12) sandwich with baked beets, sauerkraut, gruyère, russian dressing, coriander seed and sea salt; or the Pappardelle ($16) with blanched bitter greens, assorted mushrooms, poached egg, black pepper, bread crumbs, parmesan and broth.

Zinc Cafe and Market – 580 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90013. P: +1 (323) 825-5381

4. Shojin

A chic Asian eatery, Shojin is all about Japanese vegan and macrobiotic dining. A perfect medley of taste and flavours, the presentation is also avant-garde. The food is mostly organic, all vegan and offers gluten free options as well. While all food is awesome, the Sushi Rolls here are the real star. With interesting names like Kiss of the Spider Woman, Crunchy Tiger, Pumpkin Castle, Dynamite Roll 2.1 and Pirates of the Crunchy, each one is a delight. The Spicy Baked Scallop Roll ($17) is a stunning mouthful for the earthy smoky flavour that the dish imbues, with the roll torched right at the table. Other popular dishes include Shojin Shiso Gyoza 2.0 ($11) and Spicy Ramen Revolution. Note: Shojin has 2 outlets and the menu varies a bit depending on outlet.

Shojin @ Downtown LA: 333 S. Alameda St. Suite 310, Los Angeles, CA 90013, (Little Tokyo Shopping Center 3F). P: +1 (213) 617-0305.
Shojin @ Culver City – 12406 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90066. P: +1 (310) 390-0033

5. Cafe Gratitude

With branches in Beverly Hills, Arts District, Venice and Larchmont, Cafe Gratitude is an excellent vegan choice. It is a place that is known for generous helpings, superfine quality and super friendly staff. It has some amazing dishes that will blow away the most ardent meat lovers. Their Magical / CG Double Double ($16) burger with two house-made black bean patties, tomato, red onion, chipotle ketchup and cashew macadamia cheddar, in a gluten-free amaranth & millet bun is something that you will not get enough of and are bound to order again.

Also popular are the scrumptious Original / SF Mission Burritos, and the cheerful, colourful, flavourful Whole / Macrobiotic Bowl (braised garnet yams, adzuki beans, sea vegetables, sautéed greens, kim chee, garlic tahini, teriyaki almonds, with choice of sprouted probiotic brown rice, quinoa or a mix $16). If you’re looking for something really creative, try their twist on the Indian samosa – Dynamic / Samosa Chaat ($15). The samosas are made of baked garnet yam and cauliflower and dressed with chana masala, coconut mint chutney and spicy tomato jam. Yumm!

Multiple locations, check here.

Also Read: Vegetarian Fine Dining at Jim Thompson, Singapore
Also Read: Must Try Gourmet Vegetarian Pizzas in Singapore

6. Little Pine

Avacado Toast, Little Pine Restaurant (Image Courtsey – Facebook Page, Little Pine)

If you are a breakfast and brunch person, Little Pine is definitely the place to head to for the weekend brunch. Owned by a legendary DJ, the place offers, fancy, delicious and creative vegan dishes that will have you coming back for more. Choose from their delightful Avocado Toast ($9), Lemon Poppyseed Pancakes, the heavenly Sausage Sliders ($14) and the highly recommended Biscuits & Gravy ($11). For mains, King Trumpet Scallops ($14) and Spring Risotto are good choices. Go with the light Kombucha Peach Tea and wind it up with S’mores Ganache or a gluten-free Brownie Sundae ($10). With all proceeds going to an animal welfare organisation, it is good food with a heart. The service here is very good and nothing tastes like it is not the real deal.

Little Pine Restaurant: 2870 Rowena Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039, Silver Lake P: (323) 741-8148

7. Elf Café

Flakey Puff Pastry, Elf Cafe (Inage Courtsey: Instagram, Elf Cafe)

Grilled Haloumi with Shishito Salsa, Elf Café (Image Courtsey: Instagram, Elf Cafe)

One of the finest all vegetarian places in LA, Elf Café is a meatless restaurant that easily accommodates vegan requests. The catch is, it opens only for dinner. The courteous staff serves some of the best vegetarian dishes – clean food, clean water and natural wine. Their unusual and interesting combination of flavours and textures sets them apart and makes plant food a delight. Whether it is the Flatbreads, Fregola Sarda in Parmesan Broth, the Pan Seared Halloumi with Shishito Salsa, the Flakey Puff Pastry, the King Oyster mushroom Kebobs or the Spanakorizo (Greek Style Risotto), each is an upscale dish with an equally arresting presentation.

Elf Café: 2135 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026, Echo Park P: (213) 484-6829

8. Crossroads

Vegetable Lasagne (Image courtsey: Facebook page, Crossroads Kitchen Los Angeles)

Crossroads is a high end vegan restaurant by celebrity chef Tal Ronnen. The round booth sitting is quite charming as is the whole classic vibe of the place. It has four menu options – Weekday Lunch, Weekday Brunch, Fall Dinner and Late Night Bar Menu. Although the menu mentions names of meats and cheeses, it is all vegan.

Try the Artichoke Oysters (artichoke purée, crispy oyster mushroom, yellow tomato béarnaise, kelp caviar, $15) or the Crab Cakes (hearts of palm, granny smith apples, heirloom beets, horseradish aioli, $15), both of which are also gluten free. The Charred Ricotta with apricot thyme glaze and crostini is a moreish appetiser to try here. Popular salads here include the Watermelon Salad, Baby Beet Salad and Radicchio Cherryand Peach.

For mains, try the Spicy Meatball Pizza with housemade meatballs ($15), Lasagne (almond ricotta, basil, marinara, $22), Fettuccine Carbonara or Tagliatelle Bolognese. The Brunch menu offers a delicious Meatball Sub ($12) and a Crispy Milanese with breaded “chicken”, tomato, romaine, pickles and vegenaise. Wind up the meal with Chicken & Waffles (fried “chicken”, waffles, warm maple hot sauce, $14). *Note – Menu items available may change as they have seasonal menus.

