Vegetarian Dining in the desert, means you have to be a little creative. There aren’t that many hard core Vegetarian restaurants and dining options available, especially in our East Cities of La Quinta and Indio. There are several strictly Veggie places in Palm Springs and Palm Desert however. Luscious Lorraines which is inside Harvest Health Foods in Palm Desert. The incredibly popular Native Foods in Palm Springs. Do not dispair locals in the East Valley. The great news is that nearly every restaurant you go to at this point offers variations, or their chef’s are open to “vegetarian changes” that you may request. Why not? It probably saves them money, substituting Tofu, or Soy/vegetable products for meat.
Some local Restaurants that offer plenty of Vegetarian options are:
- Okuras’: This Sushi restaurant in La Quinta is a favorite of mine. Cucumber Salad, Seaweed salad, their awesome Spinach Gnome or Veggie Rolls. All great!
- Cork-n-Fork: Local Spot in La Quinta that is always happy to substitute Meatless whenever possible. Great Farmers’ Market Salad.
- Cliffhouse: Try the Chinese Chicken Salad with No Chicken, and extra vegetables.
- Lavender Bistro: Summer Squash Ravioli and several salads and other options.
- Morgans’ at the La Quinta Hotel & Spa: The chef is incredible and the Vegetarian selections and substitutions are plentiful.
When I go out, I never worry that I won’t find something delicious to eat. Every restaurant has salads and bread and often soup options! I don’t choose to frequent Steak Houses but Vegetarians choosing them are expecting way too much. Being a Vegetarian is easy. When dining out, it never hurts to check out the restaurant options online, so you don’t have to make a big production of your choices. If a menu looks pretty limited and I’m HUNGRY, I’ll have a banana or something light before I head out. With all the options offered at nearly every restaurant around, being Vegetarian is just no big deal!