“Silverlake Vegan” Answers the Book: 72 Reasons to Be Vegan

(Gerry Furth-Sides) Silverlake Vegan.com is fast becoming one of the most popular of the the new local vegan take away and delivery options in Los Angeles. The city already holds the title of being the most culinary diverse city in the world.

The low-key Silverlake area of LA known for its serene reservoir is also known for its old-school ethnic restaurants and gentrified residential areas. Classic, straightforward authentic ethnic and Americana menus are more dominant than the trendy, high-priced, celebrity chef options on the westside.

The Silverlake Vegan.com kitchen is west of the reservoir Silverlake.  The clear, comprehensive and  long menu is an enticing introduction to a number of Indian dishes because of the detailed explanations of ingredients and preparation provided in each description.

The “Silverlake Vegan” staff at the long popular India’s Restaurant is excited and proud to expand services to its guests with online catering. The experienced chefs also prepare each dish in the take-away menu to order with fresh, healthy high quality ingredients. This ensure every plate arrives on a guest’s table with the richest possible taste whether it is eaten on the restaurant outside dining area or at home.

Wellness these days is considered much more than a trend. It’s a way of life, and a lifestyle that includes healthy eating as well as staying active and fit. For visitors and locals alike, Los Angeles offers an incredible variety of plant-based dining options, from vegan breakfast and brunch to hearty burgers and pizzas. There are vegan food trucks, vegan bar menus and even ice cream shops. But few, if any, options such as Silverlake Vegan currently feature Indian foods, with their ancient history of being healthy.

Indian food has long been associated with vegetarian eating. In 72 Reasons to Be vegan by Gene Stone and Kathy Freston, the authors mention Gandhi and Indian foods in their book with its sub-title, “why plant-based” and “why now.” In reason #15, “You Could be the Next Gandhi, Da Vinci, or Tolstoy,” the authors talk about how difficult it was before the mid-twentieth century “to be committed to veganism.” One of the most surprising was Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein.

So it is a little bit surprising that the book doe not mention that India has largest number of vegetarians across the globe. There has been centuries of developing the finest foods, which are also regional, since the lifestyle has existed since antiquity. Even Indians who do not regularly follow a vegetarian diet may decide to adopt one during religious festivals.

In #52, “You can Be Veganish” the authors graciously give the advice: “take your time.” And they write about “perfectionism – we’re not into that. There’s no contest for who can be the most or best vegan. Veganish is just fine. …. If you’re at a party and you’re starving and you’re eyeballing cheese and crackers because there’s absolutely nothing non-animal to eat, have it.”

Also not in the book is how Indian cuisine lends itself to a vegan lifestyle.

Along these lines, which is not mentioned in the book, what if you are vegan or vegetarian and your friends and family do not follow this lifestyle choice. India’s Restaurant, which shares the space with Silverlake Vegan, also has delicious, healthy, non-vegan options for them.

Silverlake Vegan.com , www.Indiasrestaurant.net, 4366 Fountain Avenue, Los Anneles, CA 90029, (323) 912-9230. Order online for pick-up or delivery.