Sunday evening seemed the perfect time to dive into a “vegan, organic and eco- friendly” meal. This is the tagline for the eatery Stuff I Eat on N. Market Street. It had been a very long day and I was ravenous!

The unpretentious brown awning is easily missed on the block between Regent and Queen Streets. The search for a vacant parking meter may be distracting if you’ve never been here before. If you miss it the first time, circle the block again; you won’t be disappointed. On a Sunday evening, you may catch a live jazz trio playing at just the right volume.

Stuff I Eat is fairly spacious, clean and inviting. There are no detectable smells to entice the taste buds, which leaves the flavor of the food to its own devices. The black cultural décor could fit as easily in an art gallery or sidewalk cafe. Some of the pieces are reminiscent of the former Lucy Florence Cultural Center in the Historic Leimert Park Village.

Unlike some health food restaurants, Stuff I Eat draws a hard line; there is no sacrifice of healthful ingredients for taste. It is obvious the food is prepared with loving care and a consciousness rarely found at so-called health-food restaurants in and around the city of Inglewood. Take, for example, the Organic Soul Food Platter ($11 for half-plate, $15 for full). Comprised of yams, mac‘n’ cheese, BBQ tofu, kale greens, black eyed peas, cornbread muffin, potato salad and coleslaw, this delectable meal won’t likely invoke memories of Grand- ma’s home cooking. But is it enjoyable? Absolutely!

Stuff I Eat aims to recreate familiar dishes, not imitate them. The flavors are robust and satisfying, but there is no doubt that what you have in front of you is filled with ingredients that feed the cells and nourish the body. The BBQ tofu is perfectly seasoned and not too spicy. The kale greens, black eyed peas and cornbread muffin are familiar, but not identical to the fare in other soul food restaurants. The vegan potato salad is delicious and filling. This food is a safe and delicious alternative for anyone who is ready for a life- style change to eating and living well.

There are plenty of fresh vegetable juices, smoothies and assorted bottled drinks. Desserts are vegan, sugar free and made with pure and (some) organic ingredients. If it’s sweets you crave, without the sugar and empty calories, these fit the bill. I had the vegan banana puding ($11) and found it to be as comforting and filling as any. For about $25 - $35, you can enjoy a tasty, guilt- free entrée, beverage and dessert at Stuff I Eat.

The good you will do your body is worth every dime!

Stuff I Eat 114 North Market Street Inglewood, CA 90301 Parking: Metered • WiFi: No Accepts: Cash, VISA and Mastercard Attire: Casual