Good morning, what are you eating for breakfast? Not eggs I hope. 

Today, we’re going to talk about veganism. I am not one; I am a vegetarian (and sometimes a pescatarian — a flexitarian?), but after some of the great dairy and meat mimicry I experienced this past weekend, I have decided to try out a diet free of animal products next month. Who knows, maybe you’ll join me. 

On Sunday, St. Patrick’s Day, food and dining reporter Caitlin Antonios and I attended Long Beach’s inaugural Vegan Playground. The plant-based party pops up weekly in L.A. and now it will be cropping up ‘round these parts every month. 

Let me tell you, this is ~ good news ~ for veggie heads, vegans, vegan-curious folk and people who just …enjoy good food? If you’re already bristling at the thought of omitting (at least) meat from your diet, I’ll tell you from my experience, it’s worth a trial run at least once in your life.

When I first committed to a vegetarian diet last year, I was really just doing it to make sharing food and dinner dates with my partner, who is a vegetarian, a bit easier. But after essentially unlocking an entire world of food I didn’t realize existed (here’s looking at you, Au Lak) and subsequently dropping down a few pant sizes — I couldn’t help but also start to look at chickens a little differently. What? They’re adorable. 

Disclaimer: No shade to my lovely readers who do eat animal products. I am merely meaning to introduce you to another universe of (objectively) good eats.  

The city’s very first Vegan Playground was held in the Zaferia district in the Devi’s Donuts parking lot. When Caitlin and I rolled up, the playground was packed. Groups sat together along long tables to inhale vegan takes on delicacies from El Salvador to Nashville from these vendors: Lucky Catsu, Original Herbivore, Pupusas Veganas, Shane’s Tamales and Vegan or Nah.

Others enjoyed needle drops from the DJ that was spinning Destiny’s Child, Marxist Disco Love Ensemble and more bops in front of Devi’s Donuts. 

Here’s what we tried. 

Lucky Catsu 

It’s been way too long since I’ve had spam musubi, so obviously, it was the first thing I ordered when we arrived. They had “spam” musubi, “spam macsubi” and catsubi. We also snagged some “dollar hits” — chick’n pieces on a skewer. 

I was prepared to write that the musubi was my favorite treat of the day, but that was until I tried a certain chick’n sando.

See where Lucky Catsu is popping up next, here. 

Original Herbivore 

Having just returned from the South, I jumped at the opportunity to order Original Herbivore’s Nashville Hot Chick’n Sandwich. For your reference, this particular vendor is very beloved in the plant-head community. 

On my way back to Long Beach from NOLA earlier this month, I did enjoy some of the best fried green tomatoes I’ve ever had during a short layover in Nashville, so I have been particularly curious about whatever else they might have to offer. 

This sandwich was wicked good and had a lovely kick to it. 

Again, I was about to crown that chick’n sando as my favorite — and then I ordered some tamales. 

See where O.H. is popping up next, here. 

Shane’s Tamales

I had tried Shane’s Tamales one other time at a pop-up at Everywhere Beer Co. (which is reportedly opening up on Retro Row this year). Let’s just say that I enjoyed them so much that time, I ended up bringing a whole box of them home. 

This time, I sort of did the same thing. First, I ordered the “pork” tamale (mushroom-based) and *chef’s kiss*, then I snagged a chick’n green chile (pea protein- and soy-based) and the bean and cheese with rajas (roasted pepper/soy free). 

See where Shane is popping up next, here. 

Vegan Playground is set to pop up in Long Beach every month, but they have not announced when and where the event will take place next. Check VP’s Instagram for updates and of course, The Hi-lo.