WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA
Pura Vita on West Hollywood’s famed Santa Monica Blvd. is not to be missed! The plant-based Italian eatery, opened just a few short months ago, is now one more reason that vegan Angelenos are utterly spoiled with delicious options.
All of us who work in the Mercy For Animals Los Angeles office had been eagerly awaiting its arrival for the better half of 2018. It’s located just a few short blocks away from our front door. Having previously hired Pura Vita’s owner and head chef, Tara Punzone, to cater a couple events for MFA, we were already well-acquainted with her culinary talent and knew her restaurant and wine bar would be a huge success.
Does Scarlett’s gigantic smile look sincere? On a rare, quiet afternoon, several of us decided to treat ourselves to lunch at Pura Vita. I could have jumped up and down with excitement (or maybe I did) as I had yet to visit. Honestly, as we walked along Santa Monica Blvd. toward the restaurant, I think every one of us was already imagining the satisfaction of the meal to come. But to our dismay, the glass doors standing between us and a big plate of pasta al pomodoro or Lasagna Pura wouldn’t budge. We peered through the windows thoroughly confused and disappointed. They’re closed on Mondays!
Our spirits crushed, we stood there for a good while unsure of our plan B. And that’s when I insisted Scarlett pose for this photo. Maybe I couldn’t snap shots of the White Magic Pizzette with cashew ricotta, cashew mozzarella, crimini mushroom, and truffle sauce, but at least I’d capture the facade for my blog post to come. Begrudgingly she did, and begrudgingly we journeyed on.
Citrus Olive Oil Cake
I’d like to think that my good karma made up for the epic failure a hundred times over, with a magnificent 5-course holiday dinner courtesy of Mercy For Animals’ One to Change the World Society, an exclusive group of young, influential leaders in Los Angeles and San Francisco who are working to end animal cruelty in their lifetimes.
A small group of about 20 MFA staffers and supporters joined together, with a common purpose and mutual love of vegan food, for an intimate evening of great conversation and relationship building. First up was the dish that turned out to be everyone’s favorite—the Ricotta Crostini, topped with local pear, arugula, and apple honee. It was divine! 😍 To me, the second antipasto—Garlic Parmigiano Potato Wedges—was a close runner up. Sure it sounds simple, but the flavors were anything but.
The Insalata Cesare offered a brief repose between the exquisite but carb-heavy plates. Tuscan kale, roasted garbanzo, lemon almond dressing, garlic croutons, and parmigiano. 👌🏼 Pura Vita’s Carbonara (featured image) came next. The spaghetti, avocado egg and macadamia Romano cream, and shiitake bacon was an incredible combination. I only wish that by that time I wasn’t so full and could have enjoyed it more. But not one bite was left. I sat quietly with gluttonous pride as I watched others bow out early, packing it to go while claiming they had to leave room for dessert.
We had two choices of dolci (the Italian term meaning “sweets”)—tiramisu or Citrus Olive Oil Cake. Either ending was perfection. After more than two hours filled with gastronomic delights, we all rolled out of there stuffed and happy. I am thankful for Pura Vita and I trust you will be too.
For more deliciously kind vegan food and fabulous cocktails in West Hollywood, check out Gracias Madre!
