It’s not even April and I’ve already had the most amazing dining experience for the year. Seriously, I don’t see how the rest of the year can compare to my recent surprise brunch at Thomas Keller’s newest dining diggs in Yountville – ad hoc. Not only was it my very first experience in the Napa Valley, but it was my first stop! This place is super casual and such a friendly easy-going staff. The set menu changes daily and no matter what your food preferences and expectations are – you will be blown away with each bite. My brunch was the following – raspberry sangria, Raspberry Walnut Milkshake (see pic below), Lemon Polenta Muffin, Toad in a Hole with poached eggs, buttered crispy toasts, wild mushroom, spinach, and local smoked ham, and for dessert – pineapple crepe with ricotta. Our waitress Katie was the best ever, she was so nice and helpful with suggestions and even surprised us with a box of french macarons from their Bouchon Bakery (see bottom pic) along with a signed copy of the new Thomas Keller cookbook “ad hoc at home” – signed by both Thomas Keller and Dave Cruz! Seriously! I had to send her a thank you note afterwards, I’ve never had a nicer waitress ever than Katie. I was just completely floored the entire time I was there – entirely speechless and sort of in a daze the entire time. I’ve already had the best dining of the year, and it’s only March!

Here are some examples of their recent menus:
The Dinner Menu for Saturday, March 20th
Salad of Baby Mixed Greens – banana fingerling potatoes, hard boiled hen egg, shaved red onion, california asparagus, torn croutons, grain mustard vinaigrette
Grilled Beef Hanger Steak – crushed chiogga and golden beets , haricots verts, toasted cous cous , burnt oranges, baby red chard
Carr Valley Cheese Co.’s Benedictine – blonde frisee, medjool dates, toasted walnuts
Pineapple Financier

The Dinner Menu for Monday, March 22nd $49
Chopped Romaine Salad – hobbs bacon crumbles, grated hen egg, black olives, shaved celery, pickled red onion, red wine vinaigrette
Buttermilk Fried Chicken – hen of the wood, beech oyster mushroom ragout, california asparagus peppered anson mills grits
Cana de Cabra – shaved fennel, fingerling potatoes, grain mustard dressing
Meyer Lemon Bars – italian meringue

ad hoc
Address: 6476 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599
Phone: 707.944.2487
Hours: dinner Thurs. – Mon. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday brunch 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Price: $49

Let me know how you like this place or have any recommendations. Click here to see more reviews.

Calling all fellow breakfast food lovers, those of you that consider french toast anytime of the day or night. Thanks to Gigi Pasqual and Buttermilk Boy Klippy, Buttermilk Truck brings us our favorite breakfast dishes all day and late night long. Some of my favorite items off their menu include Hawaiian Bread Cinnamon French Toast Sticks served with butter and syrup, Southwest Veggie Omelet with cornbread, Buttermilk Biscuit Breakfast Sandwiches with applewood smoked bacon and rosemary hash browns, Fried Chicken with Housemade Cinnamon Waffles. See below for more menu items and deets.

Find them participating in the Food Trucks for Haiti, Saturday Jan.23, 12-3pm, at TLofts – 11500 Tennessee Ave at Butler Ave, West LA with 20 other fellow foody trucks. Event runs from 11am-4pm. Portions of the proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross International Response Fund in relief efforts for the Haitian people.

More from Buttermilk:
The Buttermilk Truck brings homemade breakfast favorites to the streets of Los Angeles using our key ingredient, BUTTERMILK, in almost all our menu items. Buttermilk provides you the most important meal of the day, catering to those who are too busy to make breakfast and those craving breakfast after a long “fun” night. Buttermilk Truck takes pride in making our Buttermilk biscuits and assorted breakfast pastries from scratch and baked daily. Our Buttermilk pancake, waffle and donut batters are also all made from scratch and cooked to order. WE at Buttermilk truck LOVE breakfast and we want to share it with you!

MORNING MENU
Hawaiian Bread Cinnamon French Toast Sticks – Served with powdered sugar and syrup. 3 or 5 per order
Buttermilk Pancake Bites – Served with butter and syrup
Red Velvet Chocolate Chip, Check for seasonal assorted flavors
Buttermilk Biscuit Breakfast Sandwiches – Served on housemade buttermilk biscuit with cheese and fried egg. Choice of applewood smoked bacon, tocino, or chicken apple sausage. Available with rosemary garlic hash browns
Hawaiian Bread Breakfast Sliders – Portuguese sausage, sauteed onions and shoyu scrambled eggs on Hawaiian bread
Housemade Cake Donuts – Fried to golden brown and dusted with powdered sugar and glazed with cinnamon vanilla glaze, 3 or 5 per order
Southwest Veggie Omelette – sauteed onions, tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro topped with jack cheese and served with housemade cornbread
Vanilla yogurt with housemade Granola and berries
Oatmeal with dried fruits
Assorted fresh baked pastries

LATE NIGHT MENU – served Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Hawaiian Bread Cinnamon French Toast Sticks – Served with powdered sugar and syrup
Fried Chicken with Housemade Cinnamon Waffles – Served with butter and syrup
Buttermilk Pancake Bites – Served with butter and syrup
Red Velvet Chocolate Chip, Check for seasonal assorted flavors
Buttermilk Biscuit Breakfast Sandwiches – Served on housemade buttermilk biscuit with cheese and fried egg Choice of applewood smoked bacon, tocino, or chicken apple sausage. Available with rosemary garlic hash browns
Hawaiian Bread Breakfast Sliders – Portuguese sausage, sauteed onions and shoyu scrambled eggs on Hawaiian bread
Buttermilk Brick – Hash browns, 2 eggs over easy, buttermilk biscuit and housemade chorizo gravy
Southwest Veggie Omelette – sauteed onions, tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro topped with jack cheese and served with housemade cornbread

BUTTERMILK TRUCK
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Let me know how you like this place or have any recommendations. Click here to see more reviews.

There’s a new breakfast/lunch spot in Downtown L.A. where you can get the best molasses cookies around along with other fresh and hot items. Bret Thompson of MILK in Hollywood partnered up with Pablo Ramirez and opened up Market Restaurant at the Cooper Building in the Fashion District. The catering menu is impressive as well as a promising 30 minute delivery service. Other than their molasses cookies, some of my favorite dishes to try are the Feta-terranean Salad with romaine hearts, cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, black olives, pita chips, garbanzo beans and lemon vinaigrette, the Vanilla Bean Rice Pudding with fresh fruit and granola, and Turkey Burger with cheddar cheese, vine ripened tomato, green leaf lettuce, pickles and secret sauce. See below for more menu items.

Here is more info from Market Restaurant:
Chef/Partner Bret Thompson (co-founder of MILK in Hollywood) and Partner Pablo Ramirez opened Market Restaurant at the Cooper Building at 9th St. and Los Angeles St. in downtown Los Angeles to the delight of the areas, residents, and fashion-focused workers. The Fashion District is the heart of Los Angeles’ fashion beat and home to America’s fashion movers and shakers along with some of the world’s best fashion designers. The area is also home to many new residents who have moved downtown to enjoy the urban lifestyle alongside the daily commercial hustle. Market is a local oasis for the local business employees and residents….to provide a daily “Retreat” where one can enjoy delicious, seasonal food at an affordable price with efficient and friendly service in an Old-World-Market themed, comfortable and “Loungy” atmosphere.

Foremost, we provide the freshest local (whenever possible) and seasonal product available. Our menu is very simple and straightforward offering an All-American menu line up. Deli sandwiches, hot pressed sandwiches, main course salads, daily soups, homemade pastries and unique snacks, local roasted coffee, teas, smoothies, along with other beverages.

