We Ordered All the Vegan Options at Firefly (with Photos)
Our mission was to savor every vegan dish offered, while I also couldn't resist sampling one non-vegan plate to understand the depth of flavors.
Firefly, a non-vegan restaurant in Studio City, surprised us with a diverse range of vegan offerings, mostly found in side dishes and appetizers. Eager to experience the executive chef's take on vegan cuisine, we booked a reservation and indulged in all the options, ordering more than we could eat.
Dish 1: Farmers Market Salad
A perfect balance of acidity, nutty richness, and a touch of sweetness from the green grapes surprised us in the most delightful way. Each bite offered a harmonious fusion of flavors, making it an instant favorite and a must-order to kickstart your appetite.
Dish 2: Heirloom Tomato & Burrata (minus the burrata lol)
Customizing the Heirloom Tomato & Burrata to align with our vegan preferences by omitting the cheese, we indulged in a vibrant plate of fresh, semi-dried, and fermented tomatoes, adorned with sweet black olive jam, fresh basil, and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. The absence of burrata didn't dampen our excitement as the tomatoes offered bursts of flavor, harmoniously balanced by the sweet olive jam and the refreshing touch of basil.
Dish 3: Baby Carrots
These Baby Carrots, served with hummus and kaffir lime kosho, proved to be a ‘holy cow, YUM’ experience! The hummus was creamy and perfectly balanced and the kaffir lime kosho was the bell of the ball - it elevated the entire experience with its mind-blowing sour and salty taste. Whether you're a hummus lover or a vegan enthusiast, this dish is a must-try that will leave you craving for more.
Dish 4: Hand-Cut Frites
Despite this small indulgence, it was undoubtedly a side dish that should not be missed. Each thick-cut fry boasted a golden brown hue and a satisfying crunch that paired perfectly with the parsley and garlic seasoning. Throughout the meal, we found ourselves reaching for more, savoring every crispy bite.
Dish 5: Garlic Smashed Potatoes
The Garlic Smashed Potatoes were a unique and impressive vegan side dish. The perfectly cooked potatoes offered a savory experience that pleased our palates. The true star of the dish, however, was the luscious saffron aioli that the potatoes sat atop. We were very pleased as creamy sides are a rarity at non-vegan restaurants.
Dish 6: Brussels Sprouts
The Brussels Sprouts were a surprising and captivating fusion of flavors. Enhanced with sweet and sour chili sauce, roasted grapes, and vegan bacon, this vegan dish showcased the brilliant combination of vegetables and fruit. The pleasant bitterness of the Brussels sprouts paired surprisingly well with the roasted red grapes, creating a symphony of flavors that delighted our taste buds.
Dish 7: Fried Eggplant
The Fried Eggplant, drizzled with date syrup and served with green chili cilantro sauce, left us in awe. The green chili cilantro sauce, with its earthy, bright, and beautifully spicy kick, quickly earned its place among our top three favorite dishes of the night.
Dish 8: Atlantic Salmon (non-vegan dish, for me)
Firefly's Atlantic Salmon, served with eggplant puree, king oyster mushrooms, crispy sesame leaves, ginger relish, and dashi sauce, stood out as a culinary masterpiece that even delighted the vegan palate. The salmon was cooked to perfection, juicy, and full of flavor, while the vegan elements of the dish proved equally sensational.
Overview:
At Firefly, the exceptional service from our server, Haily, added to the dining experience. Her sweet and engaging demeanor, combined with her attentive care throughout the night, made the evening even more memorable. The ambiance of the restaurant, especially on the patio with the roof retracted, embraced the lovely LA summer night, setting the stage for a remarkable dining adventure.
The chef's ingenuity shone through each plate, and we extend our appreciation to the entire team for a truly unforgettable experience.
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