Crossroads: 8284 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, California 90046 P:(323) 782-9245

Also Read: Best Vegetarian Mexican Restaurants in Singapore
Also Read: Top 8 Vegetarian Dishes at Jamie’s Italian, Singapore

9. Gracias Madre

Crab Cakes (Image courtsey: Gracias Madre’s Facebook page)

Mexican Wedding Cookies (Image courtsey: Gracias Madre’s Facebook Page)

Gracias Madre is a chic Mexican restaurant that serves organic, farm fresh and locally sourced, flavour rich food. Food inspired by Mexican family recipes, coupled with the delightful interiors – casual with festive touches and a trendy bar – make Gracias Madre a wonderful place to dine. You can choose the Chef’s Tasting Menus for Brunch, Lunch and Dinner ($30, 20 & 40 respectively) which offer ample dishes that you may not be able to otherwise try.

If you go a-la-carte, they have huge and varied menus for Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Cocktails and Desserts. From the Dinner Menu, order the Quesadillas de Calabaza (butternut squash, caramelized onion, cashew nacho cheese, pumpkin seed salsa, $12) and the Young Coconut Ceviche (housemade chips, lime, jalapeño, cilantro, avocado, $15). Recommended Entrees include Sopes Con Mango (potato-masa cakes, mango habanero salsa, guacamole, black beans, cashew crema, escabeche, $16) and Tacos (barbecue jackfruit carnitas, cashew crema, pickled cabbage, crispy onion, black beans, $16). From the Lunch menu give the BTLA Wrap (coconut bacon, avocado, chipotle aioli, mango salsa, black beans, greens) a try. The Fudge Brownie and Mexican Wedding Cookies both make for excellent desserts.

Gracias Madre: 8905 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, CA 90069 P: 323-978-2170

10. Paru’s

The first thing you notice as you enter Paru’s is the heady aroma of the spices that hits you rather pleasantly. One of the best ways to experience a variety of dishes is to order a Dinner or Thali. There is the Indian Thali (rice, 2 pooris, 2 curries, sambar, rasam which is a lentil & yoghurt soup, papad, yoghurt, pickle, dessert, $14.95), Yogi’s Delight (indo-american combination bringing you chickpeas curry on a bed of beans and sprouts, topped with onions, tomatoes, cucumber, and other vegetables, plus paratha, $12.95) and the Queen Paru (ghee roast dosa, 2 idlis, sambar, coconut chutney, raitha, $13.95). If you don’t feel like a full fledged Thali Dinner, try their Masala Dosa ($8.95).

Sweeten the treat with an Almond Halwa (dessert made of almond meal, $5.50) or Rice Pudding ($4.50), both of which are sinfully indulgent. You can ask which items are vegan and they will cheerfully guide you.

Paru’s: 5140 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, East Hollywood P: (323) 661-7600

Also Read: Top things to do in West Hollywood and Los Angeles with kids
Also Read: San Francisco with Kids: 4 Day Family Friendly Itinerary

11. Samosa House

: Gujrati Thali (Image courtsey: Instagram, Samosa House)

: Samosas (Image Courtsey: Instagram, Samosa House)

Starting out humbly at Bharat Bazaar, Samosa House has grown from the one small room restaurant in 1979 to being at five locations. Each of these has their own specialties apart from the favourites. Samosa House offers a range of vegetarian and vegan options, freshly prepared, that will tempt you into coming back again.

At the Bharat Bazaar location, on weekends you can try the delightful Rajasthani Thali which comes with Daal Baati Choorma (crushed fried spiced wheat dough balls, topped with lentil curry), Rice, Gatte ki Sabzi (chickpea flour dumpling gravy), weekend special sabzi, Chaas (savoury smoothie) and Dessert; and Gujarati Thali which comes with Gujarati Daal (lentil gravy) and Weekend Gujarati Sabzi Specials served with Rice, Chaas, Dessert and your choice of Bread.

Also give the quintessential Indian snacks a try – Samosa which is a pastry filled with mashed potatoes and peas, served with tamarind and mint sauces, and the Spinach Pakora (Breaded Spinach and Onion Fritters. Served with Tamarind and Mint Sauces, $3.49). Team the spicy food with a refreshing Mango Lassi ($2.99).

Samosa House: Multiple locations, check here.

West Hollywood and Los Angeles with Kids: Top 6 Things for Well-rounded Family Fun

September 25, 2017

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West Hollywood & Los Angeles with Kids

When you think of Los Angeles, you think of style, swagger, glamour and celebrities. What you probably don’t think of are the words child-friendly or family-friendly. But truth be told, LA is a diverse city with something to offer everyone. The entertainment capital of the world is also bustling with museums, aquariums, beaches and a whole lot of other stuff for well-rounded family fun.

On our recent family road trip through California with kids and extended family, we rented a car (read 11-seater Passenger Van) and based ourselves in West Hollywood (WeHo) and I highly recommend that you do too (for both). Its central, close to Hollywood & Beverly Hills and a destination on its own. It is home to the legendary Sunset Strip and the West Hollywood Design District is urban and chic and worth a visit too.

Here’s a list of my Top Things to Do in West Hollywood and Los Angeles, with Kids in tow.

1. Catch the Sunset from Griffith Observatory

Breathtaking views of Los Angeles from Griffith Observatory (Los Angeles with Kids: Top Things to Do)

Enjoy breathtaking views of Los Angeles from Griffith Observatory

Catch the Sunset from Griffith Observatory

Twinkle Twinkle Tinseltown (Los Angeles with Kids: Top Things to Do)

Twinkle Twinkle Tinseltown – The twinkling lights of LA below

: See the Iconic Hollywood Sign from Griffith

: Griffith Observatory at Night

A 25-minute drive from West Hollywood, Griffith Observatory was one of our favourite places in LA – equally great for adults and kids. The observatory, perched on top of a hill, offers spectacular views of LA and the iconic Hollywood sign. The best time to visit is in the evening so you can experience the stunning sunset over LA and capture it.

At Griffith, you can look through telescopes, explore exhibits and see a live show in the planetarium. Time your visit such that you can watch a show at the planetarium and catch the sunset after. Get there early to purchase tickets for the show and then go through the exhibits while you wait for the show to begin. Tip: Check show timings on their website beforehand and note that children under 5 are admitted ONLY to the first show each day. Since we went in the evening, that meant that 1 parent had to sit out with our 2-year-old while the other watched the show with the twins.

