Located in the heart of Towson on Allegheny Avenue, Zia’s Cafe is one of my favorite local, veg-friendly places to go. If you are short on time, but looking for a healthy zen-like environment, then Zia’s is your place.

This healthful hot spot is centrally located with a menu made to please all. Options include vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, raw, and meat options. It’s a cafe, juice bar, and offers catering.

I discovered Zia’s Cafe shortly after my switch to veganism, and while the menu choices for vegans seem somewhat limited, the sandwich options are endless. Placed on the countertop, are “create-a-sandwich” menus for customers, where they are able to use a crayon and check of their favorite sandwich/wrap ingredients.

Having recently switched to a raw diet makes me even more thrilled to know that Zia’s is just a hop, skip, and a jump away. Their raw offerings are more than I can count on two hands. The great part is that these tasty little dishes are packaged and available for quick sale in their refrigerator. Options include lasagna, zucchini puttanesca, curry “chicken” salad, and falafel (don’t forget the raw brownie!). This is the healthiest “fast food” you can get.

So what’s on the menu? For meat-eaters, Zia’s offers sandwiches with chicken, turkey, and roast beef. Vegetarians choose from select veggie sandwiches with cheese options, and vegans can opt for the Vegan Tofu Wrap.

No time to get to Zia’s, but still have a hankering for their convenient healthful options? Stop by local markets like Roots, Whole Foods, M.O.M.s, and The MAC in Timonium for the nutritious lunch you’re looking for.

Other great offerings from Zia’s: once a month they host a raw food dinner. For a set fee, customers are able to enjoy a prepared four course raw dinner while meeting other raw foodies from the area. Catering is available for both on and off-site events.

And lastly, big news! Starting February 1st, Zia’s will be offering dinner! That’s right, on Wednesday and Thursdays; dinner will be served from five to nine p.m., Friday and Saturday from five to ten p.m. With two new chefs, the cafe will offer seated service with BYOB minus the corkage fee. Now, if only they would open their doors on Sundays.

Laeticia is a mother, runner, and writer. After struggling with health issues for years, Laeticia became vegan, changed her health, and went from not being able to lift her leg and agonizing pain, to running 5Ks. She became aware of animal cruelty through her research, and strives to teach her son why she doesn’t eat them. Currently training for her first half marathon, Laeticia aspires to motivate others to live a healthier life. Visit her personal blog at www.vegwritingmomma.com or connect with her via Facebook and Twitter.