VeganMoFo: Madeleine Bistro

For our final meal before he left LA, my buddy and I hunkered down for a gourmet, multi-course meal at Madeleine Bistro. He opted for the Thanksgiving Preview prix fixe meal, consisting of:

Cauliflower bisque with pan-fried cauliflower and parsley oil.

Belgian endive and pear salad with Chardonnay cheese, spring mix, and candied walnuts.

Herb-crusted seitan with savory bread pudding, coconut mashed yams, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry relish. I ordered this a la carte, not having enough appetite for the entire four-course meal. It was a wonderful, holiday-inspired meal, with my favorite components being the sides, especially the coconut mashed yams.

Holiday pie trio: Pumpkin, pecan, and French apple (pumpkin was unavailable that night, so my friend's trio had two slices of pecan and one of French apple). I didn't try the pie, as I ordered my own separate dessert.

Since our meal was a celebration of friendship and the finest of LA vegan dining, I ordered Madeleine's signature dessert, the chocolate souffle (served with vanilla ice creme). If I'm not mistaken, the last time I had this was on my birthday three-and-a-half years ago, and it was just as rich and delicious as I'd remembered.

Madeleine Bistro remains a high-class, innovative, warm vegan restaurant that is so worthy of our support. It is owned and operated by some of the most wonderful people I have the pleasure of knowing and have always been treated with absolute joy and respect there. If you have the opportunity to join them for this holiday meal or any meal, for that matter, please do as soon as possible. Reservations are strongly encouraged, as their hours are currently weekend nights and Sunday brunch only. You'll be rewarded with excellent food and the best service.