After the show, look through the rooftop telescope if you can, but do not underestimate the portable telescopes on the ground either. We missed the rooftop viewing and queued up for one of the lawn telescopes and got to see Saturn – big and clear with the ring and all – it was really cool.

Also Read: San Francisco with Kids: 4 Day Family Friendly Itinerary
Also Read: 11 Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in Los Angeles

2. Walk with the Stars, on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Family fun on Hollywood Walk of Fame (Los Angeles with Kids: Top Things to Do)

Fun for the whole family on Hollywood Walk of Fame

: Walk among the stars

: Stars pay $40K upon selection

: Everything LA at Hollywood Experience Store

: For the Potter Fans

: Let’s

Hollywood. Glamour. Fashion. Celebrities. Right? Well, when you’ve got a 6-year-old or two, it might end up being more about Avengers and Transformers. The world’s most famous sidewalk boasts more than 2,600 stars but what I remember best about the Hollywood Walk of Fame is Spiderman, in fact, Spidermen. Red Spiderman, Purple Spiderman, Black Spiderman – they were everywhere. I also remember Batman, Avatars, Tinkle Bell, and clothes soiled by ice lollies; followed by vague memories of searching for George Clooney and Brad Pitt, or at least their hand prints. Well, the kids have their superheroes and I have mine!

Heroes and superheroes aside, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is quite a fun way to spend a morning. Kids are guaranteed a gala time, your pocket, not so much! Keep lots of singles handy (not what you’re thinking, jeez) as you’ll have to tip all those characters after the pictures.

If you want to buy some souvenirs, stop at the Hollywoodland Experience store. Also on Hollywood Boulevard are Madame Tussauds and Ripley’s Believe it or Not, in case you’re in the mood for more.

Tip: Hollywood Boulevard is obviously crowded but we didn’t have any trouble finding parking. Had to pay US$ 20 though (for unlimited parking) but that doesn’t pinch when you’ve paid S$19 at Paragon’s carpark several times.

3. Family Beach Fun at Venice Beach, followed by a stroll around Venice Canals Walkway

Family beach fun at Venice Beach

The sun setting over Venice Beach

Venice Canals Walkway at Dusk

Venice Beach is the perfect place to spend a lazy evening while the kids play around in the sand. It is beautiful and clean and equally good for kids and adults.

After the beach fun, stroll around the Venice Canals Walkway. The dreamy canals make for nicer pictures around dusk (when we visited, the canals weren’t too clean and this was obviously more visible in broad daylight). However, the beauty of the canals actually got highlighted when the sun started setting.

Or, you could visit Santa Monica beach and pier – take your pick.

4. Get a Feel of the Good Life at Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive

: Beverly Hills – Home to the rich and famous

: Welcome to Rodeo Drive – The epicentre of luxury, fashion and style

Designer Showrooms on Rodeo Drive

Getting a feel of the luxury at Rodeo Drive

I absolutely loved this part.

And honestly, a trip to the Los Angeles area would be incomplete without a visit to this epicentre of fashion, style and luxury. Besides, designer showrooms and Lamborghinis aside, the Rodeo Drive is a beautiful street in itself. This upscale shopping street in Beverly Hills is just a short 10 minute drive from WeHo. Ideally, you should walk around the street, indulge in some people watching and probably shop too. But we had no intentions of hopping in and out of luxury shops with 3 kids in tow (including a 2-year-old who’s a runner). So, hubby and I took turns getting off and walking around Rodeo Drive while the other one drove the kids around as they snacked in the car (gotta love them snacks sometimes).

After Rodeo Drive, we drove around the area and nearby roads (S Santa Monica Bl, Canon Drive) and then around the posh Beverly Hills neighbourhood. I highly recommend just driving around the areas, it gives you a feel of the good LA life

5. Walk along Sunset Strip and visit an American Diner

Driving along on Sunset Strip (Los Angeles with Kids: Top Things to Do)

Sunset Strip – Also famous for the trademark Billboards

: Instead of a bar, visit an American Diner

: Interiors with a vintage feel – booth seating, stools, open kitchen

: What’s a diner without a Jukebox

The iconic Sunset Strip (a 1.6 mile stretch along Sunset Boulevard) in West Hollywood has a reputation for being a nightlife hotspot (besides shops, restaurants and bars). You’ve probably seen in more movies than you care to remember, but you can’t really go bar-hopping with kids in tow now, can you?

So, visit the Sunset Strip during the day. Park the car, walk around a bit and perhaps shop at Sunset Plaza. Instead of a bar, visit an American Diner. We happened to find a parking spot just a few steps away from Mels Drive In and I needed coffee, so we went in. Turns out Mels is a very popular chain. I thought it was cool – the interiors were typical diner-like, with a vintage feel, complete with booth seating, stools, open kitchen and a jukebox. The atmosphere is just right for families (at least in the day when we visited) and they even have a kids’ menu, so you can bring the kids right in and while they’re waiting for their shakes, they can drop a coin in the jukebox and have some fun.

6. Visit a Themepark or Three

The happiest place in the world

: With Princess Sofia – The twins finally get to meet Royalty

: The Chris Evans look-alike Captain America

: This one is the “real” Spiderman

: Mummy, look I can drive

: Riding the tractors in Radiator Springs

: And the biggest star of them all

: Seriously who’d say this Kristoff isn’t real

: Spinning around in the cups & saucers

: Looks, it’s the Incredibles

The best for last. A friend braved all 3 – a day each at Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland Resort and Legoland California Theme Park. But then she has one 9-year-old.

With 3 kids 6 and under, we decided not to hop around from park to park but instead choose one park and do it well. If you’re travelling with toddlers or pre-schoolers, Disneyland is a good choice as they have a lot for younger kids.

We stayed in Anaheim for 2 days, spending a day in each of the two Disney Parks and I have to say that two days were barely enough for Disneyland. The kids and adults had a gala time – a big highlight for the children was seeing the Disney characters and a bigger highlight was meeting the “real” Avengers. All in all, two great days, after all, it’s not known as the happiest place in the world for nothing!

