There’s a branch of Café Vida in the Pacific Palisades, on a busy shopping street in The Village. There’s a branch of Café Vida in Culver City, in the very heart of the born-again downtown entertainment district. And there’s a branch of Café Vida in the South Bay … in a fitness club in an industrial section/business park just north of Rosecrans that you wouldn’t know was there unless you already knew it was there.
Indeed, where the first two branches have pleasant outdoor eating options, the El Segundo version sits in the lobby of the club, with locals in workout clothing coming and going and stopping for a Green Power Shake and a Super Detox Raw Juice, as needed.
It’s a pleasant enough place to stop for a snack, a tasty (and arguably more healthful) alternative to the fast-food joints in the malls down on Rosecrans. And of course, if you’re like me, you feel more fit just being around people who have been putting on the miles on the elliptical and the treadmill and kind of pumped being near weightlifters. It’s physical fitness by osmosis. Also, the parking is pretty good, which is always appreciated.
Cafe Vida has long promoted itself as a destination for “healthy Latin food.” Which it is, more or less, at least in terms of the Latin part of the name. There are a couple of quesadillas on the menu, along with huevos rancheros, tacos and a burrito. A smattering of dishes are made with jalapenos, mango, chili and lime. But mostly, this is Healthy SoCal Cuisine, recognizable, cooked well, quickly served and very reasonably priced. I like the place. It makes me feel kind of righteous and good. And I did eat healthful, which is always a good thing, especially since I spend so much of my life eating dishes that frighten my cardiologist.
Café Vida is so committed to matching healthful with tasty that I can order from just about anywhere on the menu without fear. But I do like to begin with something especially tasty from the juice bar. They don’t just have juice, they offer “All Natural Superfood Smoothies” and “Fresh Raw Juices.” I have a thing for green drinks. Which is how I wound up with the Green Power Shake — kale, spinach, parsley, dates, avocado, almond milk, hemp protein and “100 percent raw maca.” (Maca is a root from Peru, with many claims for almost magical properties. I guess.)
Most of the smoothies skew even sweeter, good for those who have been doing situps perhaps. Like the Low Carb Protein Shake — strawberries, blueberries, vanilla protein and coconut water. Well, it does sound good, but then, so does the Pure Green Juice: kale, spinach, parsley, romaine lettuce, celery, cucumber and lime juice — nice.
Just as nice, and as green, is the All Day Breakfast dish called a Protein Plate: egg whites (of course), grilled chicken, salsa, guacamole, fruit and multigrain toast. Beats an Egg McMuffin hands down. But the dish that really appealed was the simply named Organic Vegetable Bowl, which is just about a perfect lunchtime meal. It consists of a mix of sautéed veggies (lots of zucchini!), sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and free range chicken breast (or tofu, if you wish), served over brown rice, with a lot of avocado slices on top. So simple and so good. And a reminder that brown rice really does taste good, especially for something that’s also good for us. What a concept.
I know I would have done well with the chopped barbecue chicken salad, the chicken mango avocado salad, and the Caesar salad served with albacore tuna. Ditto the grilled chicken chipotle quesadilla, and the spicy chicken soft taco. But even better is the sense of collegiality found in the café — a bunch of well-toned exercise lovers, all gathered together for a bite after some serious spritzing. There was lots of talk about how long they had worked out and what they needed to work on, and where they were going on vacation, to stay healthy. It was inspiring. But not so inspiring that I’ve given up on barbecue and burgers. But still, maybe I’ll get the cheese on the side, and go light on the sauce. I do want to keep the good feeling going — at least for a while.
Merrill Shindler is a Los Angeles-based freelance dining critic. Send him email at mreats@aol.com.
Cafe Vida
Rating: 2.5 stars
Address: Bay Club South Bay, 2250 Park Place, El Segundo
Information: 310-643-6205, www.cafevida.net
Cuisine: Healthful
When: Breakfast and lunch, every day; dinner Monday through Friday
Details: Soft drinks and smoothies; no reservations.
Atmosphere: Casual, healthful, cheerful, sunny, open café in the lobby of the Bay Club South Bay, with a menu of dishes for those who exercise, those who want to eat healthful, and those who just want good food at good prices
Prices: About $12 per person
Suggested dishes: “Healthy Breakfast” ($8.25-$11.25), All Day Breakfast ($10.50-$13.50), “Wholesome Salads” ($9.95-$13.50), “Great Sandwiches” ($10.50-$13.50), Favorites ($10.95-$13.75), Bowls ($12.50-$13.75), Smoothies ($6.35-$7.30)
Cards: MC, V
