About T-Salon:



For all of you that remember Elixir Teas & Tonics on Melrose and still yearn for its vibes, look no further, you have found your new sanctuary at T Salon Melrose. The best part is that it’s only a mile or so down the road, where Melrose meets La Brea in the Miracle Mile/Hancock Park adjacent neighborhoods of Los Angeles.

A slightly more modern version of a traditional Japanese tea house has been putting its own spin on Tea and culinary treats since its soft opening several months back.



And, T-Salon has been making a big splash ever since with over 20 cold, ice-brewed teas that flow out of a custom non-alcoholic draft system that keeps drinks cold and consistent with every pour.



Tea infused sushi and ice-cream and some sweet bites from local artisan bakers from throughout our city round out the sublime spread found at this boutique coffee house alternative.

T salon sums up their unique concept best on their blog as An Eco-Sustainable Tea Bar, Market & Cafe and you have to experience it for yourself to see that it is much more than that.




T-Salon and Z-Sushi go hand-in-hand:

Owner Miriam Novalle formerly of T-salon New York has successfully transplanted her flagship location to Los Angeles with a few additions. Since Sushi is uniquely LA, it is no surprise that tea and sushi go together like “Peas and Carrots”(Thanks Forrest Gump). Novalle’s T Salon and Sushi Zuri under the direction of Chef Zuri Lifshitz interweave their passions for flavors and food by creating a truly unique culinary mash-up that works oh so well.





About Z sushi:



Zuri is a Jedi master when it comes down to making sushi and his hands seem to summon the forces of sushi fusion. No light saber needed, Chef Zuri handcrafts each sushi item himself with an arsenal of secret sauces with tea infusions. He also keeps few padawans or apprentices standing by to act in his presence if he gets pulled away to do private catering. He brings his own version of Nouveau sushi to the T-salon clientele who are looking for something a cut above the rest.




Tea and Sushi together as one:

All of T-salon’s menu selections are the product of the union of food and beverage and in their case, tea and sushi. For centuries tea has been paired with sushi but Chef Zuri takes it a step further by formulating his creations with tea as an integral ingredient in the sauce mixtures.

All dishes are ordered and served table-side with prompt and positive service.



We ate almost everything off the menu in one way or another and would like to put the following items on blast:



T-Sushi Squares(spicy tuna or crab) are not your ordinary katsuya(esque) rice cake style sushi. This less crispy counterpart is lighter and more complex and soothing in flavors.



T-Sushi Tartars(Tuna or crab)-are served with sesame wonton crackers and loaded with flavor and is the perfect meal to cool down on a hot day.



T-Sushi Hand Rolls(spicy red tuna, spicy salmon, spicy blue crab or vegan baked tofu served with micro-greens, avocado and choice of soy paper & shiso or seaweed. These light bites are filling without making you feel overloaded as well as providing that Omega3 boost to keep you going into the evening.



Zuri’s other selections of either T-Sashimi, T-Sushi Wonton tower or the famous Wonton Crackers with spicy mayo caviar and soy sauce all provide the satiety to make you just feel good.





I Scream, You Scream, We all Scream for Ice-cream:



Did someone say Ice-Cream tasting? Yes, they actually did and this isn’t anywhere close to the ice-cream we all crave from our childhood. This slightly more adult tea infused ice-cream comes courtesy of Carmela Ice cream from NYC. Several exotic tea flavors took several months to develop, but the end result is soothing bliss in every scoop.



White Ginger pomegranate, Sunrise in Tibet and Organic angora were all so aromatic and soothing. Each embodying their own holistic properties while simply just tasting good. Treat yourself to a sweet treat while keeping your body in perfect balance.

Food for thought:



It doesn’t take a genius to realize that the T-salon is here to stay. And besides serving up tea, sushi and ice-cream, they also are a great source for gifts for that special someone in your life who just likes to Zen-out. Everyone needs friends in high places and that’s why I was fortunate to visit with Pauli Orchon; friend, foodie and fan of T-salon. Without her invitation, I would’ve missed out on this refreshing Los Angeles gem. The problem is, once you visit you will keep coming back. And, I will be back again very soon for my ice cold Lemon Verbena fix with a side of Zuri’s famous tuna tartare.



