By Evan Barnes
Sentinel Staff Writer

Olusheyi Banjo
Sentinel Intern

Evan Barnes/Sentinel Photo WINGSTOP OWNERS:?Danny Griffin (left) and Robin Kirksey’s framchise will be one of the many vendors at this year’s Taste of Soul.

The second annual Taste of Soul is only a week away (Oct. 13) and the many food vendors are making their final preparations to satisfy the tens of thousands who will come out on Crenshaw Blvd for a day of food, entertainment and celebrating community.

Two of the vendors stopped by to give the Sentinel a taste of their wares and if the brief taste was any indicator, Taste of Soul will be another delicious experience as far as the food goes.

The first taste came from Wingstop, located on the corner of Crenshaw and Coliseum. Co-owner Danny Griffin brought samples of all nine wing flavors and then gave us a warning: “Eat the Atomic wings last, then grab some water.”

The Lemon Pepper, Garlic Parmesan and Mild wings are perfect for those who prefer their wings with more flavor instead of spice. The flavors won’t overwhelm you but you can definitely taste it.

Surprisingly, the Hawaiian and Teriyaki flavored wings had a nice taste to them. If you want to try something different than what you usual expect a wing to taste like, try those flavors for some variety.

But for you traditionalists out there who like wings hot or barbecued, Wingstop does not disappoint. Their Cajun and Original Hot wings ooze with the perfect combination of flavor and spice as each bite makes you want more. The Hickory Smoked BBQ wings taste like they are fresh off the grill.

Now we get to those aforementioned Atomic wings. We took one bite and soon we ran for something to cool our mouths off. All we can say for these wings is get your mouth ready for an explosion of hotness because there’s flavor packed in every bite.

The second taste came from “A Taste of Life Divine Vegan Food,” owned by Khelaiyah Amiel and is located in Hollywood on Pico and Norton. This restaurant is providing the healthy yet good food in the vegetarian booth this year.

Among the delicious items that will be served are battered mushrooms and eggplant, sautéed squash with onions and tomatoes with cheese potatoes, which they brought in to sample.

The battered mushrooms alone are worth you checking this booth out, as one bite will make you want more. The cheese potatoes made with soy milk are better than the unhealthier alternative.

The best part for all of you who think vegan food doesn’t taste like the food you’re used to—with “A Taste of Life,” all of the food tastes so great, you won’t even notice it’s made with healthier ingredients.

“A Taste of Life” has been in business for over 30 years and they are new to the Los Angeles area. The owner, Khelaiyah, has been a vegan since the age of 14. “My mother is the one that started us to becoming vegans. Now that I have three children and one on the way, I make sure that they follow the vegan diet.”

She also explains her reason for creating this restaurant: “I wanted to provide people who are vegans and vegetarians a healthy alternative. People who say that they want health food, well this restaurant is for them.”

Khelaiyah also offers advice for those who are beginning vegans and vegetarians “It is really simple to be a vegan, just shop healthy and be more health conscious. You can even shop at Ralphs and get healthy meat alternatives. They provide healthy selections of foods at Trader Joes as well.

“It’s also wise to take a snack with you when you are out and about, just in case you have cravings or want to stray away from this healthy lifestyle. Whatever you do just be healthy.” Words to live by.

You will definitely be pleased if your check both of these booths out. It’s just a small sample of all of the delicious food you can see and taste next week, so come on through and get filled at Taste of Soul.

Last update: 10-04-2007 12:31

Published in : Business, Restaurant

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