Well not really, but I did frequent the eponomous bakery-cafe back when Paul lived down the street. And we did once overhear someone at an adjoining table bragging to his companion about hanging out with Mani in the previous decade, and so now it's just become something we like to say. We think we're so funny.
So, right along with the rest of the city, Mani's has become even more vegan-friendly. They always had a few clearly-labeled baked goods for us, as well as a couple of savory items from the regular menu that could be made vegan with some minor alterations, but now, well, now Mani has become down-right vegan-intimate. Va va va voom.
Currently, everyday except Monday the soup is vegan. The bakery has three different kinds of vegan cakes. In addition to the tried and true vegan carrot cake, they now also serve a carmelized apple cake and a german chocolate cake. All but one of the pies are vegan, in addition to many of their other sweet little treats. I'm partial to the turnovers, in particular the peach or the blueberry.
Now, I must tell you, these are not the kind of baked goods I usually go in for. They're kinda healthy. According to their website they use "organically grown wheat and unrefined sweeteners such as fruit juice reduction, agave syrup, organic evaporated cane and granulated maple syrup." But once in awhile, especially first thing in the morning, enjoyed with an excellent cup of coffe, it's nice to have a tasty little pastry with some nutritive value.
Also, I love that the vegan (as well as the wheat-free, fruit-juice sweetened, etc.) products in the bakery case are all clearly marked. The employees are also knowledgable about the food. The busguy told us with confidence that the delicious whole grain toast that came with our breakfast did not contain honey. (I'm not usually quite so zealous about honey. We don't eat it at home, and I generally avoid it, but it's critical that the boy avoid itty bitty baby botulism.)
Along with that peach turnover and the superb coffee, Paul and I shared the tofu scramble hash. The firm crumbly tofu is scrambled with crisp asparagus, fresh spinach, and mushrooms and seasoned with nutritional yeast and miso. And if that's not evidence of Mani's lusty affair with the vegans I don't know what is.
You too can get some at:
519 S. Fairfax Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 938-8800
Mäni’s Bakery Hours
Mon-Thurs 6:30AM - Midnight
Fridays 6:30AM - 1:00AM
Saturdays 7:00AM - 1:00AM
Sundays 7:30AM - Midnight
Café/Restaurant Hours
Mon-Thurs 8:00AM - 11:00PM
Fridays 8:00AM - Midnight
Saturdays 8:00AM - Midnight
Sundays 8:00AM - 11:00PM
