02/22/2012

Follow Your Heart

A delicious grocery and dining establishment, Follow Your Heart adorns the streets of Canoga Park on Sherman Way. Amongst the dollar stores, small antiques marts and other dining establishments is a valley landmark for Vegans and Vegetarians alike. A store unlike many, it’s a one-stop for all types of delicious vegetarian goodness. I’ve loved and frequented this place many times since I found out about it in high school, and it’s still one of my favorite places to go.

The store is set up like any shop with isles of whole grains, cultured enzymes, supplements, and every other type of veggie and health friendly items. Some of my favorite things to pick up there are their bulk items like Nutritional Brewer’s Yeast, interesting tofu products, organic produce and interesting grain flours. If you’re in search of something crazy for a vegan recipe, you’re more than likely to find it here.

Also, besides the great options for taking home and cooking, there is a small diner-style eatery available for dining in and taking out delicious vegan and vegetarian foods. A worldly menu of different styles of food, there is something for everyone here—meat eater or not.

I took my friend Stephanie here one weekend afternoon for a little shopping and beautiful patio dining. It was a gorgeous day for a late afternoon lunch and we indulged in the most delicious of options. I ordered the Spanakopita, which is a Greek pie filled with spinach and cheese and then wrapped in light and flaky wheat phyllo dough. I have to say, it was quite memorable—ever so decadent and cheesy, with delicious ricotta and feta running through the piping hot spinach. The dough was so delicate and delicious and for using wheat dough, you wouldn’t be able to detect the difference. It was served with a side-salad of Greek-style vegetables, topped with cheese, as well as a mixed green side-salad with tahini-tofu dressing that was fabulously creamy, with no oil in it whatsoever.

I love the different ideas that vegan and vegetarian food can offer; it something I’ve always loved. Stephanie ordered the Nut Burger, a specially prepared vegan burger made in-house and served on wheat bread with a side-salad, carrot chips and a tea, all for about 10 bucks—such a steal. The two of us chatted over new upcoming projects and what inspires us, then headed back in the store for a couple of fun treats. Follow Your Heart is an interesting and honestly delicious and inspiration view of vegetarian and vegan food in the San Fernando Valley.