If you are thinking about cooking with tea, the following Article, “Think Outside The Cup” will get your mind and creativity racing.



Maybe you will be Zuri’s next Jedi apprentice!



Contact info:
T Salon
7111 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046-7617
(323) 954-8327

Comments Off | In: Affordable & Healthy Eats, Ethnic Corner | tags: carmela icecream, chef Zuri Lifshitz, t salon, tea-infused sushi menu, www.sushizuri.com. | #

Chronic is a term to define high grade herbal medicine, so it’s no surprise that Chronic Tacos out of southern California choose to associate their food with being high quality or in other words “the sh*t.



That being said, it only made sense for two close longtime childhood friends from Hermosa Beach to bring the Chronic Tacos to the South Bay and plant roots nearby in Redondo Beach. Drizzle in some celebrity skate antics from Jackass star and pro-skater Wee-Man and you have a recipe for success. Blake Peterson, who is also a Photographer, Tattoo Artist and partner with Wee, made it all a reality in April 2010.



The vibe is laid back and the stores decor pays homage to California surf and skate culture. Reggae, dub, ska and California surf rock can be heard on the restaurants sound-system. A Mexi-Cali vibe at the beach and great authentic homemade Mexican food; what more can you ask for? Maybe some spicy Gringo Bandito habanero hot sauce from Wee-man’s comrade and local musician, “Dexter” Holland from the Rock band “The Offspring” to top things off and push you to your Scoville limits.





Wee man is of Hispanic decent and has always had a passion for Latin food so when Blake approached him with the idea of opening up shop in his home town, it was a no brainer. All recipes at Chronic Tacos are authentic and everything is made from scratch, so don’t expect to see any bulk cans.




Chronic Tacos menu is loaded with many “dank” selections including the following:

1. Carne Asada burrito
2. Breaded fish taco(Baja Style)



3. Al pastor torta
4. Taquitos(Beef/Chicken)(rolled tacos)
5. Carnitas tostada

On our visit we went with the Nachos loaded with sweet and savory homemade Carnitas and topped with Chronic Tacos top secret Baja sauce. A meal in itself and enough for a the most intense case of the munchies, we naturally wanted more.



So since we were still in the grubbing mood, we took down the breaded fish tacos. You can always judge a Mexican restaurant by their fish tacos and C.T.F.T. passes the test.



Wee has many favorites and often can bee seen chowing down on the al pastor or Carnitas tacos or knawing on a breakfast burrito on weekends. He is stoked to be involved in the restaurant biz and doing business in his South Bay community. This allows him to give back to his friends, fans while creating jobs and helping the local economy. Restaurants have been hit hard by the recession, but Chronic Tacos has been resilient and continues to create jobs for residents. Blake explains that “Wee-Man” is a giving guy who gets a thrill out of helping out those in need.





Wee-Man is a philanthropist at heart despite his tough Jackass exterior. Jason Acuña (aka Wee-Man) will soon be coming to a theater near you in the new film Jackass 3D. Drop by Wee Man’s Chronic tacos and see why the tacos and burritos are “da kine” and why they taste like nothing else you have tasted before. The best part is that you never know where and when Wee Man will pop in or out or both and this just makes the experience that much more fun.





Special Thanks to Blake Peterson and Wee man for having our crew down to the shop.



Photography by Rich Allen of Sagittarian Images





Wee-Man’s Chronic Tacos
306 S Pacific Coast Hwy
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 316-8226
www.eatchronictacos.com

Comments Off | In: Affordable & Healthy Eats | tags: Carnitas Nachos, Chronic Tacos South Bay, Wee-Man and Blake Peterson, wee-man's chronic tacos redondo beach. | #

Elements Kitchen & Pastry Cafe in Pasadena is more than just a cafe, it’s a way of living. Like the 4 classical elements of nature: Earth, Water, Air and Fire; Elements believes that preserving natural resources and supporting local farmers, while using seasonal ingredients enables them to provide customers with fresh menus that are constantly evolving with the seasons and the creativity from their roster of talented Chefs. The strong culinary team is led by Chef Onil Chibás(Principal Owner), Executive Chef Alberto Morales, Sous Chef Joel Stovall and Pastry Chef Maryn Surrey. The entire crew at Elements Kitchen, who orchestrated an amazing tasting menu on my visit bring an amazing realistic interpretation of New American Cuisine to Angelinos.