BREAKFAST
The Downtowner – Fresh fruit, plain yogurt, and your choice of croissant, muffin or scone $6.75
Granola – homemade with nuts, dried fruit and your choice of yogurt or milk $6.25
Steel Cut Oatmeal with milk of choice, brown sugar, fresh fruit, walnuts and almonds $5.75
Vanilla Bean Rice Pudding with fresh fruit and granola $5.75
Breakfast sandwiches – scrambled eggs with turkey breast, baked ham or bacon, arugula tomatoes, aged cheddar cheese and secret sauce $6.25
Breakfast Burrito – scrambled eggs with chorizo, ranchero cheese, frijoles “de la olla” and avocado, served with fresh salsa $6.25
Bagels and Lox – toasted bagel of choice, lox, cream cheese and the works $8.25
Our Frittata and Quiche of the day served with a mixed baby greens and toast $7.25

BURGERS AND HOT SANDWICHES
Market Burger – Half pounder with cheddar cheese, vine ripened tomato, green leaf lettuce, pickles and secret sauce $9.00
Turkey Burger – with cheddar cheese, vine ripened tomato, green leaf lettuce, pickles and secret sauce $9.00
Salmon Burger – Sockeye salmon patty with yogurt-dill sauce, cucumber, arugula and crispy onions $9.50
Reuben or Rachel – Corned beef pastrami with Swiss cheese, Russian dressing and saurkraut (Reuben) or cole slaw (Rachel) $9.50
Tuna Melt – albacore tuna salad with cheddar cheese, tomatoes and pickles
$9.25
Pressed Turkey – turkey breast, bacon, lettuce, tomato, aged cheddar cheese and lemon mayo $9.00
The Cuban – braised citrus pork, baked ham, manchego cheese, arugula and pickles with roasted garlic aioli $9.00

THE DELI
Bread choices:
5 Grain, Sourdough Wheat, Baguette, Ciabatta, or Rye
Meat: 
Turkey Breast, Baked Ham, Roast Beef, Pastrami, Genoa Salami, Spicy Capicolla
Salads: 
Chicken, Curry Chicken, White Tuna, Egg
Cheese: 
Cheddar, Swiss, Jack, Provolone, Pepper Jack, Havarti, American
Your choice of: 
Tomato, Lettuce, Mayo and Mustard
Also available: 
Pickles, Onions, Grilled Onions, Peppers, Dijon Mustard, Garlic aioli
Full $9.00
Half $7.00

SALADS
Good Ole’ Cobb – turkey breast, cheddar, bacon, tomato, hard-boiled egg, avocado and house dressing $8.50
Chicken Caesar – with romaine hearts, sourdough croutons and aged parmesan cheese $10.50
Seared Ahi Tuna – with couscous, watercress, cucumber, roasted pepper, tomato, roasted fennel and cilantro-lime vinaigrette $9.50
Tokyo Chicken – herb grilled chicken breast, napa cabbage, spicy Asian greens, radish sprouts, sesame-honey glazed cashews and miso dressing $9.50
Angelino Chicken – herb grilled chicken breast with mixed baby greens, avocado, oven dried tomatoes, jicama, cucumbers and lemon vinaigrette $9.00
Antipasto Salad – romaine, salami, capicolla ham, provolone, goat cheese, peppers, olives, caper berries, tomato, pepperoncini, and lemon-herb vinaigrette $8.75
Feta-terranean Salad – romaine hearts, cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, black olives, pita chips, garbanzo beans and lemon vinaigrette $10.00
Thai Steak or Chicken salad – Thai marinated skirt steak with chilled soba noodles, green beans, mango, peanuts and a spicy and sour Thai vinaigrette $9.25
Albacore Tuna – baby mixed greens, young potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, and hard-boiled egg with balsamic vinaigrette $8.75
Spinach and Whole Wheat Berries – goat cheese, seasonal tree fruit, almonds and dry figs with balsamic vinaigrette $9.75
Smoked Salmon Salad – arugula, oven dried tomatoes, fennel, bagel chips, horseradish potatoes and lemon vinaigrette $9.75

DAILY SOUP
Market driven and seasonally inspired soups changing daily
Cup $4.00
Bowl $6.00

This with That
Soup and ½ salad – cup of soup and half portion of salad $10.00
Soup and ½ sandwich – cup of soup and choice of half deli sandwich $10.00

PASTRIES, COOKIES, AND OTHER GOODIES
Butter Croissant and Chocolate croissant $2.50 each
Assorted Muffins $3.00 each
Assorted Breakfast Pastries Market price
Assorted Cupcakes $3.00 each
Assorted Mini Cupcakes $.75 each
Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Iced Spiced Molasses
Mexican Wedding Cakes
Chunky Peanut Butter
Oatmeal
Coconut Macaroons $1.25 each
Brownies $3.00 each

MARKET RESTAURANT
At the Cooper Building, 862 S. Los Angeles St. Lobby A, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Phone/Fax: P (213) 488-9119, F (213) 488-9121
Price: $3-$10
Let me know how you like this place or have any recommendations. Click here to see more reviews.

Good for you food and yummy comfort food can both be delicious and drool-worthy. Vegan and vegetarian food has come a long way but most people still think of them as tasteless boring vegetable dishes. That is so untrue and the complete opposite, especially with the abundance of choices in Los Angeles. So for 2010, I’m promising myself to remember to try out more new healthy delicious dishes. One of my favorite and very popular restaurant for this occasion is Real Food Daily. This place has done all the work for you in preparing yummy high maintenance food for vegans, vegetarians, macrobiotic dieters, organic eaters, kosher certified, low-calorie low-fat and low-sugar, and all foodies. My favorite is the Cold Soba Salad with soba noodles, julienne vegetables, cucumbers, cilantro, sesame seeds, peanuts, peanut dressing, and marinated tempeh. Check out their new menu of specials for January below. I’m ready to try out their dreamy chocolate pudding and dark fudge brownies with chocolate chips.

Monthly Special Jan 4 – Jan 31

Hippie Love Loaf
Lentils, millet, butternut squash, carrots, onions, herbs, gravy and roasted parsnips, carrots, Brussels sprouts

WEEKLY SPECIALS Week Jan 4 – 10

Momma Mia Wotta Lasagna
Lasagna noodles, herbed tomato sauce, roasted vegetables, tofu cheese, arugula, fennel, sautéed greens, pine nuts, pesto croutons

Burger in a Salad
Black bean veggie burger, caramelized onions, roasted peppers, avocado, sunflower sprouts, carrots, chilled green beans, baby greens, Dijon balsamic dressing

Week Jan 11 – 17

Satisfy My Soul
Spicy Jamaican seitan and spinach stuffed pockets, sofrito, coconut red beans & rice, kiwi papaya salsa, pan-seared plantains

Yam Yam
Yam and sea vegetable cakes, horseradish remoulade, roasted corn, avocado,heirloom tomato, golden beets, cucumber, chickpeas, frissee, bibb lettuce, lemon shallot vinaigrette

WEEKLY DESSERTS Jan 4 – Jan 17

Rice Pudding
creamy cinnamon spiced, hint of orange, currants

Gingerbread Cake
wintery dark spiced, molasses, creamy light white icing

Chocolate Cake
wheat-free original RFD chocolate cake

Chocolate Creme Tart
creamy, rich, dark, fluffy white soy topping

Pear Walnut Crisp
crisp pears, cinnamon, walnut crumble

Pumpkin ‘Tofu Chz’ Cake
fresh pumpkin, aromatic spices, topped w/ Soyatoo

Pear Currant Spice Kanten
healthy jello-like fruit compote

Dream Chocolate Pudding
rich, thick, lusciously chocolate

Dark Fudge Brownies w/ Chocolate Chips
cakey chocolate, chunks of chips

Faux-stess Cupcake
gooey white filling, chocolate cake, fudgy icing

COOKIES
Chocolate Chip
Oatmeal
Carob Mint

Real Food Daily
414 N La Cienega Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90048
(310) 289-9910
Hours: Mon-Thu. 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., Fri-Sun. 11:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Here’s another perfect spot for dinner after movies at Arclight Hollywood. The Hungry Cat is just across the street behind Borders, tucked away from the noisy street. The place is sleek and modern but low-key with a nice outdoor seating area perfect for a first date or catching up with good friends. Their kitchen serves up seriously fresh seafood and a menu reflecting the culinary genius of a David Lentz and Suzanne Goin partnership. I had no doubt the food would be good but was still blown away by the incredibly flavors of even the most simplest items on the menu – Heirloom tomatoes, burrata and arugula salad with grilled bread (top pic) and steamed king crab leg with grilled toast (pic below).

