LOCALI
HEALTHY CONVENIENCE NEVER TASTED SO GOOD

Everybody loves a good grab-n-go spot, especially when the eats are fab. But it’s even better when the food is good for you too. Locali, arguably L.A.’s first conscious convenience store with locations in Hollywood, Venice, WeHo, and Downtown opened in 2009 and has steadily expanded providing Angelenos with healthy and hearty food made with organic ingredients and, as they like to say, love.

An organic and natural gourmet deli with a menu that caters to vegans and omnivores, almost any deli sandwich at Locali can be made with vegetarian, vegan and/or gluten-free substitutions.

Locali is largest and fastest growing health-conscious convenience concept currently in the market, and the only franchised natural food store with a healthy and organic-based and “last meal worthy” deli menu. The “healthy lifestyle” concept strives to empower customers to eat smart all day and make healthy dietary decisions. Their menu, which features natural, certified-organic and locally-sourced ingredients; antibiotic and hormone free deli meats from animals that have been fed a vegetarian grain diet; and an array of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, was created by Greg Horos and Melissa Rosen, whose mission was to create an outpost for busy people to affordably eat healthy without sacrificing convenience or flavor.

“Our goal is to change the way people think about healthy eating,” said co-founder Melissa Rosen. “We’ve been really successful because of our passion to serve customers amazing food that also helps them live better lives by choosing healthier options that are planet-friendly, without having to sacrifice flavor.  We’re excited to take this mission and unique food service model to consumers in West Hollywood.”

The options are aplenty at Locali, from salads to sandwiches to bowl and smoothies. The cold BLT with tempeh bacon, romaine, stone ground mustard, and mayo on lightly toasted sourdough is a great healthy option. As is the hot Reuben with marinated vegan deli slices or turkey, vegan cheese or Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Locali-made vegan Russian dressing on marble rye bread. Delish. Personally, I’m a big fan of the vegan deli slices and I’m a avid meat-eater.

Of the Killer Quinoa Bowls, which can also be made into wraps, I love The Big Daddy with quinoa, arugula, vegan and gluten-free chicken marinated in spicy vegan buffalo sauce, celery, black beans, and creamy dill dressing. It’s light and healthy and, most importantly, tasty.

And you can’t go wrong with the Vegan Sweet Potato Chili as its hearty and oh so comforting. Who knew comfort food could also be good for you too?

Breakfast is big at Locali and probably the most popular menu item is The Badasses breakfast sandwich named one of “LA’s 10 Best New Sandwiches” by Zagat. This tasty treat is an impressive mix of sausage patty, cheddar, chipotle sauce, and maple syrup on a sprouted multigrain English muffin. One of these bad boys is just not enough. Think McGriddle without the guilt nor shame.

And if you really want grab-n-go goods, look no further than the organic smooties made with reverse osmosis filed ice and sub hemp milk. The favorite is The Elvis made with banana, cacao nibs, sunflower seed butter, coconut yogurt and almond milk. I think this would have even made The King happy.

Other solid smoothies include The Dirty Shamrock with cacao powder, avocado, dates, peppermint, almond milk, banana, and coconut yogurt, as well as The Mystic made with coconut milk frozen yogurt, hemp milk, turmeric, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, pineapple, and olive oil. These will get you up and going.

It’s no secret that healthy eating can taste good and shouldn’t break your wallet, but it should also be convenient and easy to get. And that’s where Locali really shines—by offering good, affordable eats without any hassle.

Locali is located at the following locations:

• Hollywood (5825 Franklin Avenue)

• Venice (701 Lincoln Boulevard)

• Localita & The Badasserie (817 S. Los Angeles in downtown)
• West Hollywood (8730 Santa Monica Blvd, Unit D

Story by Jose Martinez

Photography courtesy of: Locali