Elements is on the verge of an expansion that includes the addition of a restaurant and larger catering kitchen adjacent to the historic Pasadena Playhouse, in close proximity to the cafe, that currently serves lunch throughout the week and brunches on the weekends. With the addition of the restaurant, they will be able to serve dinner to locals and visitors to the Playhouse as well as surrounding Old Town Pasadena.





Upon my arrival, I was greeted by and enthusiastic front of house staff led by Sarah who explained the menu including Elements weekly specials. The specials are expansions on the regular menu and they allow the chef’s to push the limits on the cuisine and showcase their talents. The nice thing about Elements is the fact that all items are made from scratch. Besides main dishes, this includes the majority of beverages, potato chips and pickles that are far from what you would get in a jar.



I ordered the Hibiscus punch to get things started and it was the perfect beverage to quench my thirst on a hot California day. The outdoor patio provides additional sidewalk seating while the interior provides intimate dining with views of the open kitchen.





My first course was a duo of soups chosen by the chef’s that included the “Chilled Pineapple & Cantaloupe Soup” and the “Tunisian Carrot Potage”. Each soup was presented in its own dynamic way and both embodied a multitude of flavor notes. Not only was the Pineapple and Cantaloupe soup refreshing it went way beyond what I would have thought with the addition of shrimp ceviche, lime granita and pineapple salsa. In contrast the Tunisian Carrot Potage had the consistency of a bisque with sweet and spicy notes from the Harisa chili paste and a crunch from the caramelized carrot chips.



My next course was the Duck Confit salad. This salad is not like other salads. Texture is the key word when describing this dish. An array of local heirloom lettuces, citrus wedges, candied almonds and Fennel tarragon vinaigrette take center plate to a healthy serving of pulled Duck Confit. All ingredients work extremely well together to create one tasty artistic dish.



The salad was followed up with the “Soft Brie and Pear Panini” and just when I thought I couldn’t eat anymore I was hypnotized by the looks of this great sandwich. With a nice blend of brie, pear and arugula pesto mayo this sandwich is more of a showpiece, but it tastes better than it looks. Fresh chips and homemadede pickles complete the dish.



With a tiny bit of room left for desert, I opted for a trio of house-made Sorbets. Unique flavor combinations of Lemon-thyme, Mango-strawberry and Watermelon-herbs de Provence not only cooled me down, but it was one last reminder that Elements Kitchen, Pastry Kitchen and Cafe has the formula for great food and exposes Southern Californians to the New American Cuisine that our Northern California neighbors are accustomed to. 2 Forks up to the team at Elements. I will be back for more real soon.







Elements Kitchen
www.elementskitchen.com

107 South Fair Oaks Ave, Ste 110
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 440-0100

No Comments | In: Affordable & Healthy Eats | tags: CA, catering and cafe in Pasadena, Elements Catering, Elements Kitchen, Elements Restaurant, New American Cuisine in California, New American Cuisine Los Angeles, pastry kitchen. | #

Fresh Brothers is not your average pizza joint. While most pizza shops offer basic ingredients, average service, and an average pizza, Fresh Brothers is the polar opposite. Like their name says; “Fresh” in all senses of the word is what defines Fresh Brothers.

Serving food and enjoying Chicago style pizza were always a family affair for the founders, Three brothers(Scott, Adam & Mike). Originally started back in 1985 in Chicago as the Miller Pizza company by Scott the methodology has been adapted, re-tuned and transformed into its California cousin; Fresh Brothers. Since its opening in 2008 it has blossomed into 2 stores here in the South Bay and is flourishing in the Manhattan Beach & Redondo Beach communities with loyal followers and fanatics as far as Marina Del Rey, El Segundo, Hawthorne and Palos Verdes. Future store locations are on the horizon in neighboring beach communities that line Pacific Coast Highway from the North to South.





