Mary’s Secret Garden
“Rawviolis” at Mary’s Secret Garden are made with jicama sheets and almond cheese. The 1-year-old vegan bistro in Ventura elevates the workaday look and feel often found in vegan restaurants and focuses on superb organic produce and ethnic dishes that naturally lend themselves to vegetarian preparation. (Lawrence K. Ho / LAT)
A sliced tomato tops a well-conceived raw lasagna. (Lawrence K. Ho / LAT)
Even omnivores won’t miss the meat in creamy pesto linguine. (Lawrence K. Ho / LAT)
“Tacos” of seasoned mushrooms stuffed in a cabbage leaf with pico de gallo, avocado and cilantro are spicy and balanced. (Lawrence K. Ho / LAT)
Curry lime coconut raw linguine is chock-full of flavor. (Lawrence K. Ho / LAT)
Apple pie is a cunningly textured assemblage of spiced fruit, date-pecan crust, cashew cream and raspberry sauce. (Lawrence K. Ho / LAT)
Four-layer vegan chocolate cake with chocolate chips and white mint chocolate frosting is a house favorite. Tip: Order ahead. (Lawrence K. Ho / LAT)
The charming décor at Mary’s Secret Garden makes it a date-worthy destination. (Lawrence K. Ho / LAT)