Tip: Anaheim is just 30 miles away from West Hollywood so you might be tempted to drive up and down from LA. Please don’t. With the traffic, you’ll spend a considerable amount of time driving and trust me you don’t want to do that after spending 12 hours at Disney.

Where to Stay & Eat in Anaheim:

: Greek Salad at The Cheesecake Factory

: Thai Lettuce Wraps at The Cheesecake Factory

: Chocolate Tuxedo Cream® Cheesecake – Heavenly

You’ll probably be spending the entire day at Disneyland, so this is one time when you don’t need a luxury hotel. We stayed in a 1 Bedroom Suite at Residence Inn Marriott. The suite had a spacious Bedroom and a Living Room with a comfy sofa bed for the kids. There is also a kitchenette attached to every suite. The hotel is family-friendly and a short 12-minute walk from Disneyland. It is also close to a Wallgreen’s and several restaurants. We had an amazing all-vegetarian meal at The Cheesecake Factory, just a 10-minute walk away. There are several other restaurants in the area. There are also several other hotels in the area, most have suites to cater to families.

Singapore to San Fran: 11 Best Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in San Francisco

August 7, 2017

Best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in San Francisco

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No trip to California is complete without a stop at the foggy, hill city of San Francisco. While it is best known for its Golden Gate Bridge, the food scene in San Francisco is a melting pot of cultures and captivating in its own right. In fact, this is one city which might give Singapore a run for its money, when it comes to dining. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan and headed to California, you definitely won’t have to worry about getting good plant-based food, in the Bay Area.

And we’ve done the ground work, so you don’t have to go looking when you’re there. While vegetarian dishes are readily available at the many vegetarian-friendly eateries around town, here is a round up of 11 of the Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in San Francisco (or vegetarian-friendly ones). While I was personally unable to visit all of them during my recent trip, this list has been compiled based on either my own visit, or based recommendations from locals.

1. Nourish Café

vegetarian restaurants in San Francisco - Nourish cafe

Sampler Toast with Chia Pudding

Get nourished inside out with the Nourish Bowl Salad

Nourish café lays emphasis on serving 100% plant based food, created using wholesome, organic, non-GMO ingredients, with minimal use of oils, and only natural sweeteners; to keep things as healthy as possible.

While here, try the Nourish Bowl Salad ($14). With ingredients like Quinoa, spring mix, yam, avocado, sprouts, hummus, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, sauerkraut, toasted sunflower seeds and oil-free creamy hemp dressing, this salad will actually nourish you inside out. Also great are their toasts, order the Sampler Toast $8, and a Chia Pudding $6 on the side to mix things up. With ingredients like almond milk, chia seeds, dates, cacao, vanilla and sea salt, this chia goodness is available in a variety of flavors including dragonfruit, creamy cashew, dark chocolate, and vanilla raspberry.

Love smoothies? Imagine a combination and you’ll probably find it on their menu. Sweet tooth? Why not dive into the Acai Bowl; or sink your teeth into a gluten free Chocolate Chip Cookie (made using almond flour and vegan dark chocolate chips). Outright impressive!

Nourish Café: 189 6th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94118. P: +1 (415) 571 8780
Nourish Café: 1030 Hyde Street, San Francisco, CA 94109. P: +1 (415) 580 7463

2. Judahlicious

Vegetarian restaurants in San Francisco - Judahlicious

Must-try AcaiBowl

: Breakfast Burmosa

: Taco Tuesday

A café with local produce; organic coffee, juices and smoothies; with raw and vegan snacks at its heart, it also boasts of a small carbon footprint and close to zero waste. Each dish is artfully presented and served by friendly staff, and this eatery with its laid-back vibe is quite popular with regulars who have been frequenting the place for years.

The one thing that you must try here is the Acaí Bowl ($8.75 – Brazilian Acaí, OJ, Bananas, and Blueberries, blended into a sorbet and topped with organic Pumpkin Flax Granola and fresh banana slices), which is also their most popular dish. Recommended for weekend brunch is the wheat-free and gluten-free Breakfast Burrmosa ($9.5 – curried potatoes, black beans, pinto beans, sautéed veggies, cashew “cream”, avocado and cilantro pesto wrapped in a raw home-made tortilla and topped with maple crackers and vegan parmesan). Other good options include the Taco Tuesday Special, Nekked Burrito ($10.5) and No Shirt, No Shoes ($10). Oh by the way, we love the names of their dishes. Creative, right?

Judahlicious: 3906 Judah St. (@ 44th Ave.), San Francisco, CA 94122. P: +1 (415) 665 8423

Also Read: San Francisco with Kids – 4 Day Family Friendly Itinerary
Also Read: A Contemporary South-Indian Vegetarian Meal at DOSA, San Francisco

3. Loving Hut

Vegetarian restaurants in San Francisco - Lovinghut

Fresh Spring Rolls

: Wanton Noodle Soup

: Mango Salad

: Orange Sesame Bites

Created with a vision to promote peace, love and harmony among all living beings, Loving Hut is a chain restaurant that serves gourmet vegan food. With many restaurants the world over, Loving Hut is committed to serving purely plant based meals made using fresh and healthy ingredients. For the last 3 years, the restaurant has been voted the “Best Vegan Restaurant in San Francisco” (presented by Best Business & SF Chronicle Readers’ Choice).

With their vast and varied menu, this is one place where vegans will be completely spoilt for choice. Insiders highly recommend the stir-fried Eggplant Tofu ($10.95) that is touted to change the way you perceive eggplants. The dish comes with a faux fish sauce that makes meat seem like an afterthought. Some of their other offerings include Mango Salad, Fresh Spring Rolls ($6.95), Orange Sesame Bites and Wonton Noodle Soup ($9.95). For dessert, give the sinful Mocha Cake ($3.95) a go.

Loving Hut: 524 Irving Street, San Francisco, CA 94122. P: +1 (415) 731 1957

4. DOSA

Paneer & Peas Dosa

: Have a cocktail at DOSA

: Dahi Vada

: Chana Bhatura

If you’re a vegetarian craving South Indian food, this is the place to go in San Francisco. This isn’t a vegetarian restaurant per se but they have enough vegetarian and vegan options on the menu to interest herbivores. So if you’re vegetarian, rest assured that you won’t have to play second fiddle to the meat eaters.