Fresh quality ingredients and a product that is affordable to customers is the foundation for Fresh Brothers success. Produce is delivered multiple times throughout the week and allows the team at Fresh Brothers to turn out a quality product to its guests. One important menu item that was crucial for the team at Fresh Brothers besides its pizza and wings was creating a quality salad for under $10. Most salad bar salads cost well over $10 by the time they are weighed on the scale because most venues charge by the pound. Additionally, freshness is lost when ingredients are left sitting at an open salad bar for hours on end. Therefore by offering a bountiful salad that is fresh and made to order, guests get the best of both worlds. Fresh Brothers wants to be 1st pizza place in America to be known for affordable, bountiful and fresh salads. You can choose a variety of salad options from the Farmer’s Market Salad to the Greek Town Special or opt for the “Create your own salad” starting at $6.95. Additional Meats & cheeses are extra but the veggies are unlimited.





The buffalo wings at Fresh Brothers are authentic and come from Buffalo NY(The birthplace of “Hot Wings”) This baked, not fried wing is a healthier alternative to deep fried wings. They have customers insisting all of the time that they are fried, but that is not the case. Now that’s what you call “Fresh” engineering. In addition to this alternative wing, they are one of the first pizza establishments to offer a special gluten free menu. The menu is in its early stages and is only 4 weeks old but customers have been embracing it with open arms. This menu was a response to special diet needs of school age children and adults that have allergies to gluten. It was developed so that they can enjoy the same items as their friends and colleagues. Schools and parents have been praising them for developing the menu because it means that their children don’t feel left out during meal times with other children.





The nice thing about Fresh Brothers is the menu versatility. From French fries to mozzarella sicks, thin crust pizzas to Chicago deep dish, wings to salads, the team at Fresh Brothers gives options to parents, children and adults alike. An extensive variety of “Family-Style Meals” provide affordable combos to fit any one’s hunger and budget. Combo meals are important because people get a balance. There is always something for everyone between a pizza, salad and wing order. I am partial to the #1 & #2 that both come with either a medium or large thin crust pizza with 2 toppings, 10 buffalo wings and the “Fresh Salad”. You can customize the combo by upgrading to a deep dish pizza crust for $1.95 extra.

Some of my favorite items are “Da Works” Pizza, Deep Dish of course, The Greek Town Special and Fresh Salad(s), and the “Hot” buffalo wings. If you like wings opt for a bigger order because you won’t be disappointed.

The team at Fresh Brothers want people to feel comfortable weather dining in or taking out. Modern Industrial interior decor reminds the brothers and educates patrons about their Chicago roots growing up in Industrial Chicago.





Since you are probably salivating right about now I thought I would mention the Fresh Brothers, Fresh Deal, 4th of July Pizza Special. This special is only available upon request and comes with 1 Medium, 2 topping pizza and 1 large, 2 topping pizza for $26.00 + tax. Pre Orders for the holiday weekend are advised however orders can be called in the day of.

To sum it up best like the hit rap song by the group Outkast(2002), Fresh Brothers is “So Fresh & So Clean.” Drop in or take out some pizza the next time you get a craving for authentic fresh Chicago style pizza with a California twist. In addition to Fresh Food, Fresh apparel is available for purchase. Show your love and loyalty to this micro pizza restaurant deeply rooted within the Southbay community.



Website(Online Orders & Menu
http://www.freshbrothers.com

Menu

http://www.freshbrothers.com/menu.html

Gluten Free Menu

http://www.freshbrothers.com/menu.html#GFMenu

Fresh Brothers-Manhattan Beach
2008 N. Sepulveda Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 546-4444

Fresh Brothers-Redondo Beach
407 N Pacific Coast Highway
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 374-5678

No Comments | In: Affordable & Healthy Eats, Guest Foodie | tags: fresh brothers manhattan beach, fresh brothers pizza, fresh brothers redondo beach, salads, salads in the south bay, wings, wings in the southbay. | #

In a world filled with corporate coffee chains and fast-food operations now moonlighting as baristas, we seem to get caught up on an inferior product for the sake of time and convenience while sacrificing taste.  In contrast, Groundwork coffee understands that enjoying ones cup of Java goes way beyond just the cup itself.

Groundwork is a boutique coffee house sprouted throughout the city of Angeles; from Venice to Downtown LA with more locations on the horizon.  In order to learn first hand about the company, I met with Robert Mozejewski, operations manager for Groundwork to discuss the history, principles and mission.