Here are some of items from their recent dinner menu:

oysters on the half shell $2.25/ each
little neck clams on the half shell $2.00/ each
peel ‘n eat shrimp – you peel ‘em $16.00, we peel ‘em $18.00
dungeness crab 1/2 / whole Market Price
Maine lobster 1/2 / whole Market Price
fruits of the sea platter $50 grand platter $80.00
American sturgeon caviar $48.00/ ounce
American paddlefish caviar $36.00/ ounce
house smoked fish plate Market Price
bay scallop ceviche w/avocado and plantains $16.00
market lettuce salad w/ sieved egg, avocado and lemon $9.00
spiced albacore tuna salad w/ Israeli cous cous and yogurt $12.00
Alaskan king crab legs w/ mustard butter $20.001/2lb
fish stew w/black kale, romesco, and croutons sm. $12.00lg. $18.00
dungeness crab cake, fava bean puree and harissa aioli $14.00
chorizo stuffed local squid w/spanish fideo and saffron $18.00
king salmon w/ papperdelle, asparagus, and poaced egg $23.00
halibut cheeks, spoon bread, morels, and fava beans $23.00
lobster roll deluxe $30.00
the “Pug Burger” w/ bacon, avocado and blue cheese $14.00
cheese – assorted cheeses w/ walnuts and honey $14.00
dessert – chocolate bread pudding a la alloro $8.00

THE HUNGRY CAT
Address: 1535 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: (323) 462-2155
Hours: brunch/lunch/dinner, Mon-Wed. 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., Thu-Sat. 12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m., Sun. 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Price: $12 – $30

Let me know how you like this place or have any recommendations. Click here to see more reviews.

My 3pm brunch doesn’t have to be at home with Alcove Cafe & Bakery around. This place is the perfect spot for lingering over heart-warming meals in a garden setting that feels just like home. Their menu serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and a dizzying list of pastries throughout the entire day and night. I love this place!
Finally, I can have a seriously good brioche french toast with side of apple wood smoked bacon as late as I want. I had to order the fruit plate to add something healthy to my table. They also have an impressive coffee/smoothie bar and variety of other drinks to order. There is plenty of patio seats around the front and sides of this house converted cafe – with umbrellas for shade in this sunny spot on the block.

Apple Wood Smoked Bacon – cooked to order! Goes perfect with the brioche french toast (top pic)

Handmade Seasonal Butter Cookies – So adorable, I had to get all of them!

Fruit Bowl with low-fat yogurt – big enough for 5 people

GOOD MORNING! BREAKFAST Served any time the kitchen is open!

FARM FRESH EGGS
omelette or scramble 11.95
with oven roasted rosemary potatoes and toast
choose two of the following: applewood smoked bacon, chicken-apple sausage, virginia ham, spinach, mushrooms, caramelized onions, tomato, broccoli, asparagus, kalamata olives, grilled zucchini, or roasted bell peppers
plus one cheese selection: cave aged gruyere swiss, aged vermont cheddar, fresh mozzarella, fresh goat cheese, imported feta, point reyes blue cheese, or jalapeno pepper jack

additions:
avocado 1.50
smoked salmon 2.95
prosciutto di parma 2.95
black tiger shrimp 3.95
lump crab meat 3.95
grilled maine lobster (3 oz.) 5.95
new york strip steak (6 oz.) 6.95
shrimp + lobster omelette 15.95
black tiger shrimp and chunks of maine lobster, fresh spinach, tomato,topped with tarragon-spiked hollandaise
cobb omelette 12.95
grilled chicken, applewood smoked bacon, point reyes blue cheese, tomato and avocado
caprese omelette 10.95
fresh basil, tomato and fresh local mozzarella
smoked salmon scramble 12.95
smoked salmon and caramelized onions scrambled with three eggs, topped with fresh goat cheese
breakfast burrito 11.95
three scrambled eggs, black beans, applewood smoked bacon, aged vermont cheddar, wrapped in a flour tortilla with salsa, sour cream and seasonal fresh fruit
breakfast quesadilla 11.95
grilled chicken breast, scrambled eggs, fresh spinach, aged vermont cheddar and monterey jack in a flour tortilla topped with avocado, fresh salsa, sour cream and seasonal fresh fruit on the side
smoked salmon quesadilla 12.95
smoked salmon, caramelized bermuda onions, scrambled eggs, fresh spinach, aged vermont cheddar in a flour tortilla with fresh salsa, sour cream and seasonal fresh fruit on the side
huevos rancheros 10.95
three crispy tortillas topped with black beans, three fried eggs, fresh salsa, avocado and sour cream with rancheros sauce and oven roasted rosemary potatoes
add bison chili 2.00
country breakfast 11.95
three eggs any style, two buttermilk pancakes topped with strawberries or bananas and applewood smoked bacon or chicken-apple sausage
three eggs + toast 9.95
any style, served with oven roasted rosemary potatoes and toast
add applewood smoked bacon or chicken-apple sausage 3.50
add new york strip (6 oz.) 6.95
BIG BENS served with seasonal fresh fruit
(kinda) classic benedict 12.95
honey glazed ham, fresh spinach, two poached eggs on focaccia with hollandaise and fresh tarragon
crab cake benedict 13.95
maryland style crab cakes made from sweet blue crab meat, fresh spinach, two poached eggs on focaccia with hollandaise and fresh chives
steak benedict 14.95
grilled new york strip steak, fresh spinach, two poached eggs on focaccia with hollandaise and tarragon
curried tofu benedict 12.95
curried scented tofu encrusted in black sesame seeds, fresh spinach, two poached eggs with hollandaise and fresh cilantro

GRILLED BREAKFAST PANINIS
on focaccia served with rosemary potatoes
americana panini 11.95
three scrambled eggs, aged vermont cheddar and tomato with choice of applewood smoked bacon, prosciutto di parma, chicken-apple sausage or grilled chicken
french vegetarian panini 10.95
three scrambled eggs, fresh goat cheese, steamed asparagus and caramelized onions

CLASSIC GRIDDLE
buttermilk pancakes 9.95
with strawberries or bananas and vermont maple syrup
brioche french toast 10.95
dressed with sliced bananas, fresh orange juice, rum and more, with vermont maple syrup and creme fraiche

CREPES
banana + fruit + nutella 11.95
reduction of banana, mixed berries, blood oranges and more, over crepes wrapped in warm nutella
peaches + cream + espesso 11.95
crepes stuffed with fresh whipped cream infused with espresso and caramelized peaches, with cinnamon
banana rum raisin 11.95
reduction of fresh orange, banana and rum, over crepes topped with sundried grapes

STILL CAN’T FIND WHAT YOU WANT?
smoked salmon breakfast stack 12.95
two potato pancakes topped with smoked salmon, poached eggs, creme fraiche and fresh dill, served with seasonal fresh fruit
smoked salmon plate 11.95
choice of bagel with smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomatoes, bermuda onion and capers
power breakfast 11.95
grilled sliced marinated chicken breast, egg whites, seasonal fresh fruit and seven grain whole wheat toast

HOLLYWOOD BOWLS
hearty granola 9.95
oats, almonds, sunflower seeds and dried cranberries served with bananas and either steamed or cold milk
add seasonal berries 3.50
hot steel-cut oatmeal 8.95
with caramelized apples scented with fresh cinnamon, sun-dried grapes on the vine and steamed milk
seasonal fresh fruit with low-fat vanilla yogurt 9.95
add granola topping 2.00

ADDITIONS AND MULTIPLICATIONS
toasted bagel 3.50
plain,seeded or whole wheat with butter or cream cheese
with sliced tomato 1.00
toasted bread + jam 2.50
country white sour dough, seven grain whole wheat, potato dill olive, or marbled rye
applewood smoked bacon, chicken-apple sausage or virginia ham 3.50
two eggs 3.00
oven roasted rosemary potatoes 2.95
two potato pancakes + caramelized apples + creme fraiche 3.50

PSSSSSST
make your own mimosa 10.95
with spanish cristalino cava + freshly squeezed orange juice

LUNCH, DINNER serving anytime the kitchen is open!

