Raw Junkies Serves Vegan Superfoods in Studio City

Despite what some carnivores might believe, omitting ingredients like meat and dairy hardly means bland fare. The owners of the new Raw Junkies are out to prove that. Chef Jane Mancino and husband Joe are lifelong Valley residents who are inviting diners to change their “addiction” and try the flavorful vegan dishes and smoothies served at their new cafe in Studio City.

Both owners grew up nearby. Joe previously worked for a record label, and Jane was a hair colorist. That said, this concept came naturally. Her family used to work in the restaurant industry, and Jane grew up Buddhist. Her family would go without meat for months at a time as part of their culture, and now she’s fully embraced the vegan lifestyle.

Turmeric-roasted cauliflower curry ($10.95) is particularly satisfying, co-starring sweet potato, carrots, red bell peppers, onion, coconut milk, herbs and spices. Each wavy black plastic container also houses antioxidant rich riceberry rice—a Thai hybrid that includes glutinous purple grains.

Jane says, “We’re a little bit different from other vegan restaurants because we use no refined sugar, no soy sauce, no dairy or nut milks.” Not that their food suffers.

Their focused menu also touts green papaya salad in tangy lime dressing, vivid spring roll-like “rainbow roll” with crunchy vegetables and apple cider vinegar peanut sauce, and three different dairy- and sugar-free soups: roasted creamy tomato, creamy broccoli and creamy cauliflower. Soups cost $3.95 for 8 ounces, $5.50 for 12 ounces and $8.95 for 24 ounces.

Smoothies include Lovely Lavender ($5.95 for 12 ounces, $7.95 for 16 ounces) a vibrant, luscious blend of lavender, banana, butterfly pea-infused coconut milk, blueberry, lychee and coconut water.

The glass-fronted space houses only five tables and features rope and wrought-iron wagon wheel chandeliers and “change your addiction” in white neon. An open kitchen is lined with jars of ingredients like organic hemp heart, butterfly pea and chrysanthemum that all contribute to delicious, “clean” living.

12930 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818-747-3641