Who's ready for a restaurant review a la JNT???
Well too bad!
Actually, this is much more of a spotlight of a fellow artistic badass and friend of mine, who's making some amazing things happen in the world of cuisine, with a restaurant review wrapped around it. So read it, dammit.
Introducing Chef Cruz!
Blessed be the man that feeds me...
This dashing man and I have a bit of a history...
I won't say that it's a Romantic history.. although the last time I saw the talented Chef Cruz was on Valentine's day of 2012... And he did break my heart. But that's only because that was the last time he used his powers of
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#nom
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Until today!
Once upon a time.. Both Cruz and I worked at the same restaurant in Bakersfield, CA. (I know! Gross!) Like now, Cruz was the head chef and a true artist and talent in the kitchen. The only difference is that that restaurant quite thoroughly imploded as a result of some rather insane mismanagement, and this one, quite accurately dubbed Vegan Nirvana, is brand new, insanely popular, and bursting with potential.
Oh, and it's vegan! (Duh.) Which makes me extra happy.
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Did I mention too that it's supah faaaancy?? All the artwork is by local artists.
You can check out my full review on Yelp!
I was super excited to hear from Chef Cruz that, after a soul crushing stint in the boiling depths of The Crustacean Hell known as Red Lobster (fuck corporate!), his passion for food has been revived as he is quickly turning Vegan Nirvana into a true culinary landmark in Huntington Beach - and beyond!
Find inner peace ... and the best damn sweet potato fries I've ever had.
Talks of a second location have already begun, and so far the restaurant's flood of success has all been purely word of mouth. And I'm happy to be one of those mouths!
A hungry, hungry, lipglossed mouth.
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I'm always excited to see my fellow artists chasing their dreams, no matter their medium, and knowing my homeboy - excuse me - knowing Chef Cruz, his attention to detail and knowledge of flavor, and commitment to his work, is going to convince a lot of eaters, no matter their diet, to find their Vegan Nirvana.
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Finding amazing, vegan, housemade condiments may not seem like a big deal to you omnivores, but trust me, IT IS. Try it, you'll agree. |
In fact, my perfect timing had me front row to two women that came in; one who sticks to a vegan diet along with her
Non-Believer friend ... Chef Cruz had her converted in one bite.
Me too .. but I took about five thousand more bites just in case.
If you're in the area - check it out! And be sure to pick me up the Egoless Saint (a crispy chickenless spinach wrap) and house brewed iced tea.
#DROOL
Besides an amazing meal, Chef Cruz has some other big ideas in mind that include yours truly.. So Stay Tuned!!
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Follow the fun on Instagram/Tumblr/Twitter plus Live VIdeos now on Periscope! @TheJinNTonic <3 <3 <3
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