STARTERS OR WHENEVER YOU WANT ‘EM
crispy calamari 11.95
served with spicy-asian and wasabi-cocktail dipping sauces
tempura shrimp 11.95
large crispy battered shrimp, creamy mashed potatoes, fresh basil sauce
sliders x 3 12.95
a mini kobe beef burger with wasabi aoili + a mini bison burger with smoked chipotle ketchup + a mini lamb burger with olive tapenade and feta
mini crab cakes 13.95
the usual suspects but loaded with blue fin crab and topped with chipotle aioli

CRISP LEAFY ORGANIC GREENS
additions to any salad:
grilled chicken 2.95
grilled salmon 3.95
black tiger shrimp 3.95
lump crab meat 3.95
grilled maine lobster (3 oz.) 5.95
grilled new york strip (6 oz.) 6.95
scoop of tuna 3.95
scoop of egg salad 2.95
tofu 2.95
herb encrusted goat cheese rounds (3) 2.95
classic cobb salad 12.95
sliced marinated grilled chicken breast, egg, tomato, applewood smoked bacon, point reyes blue cheese, avocado, romaine and shredded iceberg with creamy balsamic vinaigrette on the side
asian scallop salad 13.95
crispy battered scallops, enoki mushrooms, mixed baby greens, fresh mint, fresh cilantro, fresh chives, light miso dressing, topped with crispy shredded potatoes
grilled black tiger shrimp salad 13.95
grilled black tiger shrimp and peaches atop heirloom apples, point reyes blue cheese, beets, frisee, mixed baby greens, raddichio and toasted almonds with heirloom apple vinaigrette on the side
grilled steak salad 14.95
sliced new york strip steak, point reyes blue cheese, grilled tomatoes, caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms and mixed baby greens with a fire roasted heirloom tomato vinaigrette
grilled salmon salad 13.95
fresh atlantic grilled salmon, sliced bermuda onions, tomatoes, cucumbers and capers atop mixed baby greens with balsamic vinaigrette on the side
grilled vegetable salad 10.95
medley of grilled vegetables including corn, summer squash, asparagus, and red bell pepper and mixed baby greens with pomegranate peach vinaigrette on the side (pssst… add grilled shrimp, lobster or chicken)
chopped salad 11.95
mixed baby greens, beets, roasted pine nuts, bermuda onion, dried cranberries, point reyes blue cheese with balsamic vinaigrette on the side
spinach salad 10.95
baby spinach leaves, sliced red delicious apples, avocado, applewood smoked bacon, bermuda onion served with balsamic vinaigrette on the side
alcove house salad 9.95
mixed baby greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, spiced pecans and shaved aged parmesan with balsamic vinaigrette on the side
alcove caesar salad 9.95
romaine, shaved parmesan and herbed croutons tossed in a caesar dressing

GRILLED PANINIS AND MELTS
paninis grilled on focaccia and melts grilled on choice of bread with either yukon gold french fries, onion rings, alcove house salad, caesar salad or apple-pear coleslaw
brie + apple panini 10.95
brie cheese, granny smith apples and caramelized onions
turkey pesto panini 11.95
sliced turkey breast, cave aged gruyere swiss, tomato and pesto
philly cheesesteak panini 11.95
shaved roast beef, caramelized onions, sauteed bell peppers and mushrooms, and jack cheese with au jus on the side
ham + cheese panini 10.95
virginia ham, cave aged gruyere swiss and pear and red bell pepper aioli
roast beef panini 11.95
prime roast beef, aged vermont cheddar, caramelized onions and horseradish mayo
tuna melt 10.95
white albacore tuna salad with aged cheddar and tomato grilled on choice of bread
turkey hummus melt 10.95
smoked turkey breast, aged cheddar, hummus and fresh basil on choice of bread

BURGERS
served with tomato, arugula and caramelized onions on a caramelized onion bun, with choice of any cheese and either yukon gold french fries, onion rings, alcove house salad, caesar salad or apple-pear coleslaw
alcove burger 10.95
turkey burger 10.95
lamb burger 11.95
ground lamb blended with kalamata olives, rosemary and more
veggie burger 11.95
garbanzo + soy beans, corn, sunflower seeds, spices and more
additions:
applewood smoked bacon 2.00
sliced avocado 1.50

WRAP, NOT HIP HOP
wrapped in a flour tortilla and served with either yukon gold french fries, onion rings, alcove house salad, caesar salad or apple-pear coleslaw
fried chicken wrap 11.95
deep fried chicken, orange kane barbeque sauce, with roasted bell peppers, caramelized onions, tomato, shredded iceberg
curried chicken wrap 12.95
chicken, tofu, napa cabbage, jullienned carrots and bell peppers, and lychees in a sweet + spicy east indian curry
vegan wrap 10.95
hummus, grilled portabello mushroom, enoki mushroom, arugula, cucumber, tomato, radish, avocado and spinach tortilla
add curried tofu encrusted in black sesame seeds 2.00

MORE STUFF BETWEEN BREAD
served with either yukon gold french fries, onion rings, alcove house salad, caesar salad or apple-pear coleslaw
carribean jerk chicken sandwich 13.95
traditional island grilled jerk chicken on a caramelized onion bun with mango-papaya-pineapple spiced rum chutney
classic grilled chicken sandwich 11.95
marinated grilled chicken breast, applewood smoked bacon and aged vermont cheddar on a rustic roll with wild arugula, tomato and tarragon aioli
alcove chili dog 11.95
chicken-apple sausage topped with hearty bison chili and jalapeno jack cheese served in a pretzel roll with sweet potato fries
crab cake sandwich 13.95
maryland style crab cake made from sweet blue crab meat on a caramelized onion bun, caramelized bermuda onions, wild arugula, tomato and chipotle aioli on the side
grilled portabella mushroom sandwich 10.95
with feta cheese, roasted bell peppers, caramelized onions on caramelized onion bun with tomato and arugula

NEW DELI
served on choice of toasted bread or pretzel roll with either yukon gold french fries, onion rings, alcove house salad, caesar salad or apple-pear coleslaw
turkey sandwich 9.95
with romaine, tomato and cranberry relish on the side
add avocado 1.50
blt 8.95
applewood smoked bacon, romaine lettuce, and pesto aioli
add avocado 1.50
add sliced turkey breast (blt2) 2.00
roast beef sandwich 10.95
with caramelized onions, tomato, arugula and horseradish aioli on the side
tuna salad or egg salad sandwich 9.95
blended with a hint of dijon with romaine and tomato
add applewood smoked bacon 2.00

SOUP
soup (ask for daily selection)
cup 4.95
bowl 6.95
half and half 9.95
a cup of today’s soup + half of any “new deli” sandwich or
a cup of today’s soup + alcove house salad or caesar salad

HEARTIER STUFF
southern fried chicken 17.95
crispy boneless breasts, sweet potato waffle, pomegranate syrup on the side, served with bacon-spiked collard greens
fish + chips 15.95
beer battered skewered fresh halibut, sweet potato fries, pineapple tartar dipping sauce. think carnival corndog but it’s fish
steak sandwich 14.95
grilled new york strip (9 oz.) topped with onion rings, portabella mushroom, mixed baby greens, open-faced on grilled foccaccia with madagascar green peppercorn au jus on the side, with sweet potato fries
grilled salmon sandwich 13.95
fresh atlantic grilled salmon (6 oz.), mixed baby greens, open-faced on grilled foccaccia, topped with citrus mint salsa and citrus vinaigrette, with sweet potato fries

CHEESE TOWERS
for two cheese lovers 25.00 assortment of fine imported cheese, fresh fruit, specialty crackers and breads. ask for our daily selection. don”t forget the wine
for a group of cheese lovers 37.00 same as above, but much, much bigger

ADDITIONS AND MULTIPLICATIONS
yukon gold french fries 4.95
onion rings 4.95
french fries + onion rings 4.95
side of sweet potato fries 6.95
side of yukon gold + sweet potato fries 5.95
grilled jumbo asparagus 6.95
sauteed spinach with fresh garlic 5.95
hummus with toasted olive bread 5.95

