THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED eLOVate Vegan Kitchen & Juicery

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED eLOVate Vegan Kitchen & Juicery Restaurant Review:

Located on the ground floor of The Waverly luxury condo complex at Ocean Avenue and Olympic, eLOVate is just the kind of place you'd expect for the healthy Santa Monica lifestyle. Much like the organic food, the space --- with its natural, hand-hewn woodwork and rustic touches --- is modern and fresh. The large white-tiled bar is where bartenders concoct farm-to-glass cocktails while the refrigerated section is primed for on-the-goers who want a cold-pressed juice. Along with a few booths and two-tops inside, visitors can grab a seat on the outdoor patio which looks out onto the complex's courtyard and Tongva Park across the street. Helming the kitchen is chef Roberto Martin, best-selling cookbook author and former personal chef to Ellen DeGeneres and Tom Cruise. Because of his experience as a non-vegan chef (and eater), Martin knows how to achieve the right mix of flavors and textures that really satisfy the tastebuds. Take the jackfruit tacos, for instance. While a frequent guest on vegan menus, jackfruit can tend to be tough. But here, it's delicately shredded and seasoned much like carnitas. The ceviche nachos are a spicy surprise, piled with hearts of palm, artichoke and tomato, drizzled with chipotle aïoli. The smoky, chewy maitake mushroom skewers marinated in ancho chile and chimichurri would rival any meat experience, while the grilled veggie sandwich (despite its unremarkable description) is packed with flavor. Bottom line: Meat eaters will love it and Westside vegans now have an alternative option to Cafe Gratitude. Bonus: Free underground parking with validation!