Review: Hugo’s Restaurant

During my last trip in April to Los Angeles I had the pleasure of attending a private tasting of Hugo’s menu at the West Hollywood location hosted by owner Tom Kaplan and marketing director, Rich Leivenberg. Before even tasting the food I knew I was in for a treat because the energy in Hugo’s was so great. Owner, Tom Kaplan eloquently explained the back story of Hugo’s and how the restaurant, ownership, employees and customers are evolving. Hugo’s was originally founded by Tom’s father Terry who was a butcher, artist and created Hugo’s as a primer veal butcher shop. It’s beautiful to see their restaurant has moved from veal to vegan. They have maintained their signature Southern California style and transitioned the flavors to have over 80% of the menu vegan friendly and around 85% gluten free. As a vegan that is music to my ears!

Tom explained how they are simply strived to feed their customers nutritious whole foods in a kind, supportive and friendly atmosphere. From all their fresh pasta now using flax seed instead of animal by products (most fresh pasta isn’t vegan) to all their flours being sprouted beans instead of wheat, they are creating a space where vegans, Celiacs, vegetarians, and meat eaters can gather around the table together. Being the only vegan (or anything close to it) in my family Hugo’s is a great choice to feed everyone’s lifestyle with whole foods. Please note  they do use the same grill for everyone but take precautions not to cross contaminate our vegan food.

Hugo’s evolution from veal to vegan is proving to be a savvy business move as well. They are opening their 5^th restaurant this August in Agoura Hills, California. Look for Hugo’s locations in West Hollywood and Studio City along with two taco stands in Los Angeles serving vegan friendly Mexican food (another win for vegans!).

On a green note, Hugo’s even has a Director of Sustainability assisting in creating vsustainable menus, choosing non leather chairs and creating green initiatives. Their creative chef works diligently to serve mouth watering dishes with low oil, low sodium, vegan options, gluten free options and using organics for the “dirty dozen”. I really liked how Tom also noted his employees are awakening to greener practices and creating a work space to have them prosper as well is very important to him.

When you experience Hugo’s for yourself be sure to check out their monthly specials, new sangria, vegan carrot cake (amazing) and tell them VeganConsultant.com sent you!

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Very Green Casserole (reg or vegan)

Kelly Bennett l Conscious Living Activist

Kelly is the founder of veganconsultant.com and has a passion for social change! She blogs about her adventures of doing her part growing the vegan movement and the spiritual journey of living with passion. The hope is you’ll learn how to improve your well-being and be inspired to follow your dreams from her posts. She also blogs about personal growth, the vegan market and entrepreneurship. Her posts includes How to Have a Breakthrough, What makes you happy? and more!

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