R: Raw is the hottest happening blocks away from surfer's paradise along Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach. Cool, upbeat, and fresh, Planet Earth Eco Cafe lures hungry vegan raw fooders into an inviting comfort zone shared by tasty raw organic food and a coffee house complete with Wi-Fi and a selection of tasty coffee specialties.

Z: Sans laptop but seeking replenishment, we were tempted to plunk ourselves at one of the four outside tables on the shady patio. Forming the suggestion of an enclosure is an attractive, low wooden planter overflowing with succulents and feathery grasses swaying in the gentle breeze.

R: Instead we opted to enjoy the bright and airy indoor ambience that featured faux wooden floors and numerous works of art lending cozy appeal to the straw-colored walls. The order counter dominates the long room and serves as the coffee station supervised by personable coffee shop owner Christina Carana. The deli case holds an attractive display of sweet temptations, some raw and some baked, along with sprouted bagels.

Z: Looking upward, we noted the droplights were cloaked in a gossamer white fabric designed to create a muted, warm glow for nighttime diners. As we listened to soothing upbeat pop music, we noticed wooden shelving near the dessert case held several dispenser pots of popular coffees to provide free refills.

R: While the coffee grinder was whirring away, Lawrence Todd, former chef of the now defunct Terra Bella Restaurant, greeted us with a cordial smile and suggested several lunch choices. Lawrence, tall, blue-eyed, and dressed in black with a floor-length black apron, explained the cafe was strictly a coffee spot until he arrived. He noticed the kitchen was not being used and suggested he share the space with Christina. An excellent pairing, the coffee shop and raw food restaurant bring healthy dining and pleasant sipping to the community.

Z: Ready for a light lunch, we chose Surfin USA and Rosalita and shared the two. Surfin USA arrived on a large white square platter with raw sushi-style nori rolls lined up like soldiers at roll call, but far more colorful. Filled with pumpkin seed cheese and a confetti of veggies and sprouts, the rolls were generously garnished with minced cilantro. Accompanying the nori rolls was a cluster of baby greens dressed in a bold mango 5-spice sauce and a tiny square sauce dish with additional mango sauce for dipping.

Z: Tucked inside the green wrapping was flavorful Brazil nut taco meat zapped with fabulous seasonings, all totally raw, of course. Topping the vegetable wrap was a colorful spray of avocado tomato salsa and a decorative piping of Lawrence's special sour "kream." We loved this dish for its imaginative composition and great taste.

R: Having shared the light nori appetizer and vegetable wrap entrée, we focused on a dessert to share. Choices included Coconut and Mesquite Truffles, and three pies-Vanilla and Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Almond Butter, and Vanilla with Maca. We settled on a truffle and a slice of Chocolate Almond Pie. The truffle, with goji berries inside, appeared light and airy but surprised us with its ultra-firm and chewy quality. The pie delivered a pleasantly light mousse-like texture and delicate chocolate flavor with ingredients that featured almond butter, coconut butter, coconut oil, and coconut meat, with an accent of cacao nibs garnishing the top.

Z: The outstanding feature of this pie was the buttery rich golden flaxseed crust sweetened to perfection with agave nectar and enhanced with coconut oil, shredded coconut, and cacao nibs.

R: Other menu choices include a daily soup special and light dining appetizers like tossed salad with hemp seed dressing, Brazil nut hummus with olives, tomatoes, and bread, and sliced cucumbers topped with guacamole and nacho sauce. These Opening Acts range from $7 to $12. The entrees, or Headliners, including the Rosalita, range from $12 to $14 and feature items like raw pasta, hemp seed burger, kale and veggie salad with tahini dressing, and the Iron Man spinach, kale and veggie salad with mustard and spirulina dressing.

Z: The Smoothie menu ranges from $8 to $12 and includes seven unique fruit and vegetable sipping opportunities with $1 add-ons like maca, vitamineral green, mesquite, lucuma, goji berries, and spirulina.

R: Though the menu is small at present, Chef Lawrence plans to offer daily specials and expanded choices in time. The dishes we tasted were flavorful, creative, and attractively presented, making our lunch experience pleasurable. Beach loving raw fooders won't have to travel far to find tasty TLC on a plate at this comfortable relaxed cafe.

Planet Earth Eco Cafe
509 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Phone: 310-318-1888
Hours: Tuesday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Closed Monday
Website: http://www.planetearthecocafe.com

Reviewed December 2009

Homepage Los Angeles Events Calendar Our Mission The Nut Gourmet Vegetarian Survival Kit News from the Nest Recipe Index Los Angeles Vegetarian Restaurants Vegetarian Basics 101 Protein Basics Calcium Basics Ask Aunt Nettie VeggieTaster Report Vegetarian Reading VegParadise Bookshelf Heirloom Gardening Cooking with Zel Dining in Paradise Cooking Beans & Grains On the Highest Perch Road to Vegetaria Words from Other Birds Using Your Bean Ask the Vegan Athlete Vegetarian Holiday Meals Great Produce Hunt Farmers' Markets Natural Food Markets Vegetarian Associations Directory Links We Love VegParadise Yellow Pages Media Reviews 24 Carrot Award Vegetarian Food Companies Archive Index Send us e-mail

© 1999-2011 vegparadise.com