Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Hip, A new Vegetarian Joint in Ojai


Aside from Mary's Secret Garden in Ventura, there aren't a lot of places to get vegan food in Ventura County. Enter Hip - a new vegetarian restaurant offering all sorts of vegan, organic, gluten-free, and raw items sure to satiate even the most die hard carnivores- located in Ojai. Open for about a week now, this little cafe is tucked into the back of what used to be Treasure Beach Cafe, with a tiny dining room and a serene sunshiny patio. They offer hearty portions and an array of desserts, ensuring no one leaves hungry. As for their daily offerings, here's a peak at some of the menu items.


Seitan BBQ Sandwich built of paper thin strips of 'wheat meat' piled high and smothered in bbq sauce. It is served on a sprouted whole grain bun with vegatnaise, miso mayo, lettuce mix, tomatoes, red onion and sprouts, and comes with a side salad and a handful of blue corn chips.

The Indonesian Wrap (one of the most beautiful sandwiches I've ever seen) is filled with tempeh, shredded green cabbage, carrots and red bell peppers and rolled in a gluten and wheat free rice wrapper. It is served with a spicy peanut-coconut dipping sauce. The Hip Hip Hooraw Wrap is stuffed with spicy jalapeno almond pate, guacamole, lettuce mix and sprouts wrapped in tender collard leaves.

The salads (which come with choice of: Tahini, house vinaigrette, or miso ginger dressing) include a bountiful sprout salad with locally grown sprouts, lettuce mix, avocado, and pumpkin seeds. The Greens and Grains is packed with spinach, lettuce mix, marinated greens, sea veggies, avocado and warm brown rice. The Chef salad is made with vegetarian ham, turkey and vegan cheese, lettuce mix, tomatoes and cucumbers.

Hip also offers a selection of chocolatey treats (shown above) and daily dessert specials (like today's coconut pie). Beverage options include fresh vegetable juices (like carrot, ginger, apple, cucumber and beet), date shakes, fresh fruit smoothies, and housemade Chai tea. Hip is located at 928 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai. Phone: 646-1750.