PASTRY MENU
LAYER CAKES
Amarena Cherry Almond – Vanilla sponge cake brushed with cherry liquor, layered with whipped cream, amarena cherries and almond slivers wrapped with toasted almonds, topped with white chocolate shavings.
Americano – Chocolate sponge cake brushed with espresso liquor, filled with chocolate mousse and coffee whipped cream, covered with white and milk chocolate marbled curls.
Berry Blossom – Three layers of vanilla sponge cake brushed with orange blossom liquor, filled with white chocolate mousse and fresh berries, and decorated with crumbled meringue.
Black and White Mousse Cake – Alternating layers of light white and chocolate mousse, dripping with glossy ganache, garnished with chocolate shavings
Blue Velvet Cake – Try this original twist on the classic red with vanilla buttercream instead
Carrot – Two layers of rich cake made with fresh carrots, pineapple and walnuts, in a cream cheese frosting.
Chocolate Banana – Three layers of rich chocolate cake, layered with homemade whipped cream and fresh bananas.
Chocolate Bear – Chocolate devil’s food cake, layered with white chocolate mousse with a hint of Italian rum and chocolate mousse with milk chocolate chards, covered with milk and white chocolate shavings.
Chocolate Fudge – Three layers of rich fudge chocolate cake, filled with chocolate chips, and drizzled in a rich dark chocolate ganache.
Chocolate Truffle – Three layers of dark chocolate cake and spread with a creamy dark chocolate truffle filling, covered in dark chocolate ganache and swirls of more chocolate ganache, finished with a splash of white chocolate drizzle.
Cloud Cake – Vanilla sponge cake layered with a light white chocolate mousse cream and assorted fresh berries
German Chocolate – Three layers of chocolate cake filled with layers of pecans and coconut, then encased in chocolate ganache.
Heath Bar Fudge – Three fudge layers filled with chocolate ganache and a ribbon of soft caramel, covered in a dark chocolate glaze decorated with chunks of Heath bars.
Lemon Coconut – Three layers of lemon cake baked with fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, layered with cream cheese frosting and coconut.
Lemon with Blueberries or Raspberries – Three layers of lemon cake with generous fruit swirled throughout. Filled with creamy frosting and topped with a lemon glaze.
Lemon Poppy Layer Cake – Poppy speckled lemon cake layered with a delicate Meyer lemon cream garnished with blueberries
Opera – Layers of chocolate cake, coffee buttercream, and a creamy dark chocolate mousse, covered in a Belgian chocolate ganache glaze, chocolate shavings, and dusting of cocoa powder.
Oreo Layer Cake – This towering cake features chocolate devil’s food, rich vanilla buttercream, and of course, America’s favorite cookie crumbs
Peanut Butter Shag – Chocolate devil’s food cake filled with peanut butter cream cheese mousse, covered in chocolate mousse and dark chocolate spaghetti.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Lots of pineapple and brown sugar topping a moist pound cake. A delicious old-fashioned favorite.
Princess Cake – Traditional green marzipan covers three layers of vanilla chiffon cake, vanilla custard, and raspberry jam
Raspberry Lemon Dream – Three layers of vanilla sponge cake, with two layers of lemon curd and one layer of fresh seedless raspberry jam, covered with white chocolate shavings, fresh raspberries and candied lemon peels.
Red Velvet – Three layers of vividly red vanilla cake, topped in a creamy white butter cream frosting and topped with pecans. A southern classic.
Shortcake with Mixed Berries – Three layers of vanilla sponge cake filled and topped with homemade whipped cream, and layered with fresh seasonal strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries.
Shortcake with Strawberries – Three layers of vanilla sponge cake filled and topped with homemade whipped cream, and layered with fresh strawberries.
St. Honore – Puff pastry shell layered with vanilla sponge cake, rum liquor, vanilla pastry cream, chocolate mousse, and topped with whipped cream and profiteroles.
Tirimasu with Lady Fingers – Three layers of vanilla sponge cake, brushed with coffee liquor and filled with white Zambone, marscapone cheese and Belgium chocolate chips, banded with lady fingers, and covered with chocolate shavings and espresso beans.
Tipsy Chocolate Cake – Rich devil’s food cake flavored with Godiva Liquor layered with silky chocolate buttercream.
Tri Mousse – Three layers of mousse: dark, milk and white chocolate, garnished with chards of dark chocolate.
Tuxedo Cake – Four layers of chocolate fudge cake with alternate layers of chocolate and vanilla buttercream icing; frosted on the sides with dark chocolate and vanilla buttercream icing.
White Chocolate Macadamia – Three layers of white cake with white chocolate chips, topped with creamy white frosting and filled with macadamia nuts. Topped and surrounded with more macadamia nuts.
Wicked Chocolate – Four layers of chocolate fudge cake with dark chocolate ganache filling and light chocolate frosting with chocolate curls on top.

BUNDT CAKES
Double Fudge – Rich fudge chocolate cake, filled with chocolate chips, then triple dipped in rich chocolate ganache.
Lemon White Chocolate – Lemon cake topped with whipped lemon icing dripping with white Belgium chocolate.
Pumpkin Spice Cake – With creamy cream cheese icing and sprinkled with finely chopped pecans.
Chocolate Fudge Bundt – Large chocolate fudge cake made with famous maker chocolate, topped with large curls of even more chocolate.
Chocolate Fudge Bundt with butter cream frosting
Chocolate Fudge Bundt with peanut butter cups
Chocolate Fudge Bundt with fresh chocolate dipped orange
Chocolate Fudge Bundt with chards of Skor candy bar
Chocolate Fudge Bundt with chards of peppermint patty
White Chocolate Berry – White cake filled with white chocolate chips and either raspberries with homemade raspberry sauce, or sweet mini blueberries, and drizzled with butter cream frosting.
White Chocolate Coconut – White cake with Belgium white chocolate, topped with cream cheese frosting and sprinkled generously with shaved coconut.
White Chocolate Fudge – Rich fudge chocolate cake, filled with white and dark chocolate chips, topped with cream cheese and butter frosting, then drizzled with chocolate ganache.
Peanut Butter Fudge – Our chocolate fudge cake filled with peanut butter and chocolate chips, then dipped twice in chocolate ganache and drizzled in peanut butter.
Pumpkin – Large pumpkin bundt cake topped with a thick decorative cream cheese frosting.
Carrot – Large traditional carrot bundt cake topped with a thick decorative cream cheese frosting.

CHEESECAKES
Apple Caramel – Smooth New York Style cheesecake topped with luscious caramel, silky caramelized apples, and crunchy streusel
Banana Fudge – Fresh ripe bananas folded into our creamy cheesecake with a tunnel of rich creamy chocolate, set into a chocolate crust.
Berry – Topped with fresh strawberries, blackberries and blueberries and finished with homemade whipped cream. Baked in a graham cracker crust. Also available in Peach (seasonal) and strawberry.
Brownie Cheesecake – New York style cheesecake topped high with chunks of brownie, drizzled with a chocolate glaze and walnuts.
Caramel – Creamy cheesecake, filled and topped with a layer of vanilla caramel, baked in an Oreo cookie crust.
Chocolate Chip – Mini chocolate chips are folded into this delicious cheesecake and set in a chocolate crust, topped with sour cream and mini chocolate chips.
Chocolate Mousse – Rich chocolate cheesecake made with whipping cream and a touch of rum, baked in a chocolate crust and topped with sour cream, then dusted with chocolate crumbs.
Chocolate Raspberry – Smooth New York Style cheesecake topped with fresh raspberries in a chocolate crust.
Classic – Buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake, and sour cream topping. Classic!
Double Lemon – Zesty lemon cheesecake topped with homemade lemon curd.
Eggnog Cheesecake – Rich cheesecake blended with nutmeg, cinnamon and eggnog.
Key Lime Cheesecake – Zesty key lime made with fresh limes. Topped with homemade whip cream and baked in a graham cracker crust.
Mandarin Orange – Infused with mandarin oranges, topped with fresh mandarins.
Mixed Berry – A white Oreo cookie crust filled with a traditional New York style cheesecake, topped with strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries.
Oreo – Filled and topped with whole Oreo cookies and set in a chocolate crust.
Pumpkin – A white Oreo cookie crust filled with a spiced pumpkin cheesecake filling, and decorated with homemade whipped cream.
Toffee – Creamy Cheesecake, filled with toffee candy, topped with chocolate lace and covered in more toffee candy and baked in an Oreo cookie crust.
Triple Layer – Three layers of dark, white and butterscotch creamy chocolate and baked in an Oreo cookie crust.

TARTS & PIES
Almond Tart (with choice of fresh seasonal fruit)
Pear, Plum, Mission Fig, Raspberry or Amarena Cherry
Mixed Fruit Tart – Short dough crust with raspberry jam, vanilla pastry cream, vanilla sponge cake and fresh fruit.
Mixed Berry Tart – Short dough crust with raspberry jam, vanilla pastry cream, vanilla sponge cake and fresh mixed berries.
Chocolate Hazelnut Tart – Almond short dough shell filled with a dense chocolate hazelnut filling, topped with mirror chocolate, toasted hazelnuts and gold leaf.
Lemon Berry Meringue Tart – Crispy shell filled with tart lemon curd, topped with toasted meringue and assorted fresh berries.
Apple Pie – Fresh Granny Smith apples are peeled and sliced wafer thin and tossed with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and piled 4″ high into a sweet dough crust, and finished with a crumble streusal topping and lemon glaze.
Chocolate Pecan Pie – Brown butter pecan pie accented with Frangelico, filled with pecans and semi-sweet chocolate, drizzled with dark chocolate.
Pumpkin Pie – Buttery pastry crust filled with a traditional pumpkin pie filling and spices.
Key Lime Pie – A traditional graham cracker crust filled with a creamy Key Lime pie filling using real Key Lime juice. Decorated with sweetened whipped cream.

