Do You Have Anything Vegan?

Put on your stretchy pants. You know the ones. The ones you wear around January 2nd. You know what we’re talking about. Because you must, must, MUST go here and eat everything on the menu. Chef Tara Punzone deserves an Oscar for Best Vegan Italian. That’s not a category this year? Make. It. One. Brunch, lunch, dinner, it doesn’t matter: Mange, mange, MANGE at Pura Vita.

Jim’s Choice: Pizza is my life. The pizza here is life-altering. And the garlic parm potato wedges, too, soooo good. Get a pizza and put the garlic parm potato wedges on top of it. Life is short. Do it.

Steve’s Choice: Start with the mushroom lentil meat(free)balls – smoky and the sauce is spot on perfect. Then don’t waste time asking what everyone else is having at your table and/or questioning your server what they recommend, just order the Carbonara. ORDER. THE. CARBONARA. Then send me your hand-written thank you when you finish. You’re welcome.

Address:  8274 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood

Parking: Can be tricky as Santa Monica Blvd spots fill up fast. Try a side street but mind the times and signs so you don’t get a ticket. Or just Uber it over.

Website: PURA VITA

When we told friends and fam we were taking our first trip to Paris, the first thing they said was, “Awesome! Have a great time!” And the second statement from almost everyone was, “I feel bad for you, you’re gonna have a tough time finding anything to eat.” Fear not, France has come along way, baby (or as they say: bebe), with restaurants like Le Potager de Charlotte leading the way. Two brothers, two locations (Le Potager du Marais), endless flavors of deliciousness.

Jim’s Choice: I love a plate of roasted seasonal veggies that’s not weighed down by a heavy sauce. So I opted for the Roasted Eggplant which had a splash of white pepper humus, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, a roasted pistachio sesame cream & ginger dressing, with a hit of fresh herbs atop. My favorite meal in Paris.

Steve’s Choice: If there’s a carb involved, I am eating it. The Rigatoni with Bell Pepper Cream made with gluten-free pasta, grilled bell pepper cream, peppers, tomatoes, olives, pine nuts and covered in arugula. This dish is surprisingly lighter than it sounds and my mouth is watering thinking about how good it was.

Address: 21 Rue Rennequin, 75017, Paris

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: So make your plans before you go or as soon as you arrive. Bar seating is sometimes available.

Website: lepotagerdecharlotte.fr

What’s the first thing to do when you get to London?

FIND. BRUNCH.

Seriously, SIM cards be damned (well, you may want to get that handled to help you get around easier)! Head chef and owner, Kuba, is cooking up so many delicious offerings, it’s hard to choose. But choose we must:

Jim’s Choice: I’ve got a sweet tooth and the Golden American Pancakes hit the sweet spot (see what I did there?). They’re light, fluffy, and the perfect way to start the weekend (or weekday). The berries, bananas, mint-maple yogurt and roasted nuts come with a homemade whipped cream on top – YUM.

Steve’s Choice: If you love garlic as much as I do, it doesn’t matter what time of day it is. The Savory Garlic pancakes are topped with mushrooms, herb-infused creams cheese, smoky tofu and sweet spicy drizzle. Pro-tip: Ask for extra side of maple syrup.

Address: 176 Wandsworth Bridge Road, London, SW6 2UQ

More Info: About a 10 minute walk from Fullham Tube Station. Seating available inside, outside, and extra tables downstairs.

Website: pinchofnature.co.uk