The Vegetarian
Evelyn Nichols, 86, opened her little place, hidden behind a Carl's Jr., at the tender age of 75. That was 10 years after Nichols says she was healed.
At age 65, Nichols said, she had a failing memory and a lot of problems. Then she read "The Pritikin Program for Diet and Exercise" by Nathan Pritikin and later enrolled at his center in Santa Monica.
"At the center, I learned how to eat, shop and cook," she said. "I felt like I was reborn. I was healed, and now I want to pass it on. So we're kind of a healing center.
"Better not call us a restaurant, honey," she advised in a brisk, stern voice. "We've only got six tables, and we serve foods on paper plates and with just plastic cups."
That may be, but you can still enjoy some mighty tasty sandwiches, home-made soups and a salad bar at The Vegetarian. The goat cheese sandwich features sprouts, tomatoes and Bermuda onions on sprouted wheat bread ($4.50). There's also a black bean sandwich, with avocado and hummus on sprouted wheat ($4.50).
"My soups are made without oil, salt or sugar," Nichols said proudly. "I develop my own broth. The secret is to cook things slowly. To saute onions, you don't fry them, you slowly caramelize them, and then you add the vegetables slowly, taking care to develop the full mixture."
Nichols' Vegetarian healing center opens at 7 a.m.; 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays. A morning wheat grass power drink is quite popular. The restaurant is open until 5 p.m.; 6 p.m. on Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Article from the San Diego Union Tribune