INDIVIDUAL CAKES, BROWNIES & BARS
Molten Lava Cake – Fudgy individual Chocolate Souffle
Moon Pie – Two chocolate chip cookies surround a homemade marshmallow, then dipped in chocolate and hand decorated. Like snowflakes, no two are alike.
Cupcake (Large):
Chocolate Ganache
Rocky Road
Peanut Butter Jelly
Black and White
Hostess Style
Red Velvet
Blue Velvet

Cupcake (Mini):
See’s Chocolate
See’s Chocolate & Buttercream
Carrot
Pumpkin Spice
Banana Chocolate
Red Velvet
Chocolate Mint

Traditional Fudge Brownie (with or without nuts)
Praline Fudge Bar – Chocolate brownie made with pecans, walnuts, premium chocolate and a homemade vanilla caramel.
German Chocolate Bar – A rich chocolate, chocolate chip and pecan brownie filled with cream cheese, dark chocolate, roasted walnuts and toasted coconut.
Lemon Crunch Bar – A crispy, flakey alternative to our Lemon Shortbread bar, with crushed walnuts and laced with lemon glaze.
Lemon Shortbread Bar – A buttery shortbread bar made with homemade lemon curd and dusted with powdered sugar.
Pumpkin Pie Bar – A walnut oatmeal crust filled with a pumpkin pie filling, and sprinkled with a light crumb topping.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries – Hand dipped in See’s dark or milk chocolate, or white Belgium chocolate.

COOKIES
Hand Decorated- Butter cookies individually hand decorated with intricate colorful icing in whimsical, seasonal and themes.
Chocolate Chip … the best you ever had.
Chocolate Decadence
Chocolate dipped macaroons
Mini Peanut Butter
Mini Chocolate Chip
Mini “Craisin”
Oatmeal Raisin

INDIVIDUAL TARTS
Rustic Apple or Sour Cherry – Flakey rich pastry dough filled with fresh fruit, appropriate for any time of the day.
Candied Cranberry Orange – Caramelized cranberries atop a creamy orange-accented custard, encased in pastry crust.
Brown Butter Berry – Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries and a hint of orange zest in pastry crust topped with a brown butter filling.
Caramel Nut – Pastry crust filled with a creamy caramel filling and a layer of dark chocolate ganache, topped with fresh toasted crushed almonds.
Lemon – Tart lemon curd in pastry crust finished with an apricot glaze and Belgian white chocolate.

PETIT FOURS
Mini Seasonal Fresh Fruit Tarts
Strawberry, pineapple, raspberry, kiwi, Satsuma mandarin, pomegranate, blueberry or blackberry
Mini Lemon Tarts
Mini Chocolate Mousse Tarts
Mini Muffins
Mini Scones – Raspberry Polenta, Apricot Ginger, Sour Cherry Chocolate Chip or Oatmeal Raisin
Profiteroles – Pistachio, Hazelnut, Coffee, Marsala Wine, Chocolate or Vanilla

LOAVES
Lemon
Zucchini
Pumpkin
Banana

MUFFINS
Apple Bran
Chocolate
Blueberry
Lemon Poppyseed
Low-Fat Mixed Berry & Peach

SCONES
Blueberry
Raspberry Polenta
Apricot Ginger
Sour Cherry Chocolate Chip
Oatmeal Raisin

CROISSANTS
Plain
Almond
Chocolate
Spinach and Cheese
Ham and Cheese

OTHER BREAKFAST PASTRIES
Coffee Cake – Buttery coffee cake filled with walnuts and brown sugar streusel, topped with creamy frosting and sprinkled with roasted walnuts.
Cinnamon Roll – Croissant dough spun in a circle, filled with fresh apples, raisins and nuts, and drizzled with icing.
Cinnamon Twist – Puff pastry rolled and twisted, sprinkled with powdered sugar
Apple Fante – Puff pastry dough layered with apple jam and fresh apples, sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar

ALCOVE CAFE & BAKERY
Address: 1929 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone: (323) 644-0100
Hours: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner: Mon-Sat. 6 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sun. 7 am – 11pm
Price: $4-$37

Let me know how you like this place or have any recommendations. Click here to see more reviews.

I think I had discovered the best baguette in L.A. when I was having a sandwich at the Artisan Cheese Gallery. They get all their bread from Breadbar and so that’s where I headed off to. Not only do they have fabulous fresh baguettes with impossible texture, but they have a string of pastries and full lunch/dinner menu.

I had such a hard time not ordering everything off their menu. They have so many of my favorite things, it was seriously hard not to just have a table full of cheese, bread and pastries. So between my friend and I, we divided up the order – Greek Salad, Chilled Red Beet Gazpacho, Mini Butter and Chocolate Croissants, Sweet Potato Fries, and Apple Turnover. This was probably the strangest greek salad I’ve had – not bad, but very different then any other. The dressing was tangy just the way I like it as well as fresh pieces of goat cheese. However, I couldn’t understand why there were pieces of squash and celery? Doesn’t matter, it tasted very good and we ate it all! The chilled red beet gazpacho was the perfect color of fuschia pink and tasted surprisingly tangy and peppery. It was such a huge bowl and almost too pretty to eat.

However, honestly, the very first thing I ate – more like wolfed down – was the apple turnover. This was so flaky and light with a sweet buttery crispy in every bite. I couldn’t help myself and am very happy they served this first without any hesitation. The sweet potato fries (top pic) were perfectly crisp with enough sweet and salt. I can’t wait to go back to order the rest of the menu.

Here are some items from their menu:
STARTERBAR | appetizers

Thin Crust Pizza
cheese, bacon, onions $7

BREADBAR’s Bread Basket for Two
Chef’s selection of four different breads, butter and three signature spreads $5.50
Refills, each $3

BREADBAR Hot Dog | BREADBAR BRIOCHE
All-beef kosher hot dog, emmenthal cheese, garlic-ginger fries $9.75

BREADBAR Cheese or Charcuterie Board | chef’s choice of bread
Chef’s daily selection of three artisanal cheeses or three cured meats, with BREADBAR’s signature condiments $15

House-made pickled vegetables $6.50

Quiche Lorraine
Ham, emmenthal cheese, applewood smoked bacon and caramelized onions, with mesclun greens $10.50

SOUP&SALADBAR | new favorites
Chilled Red Beet Gazpacho | tour de france bAGUETTE $8
French Onion Soup | tour de france bAGUETTE $8
Cauliflower Soup | Curried breadbar croutons $8
Soup of the Day | rustic millstone $8
Farmer’s Market Salad | RUSTIC MILLSTONE BREAD $7

Greek Salad | RUSTIC MILLSTONE BREAD $12
>add shrimp $4

Caesar Salad | Curried breadbar croutons $12
> add chicken $3 >add shrimp $4

Caprese | TOUR DE FRANCE OLIVE BREAD
Fresh mozzarella cheese, arugula, roasted cherry tomatoes marinated in honey-balsamic and basil vinaigrette $12
Add grilled free-range herb chicken breast $6

Cobb | TOUR DE FRANCE ALPINE BREAD
Oven roasted turkey breast, applewood smoked bacon, avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers, mesclun greens, scallions, fourme d’ambert cheese, hard-boiled eggs, dijon mustard dressing $14
Add sautéed shrimp $6

Niçoise | TOUR DE FRANCE OLIVE BREAD
Seared ahi tuna, fingerling potatoes, mesclun greens, french green beans, tomatoes, niçoise
olives, cucumbers, smoked hard boiled egg, balsamic vinegar and basil vinaigrette $16

BISTROBAR | main courses
Roasted Chicken Breast , mushroom fricasse, chicken jus $18
Braised Beef Short Rib , polenta, sweet corn $17
Duck Confit , lentils, kale $17.50
Pasta of the Day , $12
Fish of the Day , MP
Ricotta Gnocchi , browned butter sage sauce $13
Vadouvan Lamb Curry , couscous, roasted squash $19.50
Croque Monsieur , ham, swiss, side salad $12
Portobello Mushroom Burger , sweet potato fries $12.50
Ahi Tuna Burger , crispy onions, nicoise olives, fries $16.50
Angus Beef Burger , cheddar, onion confit, fries $14.50

