(HOLLYWOOD PRESS CORPS) — Hollywood, CA —
As a vegan for three decades and a former longtime Listing Editor for HappyCow, I had the pleasure of adding JOi Cafe to the world’s largest vegan and vegetarian restaurant guide. Twelve years ago, restaurants dedicated to organic, plant-based food were not quite the norm as they are today.
Founded by Joi Stearns and Nicholas Johanson in 2014, the cafe was created after experiencing the benefits of a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle themselves. They wanted to create a place where people could enjoy meals made with organic ingredients without sacrificing flavor or creativity and they successfully made this happen.
Having visited JOi Café on occasion over the years, it keeps drawing me back for the ambiance, the style, the customers & staff and most of all the presentation and taste of their culinary delights.
My favorite meal is the JOi Scramble which contains everything but the kitchen sink: Tofu egg, spinach, hash browns, soyrizo, cheese, cashew crema, avocado pesto, refried beans, pickled onions served with two corn tortillas and salsa. How is that for a mouthful? Well, it gets better when you actually fill your mouth with it. All the ingredients with different textures & flavors, play nicely together in the palate. I like to put my fork down after each bite and slowly treat my taste buds to a mouthful of joy. For some this would be one meal, but I continued the feast at home for dinner.
On another occasion, I felt like having breakfast for dinner so ordered the decadent French toast – a savory, sweet & just the right amount of spice thanks to the cinnamon and nutmeg infused into the grilled bread. Let’s add some fresh berries and candied pecans (what?) served with maple syrup. Every bite sparked a smile of delight inside my mouth. The matcha drink was satisfying hitting just the right spot.
The menu is expansive and is filled with a large variety of beverages including coffees, matchas, and smoothies (can also be served in a bowl). Their “DRINKS” menu is a diversified and powerful collection that will satisfy your taste buds and make you wonder why YOU never thought to make some of them yourself.
The food sections are breakfast, toasted, salads and plates, including a ‘classic’ burger. Menu is subject to change. There is something for everyone: non-vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters alike can find common ground in this bright, stylish eatery.
Pickup/delivery/catering available.
(805) 379-5767
https://www.instagram.com/joicafe
the bluezy redhead
