I’m no vegetarian. Yet in my latter years, I eat less meat than I once did. I’m not alone. My younger friends and family members often seek out restaurants that offer innovative, plant-based menus. Lulu’s Local Eatery is one such place.
The South Grand restaurant doesn’t just tip its hat to the vegan lifestyle, it has gone whole hog. (Opps, sorry for the poor analogy.) Lulu’s is one of the area’s few 100% vegan restaurants, dishing up hearty, well-seasoned meals from organic, homemade, locally sourced foods. Gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free options are also available.
The eclectic menu couples Mexican, mid-Eastern and Asian foods with impressive aplomb. Chickpeas, sweet avocados, jackfruit, udon noodles, mushrooms, quinoa, kale, cauliflower, and black beans turn up in burritos, falafels, pretzel buns, salads, bahn mis or taco shells.
Don’t overlook the sauces and dips that round out the various dishes: one puts a little buzz on the Buffalo Cauliflower; another enlivens the house-made tater tots. I didn’t leave room for dessert, so I had to forgo the cupcake of the day, Lavender Lemonade. A regrettable decision, but one that left me an excuse for a return visit.
For those who admire creativity—and I do—it’s fun to see how Lulu’s kitchen can spike the flavor of healthy foods or tweak old favorites. The message on the restaurant’s tee shirts reads: “Eat Like You Give a Yam.” Good advice. Eating from their truck or on their corner, Lulu’s is yam good.
Lulu’s Local Eatery. 3201 S. Grand. Open: Mon-Sat 11:30a.-9p. Closed Sunday. Check Facebook and Twitter for updates on food truck service and schedule.
