Happy hour at Vegan House

The Vegan House in Silverlake is not swanky, its lit sign doesn't pull you in with a designer typeface, the painted $4.99 lunch special daubed on the glass door does little to install confidence (in me) that a special dining experience awaits.   I passed it by often as I trudged up and down Silverlake Blvd to Echo Park, and my daily writing spot at Stories bookshop and cafe.  I seemed to have forgotten that some of my most amazing meals have been purchased, road-side for mere pocket change in some exotic destination.

This day I wanted veggies, lots of them, colourful, fresh and I wanted them bad.  It was early evening as I passed by, noticed the bargain 'happy hour' sign.  The staff were welcoming.  The decor, as the exterior...no frills.  Think canteen style.  There were 3 choices for the $4.99 deal, for starter, entree and dessert.  ALL VEGAN.  I opted for the spicy eggplant with black bean sauce.  It came in no time, fresh, hot and coupled with a mound of steamed brown rice.  The veggies were delicious and the rice had a pleasing chew.  The sauce was delicious.  I sampled the 'crab' wantons too.  A creamy soy filling in crisp, fried pastry, served with chilli jam.  Yes, yes, yes....yum, yum, yum!  A healthy and delicious feast for under $10. 

I returned twice.  The staff always super nice.  The great taste consistent.  If you want a cheap and flavoursome meal and don't mind omitting the fancy dancy frills then go pull up a chair.  They do Mexican dishes too.