They do have curries, rice, breads, and other stuff on the menu, but when you’re here, you cannot not have the dosas. If you’re in the mood for something simple, we recommended the Paneer & Peas Dosa ($15) or the Rava Masala. But if you’re looking to spice things up, literally, try the mex-fusion Habanero-Mango Masala ($12.5) which will have your taste buds tingling with heat. As an accompaniment to the dosas, go for their refreshing Sprouted Mung Salad which is excellent, albeit spicy. They also have a kids’ menu – dishes are served in smaller portions and with non-spicy sauces and accompaniments. Kids are sure to find something they love, such as the Cheese Dosa. Read a full review of DOSA here.

DOSA on Valencia: 995 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110. P: +1 (415) 642-3672
DOSA on Fillmore: 1700 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115. P: +1 (415) 441-3672

5. Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar & Izakaya

As the name implies, it is vegan with a flair for faux-sushi. With waiting times as long as an hour over weekend evenings, they are definitely doing something right. The warm, inviting vibe is coupled with friendly and well informed staff, which in itself makes for a great experience centred around wholesome food.

These guys use mountain yam, konjac and soybean curd, among other vegan ingredients, to replace meat-based proteins. Must try on their menu are the Tempura, Soy Ramen, Gyoza (pan-fried vegetable and tofu dumplings), a variety of Sushi Rolls (from eggplant, avocado and miso to tempura and mango), and of course, their Coconut Lychee Ice-cream with Fried Banana on the side. One of the few places that actually lives up to the hype, Shizen makes even the meat lovers fall in love with vegan food.

Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar & Izakaya: 370 14th St, San Francisco, California. P: +1 (415) 678-5767

6. Gracias Madre

If Mexican cuisine whets your appetite, don’t fret about vegetarian options, for at Gracias Madre all you get is delectable, vegan Mexican. Committed to health and sustainability without losing out on flavour, the place has a die hard fan following that breaks barriers between vegetarians and meat lovers. With all food being purely plant based and organic, the place makes it even better with Happy Hours from Monday to Friday between 3 PM to 6 PM. The cheeses and milks on the menu are made using nuts. Their tortillas and tamales are handmade from non-GMO organic heirloom corn.

Vegan Tacos ($17 – three corn tortillas filled with broccoli, cauliflower and mushrooms, lettuce, pico de gallo and cashew cheese, served with black beans), delightful Guacamole, Quesadillas ($9.5) and Tacos ($6.5 – think broccoli, cauliflower, mushroom) will all make for a wonderful experience, washed down with glasses of margaritas. Sweeten the deal with a delectable Flan or a Toasted Almond Ice Cream served with chocolate cake. The cozy cantina has communal tables, waited on by friendly staff. The copious servings of the heavenly fare make a visit to the busy place, well worth it.

Gracias Madre: 2211 Mission St., San Francisco, CA. P: +1 (415) 683-1346

7. Greens

With a view of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the restaurant also dishes up some of the most delicious vegetarian food around. The freshest ingredients, all organic, rustle up an experience you won’t forget in a hurry. A great balance of flavour, colours and textures awaits your palette in a diverse mix of Mediterranean, Asian, Mexican and Southwest American cuisines. Amply sized portions of well seasoned food, especially the plate of artisan cheeses, accompanied by crostini, olives and cucumbers, and the asparagus, beetroot and goat cheese salad with lemon vinaigrette dressing, will leave you happily satisfied. Served with personal attention at an unhurried pace, the attention to presentation at this reasonably priced place is also praiseworthy. Wrap up the meal with a moreish selection of desserts such as Espresso Pot de Creme ($9.75 – with toffee sauce, whipped cream and hazelnut shortbread), Flourless Chocolate Torte or the vegan Strawberry, Blackberry and Raspberry Sorbets ($9.50).

Greens: 2 Marina Boulevard, Fort Mason, Building A, San Francisco, CA 94123. P: +1 (415) 771-6222

8. Seed + Salt

For the health conscious foodie, there isn’t a better place. These guys do food centered around plant based, organic, local, ethical, gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free, sans trans fats and without GMO ingredients; it doesn’t get any better. The chic café is renowned for its wholesome breakfast and lunch. Be it Avocado + Chimichurri Toast ($4.5); Green Curry Rice Bowl (w/ roasted root vegetables, chickpea frittata + coconut milk green curry sauce); crispy S+S BLT ($13) with eggplant bacon; S+S Beet Burger; or the Zucchini Spaghetti w/ Buckeye Veggie Balls; each dish is wonderful. Complement your food with the Super Alpha Mega Vanilla Shake ($14). For those with a sweet tooth, delve into the dessert of the day – perhaps a guilt free chocolate chip cookie, the crowd favourite banana nut bread, raw Nutella brownie or the blueberry muffin. A small eatery with communal tables, this cozy place will surely win your heart.

Seed + Salt: 2240 Chestnut Street, San Francisco, CA 94123. P: +1 (415) 872-9173

9. Vegan Berg

All your American favourites in a plant based avatar, the Vegan Burg is a counter service cafe with a safari themed interior. The focus is on keeping things fresh, GMO free and full of taste. Regulars swear by the Creamy Shrooms ($8.90), Hawaiian Teriyaki and Avocado Beetroot burger. Make it a meal with a side of sizzling broccoli and a drink. Not only do the dishes taste good, they look like the real thing (the Chik’n Tenders are definitely a case in point). Buzzing on weekdays and weekends, the place hits all the right taste spots.

Vegan Berg: 1466 Haight Street, San Francisco, California 94117. P: +1 (415) 548-8000

10. Ananda Fuara

Established by the spiritual guru Sri Chinmoy, the eatery does yummy vegetarian and vegan food. Ananda Fuara in hindi means the Fountain of Pleasure and the food lives upto its name. Interiors are done in a South Asian theme. Having been around since the 1990s, they are the kind of place that meat lovers choose over a carnivore meal. Must-have dishes include Neatloaf Sandwich ($11.95) and the vegan Spinach Artichoke Ravioli ($12.50), which are supposed to be so good that they make meat and sea food seem pale in comparison. Regulars also vouch for their Dal Soup and their vegan Strawberry Cake, Soy Gelato or the Chocolate Cake that was voted “Best Vegan Chocolate Cake” in the Bay Guardian’s Best of the Bay.

