Scene In Detroit: The Veggie Side of Life

By Amelia Kanan, CBS Detroit Blogger

Dining out has been a real adjustment for me since I was taken out of my healthy SoCal surroundings and placed back into Detroit. I had to say goodbye to the land where there were acres of fresh produce, healthy restaurants and the clean way of life and hello to a winter land full of coney dogs, bread on tables without asking for it, big portions and insanely good pizza.

One of my favorite clean restaurants in Los Angeles was a vegan joint called Cafe Gratitude. I'm not joking when I say that it was harder to say goodbye to Cafe G than it was to some of my friends. However, thanks to Detroit's Seva my heart can feel a little more at home. CBSDetroit.com can brief you on the basics so I can be free to whip up my own dish on veggie restaurant

Before I go any further, let me preface, I am not a vegetarian and this post is a shout out to all of you carnivores who have never contemplated vegetarianism and see it is a bland, not satisfying and "tree hugger" cuisine. First of all, I don't like bland food. Second of all, I love me some lamb and sausage and thirdly, I am a tree hugger...

I digress, here's the best thing about a quality vegetarian restaurant: It can be appealing to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Do you have to be Japanese to fully appreciate sushi or Italian to crave some Meata-balls anda spa-ghetti (that was my attempt to have an Italian accent)?

For me, dining is meant to be an experience, so whether I'm alone, with friends or celebrating a special occasion it's important to me that those moments be enhanced not only by the food, but service and ambiance as well. Yes, the food at Seva is crave worthy but it's also the friendly people and overall vibe that have made it one of my favorite Detroit eateries.

It's easy for non-vegetarians to feel intimidated by a vegetarian menu but there is no need to feel like this at Seva. The super-friendly staff is ready to answer any questions and offer suggestions based on their own likes and regular diners as well. There are two large dining rooms, one a bit more formal with tablecloths, and the back room boasts a full bar and has exposed brick, which gives off a more causal feel. If I'm alone or with one other person, I like sitting at the bar so I can feel free to linger a bit and break it down with the staff.

Here are the best parts:

*Although it isn't a full vegan restaurant, most dishes can be made vegan upon request as well as gluten-free.

*The service.

*Margarita Mondays (glass and pitcher specials).

*Their guacamole.

*Weekday lunch specials-1/2 sandwich with soup or salad and yam fries only $8.95

*It is accommodating for large groups due to it's space and multiple dining areas.

*The bar provides an inviting feel that says "hang out, stay awhile".

*The yam fries!

*Wine Lovers' Tuesdays (all glasses are half priced)

*Sandwiches (Seva club, TLT, Rueben and Grilled Pesto)

Are you jonezing for a taste on the veggie side of life? I urge you to discover that clean eating can be delicious, fun and exciting. So, don't be afraid to step out of your meat loving ways and try something new that can be equally as enjoyable and surprisingly satisfying. Tell them Amelia sent you. (Warning: That doesn't mean anything, I just wanted to say it because it makes me sound important.)

Amelia Kanan is freelance writer/photographer and a returning native of Detroit. A graduate of Columbia College in Chicago, she wrote for an Emmy nominated sketch comedy show and pursued her passion for documentary filmmaking in Los Angeles. An incomplete list of her loves: books, human rights, improv, the smell of new shoes, talking to strangers, libraries, France, yoga, furniture, music, sociology and pushing the limits.