We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again—with the season of holiday binge eating upon us, you’ve got to start thinking about when you can fit in a healthy meal or two.  We also know it’s hard to give up your local haunt, which is why we were surprised to find out about Casa Vega’s healthier alternatives.  The beloved Sherman Oaks favorite is currently run by secondly-generation owner Christy Vega Fowler, the daughter of owner Ray Vega, and she has given the menu healthier alternatives.  First, Christy has made the black beans vegetarian-friendly by eliminating the salt pork and animal-based broth.  She has also removed all lard from the kitchen, a rarity in Mexican cooking.  Here’s a closer look at Christy’s additions to the 57-year old menu.  

We're going to start as every Mexican meal should: margaritas.  There’s the Blood Orange Margarita—patron silver tequila touched with blood orange juice, agave nectar, and fresh lime—along with a cucumber margarita made with lime, agave nectar and a splash of club soda.  Casa Vega also serves a skinny margarita, giving patrons a lighter, less-caloric alternative to getting their tequila on.  

Secondly, a slew of vegetarian options have been added to the menu.  There are the taquitos,  mini corn tortillas stuffed with black beans, alongside the Mexican pizza—a crisped flour tortilla dressed with soy beef, black beans, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan.  The vegetarian enchiladas, sautéed spinach enveloped in corn tortillas, are served with vegetarian Spanish rice.  

Christy has also incorporated more seafood into Casa Vega's carte du jour.  Corn tostadas are blanketed in crab and shrimp, then garnished with lettuce, avocado and pico de gallo.  Christy’s quesadillas features Maine lobster, kissed with lemon garlic.  Lastly, her molcajete is a sizzling medley of flank steak, chicken breast, tiger shrimp, and chile relleno, garnished in green onions, queso fresco, then served with warm tortillas.  

Mixing new with the traditional, Casa Vega’s healthier alternatives have given us another reason to revisit the local gem.  And we're not alone—the joint, which is open until 2 am daily, is bustling every night of the week. 

In other words, mi casa es Casa Vega. 

Casa Vega, 13301 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks. (818) 788-4868.