The motto and slogan that sums up Groundwork is “Coffee, Tea, Community.”  This is displayed both inside and out of each cafe and on packaging.  Groundwork’s roasts and coffee blends provide a certified organic, fair trade, and kosher product to customers.  Groundwork is socially responsible and has a green focused perspective.  This is evident in the packaging that is used, composting program, and the recycle and discounted incentive programs.



In addition to giving back to the environment, a community atmosphere and social interaction amongst patrons is of utmost importance to the Groundwork team.  The Hollywood location offers a Friday night open mic night.  They encourage baristas and guests to participate and showcase their other talents through music and art expression.

During my visit I sampled a variety of coffee drinks as well as some popular lunch items.    I started with two versions of the latte. The cold and hot vanilla lattes were prepared to perfection and i believe it is due to the fact, that Groundwork roasts their own beans at their own local off-site facility which is in contrast to the macro-roasting that other purveyors utilize.  This detail sets them apart from others and gives Groundwork coffee its unique fresh flavor.  Private label options are available as well as custom blends and roasts for those who want to pass along the flavor to others.



For my dining options I started with the Tuscan White Bean Soup.  This home-style version was full of flavor and was loaded with vegetables and Robert enlightened me to the fact that this soup as well as others are vegetarian.  Truly vegetarian options are hard to come by and both you and your pocketbook will be happy with this one.



Next, I sampled the Stuffed Chicken Breast. At first the dish looked small, but after getting halfway through I realized that the portion was quite generous and I was satisfied with its blend of flavors and fresh ingredients.



Lastly, I tried the Roasted Vegetable Sandwich.  This mouthwatering morsel was just right.  With a plentiful amount of vegetables and the right amount of Sun-dried tomato spread this sandwich provided another great “Meat-Free” alternative for all of you vegetarians out there.  The texture was just right and could convince just about anyone to go vegetarian, even if it was just for one meal.  On my next visit I plan to try the Prosciutto and fig sandwich.



The food and beverages at Groundwork and its cafes are full of quality, flavorful and all menu items are reasonably priced.   At the various establishments you will not be infiltrated by corporate campaigns, marketing materials and collateral instead it is all about the coffee, tea and community.  Each location is hip and has an underground vibe that is translated through the artwork, music and media displayed throughout each store.  Give Groundwork a taste yourself and you will not be disappointed.  Stop into your local cafe or shop online.  To sum it up best, Groundwork is a roast above the rest.
















Images are taken at:
Groundwork-Hollywood
1501 N. Cahuenga Boulevard(@ Sunset Boulevard)
Hollywood, California 90028
tel: (323) 871-0107
fax: (323) 871-0120

hours:
Monday – Thursday: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Friday: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm

Menu Items Sampled

Roasted Vegetable
Portabello mushroom, zucchini, eggplant, provolone, sun-dried tomato tapenade. La Brea Bakery bread.
$5.95

Stuffed Chicken Breast
Spinach, mushroom, garlic, onion, feta, jack and cheddar cheese, tomato sauce on bed of brown rice.
$4.95

Tuscan White Bean Soup
Garlic, red onion, celery, carrot, spinach, roma tomato, white beans, parsley
vegetable stock.
$3.50

No Comments | In: Affordable & Healthy Eats | tags: Cahuenga Cooridor Coffee, Groundwork Downtown Los Angeles, Groundwork fair trade, Groundwork Roast, Groundwork Sunset and Cahuenga Blvd, Groundwork vegetarian sandwiches, Groundwork Venice, http://lacoffee.com/groundwork/about_us.html, kosher coffee, organic. | #

Tucked behind a tough industrial exterior and neighboring Los Angeles landmark restaurants including Jones Bar and Formosa Café, and in the shadows of the West Hollywood gateway lies Food+Lab Café, West Hollywood’s newest eatery on the block.

Food+lab was started 3 years ago as a catering company, hosting to the notorious and demanding entertainment industry. Food+Lab always had aspirations of bringing its passion for creative, healthy and epicurean food to a café setting. In the short span of 3 years Food+Lab has done exactly that. After catering more than one thousand events and many satisfied clients later, the café was born and opened its doors to the public in January 2009.

