Having dinner at Crossroads Kitchen was a surprising foray into vegan interpretations of Mediterranean favorites
When it was time to meet Matt and connect over conversations about art, life and food – he had one request: a vegan or vegetarian based menu. As it was his choice to pick our next place, I threw up some suggestions. We mutually agreed to meet at the vegan hot spot, Crossroads Kitchen on Melrose.
I started dinner off right with THE MIDNIGHT MANHATTAN (Frey Ranch Rye, Amaro Averna, Angostura, Italian cherry). Matt was already deep into his, and highly recommended it.
It was lust at first sip.
Our meal was easy and light. We started with the BABY BEET & CITRUS (pistachios, fennel, feta, balsamic) and the STUFFED ZUCCHINI BLOSSOMS. The beet salad was high quality and juicy. On the other end of the spectrum, the stuffed zucchini was on the same delicious level as Scopa Italian Roots and Mother Wolf.
Now, TAGLIATELLE BOLOGNESE was highly recommended to Matt by the bartender. However, I also suggested we order the MAFALDINE CACIO E PEPE (parmesan cheese, cracked black pepper).
Now, the tagliatelle bolognese was delicious. I will give it that. However, the Cacio e Pepe was an oral revelation of “HOW THE ACTUAL HELL IS THIS VEGAN?!?”
Crossroads Kitchen is on the same level as Gracias Madre in elevated decor, scrumptious cuisine and a vibe that offers a great place to converse and cultivate friendships – over a meal that won’t leave you bloated at the end.
Crossroads Kitchen
8284 Melrose Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90046Los Angeles, California 90046
