Mani’s Cafe offers some fresh and open-minded fare on Fairfax

Friday, March 19, 2010
By Rose Graner
Entertainment Editor
and Casey Rumble
Photo Editor

Mani’s Bakery Café, a delicious eatery, on Fairfax Avenue, offers an array of traditional comfort foods with new, exciting twists. Their dedication to both health and taste sets a new standard for fast and tasty fare in Los Angeles County.

Mani’s is located at 519 S. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, sandwiched among downtown Los Angeles hot spots like LACMA and the La Brea Tar Pits. It is an ideal choice for diners looking for an authentic Los Angeles experience but who aren’t interested in experiencing the foreign fare offered in nearby Little Ethiopia.

The cuisine at Mani’s is vegetarian, vegan and omnivore-friendly. They offer meatless options like seitan, tofu and tempeh alongside traditional dishes like steak and chicken. Lactose-intolerant, egg-avoidant, gluten-allergic and vegan diners will be delighted to find multiple egg- options on the Mani’s menu to fit any dietary constraint.

Mani’s works to make dishes as organic and healthy as possible while maintaining a high quality of flavor. Their desserts are free of additives, preservatives, hormones and artificial sweeteners and they, according to their menu, “strive to use lower-fat, higher protein selections” in each well-constructed dish they offer. The Mani’s menu includes many “balanced bite” options, which are ideally planned to include proportionate amounts of carbohydrate, protein, and fat.

The “TBLT” (tempeh bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich) is one of the many delicious vegan options on the menu. It is also offered with real bacon for meat eaters. This unique sandwich has a balanced flavor and a light texture. If diners are looking for a more healthful option to regular deep-fried fries, Mani’s baked fries are an absolutely scrumptious alternative.

Another choice option on the menu is the “Venice, California” burger, which stacks up a juicy patty, sliced avocado, grilled onions, melted cheese, and a dab of creamy “dijonaise.” It is an ostensibly standard burger that exceeds expectations in the departments of quality and flavor, while still upholding Mani’s commitment to giving diners more wholesome food.

The atmosphere inside Mani’s homey, worn exterior is clean and friendly, with a light, airy, organic feel to it. Though crowded due to limited seating, the café provides quick and pleasant service and offers an intimate dining experience.

Prices at Mani’s range from $9-$15 for meals (which include a side) and from $3-$10 for individual desserts. This makes Mani’s Bakery Cafe a rare deal when compared to other restaurants of similar portion size. Full-sized cakes and pies are also available, as well as catering services for parties and events.

Whether you’re interested in a healthy take on an old favorite or an exciting foray into an entirely new culinary experience, Mani’s should be your destination. Featuring a clean interior and low prices, Mani’s offers an expansive menu with a choice for anyone and everyone. Their dedication to accommodating all lifestyles and flavor requirements is truly exemplary.