Ananda Fuara: 1298 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102. P: +1 (415) 621-1994

11. Poggio Trattoria, Sausalito

Poggio isn’t a vegetarian-only restaurant per se, nor do they have too many veg options on the menu. But as a mixed party of herbivores and carnivores, we dined here and the restaurant had something for everyone. My top vegetarian pick would have to be Cavolfiore ($9 – wood fired cauliflower with capers, chili and parsley). Mushroom lovers can try the Sformatino (yellow corn custard, pea puree, chanterelle mushrooms, parmigiano) or go for the Asparagi. Also on the menu are a few vegetarian salads and a Margherita ($15) pizza.

They also have a children’s menu, which the kids can colour on. The kids’ Pasta with tomato sauce was just how the kids like it, which means they polished it off without any prompting (and its a steal at $5). Basically, every dish that we had at Poggio was delicious.

Poggio Trattoria: 777 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965. P: +1 (415) 332-7771

A Contemporary South-Indian Vegetarian Meal at DOSA, San Francisco

August 7, 2017

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Vegetarian Friendly Factor –
Kid Friendly Factor –

When in San Francisco, eat like the South Indians do! Yes, you can get a pretty decent South Indian meal in the techno hub of America. DOSA in San Francisco is all about great South Indian food in a casual yet refined atmosphere. Among others, this multi awarded restaurant has received the prestigious Michelin guides 2015 BIB Gourmand for the eighth year and also the Best Indian for 2014 San Francisco Bay Guardian Readers Poll for the seventh year.

DOSA @ Valencia

There are two DOSA restaurants in San Francisco; one at Valencia and the other at Fillmore. On our recent trip to SF, we dined at the original branch DOSA on Valencia, which is located in the lively and culturally rich Mission District. DOSA serves a contemporary rendition of South Indian cuisine. The food is fresh and delicious – light, slightly fiery and with a punch of flavours. With the best wines pairings curated carefully, vegetarian dining experience at DOSA, San Francisco is truly amazing. We were a big group of 4 adults and 5 kids, so we got to taste a lot of stuff. The staff is attentive and friendly, making the dining experience a tasty and cosy one. The restaurant also caters to those looking for gluten free, vegan, egg free, dairy free and nut free choices.

Both restaurants feature more or less similar dishes on the menu. It is recommended that you book your tables early, wait times can be long as even week nights can get packed by as early as 7:00 PM.

Also Read: San Francisco with Kids – 4 Day Family Friendly Itinerary
Also Read: 11 Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in San Francisco

The Appetizers

: Sprouted Mung Salad

: Dahi Vada

We ordered a couple of appetizers while we were waiting for the dosas to arrive. Dahi Vada (deep fried lentil batter fritters in yogurt, and topped with tamarind relish) was beautifully presented and quite inviting to look at. But on tasting, the dish was a bit of a let down, just about average. The star appetizer was undoubtedly the Sprouted Mung Salad with home-made paneer, coconut, spiced Bing cherries and greens. The salad was topped with pomegranate and tossed with a tangy and refreshing orange and cumin dressing, making the combination colourful and flavourful, all-in-all justifying the $12 tag.

The DOSAs

Paneer & Peas Dosa

They do have other mains on the menu, but when you’re here, you can’t not have the dosas. We ordered 4, and I tasted all 4. My top pick would have to be The Paneer and Peas Dosa ($15), which incidentally is what I had ordered. The Paneer and Peas Dosa would also be a great and safe choice for kids as it isn’t spicy, besides tasting yum. Also quite good were the Paper Masala and the Onion Rava ($13.5), both safe bets too. However, if you’re in the mood to spice things up, literally, then try the Habanero Mango-Masala. This novely indo-mex fusion dosa is something you wouldn’t find anywhere else. It was excellent and would have been my best pick, if I could have managed to eat more than 3 bites. Sorry folks, I don’t have that fiery a palette but I would rate it as an absolute must-try for those that do.

For Kids

: Kids’ Crown Dosa

: Kids’ Cheese Dosa

There is a kids’ menu – the dishes come in smaller portions and are accompanied with non-spicy condiments and chutneys (relishes). We ordered a mix of Cheese Dosas and Crown Dosas for the kids. All 5 obviously wanted the interesting hat shaped dosa, but once they tasted the cheese dosa, the preferences shifted and we had to order more of those. Each of the kids thoroughly enjoyed the meal. My youngest had an Idli (fermented rice and lentil cakes) which is one of the best finger foods around – non messy, easy to eat and a good mix of carbs and protein.

Desserts

: Tapioca Pudding

: Rasmalai

Pistachio Burfi with Layers of Chocolate Ganache

After polishing off the meal, as we were contemplating which of the desserts to order, our choice was made easier when the manager offered us complementary portions of 3 of the desserts. I’d be lying if I said that idea of desserts didn’t instantly become more appealing. Once we dived into the desserts, the group was very split with our preferences – so there was no clear winner here. Hit with the kids was the Pistachio Burfi ($10). If you’re thinking that the protein rich, nutty goodness of pistachio doesn’t sound like something kids would like, I agree. In this instance though, the layers of chocolate ganache might have had something to do with this preference. All adults on the other hand, agreed that the pista burfi was too sweet and too chocolate-y (if there’s such a thing). My personal favourite was the Tapioca Kheer (milk based dessert that has been simmered), it came with a tangy and tasty citrus garnish. I loved it but turns out I was the only one who did. The other 3 adults preferred the Rasmalai (sweet cheese patty, cream, cardamom, rose water and pistachio), which was just the right amount of sweet and quite yum.

