Ann Gentry

Early Years

Born in the South, Ann grew up in a home filled with an abundance of great food, a love of entertaining, and the smells of freshly baked pies and biscuits, memories and qualities that she brings to her food as well as to her role as one of Los Angeles’ most charming restaurateurs.

Her interest in vegetarian cuisine started in the 70’s as an actress in New York City where she also worked as a waitress in a restaurant that featured foods prepared with no animal products. She slowly began to change her eating patterns as she researched and experienced the cause and effect relationship between her body’s health and the foods she ate.

Her next culinary adventure was as the personal chef to actor/director Danny De Vito while on location for his film Throw Mamma From the Train. The idea was then born to begin a home delivery service of delicious vegetarian cuisine in Malibu, California a well known enclave for the rich and famous. Some of the other celebrities who also became satisfied customers and who encouraged Ann included Barbara Streisand, Al Pacino, Lindsay Wagner, Bruce Springstein and his wife Patty Sciafa.

Current Projects

Closing the home delivery business, Ann opened Real Food Daily in January of 1993, to showcase her wonderful food in a beautiful environment that reflected her personal aesthetic. The restaurant attracts younger celebrities including Jewel, Elizabeth Shue, Woody Harrelson and others. With its blond wood, clean lines, cozy counter and eclectic art, Real Food Daily is the hip, dining choice for eating in the 90’s, with each element conceived as part of a total vision: to stylishly serve delicious organic vegetarian cuisine that promotes a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Real Food Daily is located at 514 Santa Monica Boulevard in Santa Monica, California, where you can enjoy the provocative, organic vegetarian cuisine created by chef/owner Ann Gentry. The 45-seat restaurant serves lunch and dinner 7 days a week in a comfortable, refined modern environment. Even though reservations are not accepted, It is suggested that parties of 5 or more call 1 hour in advance for easy placement. In addition, the Real Food Daily menu is available for to-go, delivery and custom catering. For more information, please call (310) 451-7544.

For more information about the basic principals incorporated in the Real Food Daily cuisine, Visit the Real Food Daily website. Their website contains information such as a map and directions, weekly specials, special links to vegetarian related topics, Frequently asked questions about the vegetarian culture.

Recognition

Ann’s gourmet, whole food cuisine is universally applauded by varied members of the culinary community. Gourmets, people on restricted diets, vegetarians, vegans, macrobiotecs and people who subscribe to a healthy lifestyle are inspired by Real Food Daily’s menu of innovative, delicious and life-enhancing real food.

Additional Note:
A Melissa's employee, took his family and friends to the restaurant recently and enjoyed the whole experience. The menu was superb and the atmosphere was very enjoyable. He has said that some of members in the party, who are not accustomed to vegetarian dining were really pleased with their meal and also said that their ideas of vegetarian cooking were completely changed.