Monday, April 21, 2008

Restaurant Pick: Orean The Health Express


I'm proud to say that I'm from Pasadena. It's a fantastic city, complete with the Tournament of Roses Parade (I was even a Rose Princess), San Gabriel mountains, the legendary and beautiful Rose Bowl, and a jam-packed, grease-filled restaurant row.

KFC, McDonalds, Burger King, Roscoe's Chicken n Waffles, Carl's Jr and Taco Bell...they're all here in one city block. And nestled right between them is Orean: The Health Express.

Here's what Orean's is: vegetarian, lowfat fast food. AND IT'S TASTY.  It's easy to miss on Lake Avenue. They opened their doors in 1988, and clearly don't have a budget for decor. There's no indoor seating, only three outdoor picnic tables, and hand-written signs.

It's a little ghetto.

But what's fascinating is their menu...how could this run-down looking shack offer some of the most flavorful, inexpensive vegan food in all of LA?   There's not a drop of animal product on the premises, but there's a slew of fresh ingredients.  I've fooled ice cream lovers into trying what they thought was a regular vanilla shake...made entirely of soy and hundreds of calories and fat grams less than the golden arches alternative.   Then there's the favorite Big-O-Chilli Cheese Burger, or my husband's choice: the "Chick-un" Burger.  I've tried most of the menu, including their interesting take on a Mexican favorite called the African Tostada, a corn tortilla with a mix of blackeyed peas, salsa, tahineh, lettuce, tomatoes and soy cheese.  I'm addicted to their Philly Cheese Sandwich with Peppers and Green Onions and the Super Green Drink.  The "steak" has a wonderful finish with melted soy cheese, and the drink works on a hot day.

Let's be real, it's not particularly healthy.  No fast food is.  But when you can cut over 75% of fat (all from vegetable fat), oil and calories from a fast food craving - this can turn into a habit. Everytime I visit my hometown, I stop by and bring home some goodies that get eaten quickly...

It's right on Lake Avenue, just above the 210 Freeway. Here's where you can find out more: http://www.oreanshealthexpress.com/

Orean's Health Express
817 n. Lake Blvd
Pasadena, California
830am - 9pm
Walk-up & Drive-through!