MARKETBAR | a little bit of everything

BENTO; chef’s daily selection
soup / salad / ‘mille feuille’ sandwich / dessert $15

> Soup & Sandwich Duet
A half of a Ham, Club, Beef Brisket, Grilled Cheese, or Grilled Chicken Sandwich, and cup of soup $12

> Soup & Salad Duet
A half portion of Caprese, Cobb, Caesar or Greek Salad and a cup of soup $12

> Sandwich & Salad Duet
A half portion of Caprese, Cobb, Caesar or Greek Salad, and half Ham, Club, Beef Brisket, Grilled Cheese, Grilled Chicken Sandwich $14

CLASSICBAR | savvy sandwiches

Beef Brisket | tour de france bAGUETTE
red onions, pickles, bell pepper, garlic ginger fries $12.75

Club | TOUR DE FRANCE Alpine bread
turkey, bacon, avocado, side salad $12.50

Grilled Chicken | GOLDEN WEST CURCUMA BUN
Free-range chicken herb chicken, sautéed zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, tomatoes, vadouvan curry mayonnaise with mesclun green salad and balsamic dressing $12.75

Grilled Cheese | RUSTIC MILLSTONE BREAD
Fresh mozzarella, aged cheddar, sundried tomato spread, onion confit with mesclun green salad and balsamic dressing $11.75

SLIDERS | mix & match
served with red chimichurri, mizuna, pickles, wasabi tartar
$6 each or $17 for three
salmon filet
crab rice-cake
angus beef
black cod
beer-battered brie
grilled chicken

VEGETARIAN SIDES
garlic -ginger fries $4
sweet potato fries $4.50
mashed potatoes $4.50
mac & cheese $6.50
farmer’s market vegetables $7
mixed green salad $4
shishitou pepper and edamame $4.50

DESSERTS | two for six, all for eleven
vanilla creme brulee $5
bread pudding $3
molten chocolate cake $5
affogato, vanilla ice cream, Lavazza coffee $5

Bread:
Rustic Millstone™
Thickly crusted and densely crumbed, the Rustic dough evokes the colors and sensations of the homespun countryside. As BREADBAR’s signature loaf, the dough is made with an earthy, stone-ground blend of whole-wheat and whole-rye that imparts a bold nutty taste to the bread. The Rustic family harmonizes well with soups and stews, hearty salads and hard or soft cheeses.

Whole Rustic $12.50
Half Rustic $6.50
Quarter Rustic $3.50

Tour de France
The Tour de France family is named, not after the famous bicycle race, but for France’s annual tradition of sending craftsmen from city to city to enhance their skills and learn trade secrets from fellow artisans. Elegant and unaffected, the Tour de France is the most versatile of the BREADBAR doughs, fusing readily with countless complements, including fruits, nuts, vegetables, and even meats.

TDF Baguette $2.50
Raisin Walnut Loaf $5.50
Raisin Walnut Petit $2.50
Olive Loaf $5.50
Olive Petit $2.50
Alpine Loaf $6.25
Alpine Petit $2.50

Golden West™
The Golden West loaves are flavored with honey, studded with dried fruits and nuts, spiced with warm turmeric and truffled with chocolate chunks, playing on uniquely Californian contrasts: soft and hard, sweet and subtle, provocative and mellow. The dough is enriched with some butter and sugar, and sometimes milk, to create softer, airier variations of classic Viennese breads.

Pain de Mie Pullman $5.25
Multi-Grain Pullman $5.50
Golden Fig Loaf $5.75
Golden Fig Petit $2.50
Curcuma Hazelnut Loaf $5.75
Curcuma Hazelnut Petit $2.50

Walden Whole Wheat™
Walden was the wooded retreat of Henry David Thoreau, who went there to live in close communion with the natural world. Made with partly stone-ground whole wheat flour, the Walden Whole Wheat dough is simple and bracing, a nod to the environment that so inspired many of Thoreau’s classics. The family’s breads have a crispy crust and a fleshy crumb, with a delicious honey-spice taste that accompanies a wide range of foods, from soups and salads to sauced dishes and all kinds of meat, poultry and fish.

Whole Wheat Loaf $5.25

Mediterranean
The Mediterranean family draws inspiration from the culinary traditions of southern Europe, recast in the spirit of the California Riviera. The dough is irrigated with extra-virgin olive oil, extending the aromatic range of the breads, which unexpectedly combine nutty, fruity and savory flavors. Delicious on its own, the Mediterranean family matches well with salads, goat cheeses, simple fish dishes, and even lamb and pork roasts.

Tuscan Ciabatta Loaf $5.75
Tuscan Ciabatta Petit $2.50
Parmesan Lavash $5/sheet
Foccacia $2.25/slice

Sierra Redwood Rye™
The name Sierra evokes the robust character of the grain called rye, the most winter hardy of all cereals. Rye has a comforting dense texture, an earthy hue, and a tangy taste. The Sierra family rye loaves are strong and intriguing, with an engagingly spicy aroma, a thick crust, and a moist body that keeps remarkably well.

Redwood Rye Loaf $4.50

Outland Hearth™
The Outland Hearth breads have the nutty flavor and the earthy-gray color of the buckwheat fruit seed, and emit aromas that are both homey and exotic: toasted hazelnuts, vanilla buds, aged honey. With its caramelized crusts and fragrant crumb, BREADBAR’s buckwheat loaf tastes delicious with cheese, grilled fish, chicken and vegetarian dishes.

Buckwheat Round $5.75
Buckwheat Ficelle $2.25

BREADBAR
Address: 8718 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone: (310) 205-0124
Hours: Mon-Sun. 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Price: $5-$17

Let me know how you like this place or have any recommendations. Click here to see more reviews.

I think the fastest I ever inhaled an entire grilled fillet of Ono was at Paia Fish Market in Maui. I sat down with my Grilled Ono Platter (top pic), took one bite, and then it all disappeared before I took my second breath – at least it seemed that way. It literally melted in my mouth, it was so unbelievably delicious. This was the best charbroiled fish I’ve ever had. The fish itself was so incredibly fresh, it didn’t need anything but a little bit of salt & pepper.

You can find the freshest fish possible here. Their menu covers any which way you’d like your fish cooked or seasoned. If fish isn’t your thing, there are other options for meaters and veggies too – pastas, quesadillas, fajitas. The place is super casual with rows of communal benches in a wide open room. It’s the perfect spot after a day in the water and then afterwards head next door for some cute boutique shopping (yes the best shopping in Maui).

Charbroiled Ono Plate with home fried potatoes and coles slaw.

Seafood Salad with Blackened Ahi

Fish & Chips

Here are some items from their Lunch/Dinner Menu:
Plates: Served with home fried potatoes and cole slaw
Fish – Charbroiled, Sauteed with butter, wine, fresh garlic and lemon, Cajun Style grilled in fresh cajun sauces then charbroiled, Blackened Cajun style sizzled in an iron skillet
Chicken – Charbroiled or Teriyaki Style
Tacos – Fish or Chicken, Corn tortillas with salsa, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese
Quesadilla – Fish or Chicken, Flour tortilla filled with beans, cheese and salsa
Veggie – Flour tortilla filled with beans, spicy salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese

Appetizers:
Sashimi $14.95 Thin slices of raw Ahi with fresh carrots, cucumber, pickled ginger served on a bed of cabbage
Blackened Sashimi $14.95
Seafood Chowder $5
Deep Fried Shrimp $7.95
Deep Fried Calamari $7.95
Shrimp Cocktail $7.95
Cheese Quesadilla $4.95

Salads:
Garden $6.95 Fresh organic Haiku greens, tomatoes, carrots, sprouts, cucumbers
Caesar $6.95 Fresh crisp romaine, croutons, grated parmesan and fresh dressing
Seafood $14.95 Garden or Caesar – Choice of Ono or Mahi with shrimp
Chicken $12.95 Garden or Caesar

From the Deep Fried Skillet:
Mahi Fish & Chips
Shrimp and Chips
Calamari and Chips

Pastas and Fajitas:
Seafood Pasta $15.95 Linguini with fresh fish, shrimp, scallops sauteed in butter, wine, garlic, cream, parmesan cheese, onions and topped with fresh tomatoes and capers
Chicken Pasta $14.95
Fajitas $15.95 Your choice of Fish, chicken, or shrimp sauteed in butter, garlic, wine and homemade salsa served with flour tortillas, cajun rice, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese.

