New “Wild & Crazy” Vegan Trend Becomes Healthy 2020 Signature

(Gerry Furth-Sides) I continue to be bombarded with article request for Impossible Burger stories.  We did this already twice: first and last at Umami Burger.  The taste was ok although we did not understand the need for this when there are so many fantastic veggie options.  And then we learned recently the sodium in fake meat.  A report from the George Institute for Global Health found that meat-free bacon contains more than a third of a day’s worth of salt. Consuming too much salt can raise blood pressure and lead to a heart attack or stroke.

The wonderful options includes some wild and crazy ones, such as the enormous jackfruit which makes wonderful tacos.  Vitello’s is an upscale location to find them; Masala Grill a more modest eatery that has made them a signature.

Vitello’s Restaurant has been an iconic fixture in the San Fernando Valley’s Tujunga Village for decades because of its inviting, homey and fun atmosphere and friendly service.  Live music and handcrafted cocktails were added to the menu of classic Italian cuisine long ago, part of the restaurant’s updating mission to please customers.  The most recent one featuring vegan dishes includes a special twist.

Vitello’s has introduced a new menu with an expanded selection of vegan dishes inspired by renowned musical force Michael Feinstein. A passionate vegan for over 20 years and partner in the new supper club upstairs Feinstein’s at Vitello’s, Michael worked closely with Vitello’s managing partner Brad Roen to create this inspired new personal vegan dishes.  They are part of the full menu for brunch, lunch, and dinner and in Feinstein’s at Vitello’s supper club that features Michael’s personal favorites, along with vegetarian and gluten free options.

At the same time customer favorites as Frank’s Favorite Meatballs, traditional meat Lasagna and their signature paper thin crust Pizzettes remain best-sellers on the California-inspired menu that continues to be a mix of classic and modern fare.  Other dishes include:

•Artichoke Cakes – made with garbanzos, scallions, hearts of palm, panko, arugula and spicy aioli | $14

•Michael’s Meatless Meatballs with Fieldroast Italian sausage, carrot, panko, arugula and marinara | $16

•Beyond BRATwurst with two, grilled vegan sausages, open-faced, sauerkraut, sautéed onions, Dijon and a Hawaiian roll | $18

•Jackfruit Tacos – three tacos, roasted pineapple, mushroom, apple slaw and bbq sauce | $18

•Southwest Chick’n Salad – blackened Gardein chick’n cutlet, hearts of palm, avocado, toasted corn, black beans, roasted red    peppers, creamy avocado ranch and mixed greens | $16

•Cappellini alla Checca with sweet tomato, garlic and basil | $16

•Chick’n Parmesan with a Gardein chick’n cutlet, house-made marinara, Daiya mozzarella and whole-wheat penne | $26

•Sausage & Peppers with Fieldroast Italian sausage, peppers and marinara | $24

VITELLO’S 4349 Tujunga Ave.  Studio City, CA 91604 818 769 0905 vitellosrestaurant.com.  Please see website for brunch, lunch and dinner hours.

Jackfruit cooked has the wild look, consistency of shredded meat

Jackfruit in the wild!  This is a Melissa’s Produce showpiece