Tanya Petrovna

Chef and Owner
Native Foods Restaurants
Westwood, Palm Springs and Palm Desert, California

Tanya Petrovna created Native Foods to be "vegetarian the way it should be." This means going so far beyond sprouts that rave notices from vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike keep pouring in and there's a bright light at the end of the tunnel. Tanya feels that in order to create a planet where health and consciousness begin with what you eat, the Western diet must be vegetarian, preferably vegan, and everyone who has eaten at Native Foods is ready to make the trip.

Following her own consciousness and heart, Tanya's back-to-basics approach to cooking begins with her love for animals, and moves into her awareness of the environmental and the health benefits of an organic, plant based diet. Once upon a time, not too long ago, a handful of visionaries like Tanya stood somewhat alone to convince others that this was the right way to eat and live. Today, nutritional and medical experts all over the world support the idea that meat, dairy, and an excess of sugar, salt, and processed foods have proven to be the cause and/or contributing factors to many of the cancers and heart diseases that plague our society today. "There is no question that largely vegetarian diets are as healthy as you can get. The evidence is so strong and overwhelming and produced over such a long period of time that it is no longer debatable." (Marion Nestle, Chair of New York University's Nutrition Department)

At an early age, Tanya was learning the fine nuances of European cuisine from her father, who was maitre'd at a 5-star restaurant, and cooking skills from her mother, whose friends called "Julia Child." After studying biology at the University of California, Tanya's true culinary future was launched when she learned to make tempeh*and seitan**from scratch. Extensive travel through Thailand, Korea, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Yugoslavia, plus living in Japan for a time, with her inherent skills, and personal philosophy have added up to create a style, technique, and presentation of plant based food the world has not seen before.

Walking through the entrance of Native Foods you're immediately enticed by aromas that are in some ways deliciously familiar and at the same time wonderfully exotic. Diners at Native Foods in the desert are long term devotees, while lucky Los Angelenos are establishing loyalty at the new Westwood location even after only a couple of months. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and the atmosphere is comfortable and contemporary, but it's the food - incredibly fresh and innovatively flavorful - that is the star. The menu is cuisine based, and includes the cool (such as Native Caesar and Jamaican Jerk) and hot (such as Rockin Moroccan and Soba Dan Dan) Earth Bowls; the Flat Wraps; the Handholds - unbelievable plant based burgers, tacos, and classic sandwiches (Hot Italian and Philly Peppersteak); Snacks/Sides, including Edamame and Indonesian Tempeh Chips; of course Soups, Drinks, and amazing Sweet Treats (all dairy free), plus even something for Felix and Lassie!

Tanya and her partner Ray have incorporated their experiences in food service, travel, and healthy cooking to offer the textures and flavors of the world's best cuisines in a fresh and fun way. Their vision is that we live and prosper in harmony and in balance with nature, starting with the energy and wonders of food. If you already believe, or if you have the sense of adventure to try something new, we urge you to visit Native Foods. In many ways, a better world is waiting there.

• Tempeh (TEM-pay) consists of soybeans, grains and culture, that create a sweet, delicate meat-like texture for charbroiling, sautéing or frying.
• Seitan (SAY-tahn) is 100% wheat protein or gluten, made by kneading wheat flour and removing the starch to create a versatile, chewy "meat".

Native Foods Westwood is located in Westwood Village at 1110 1/2 Gayley Avenue. For information and hours call (310) 209-1055.

Native Foods Palm Springs is located in Smoke Tree Village at 1775 E. Palm Canyon Drive. For information and hours call (760) 416-0070.

Native Foods Palm Desert is located at 73-890 El Paseo. For information and hours call (760) 836-9396

Click here for information about The Meat-Lover's Vegetarian Cookbook (Tanya Petrovna and Steven Ferry), a simple, easy recipe book on how to prepare your old, meat-based favorites in a new, plant-based way.