If you're looking for one more reason to visit Los Angeles (or remind yourself why you pay ridiculous rent to live here) besides trying to grab a seat at a taping of the Ellen show, plan to head up to the San Fernando Valley for a bite at her soon-to-be-open vegan restaurant. Along with wife Portia de Rossi, Pretenders singer Chrissie Hynde and producer Steve Bing, Degeneres' new eatery will be located on Ventura Boulevard and the menu will be 100 percent animal-free.

A long-time vegan and animal lover, Ellen made headlines with the recent launch of her vegan website Going Vegan with Ellen. The resource-heavy site offers new and lifelong vegans and vegetarians a number of recipes, FAQs on the vegan lifestyle, vegan celeb news and inspiration from Ellen herself.

Creating the menu will be chef and author of The Conscious Cook, Tal Ronnen. He catered Ellen and Portia's wedding in 2008 and you may also remember him as the chef who worked with Oprah to create the menu for her 21-day vegan cleanse. He's also been developing the menu for the new LYFE café (Love Your Food Everyday)—a fast-casual concept restaurant that offers healthy (but not all vegan) foods in a familiar setting. The former President of McDonald's is one of the founders of the chain.

Ellen, Portia and Chrissie are among a growing number of celebs adopting the vegan lifestyle. Recent converts include former Black Sabbath lead singer and reality show star Ozzie Osbourne, former President Bill Clinton, former boxing Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson, actresses Alicia Silverstone and Lea Michele.

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Image: ronpaulrevolt2008