DOSA on Valencia: 995 Valencia St, San Francisco. P: 415-642-3672
DOSA on Fillmore: 1700 Fillmore St. San Francisco. P: 415-441-3672

San Francisco with Kids: 4 Day Family Friendly Itinerary

July 5, 2017

San Francisco with Kids - A Family Friendly Itinerary

San Francisco might be most famous for the Golden Gate Bridge but there is so much more to the city than the big red bridge. I was seriously surprised at how much the city has to offer – chic neighbourhoods, picture perfect streets, museums and art galleries galore, beautiful parks and gorgeous views from just about any corner. So, read on if you’re soon heading to San Francisco, with kids.

You could easily and happily spend a week here but you probably want to see more of the West Coast & California, so I’ll keep it shorter. Still, if you’re flying straight into San Francisco from Asia, I would recommend staying for at least 4-5 days as you’ll probably end up wasting a day, thanks to jet lag.

Our first day in San Francisco with kids was mostly zombie-like – think 16.5 hours in the air with 3 kid. That was followed by trying to stay awake the entire day to adjust to the 15-hour time difference. By day 2, though, I was completely in love with the city – San Francisco is simply beautiful and it has such a cool vibe to it.

We rented a car and stayed in an Airbnb apartment in Daly city. We mostly drove around but took Ubers on a couple of occasions as parking can be a nightmare – difficult to find and super-expensive.

Here is a 4-day family friendly itinerary for San Francisco with kids. I drafted this based on what we did right, what we did wrong and how we could have organized our days better.

Day 1 in San Francisco

Take in spectacular views of the Bay Area from Twin Peaks
Enjoy a family picnic at Golden Gate Park
Get gorgeous views at Lands End
Walk on the Golden Gate Bridge
Make a pit-stop at the Palace of Fine Arts

Start by driving to Twin Peaks for spectacular expansive views of the Bay Area. It is free (even the parking) and yet, not too crowded. We absorbed the views from near the parking lots but you can climb to the top of one of the peaks for 360 degree views. It can get really windy up there, so make sure you have jackets and something to tie your hair. Tip: If you want to look through the telescopes, keep quarters handy.

After getting a good bird’s eye view of the Bay Area, head over to Golden Gate Park for some family fun. Rent bikes, have a picnic or just laze around. If you want to visit the California Academy of Sciences, it is within the park. I wouldn’t rate it as a must-do but it is quite good, so if you’ve got the time, the money (at $35.95 for adults, it is pricey) and kids who want to explore an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum, all under one roof, then go for it. My (and one of my 6-year-old’s) favourite part was the Earthquake simulation.

In the late afternoon, drive to Lands End – the wildest, rockiest corner of San Francisco. Trails at Lands End offer a cliff-top walk through dark cypress and open grass. Spend an hour or two here, walk around to get gorgeous views from different vista points – Lands End offers 30-mile views up and down the California Coast.

Now, time to finally see the iconic landmark up close – the Golden Gate Bridge. We parked at a parking lot in Presidio, not too far from the information centre and hiked up 15-20 minutes to reach the bridge, stopping several times to get that perfect picture of the bridge. And in case you were wondering – yes, with 5 kids in the group, we are entitled to call it a hike! Walking on the bridge is an experience, so definitely go for it.

On the way back, drive around Presidio for a bit and stop at the Palace of Fine Arts for a few minutes.

View from Twin Peaks, San Francisco (with Kids Itinerary)

View of the Bay Area from Twin Peaks

Gorgeous Views at Lands End

Walking on the Golden Gate Bridge

Palace of Fine Arts

*It might look like a long day on paper, but you’ll only spend around 15 minutes each at Twin Peaks and Palace of Fine Arts. But if you start late in the day or want to take it slower, then omit the Golden Gate Park or do it on Day 3

Day 2 in San Francisco

Watch the sealions at Pier 39
Walk around Fisherman’s Wharf
Buy chocolates at Ghirardelli Square
Ride the Cable Car
Walk up and down Lombard Street
Shop at Union Square

Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghirardelli Square cover several blocks along the waterfront. This is basically one of the popular and touristy things to do in San Francisco with kids.

You can start around the Ferry Building and walk along the piers. Pier 7 is “supposedly” less crowded and offers great views. The Exploratorium at Pier 15 is a hands-on science museum for kids. We wanted to go but couldn’t manage it because of a poorly planned day ☹. Keep walking along the piers – take in the views and make a few stops so kids can jump, run around and admire the docked ships.

As you get closer to Pier 39, the hustle bustle starts to increase. Pier 39 gets crowded but the sea lions are a must for kids. After exploring the area, have an early lunch at Hard Rock Café. I loved the Cauliflower Burger – Hard Rock Café lets you mix and match the burgers, so I had my Cauliflower patty topped with condiments from the Atomic Burger.

Post lunch, walk through Fisherman’s Wharf to Ghirardelli Square. You can make pit-stops on the way to buy souvenirs, pretzels or chocolate milk. When the kids start whining about being tired, bribe them with the promise of chocolates – the folks at Ghirardelli will take care of this as they dish out a free chocolate to everyone who enters. This might just be the highlight of your trip to San Francisco for kids from their point of view.

The Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop and Café is a haven for chocoholics – watch chocolate being made while you enjoy a hot fudge sundae and go crazy shopping for chocolates for the folks back home (or at least, that’ll be the official version). Tip: DO NOT buy the small packs of squares, or you’re so gonna regret it once you’re back home and hooked on your daily dose of a post-dinner Ghirardelli. And if you’re delusional enough to think that you won’t get hooked to these, you’ve got another thing coming 😉.

Post the choco-mania, cross the street to where you can see a huge queue. This is where you can (and with kids you probably should) board the famous San Francisco Cable Car (Powell-Hyde Line). Then again, if you’re from Singapore you probably already joined the queue first and wondered later what it was for 😉. Ride the Cable Car up and down the steep streets of San Francisco, all the way to Union Square. Tip: Sit at the open front of the car. It gets pretty crowded, so you’ll miss the views if you’re in the back.

But first, get off on Lombard Street just a few stops away. Lombard Street was one of my favourite things to do/see in San Francisco with kids. The street is famous for a steep section with 8 hairpin turns. Walk down the street, take in the views and plenty of pictures before you hop back on the Cable Car and continue on to Union Square. Once there, shop, eat, walk, photograph and shop some more.

