Justin N.
Yelp
What an absolute gem. If I lived nearby, I'd ask the staff to hurry up and give me a nickname because I'd be a regular like clockwork. Alas, I don't live nearby. A stellar stop should you find yourself driving between Los Angeles and San Diego, or thereabouts. Like I did. If you do live close, lucky you.
Newly introduced, I didn't know where to start. I asked about fan favorites and was directed to the mushroom quesadilla. "Everyone on Yelp loves it." Well goddamn. Feel free to include me on the "everyone" list. A tough task, creating a raw quesadilla that can stand up to its traditional, melty cousin. But stand up it does. My wife isn't big on mushrooms, but she was eyeing my half like I was going to have to fight for it. The faux-tuna wrap was spot on. A lot of greens and sprouts, extremely fresh, a crunch factor with a dressing that tied it all together like Lebowski's rug. And the kelp salad was blessed with just the right amount of olives to keep it fun.
I used to be disinterested in raw spots. I found the flavors too consistent across the menu, too many dried seed everythings. Too bland, too much not enough. Undoubtedly healthy, but the taste buds want what the taste buds want. Peace Pies took the healthiness, kept that core of the raw lifestyle, and turned up all the rest.
What an uplifting spot to hang. Probably a mile or less off the ocean, it's got that sleepy town attitude where fog chills the quiet air outside, and you get to kick back and recharge. They've got big, beautiful plants, a gorgeous passionfruit vine mural, and a deck outside to enjoy the bites and the breeze. I'm a fan of the color palette. Nice decor without going overboard or out of bounds, pillows to lean on, sunlight popping through to hit all the right spots.
As far as I can tell, everything is made in-house. Even the coconut tortillas, which they sell separately if you want to get fancy at home. I'm a little sad I didn't try the walnut meat, or the durian smoothy. Durian? In smoothies? Normally worth a chuckle, but I bet Peace Pies handles it with care. The staff were cool folks, there to spread friendliness and care through soul-nourishing food and a place to unplug. Good food and a table to enjoy it are the ultimate display of welcome.
I wish we could've stayed longer. A shame, when the daily grind drags us back when the heart wants to stay put. I would've lounged an hour or two on the patio. Maybe sipped a tea and tried one of those sweets in the cooler that couldn't stop looking at me. Closed my eyes, breathed deeply, and noshed 'til I could nosh no more. There's always next time... Well, at least I hope there is. Next time, it will have to be.