The culinary minds or lab techs as we like to call them at the controls of food+lab are Ester & Nino Linsmayer, both Austrian transplants to the United States. This “mom and pup” team, as labeled by Nino himself is the essence of Food+Lab. Nino serves as a culinary consultant of sorts and runs the day-to-day operations of the food lab brand, while Ester handles all aspects of the menu items; from creation to implementation. They are both usually on site and always make sure that the customers are taken care of and treated like family. Nino’s passion and exuberance is evident and he makes sure that the customer is satisfied.

Food+Lab is a bistro style café that serves up an array of tasty organic cuisine and freshness is the key ingredient.

Since this was a return visit, I had already had several food lab creations under my belt and was excited for the adventure in store. On my previous visit I had the Smoked Salmon Sandwich with Crème Fraiche and sliced cucumber. This creative twist and interpretation of lox on a bagel truly shows what kind of ingenuity goes into the menu at Food+Lab. Another selection that melts the taste buds is the salami sandwich with balsamic artichoke, gorgonzola and tapenade on ciabatta. This somewhat richer sandwich is built on artisan ingredients and complimentary flavors.



On the day of our shoot, Nino provided us with a tasting menu of several popular breakfast and lunch items. We started with an iced late and a classic cappuccino since Viennese coffee is one of the house specialties. For the breakfast course we started things off with the brioche with Nutella and mascarpone. This sinful combination is packed with bold flavors and works as a stand-alone breakfast or can even be served as a desert.



Next we tasted the egg sandwich. This version is quite different from most others that I have had, and once again its preparation is truly unique. The sandwich is served on rustic Artisan wheat bread and has a slightly nutty texture. The flavors continue to build when a hard-boiled egg, pancetta, watercress and homemade Aioli meet in perfect unison.



The lunch selections that we tried were the vegan sandwich complete with hummus, roasted vegetables accompanied by dried tomatoes and basil pesto and served on wheat. This sandwich is a meal in itself and would satisfy even the most discerning eater. The sandwiches are presented on wood planks and accompanied with a medley of house olives and mini gherkins.



We debated several salad selections and told Nino to decide for us and he choose to serve us the chicken arugula salad with edamame, cranberry and candied pecans. This is a salad that takes him back to childhood because it is paired with mom’s homemade dressing and the dressing is the reason that Nino eats salad to this day.



Food+lab is also a marketplace for Charcutterie, imported European sodas and snacks as well as to-go items including soup. The Organic Potato chips are brought in from the United Kingdom and Esther tells us that the Beef and Horseradish are simply her favorites. Need a soda fix, try the “Alm Dudler”, translation; Drink of the Alps (the Coca-Cola of Austria), Nino describes it as “A lemongrass herby ginger ale.”



Need a gift for the foodie in your life? Gift baskets are available at food lab courtesy of Dean & Deluca of NYC. The food lab encourages living eco-consciously and encourages its customers to bring in and reuse the Food lab Tote bag ($25). Each purchase entitles the customer to a 25% discount on retail items.



Once our journey to Food+Lab was complete we realized quite simply that it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that this sidewalk café creates edible concoctions that keep testing your taste buds and keep the customers coming back for more. So next time your in the mood for some flavorful goodness, check out Food+Lab: where health and happiness meet taste.



Food Lab Cafe & Marketplace
http://www.foodlabcatering.com/cafe.html

7253 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 851-7120

@ Santa Monica Blvd. between Poinsettia Place and Formosa Place

Comments Off | In: Affordable & Healthy Eats | tags: brioche in west hollywood, Ester & Nino Linsmayer, food lab, food lab catering, food lab catering and cafe, Food+Lab, Foodlab cafe, Foodlab catering, in the shadows of the West Hollywood gateway lies Food+Lab Café, mom and pup, west hollywood cafe, west hollywood healty eatery, West Hollywood’s newest eatery on the block. | #

It was the early afternoon yesterday and I was meeting Joe Briscoe(www.briscoephoto.com), the official Viva La Foodies photographer in Los Feliz for lunch. I had several places in mind but he had suggested the Alcove Cafe & Bakery for this installment of Healthy and Affordable Eats. I had been there once before for brunch but this time was a different experience mainly due to the glorious weather that we have been experiencing in Los Angeles this past week.

The Spanish Bungalow style decor dates back a few years prior to 1920 and radiates with character. This once duplex now houses the bakery, kitchen, dining room and various seating areas both interior and exterior on the property. Additionally the Alcove has a commitment to the environment and they use green practices where available including the disposable serve-ware amongst other practices.

