Fun Fact: I’ve been a vegetarian for nearly twelve years now and in that time I’ve gone from wondering what would occupy the formerly meat-filled hole on my plate to being completely overwhelmed with options. There are plant-based burgers flying out of fast food windows, entire brick-and-mortar establishments that cater exclusively to meat-free meal-seekers and even full-sized festivals that bring hundreds of vendors together in the name of vegan fare. And then there’s El Compa Vegano whose Coconut Mango Ceviche is the stuff that veggie dreams are made of. It’s delicious, seafood-free and handmade by a man who’s dedicated to making authentic Mexican food available to every type of eater in the San Fernando Valley.
The ceviche in question – which deserved every minute of the half hour-long photo session I dedicated to it – is filled with coconut, mango, avocado, tomato, cucumber and onion and packed with more flavor than any ceviche (plant-based or otherwise) that I’ve ever tasted. It comes in a generous 24oz container with four tostadas, a couple to-go packets of Tapatio, a spoon and napkins which, now that I’m writing this all down, sounds like the perfect picnic lunch at the park. The best part? You don’t need to be a vegetarian or vegan to enjoy this dish or anything else El Compa Vegano has to offer. This ceviche got the stamp of approval from even the pickiest carnivore in my family so I’m sure we’ll be eating whatever’s on the menu all summer long and beyond!
While there are still some drawbacks to being a vegetarian in the Valley – i.e. that guilty feeling you get when your veggie food makes everyone else wait for their “normal” meals at traditional restaurants – it’s more exciting and easier than ever to enjoy awesome meatless alternatives like this amazing ceviche right in my own backyard. Currently, El Compa Vegano (aka Jessie) takes orders on location or via Instagram and accepts cash and Venmo payments only. For all the latest information on what’s on the menu, pickup + pop-up locations/times and the newest additions to Jessie’s flavorful lineup, follow – or full-on stalk – @veganfoodie818 on Insta!
Leave a Reply