Burgers:
Ono or Mahi
Cheese Burger
Chicken Burger

Side Orders:
French Fries
Cajun Rice
Home Fries
Cole Slaw
Onion Rings
Tacos
Quesadillas
Veggie Quesadilla

PAIA FISH MARKET RESTAURANT
Address: 1110 Hana Hwy, Paia, Maui 96779
Phone: (808) 579-8030
Hours: Lunch: 11-4:30 Dinner: 4:30-9:30
Price: $5-$20

Let me know how you like this place or have any recommendations. Click here to see more reviews.

When I find a place that has a full menu and open kitchen all the way into the wee hours of the night (early morning), I’m at full attention. This is a rare occasion in Los Angeles. Aroma Bakery & Cafe is not what you think. It’s a casual middle-eastern influenced eatery that has a binder for a menu. This is not an L.A. cafe bakery but a middle-eastern influenced cafe bakery in L.A. – very different, so you need to do away with any predispositions to enjoy the experience.

The difference is not just with the food, but the crowd and atmosphere. It is very bright – you’ll hardly notice it’s nighttime outside on the patio, and it’s busy with people of all ages – even at 2am. The menu is very promising for a group with varying eating preferences – vegetarians, meat eaters, sweet tooths, and all in between. The Aroma’s Lettuce Wrap (top pic) with ground chicken breast, sauteed green onions, jicama and tomatoes in teriyaki marinara, was very delicious and tasty, and even better under $12. The Labane and Zaatar (pic below) was just how I remembered it and brought back memories – perfect hot fresh arabic bread topped with zaatar spices. I keep hearing how insanely yummy their chocolate souffle is and can’t wait to go back to try it.

Here are some items from their Lunch/Dinner menu. It’s a huge menu, so I only included 1/4 of it here:

Specials:
Ahi Tuna Kabab with onion rice, mini potatoes, chopped salad and tahini sauce
Sea Bass Skewers with white rice and salad
Coucous with steamed vegeatbles, garbanzo bean soup, and fish
Penne Pasta with broccoli, mushroom, and carrot in Alftredo sauce and salmon fillet
Fettucini with Ahi Tuna Bolognese Sauce with salad
Slamon-filled Phyllo Dough with salad and mashed potatoes
BBQ Vegetables with salmon fillet with mini potatoes
Ahi Tuna Tortilla with avocado, carrots, cucumbers and BBQ sauce
Roasted Eggplant with salad and tahini sauce and topped with Tilapia fillets
Ahi Tuna Steak in red wine-blueberry sauce with mashed potatoes
Lamb Chops marinated overnight and grilled with mashed potatoes and vegetable squares $28.95
Beef Stroganoff – Fillet Mignon strips sauteed with mushrooms and green onions, served in a creamy sauce over white rice $26.95
Aroma’s Rib Eye Steak – 16oz. grilled fine Rib Eye steak with mashed potatoes, asparagus and roasted tomatoes $28.95
The Best Fillet Mignon Ever – 10oz. tender fillet seared to perfection with mashed potatoes, asparagus and roasted tomatoes $32.95
Aroma’s Lettuce Wrap – Ground chicken breast, sauteed with green onions, jicama and tomatoes in teriyaki marinara served with lettuce wraps $11.95

Soup:
Onion with puff pastry top $9.50
Vegetable Noodle Matzo Ball $5.95, $6.95

Fish:
Build Your Own Fish: Seabass, Salmon, Tilapia, Pecan Trout, Ahi Tuna

From the taboon original clay oven:
Samboosak – Traditional style dough filled with your choice of feta cheese, potato, pizza, or cheese & tuna, and your choice of olives, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes and egglpant. Served with house special salad & egg $11.95
Ziva – Puff pastry topped with sesame and filled with one of the following combinations: cheese & olives, mixed cheeses, cheese & pizza sauce. Served with tomato puree, pickles and egg $10.95
Labane & Zaatar – Labane spread, olive oil and zaatar served with freshly baked zaatar pita
Malawach Roll – Puff pastry filled with your choice of hummus & egg, swiss cheese, feta cheese & egg, or pizza sauce & egg. Served with tomato puree, pickles & egg $9.95
Build your own Calzone $11.95
Burekas Piruki $9.95
Spiralla $11.95

Pastas:
Ravioli: special sauces: marinara, creamy tomato, mushroom alfredo, olivia (sun dried tomatoes, feta cheese, walnuts and olives), creamy capers, alley-oily (garlic, olive oil, pesto), creamy salmon (add $2)
Gorgonzola & Caramelized Walnut $13.95
Sun dried tomato & goat cheese $13.95
Garlic, spinach & cheese $12.95
Portobello Mushrooms $12.95
Vegetable Melange $12.95
Three Cheese $12.95
Sweet Potatoes $12.95

The Italiano – Cheese ravioli with stir fried peppers, carrots and zucchini served hot and topped with a lightly spicy dressing $11.95

Potato Gnocchi $13.95
Tri Color Gnocchi $13.95
Fettucini $12.95
Linguini $12.95
Penne Rigati $12.95
Angel Hair $12.95

Desserts:
Bavarian Cream $9.95
Hot Chocolate Cake $10.95
Cheese Crumble Cake $9.95
Chocolate Souffle $11.95
Slice of Cake $8.95
Apple Pie $8.95
Malabi $7.95
Chocolate Malawach $8.95
Cookie Mountain $9.95

AROMA BAKERY & CAFE
Address: 7373 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046
Phone: (323) 850-8120
Hours: Mon-Sun. 7am – Late
Price: $7-$33

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This is my favorite place for brunch in Manhattan. August is a charming little hidden spot tucked in Greenwich Village with a surprising sunlit private garden patio in the back. Their menu turns out seasonal European fare from their wood-fired oven. I never miss brunch here when I’m in town. It’s the perfect place to share brunch with a few close friends. I can’t help but to always order their challah french toast with huckleberry coulis (pic below). It’s the perfect french toast filled with buttery cinnamon sweetness. Every bite is so moist that there’s no need for any maple syrup – maybe just a little dab of huckleberry coulis here and there. They also have the cutest perfectly cooked egg dishes served in the mini cocotte straight out of the wood-fired oven (Roman in top pic). This is not the place for low/non-fat milk or splenda. You’re only going to get whole foods here – everything is fresh and pure.

Fresh Salad of Market Greens and Shaved Vegetables with Pecorino cheese, preserved lemon, and toast oil.

Here’s a sample of items from their brunch menu:

Salad of Market Greens and Shaved Vegetables 9
Pecorino cheese, preserved lemon, and toast oil

Smoked Trout 14
Fingerling potato salad, boiled egg, and dill

Traditional Housemade Muesli 10
with strained yogurt and honey

Wood Oven Baked Eggs en Cocotte 11
choose your regional style…
Alsatian – bacon and onion with creme fraiche
Provencal – tomatoes, squash, and garlic
Roman – tomato and mozzarella
Andalusian -chorizo and blistered peppers

Challah Bread French Toast 12
Huckleberry-Blueberry coulis and mint

Alboldigas 14
Veal meatballs, tomato, two fried eggs, and basil

Eggs Bordelaise 13
Red wine braised mushrooms, creme fraiche, fried eggs, and toast

Saucisses Dejeuner 14
Housemade country sausage, spinach, scrambled eggs, and toast

Frittata of the Day 12

AUGUST Burger 14
with fries and smoky mayonaise (add bacon, fried egg, or gruyere cheese for $1 each)

Fish and Chips 13
Malt battered and served with smoky tartar sauce

Sides:
Smoked Bacon 6
Swiss Potato 6
Housemade Country Sausage 7
Black Currant Scone 6
Fresh Fruit 5

Brunch Beverages:
Mimosa 10
Bellini 10
Cha,mpagne Cocktail 12
Elderflower, Agua de Valencia, or Classic
Orange Juice 4.50
Hot Chocolate 5

Coffee & Tea:
Regular or Decaf 3
Espresso 4
Double Espresso 5
Cappuccino 5
Cafe Latte 5
McNulty’s Loose Leaf Teas 4

Address: 359 Bleecker Street, (between Charles & West 10th), New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 929-8727
Hours: Lunch: Monday-Friday noon – 3:30pm, Dinner: Monday-Thursday 5:30pm to 11pm, Friday – Saturday 5:30pm to 12am, Sunday 5:30pm – 10pm, Brunch: Saturday & Sunday 11am – 3:30pm
Price: $6-$14

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