Due to the nice weather I wanted to eat something on the lighter side yet substantial enough for me to be productive for the rest of the day and I was enthusiastic to see the wide array of salad selections. I decided on the Classic Cobb Salad because I felt like a variety of proteins and not a lot of carbohydrates. The classic cob features 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. A whole wheat roll also accompanies. The salad was plated in a bowl and every element was artistically placed forming a unique and tasty cobb. I have had lots of cobb’s in my life but this is one for the books, hence this article.



Joe decided to go for the BLT for which he has gone back for on many occassions. This version of the BLT comes piled high with Applewood smoked bacon, romaine lettuce, and pesto aioli to which he added avocado and sliced turkey breast for a club-like version. A cesar salad comes as a side dish and was plated artistically in the center of the sandwich wedges.



Since we both had work to get done we decided to opt out of the various wine and beer selections and sip on homemade Arnold Palmer’s. These refreshing drinks were the perfect compliment to our entre’s as well as the warm, sunny, California day that we had experienced.

The Alcove Cafe has a pet friendly patio and is also great place to people watch. You never know who you will see there. While we were dining we saw Superbad & Juno Star Michael Cera. Experience the Alcove if you have not experienced it yet.

Alcove Cafe & Bakery

www.alcovecafe.com

1929 Hillhurst Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 644-0100

No Comments | In: Affordable & Healthy Eats | tags: BLT at the Alcove, Classic Cobb at the Alcove, Los Feliz, The Alcove, The alcove bakery and cafe, The Alcove on Hillhurst. | #

We frequent this fun pet friendly bakery and marketplace on most Saturdays for a late breakfast/early lunch/brunch. Its convenient location provides a perfect jump-off point for your weekend activities including nearby shopping at the Beverly Center, the Grove and the numerous shops and boutiques along 3rd Street, Beverly, La Cienega and Fairfax Avenues. There is something on the menu for all of your gastronomic cravings from Sandwiches, Breakfast items, Deserts and Coffee House Beverages. Additionally, the Marketplace provides all of the accompaniments for a romantic picnic lunch or dinner party.

One of my favorite things about Joan’s is the cheese and charcuterie counter. I am very passionate about trying various exotic cheeses from around the world and we are always provided with a wealth of knowledge about the tasty cheese delights. Some of my favorities include the Valdeon(Blue Cheese wrapped in Fig leaf), Humboldt Fog Goat Cheese, Truffle Tremor Goat Cheese and Bermuda Triangle.

When I am not shopping for for cheese you can find me sitting outside with my dog Buju, Fiance Marissa and occasionally several friends enjoying the House Specialty; The Chicken Milanese Sandwich that consists of lightly breaded chicken breast with melted provolone on your choice of Ciabata roll, Baguette or Whole Wheat Bread. All versions stand on their own, but my preference is for the whole wheat. It is tradition for us to split the sandwich and share the bountiful Southwest Salad. This salad comes piled high with jicama, curried chick peas, red peppers, tomatoes, roasted corn, avocado, tortilla strips and spicy cilantro dressing. The pairing of these two Joan’s specials provide a nice balance between healthy, fresh and tasty ingredients.

If you do end up saving room for desert, check out the desert counter for an assortment of homemade cupcakes, Gelato and other decadent treats. Cupcake selections include: Chocolate Cupcake, Vanilla Cupcake, Coconut Cupcake, Chocolate Cupcake with coconut topping, vanilla cupcake with chocolate frosting, spice cupcake with maple frosting chocolate cupcake with maple frosting, pumpkin cupcake, marshmallow cream filled chocolate cupcake, peanut butter filled chocolate cupcake, snickers cupcake, carrot cupcake. I am partial to the peanut butter chocolate cupcake and the Coconut cupcake.

Joan’s also has a vast selection of soups along with frozen and ready to eat meals in the Take-out section of the marketplace. A vast arrangement of side dishes are also available in various to-go containers to accompany your home cooking or make an entire meal from the counter selections. After visiting Joan’s once you will see why the countless cult following of customers keep coming back for more.











