Fresh from the Garden: Gourmet Plant-based offerings from Donna Jean Restaurant

Today on #LunchBreakLIVE we’re dining with Chef Roy Elam of Donna Jean Restaurant in beautiful San Diego, California. Seasonal, sustainable, plant based, rustic and comforting best describe this iconic spot. Formerly with Suncafe Organic in Studio City, California and Mathew Kinney’s Plant Food + Wine Venice. Physical trainer Brendan Williams AKA One Dope Vegan, along with Michelle May, creator of Coconut Jerky and Space Ice Kream by Seva Foods, joined us.

Donna Jean offers a high level of freshness by incorporating fresh peppers and spices directly from their garden onsite! They also try to source food from local purveyors whenever possible. This really makes a huge difference in the taste because fresh spices are superior when preparing food. They do not use mock meats and emphasize the natural flavor of the plants through their recipes. It’s no wonder that other vegans who are health-conscious are in attendance at his restaurant with all its fresh offerings.

Chef Roy brings all his passion and knowledge to the table at this location he fondly named in honor of his mother. Join in the adventure of taste as we enjoy seasonal specials ripe for the picking, with the commitment to “make vegetables seem less weird!”

And If you can’t make it to San Diego, don’t fret, they will be opening their Sherman Oaks location in early 2019!

Hosted and written by Paige Parsons Roache and Rhea Ashcraft on camera for JaneUnChained.com

A peak inside Donna Jean restaurant. Photo Credit: Paige Parsons Roache

The gorgeous patio and onsite garden. Photo Credit: Paige Parsons Roache

Classic Rita Pizza named after Chef Roy’s grandmother. The cheese is made from cashews and coconut oil. Photo Credit: Paige Parsons Roache

Sweet Corn Tortellini. Naturally delicious! Photo Credit: Paige Parsons Roache

Chef Roy Elam (R), Michelle May with Seva Foods & Brendan Williams, AKA One Dope Vegan. Photo Credit: Paige Parsons Roache

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Jane Velez-Mitchell

Jane Velez-Mitchell is an award-winning TV journalist and New York Times best-selling author. She is the founder of UnchainedTV and the host of several shows on the network.