It is a known fact that UCLA has one of the best dining setups in the nation. In the dorm areas, also known as "the Hill", we have unlimited variety when it comes to the type of cuisine, healthy food choices, and dining convenience. However, when it comes to food options on campus, students would argue that choices are rather lackluster and could use a revamp, especially when it comes to offering healthy, non-fast-food choices. Up until now, the main health-oriented restaurant in the Ackerman Student Union was Greenhouse, a simple and straightforward salad bar that gets rather bland after about a week of visits. Fortunately, Veggie Grill has just set up shop in Ackerman, offering a huge range of healthy, vegetarian food options ranging from sandwiches to bowls to tacos.
Veggie Grill is a fast-casual plant-based restaurant chain that first opened in Irvine, California in 2006. Since then, they have expanded to over 30 branches all along the West Coast and Illinois, with UCLA being their latest opening. It is a welcome addition for plant-based eaters who, until now, have been lacking choices on campus. Here is a round-up of some of Spoon UCLA's favorite dishes:
Crispy Cauliflower
The Crispy Cauliflower was our favorite "Share" as Veggie Grill calls it. One of the unhealthiest choices from the list, the Crispy Cauliflower comes in panko breading and with a choice of sauce on the side.
Santa Fe Crispy Chickin'
As one of Veggie Grill's most popular items, this sandwich was spectacular. The "chickin'" was well done, and overall the sandwich was flavorful and relatively healthy.
The Super Taco Salad
This taco salad was composed of fresh lettuce, beans cooked with taco seasoning, roasted corn, tomatoes, sliced avocado, and crispy tortilla chips. It was light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. Unfortunately, the Super Taco Salad was a seasonal menu item for the month of May so it's no longer available. (EDIT: It has just been moved to their Core Menu, so it will now always be available!)
Kung Pao Tacos
These tacos were a simple dish composed of vegetarian chickin', green onions, sesame seeds, chili peppers, and shredded lettuce. They were nothing mind-blowing but had a savory taste that was relatively satisfying.
Buffalo Wings
These wings are probably one of the most popular items at Veggie Grill. Unfortunately, they didn't live up to the hype. While the vegetarian chickin' was incredibly tender, the buffalo sauce was a bit overwhelming for our taste.
Final Thoughts...
Veggie Grill has a lot to offer for vegetarians on campus. While not all of their dishes have been completely perfected yet, the restaurant's selection and variety is incredible considering their vegetarian-only menu. It's definitely worth stopping by the next you find yourself in Ackerman looking for some good eats!
(Pro-tip: the strawberry lemonade is also fantastic!)