Looking for a health food store not filled with serene yoga enthusiasts who will run you down rather than miss out on a choice parking spot? Westside locals have two sanctuaries from the overrun Whole Foods Venice, with its beefy security guards patrolling the ka-ching!-oriented space. If you're more interested in low-key and gluten-free, we've found your places: Rainbow Acres on the Culver City/Marina del Rey border and Co-Opportunity in Santa Monica. The spacious Co-Opportunity offers a big selection of organically grown, locally farmed produce with all the dried, canned or bottled natural foods a food lover needs. A juice bar, prepared-food section, plenty of raw items and a wide range of vitamin and other supplements fill out their selection. Culver City's Rainbow Acres packs a serious amount of health food into a tight location, while also featuring a community vibe and a growing produce department.
—Tibby Rothman
Often what most celiac and gluten intolerant people are trying to miss out on in their dining experience is the hassle involved when asking for g-free foods or describing what the disease is. Of equal importance is making sure whether you have asked or not, that you are not mistakenly 'poisoned' by hidden gluten ingredients or by cross contamination.
This is good news to read about. I've always battled the crowds at the Venice and Brentwood Whole Foods. Thanks for this!