Joan’s on Third ($$)
8350 W 3rd St,
Los Angeles 90048
Btwn La Cienega Blvd & Fairfax Ave

Phone: 323-655-2285
Fax: 323-655-1967

http://www.joansonthird.com

No Comments | In: Affordable & Healthy Eats | tags: Best Saturday/Sunday lunch/brunch spot, Beverly Center, Celebrity sightings, Chicken Milanese Sandwich, Cupcapes, Joan's on 3rd, Southwest Salad, The Grove Los Angeles, weekend eats. | #

Today I decided that I would grab a bite to eat in my old stomping grounds in the San Fernando Valley.  After doing some mental research I had a strong feeling for Italian and remembered eating at Maria’s Italian Kitchen numerous times growing up and from past recollections never left there hungry. 

When I hear the name; “Maria’s Italian Kitchen,” I immediately think about Fried Calamari, the vast pizza and pasta selections, homemade bread and the Cleopatra salad with Chicken amongst other things.

Today I was greeted and taken care of by Nikki Schrader (Manager of Sherman Oaks Location) and was provided with wonderful warm personable service.  She made me feel like I was a part of the Maria’s family and I instantly felt like I was transported to Little Italy in New York or in any other city for that matter.

Since it was lunch I wanted to try some menu items that I hadn’t tried before.  I also noticed that the menu had been updated since my last visit to Maria’s and now it includes new “half” portions of entrée items along with vast Happy Hour specials.

I was dining by myself today and had the craving for fried calamari. I also knew it would be too much to have Calamari Fritti and an entrée so I found the perfect compromise.  I ordered the “Crispy Calamari Caesar Salad Bowl” of the lunch menu and an order of Zucchini Fritti to start. The Zucchini came out first and the salad came out after.

As far as fried zucchini goes it was probably the best I have had.  The breading and texture was light.  There was no visible or greasiness to the zucchini sticks and they were not heavy.  I had to hold myself back from eating the rest because I knew my salad would soon arrive.  The salad was equally as good and the portion was generous.  It was a great twist on the classic Caesar salad and again was not greasy or overly filling. I washed down all of this homemade goodness with the house Passion Fruit iced Tea. It provided a lovely contrast and was a nice palette cleanser between bites and balanced out the salinity of the fried foods.

Maria’s makes sure that you are taken care of and that you are provided with a quality product, family style atmosphere and provides amazing value.

I plan on visiting more often and checking out the Happy Hour. 

When in Sherman Oaks, Dine at Maria’s Italian Kitchen.















Various locations around Los Angeles.

Maria’s Italian Kitchen-Sherman Oaks
13353 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks CA, 91423
(818) 906-0783
(818) 906-0816 fax
Hours:
Sun.-Thurs.: 11:30am – 10:00pm
Fri.-Sat.: 11:30am – 11:00pm
http://www.mariasitaliankitchen.com

No Comments | In: Affordable & Healthy Eats, Hidden Treasure | tags: Calamari Fritti, Family Style, Fried Zucchini, happy hour, Italian Food, Maria's Italian Kitchen, Sherman Oaks. | #

A hidden treasure in Malibu is John’s Garden Fresh Health Store. This small jewel features a junior market style setup with all of your favorite nostalgic snacks and healthy options for both food and beverage. At the counter there is an extensive menu written in colored chalk and you can get anything ranging from Smoothies, Salads, Soups and Sandwiches. Every-time I venture out to Malibu I make a stop here because I know I can get a mouthwatering sandwich that is both filling and healthy.

Two of my favorite sandwich selections are the Malibu Club and The Pacific. The Malibu Club is a tuna club that is served with your choice of bread ranging from Rye, Wheat or Sourdough and accompanied with avocado, lettuce, tomato, onion and/or sprouts and your choice of condiments. The Pacific is similar to the club with 1 less layer of bread and shrimp salad instead of the tuna salad. It is best to get both and split each 50/50 as I did this past Friday. Another favorite item is the Vegetable Soup that served daily.

There is always plenty of outdoor seating at the Malibu Country Mart and you can enjoy the people watching and occasional celebrity sitings.





John’s Garden Fresh Health Store
3835 Cross Creek Rd
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 456-6895

No Comments | In: Affordable & Healthy Eats | tags: CA, John's Garden Malibu, Maibu Healthy Eats, Malibu Country Mart, Market in Malibu, Sandwiches in Malibu. | #