Walking along the Waterfront and the Piers

Sealions at Pier 39

Pier 39 – The view

Fisherman’s Wharf

Ghirardelli Square

Chocolates Galore at Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop

San Francisco Cable Car (San Francisco with Kids Itinerary)

The world famous San Francisco Cable Car

Family Friendly Itinerary for San Francisco (with Kids Itinerary)

Picture Perfect – Get a Bollywood pose with the cable car

Lombard Street

View from the bottom of Lombard Street

Union Square

Day 3 in San Francisco

Alcatraz Tour
Shopping or additional sightseeing

The former prison is rated as the top attraction in San Francisco. The tours get sold out weeks in advance so make sure you book early. We made the blunder of leaving it to chance and were pretty bummed out ‘coz we ended up missing it. The ticket price includes the ferry and the tour. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit the Alcatraz Cruises website.

The Day Tour ($37.25) is approximately 2.5 hours and would be most appropriate with kids. You can also opt for a combined tour of Alcatraz and Angel Island ($71.50/Adult).

Depending on what tour you take, you can plan for the rest of the day. Besides, you’re travelling with kids! So, let’s face it – things probably didn’t go to plan the first couple of days and you ended up missing stuff. Use the remaining part of this day to see what you missed, or any extras that you might be interested in –The de Young Museum, SFMOMA, Coit Towers, Chinatown, San Francisco Zoo, just to name a few.

Supporting Pride, San Francisco (with Kids Itinerary)

Chic neighbourhood supporting Pride

Beautiful Streets in San Francisco (with Kids Itinerary)

Just about any street is clickable

Day 4 in San Francisco

Muir Woods
Sausalito

You’ll have to take a drive across the Golden Gate Bridge to get to Muir Woods and Sausalito. I would suggest doing Muir Woods first but if you’re not driving, then you can take the ferry from San Francisco to Sausalito and start there.

The easiest way to get to Muir Woods is by car. Instead of driving all the way, I recommend parking at Pohono St Park & Ride and taking the Muir Woods Shuttle from there. It’s just easier. The shuttle costs $5 for a round trip for adults. Kids are free. Remember that there is no cell phone service in Muir Woods so you can’t rely on Uber for your pick-up.

Once you get to Muir Woods, you can do one of the many hikes through the forest. Or, if you’re travelling with young children, my guess is that you might just want to take a leisurely stroll amongst the majestic redwoods. Muir Woods will enchant you with its beauty – it is peaceful and beautiful. For more information on Muir Woods and the Shuttle, click here.

Spend the second half of the day at Sausalito. This cute little bay side town has a European feel to it. Experience the quaint charm of Sausalito’s waterfront, by strolling along the waterfront near the harbour, watching the ferries and hopefully a few seals. Walk along the main street lined with restaurants, cafes and shops; stop for an ice-cream. Sausalito is also a great dining destination, we had dinner at Poggio Trattoria – the food was amazing with great vegetarian choices (more on this later).

Majestic Redwoods at Muir Woods (San Francisco with Kids Itinerary)

Majestic Redwood Trees at Muir Woods

Connect with nature at Muir Woods

Sausalito Waterfront

Poggio Trattoria at Sausalito

(Optional) Day 5 in San Francisco

In case you want to do a day trip to Napa Valley or even a drive on the Pacific Coastal Highway to Santa Cruz and back.

Know Before you Go:

Always, always keep a jacket – summer in San Francisco is not like the Singaporean summer. During our visit (June 2017), temperatures often dropped in the evening, even if it was sunny during the day. It is often windy, so it also feels cooler than the temperature might suggest.
Driving distances from one sight to another can be longish, 20-40 minutes or occasionally more. So always keep some water and snacks in the car, for the kids. You might also do well to keep a tablet, in case you need to diffuse a fight that starts out of boredom.
Depending on what attractions you want to cover, the San Francisco City Pass and/or the GO Card may be more value for money. Check them out while you draw up your itinerary.

Category: North America

A California Road Trip with Kids: 2-Weeks Itinerary

Planning the Trip

Days 1-5: San Francisco and the Pacific Coastal Highway

On Day 4, Visit Land’s End and drive along the scenic Pacific Coastal Highway

Days 6-8: South Lake Tahoe

Day 9: Drive from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park

Days 10-11: Yosemite National Park

Day 12: Drive from Yosemite National Park to Los Angeles

Days 13–16: Los Angeles, West Hollywood and Disneyland

South Lake Tahoe, California: 5 Best Vegetarian & Vegan-Friendly Restaurants

1. Blue Angel Café

2. Sprouts Natural Foods Café

3. Cold Water Brewery and Grill

4. Base Camp Pizza

5. Azul Latin Kitchen

Singapore to LA: 11 Top Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Los Angeles

1. Plant Food + Wine

2. Mohawk Bend

3. Zinc Cafe and Market

4. Shojin

5. Cafe Gratitude

6. Little Pine

7. Elf Café

8. Crossroads

9. Gracias Madre

10. Paru’s

11. Samosa House

West Hollywood and Los Angeles with Kids: Top 6 Things for Well-rounded Family Fun

1. Catch the Sunset from Griffith Observatory

2. Walk with the Stars, on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

3. Family Beach Fun at Venice Beach, followed by a stroll around Venice Canals Walkway

4. Get a Feel of the Good Life at Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive

5. Walk along Sunset Strip and visit an American Diner

6. Visit a Themepark or Three

Where to Stay & Eat in Anaheim:

Singapore to San Fran: 11 Best Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in San Francisco

1. Nourish Café

2. Judahlicious

3. Loving Hut

4. DOSA

5. Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar & Izakaya

6. Gracias Madre

7. Greens

8. Seed + Salt

9. Vegan Berg

10. Ananda Fuara

11. Poggio Trattoria, Sausalito

A Contemporary South-Indian Vegetarian Meal at DOSA, San Francisco

The Appetizers

The DOSAs

For Kids

Desserts

San Francisco with Kids: 4 Day Family Friendly Itinerary

Day 1 in San Francisco

Day 2 in San Francisco

Day 3 in San Francisco

Day 4 in San Francisco

(Optional) Day 5 in San Francisco

Know Before you Go: