Happy Foody

Matt Amsden’s book, Rawvolution, was an inspiration to me when I went raw in January…the photos, the information, it was all exactly what I needed at the time. He even has a burger called “The Big Matt”. I knew that when we finally got to L.A…we just HAD to go there. Many times

I was positively giddy when I saw Rawvolution’s green exterior paint in the distance…I practically bolted away from Matt and Bella to get in the door faster The inside of the restaurant is very…purple. With lots of really bright colored pictures gracing the walls. Books, superfoods, and t-shirts line the wall as you walk in. The tapestry covered couch in the corner calls out to you…so inviting! There is a juice and elixir bar in the front left, and you place your order on the right. This isn’t a full service restaurant, but rather a “order and go” or “order and stay” kind of casual dining place (or don’t come in at all and order “The Box” raw food delivery service from anywhere in the country!). The whole set up is a bit confusing for newbies…especially when it’s super busy, but we figured it out and were soon diving into our raw feast.

I would have to say that I wasn’t overly impressed with the food. It was TASTY… but it was hit or miss…some was great, some was…”eh…”. With all the hype surrounding this place, I half expected the food break into a song and dance for me on my plate before I ate it. If it was my first raw restaurant experience, I would probably feel differently…but I really wanted to be blown away. I will give the thumbs up for their elixirs, however. I loved the Springtime Protein Shake. So much, in fact, that I came back 3 different times to get the same thing. Yes, it was that good. The great thing is, you can buy the mix online! I found it in their cooler…and wrote down the website. You can find it here. In the winter, they serve it warm…cold for the summer. It was really unique tasting…and you just blend it with a nut milk. Ooooh, I’m getting cravings for one right now!

The thing that I LOVED about Rawvolution? It was like raw “Cheers”. You wanna be where everybody knows YOUR name…right? Well, the vibe in here was pretty amazing. Everyone was so open…talking…sharing…laughing. Each time we went in, we made new friends and had wonderful, lengthy conversations with them. Bella always makes friends especially fast. But here, she was on overdrive… joining some girls on the couch for hugs one time, and then talking Heather, another new friend, into letting her write on her very fancy Mother’s Day cards Another day, we all sat with a delightful couple who were into the raw scene in Santa Monica. They were thoughtful enough to grab Matt Amsden as he was breezing through the restaurant and introduced us to him. Very fun.

Not everyone eating here was raw…or even vegan. They just enjoy the creativity and textures of raw food. They enjoy the people and the atmosphere. It was truly addicting. I wanted to be there everyday…to people watch, to make new friends, to enjoy the food, and especially for that Springtime Protein Shake! There is just something about people who are eating primarily raw foods…they are more focused, more intense, more alive. And when they have a place to come together and share ideas over good food…it’s magical.

Rawvolution is definitely worth a stop (or two…or three) when you’re in Santa Monica!

Photo album here.

Every raw cookbook has a different philosophy on raw foods…but each one offers new wisdom and insight into living foods. Even if I don’t agree with everything the book says, I love getting my hands on any information I can…knowledge is power!

What’s on my shelf?

Raw Food Real World
Living on Live Food
Living Cuisine: The Art and Spirit of Raw Foods
Ani’s Raw Food Kitchen
I am Grateful: Recipes and Lifestyle of Cafe Gratitude
Green for Life

I use every one of these cookbooks ALL the time…each one has unique and delicious treats.

Cookbooks I would like to own:

RAWvolution
The Raw Food Detox Diet
Raw Food Made Easy for 1 or 2 people

What are your favorite raw cookbooks and why?