Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Mäni's Caters to (Octo-Lacto) Vegetarians
()
In 1989, the seeds for Mäni's were sown. The small Fairfax bakery began as a coffee house -- one that preceded the big Starbucks boom of the 90s. Like RFD, Mäni's has a Danny DeVito connection. The production company for Other People's Money asked Mäni's to make baked doughnuts for the film. In return, Mäni's would receive product placement. Though the placement was ditched at the 11th hour, People Magazine picked up the story. The subsequent press put Mäni's on the map. (Read the entire history on their blog.)
Flash forward to 2005. The bakery has a formidable menu that touts organic and vegetarian options, in addition to some chicken and tuna options for carnivores. There are a few Vegan selections, but they're sparse. Almost every item has bread, cheese or dairy mixed with it. The good news is they don't frown on substitutions. So you can easily make dishes Vegan friendly... just be careful to read all the ingredients.
For Vegans, we recommend the Vegan wheat-free pancakes, made with barley & oat flour, topped with your choice of fresh fruit or compote. There are also several dairy-free soups, which change daily. Unfortunately most of the sandwiches, wraps and salads come with cheese or meat. However, you can easily substitute tofu and hold any dairy from the salads.
Support for LAist comes from
For octo-lacto vegetarians, Mäni's is paradise. The delicious wraps (pictured) and salads will require few, if any modifications. They are constantly updating their menu. Recent additions include hummus and pita with veggies and "To-Fu-Caught-Cha" Sandwich.
Vegans, vegetarians and even diabetics will be able to sample the dessert menu. The sugar and dairy content is clearly posted for all desserts. Our favorite items include the macaroons and the Vegan half-dipped chocolate chip cookies.
Mäni's is located along Fairfax, between LACMA and the Grove. The crowd is relaxed. However, the street noises, simple metal tables and pedestrian foot traffic make Mäni's a better destination for an informal meal (i.e., we wouldn't bring a date here). That being said, it has neighborhood charm and a friendly staff. Prices average $9-10 per entree. So it's not cheap, but it's not as pricey as RFD.
Our Advice
We highly recommend this to octo-lacto vegetarians. For now, we think Vegans can find a better deal and variety at other Southland restaurants.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday after suddenly shutting down six months ago. -
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
Best of LAist