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On a recent trip to Los Angeles my curiosity and interest in plant-based cuisine was once again affirmed by my visits to Planet Raw and Matthew Kenney, both plant-based cuisine restaurants. What is plant-based cuisine you may ask? This cuisine uses only plant and vegan ingredients. No usage of dairy or poultry. All Organic no GMO. Wow, what a limiting scope for food. Not at all. Challenging, yes. Just think no processed sugars, processed meats, butter, cream, etc. My french culinary background was screaming and plotting against me not to enter those domiciles, but I did. I was joined by my youngest brother, Tommy, or Tomzo as I like to call him. This stuff is pretty new to me and it was pretty much alien to Tom. We ventured forward with empty stomachs and full curiosity. First, Planet Raw by Chef Juliano. Cool location for sure in Hollywood. Close to Santa Monica. His space was very clean and full of life from the plants, decor and gorgeous women. I was impressed so was Tomzo. We ordered the raw pasta primavera and the Pad Thai. Full flavors and lots of color. Nut based sauces instead of cream and cheese. Instead of flour based noodles they were kelp, a seaweed based noodle. I loved it and we finished it off with two juices. Kapow. Nutrient-dense courses with some vitamin packed beverages to finish it off. I wasn't stuffed but i was satisfied. Tom dug it. I met with Juliano and thanked him for a wonderful meal. He has been doing the raw food for about 23 years here in LA. Man, i could see why. There was one more place I wanted to check out. Matthew Kenney Santa Monica. I heard many good things about his concept and mission with crafting the future of food. Located on the 2nd level of the mall, it had a very modern look and an open kitchen. I ordered the chef's tasting and Tom had raw pasta alfredo. I had a 10 course journey through the plant-based food ideology. I had the almond gazpacho, coconut kimchi dumpling, raw nut cheese plate, jicama taco's, the signature lasagna, and aerated chocolate with coffee ice cream. This was different and a whole new dining experience for me. I dug the angle of no meat and dairy. It was light and i actually was full by the end of the culinary adventure. I was able to meet the Chef de Cuisine and discuss the philosophy and cooking techniques. There was a lot of dehydrating going on and a lot of nuts and herbs. This was inspiring to me. No gluten, refined sugars, no gmo's. How could you not enjoy that? M.A.K.E in Santa Monica and Planet Raw are both worth checking out whenever you're in Los Angeles. Surf's up and live to cook another day!!!