For fans of The Veggie Grill who had to go all the way down to El Segundo or Irvine to enjoy the restaurant chain’s vegan meals: The Veggie Grill’s now in West Hollywood too!

Here’s healthy, yummy vegan food — with no trans fats or high fructose corn syrup — made convenient and affordable. At the pre-opening event on Saturday, guests ordered their sandwiches and salads at the counter, got their iced tea, lemonade, or natural sodas at the drink counter, then sat down in the sunny green-and-red restaurant or at one of the outside tables.

I enjoyed the Papa’s Portobello sandwich (top photo) with a side of Sweetheart Fries — fresh sweet potato fries sprinkled with what looked like vegan parmesian cheese which came with a creamy chipotle ranch dip — and were totally addicting. I found the wheat bun a tad too sweet, but may be perfect for those who love their lunch encased in fresh honey wheat.

Many of the dishes are made with a veggie protein (right, a Carne Asada sandwich made with veggie-steak) — but blackened tempeh made with organic soybeans and other alternatives exist for those who don’t like processed fake meats.

Sandwiches ($6.75 – $8.95) come with a side of red cabbage slaw — which can be substituted with Bean Me Up Chili (below), Steamin’ Kale, salad, or fries for $1.50 – $2.25 extra.

As for the desserts: The carrot cake was decadently moist — but, being vegan, lacked that yummy cream cheese texture and taste. On the other hand, since I’m lactose intolerant, I was able to enjoy the cake sans tummy ache! The chocolate chip was decent, as was the pudding — though the raw chocolate mousse at Juliano’s Raw still has my vote as the tastiest vegan choco goodness in town.

The Veggie Grill WeHo officially opens tomorrow, Tues., Sept. 29. Once the spot gets its liquor license — employees said they expected it to come through in November — customers will also get to enjoy beer and wine with their meals.

The Veggie Grill. 8000 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. Locations also in El Segundo and Irvine.

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