01
Mar 10
You might have already guessed by now that I live for finding delicious food and spend much of my time whipping things up in the kitchen. Food in my family and my culture has always meant a time of pleasure and without a doubt a time to connect with people. I drive all over L.A. county looking for the best this and that. Asael enjoys the adventure and I know my friend’s always count of me for a recommendation, which I love.
Since moving back to the SGV not only have I been frequenting my childhood spots, but I’ve been compiling a list of all the new amazing places that have been popping up across this gourmand paradise. Cloverleaf Bakery is probably my new favorite place. The building used to be a Winchell’s and I cannot say I know anyone who is missing it; I’ll take an abundance of Asian baked goods over lame donuts any day.
See that whole tray of baked goods? $9 and absolutely delicious. I highly recommend the rose blossom cream cheese and purple wheat health loaf.
Cloverleaf Bakery
9475 Las Tunas Dr
Temple City, CA 91780
LABELS: Cloverleaf Bakery, Places to Eat, SGV Restaurants
18
Feb 10
When I got word that a French patisserie opened in Monterey Park, I released a heavy sigh and gave an audible thanks to the universe. Don’t get me wrong, I am thankful for the Vietnamese coffee and baguettes at Banh Mi My Tho, Bahn Mi Che Cali, Mr. Lees, and Mr. Baguette, but I’ve been dying for a place in my community where I can sit down with a fresh croissant, meringue and vanilla latte. Bon Appétit!
As you can see by the photos, this is the cutest little spot on Atlantic Avenue. Can you believe this was once a janky hair salon? True. The afternoon I dropped by (thank you furlough Friday) the patisserie was probably at its calmest hour which proved beneficial for someone like me who examines every single inch of a new space. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable and I couldn’t help but notice the black metal tattoos on one of the bakers. They make everything in house, and if you so desire, you can watch through a large window in the wall.
Fleur de Lys Bakery (visit site)
440 S. Atlantic Blvd.
Monterey Park, CA 91754
(626) 282-4040
LABELS: Croissants, Fleur de Lys Patisserie, Places to Eat, SGV Restaurants
15
Jan 10
From reading my twitter or this blog, you probably noticed one of my favorite things to do is seek out amazing food and tell the world about it. Experiencing new flavors is crucial for developing a diverse palette and if you haven’t indulged in the greatness that is Ethiopian I have to ask you this – what have you been waiting for?
My boyfriend and I have been going to Merkato for years. It is my favorite restaurant in Little Ethiopia and probably one of my favorites in L.A. This place is great whether you’re an omnivore or vegetarian, as they have a huge selection of delicious dishes. I recommend the meat dish called gored gored and the veggie como. Pair your order with the Belgium nectar Looza, and you’re in food paradise.
Don’t forget to check out their market before you leave. They have a cool selection of jewelry, both gold and wood.
LABELS: Ethiopian Food, Fairfax Blvd., Looza Nectar, Merkato, Places to Eat
05
Jan 10
Enthused would be an understatement. I’ve been feverishly counting down the days for the arrival of Babycakes NYC here in Los Angeles. I am a proud owner of the Babycakes Cookbook and have been following their blog for ages so there was no way I was going to miss their opening on Sunday. What a treat to even see the owner sweating over some hard bakery labor.
Why is Babycakes so special you ask? Because it is one of the only bakeries of its kind – specializing in vegan, gluten-free, spelt, organic, and animal friendly ingredients. Though not a vegan, I am an advocate of sustainable/organic food in addition to a world with less animal cruelty. If we can make a conscious effort to improve our lives and the lives of others, why not?
I almost forgot to mention how adorable it is inside! It is the kind of bakery you imagined having as a wee child, with amazing wallpaper and a whimsical painting of two white doggies. Please make sure to check it out! It is crucial we support cool independent businesses, especially when run by women. I recommend the vanilla cupcake and brownie when you stop by. Tell them Fashion Intel sent you.
P.S. No complaints that downtown L.A. is too far of a drive for you!
Babycakes
130 East 6th Street
Los Angeles, CA
Telephone: 213.623.5555
LABELS: Babycakes L.A., Babycakes NYC, Delicious Desserts, Places to Eat, Vegan Cupcakes
16
Dec 09
Do you know how to properly eat a dumpling? If you are not sure, don’t worry, the directions on Din Tai Fung’s chopsticks will instruct you how. Delicious soup dumplings, super fresh veggies, and an attentive wait staff are just a few of the things you’ll notice at this amazing dumpling house. Might I recommend the spicy wonton soup, which in fact isn’t soup at all. Trust me and order it. My friend Stefani described the burst of flavors she experienced when she ate the wontons and once I took that bite I was taken to another world. Serious.
Did I mention that everything is meant to be dipped into vinegar and ginger? How more delicious do you want it? Paired with the most perfectly steamed broccoli and I am in heaven. A quick note, when Anthony Bourdain was asked what is the one dish he would travel half way round the world to eat again, he replied “the soup dumpling at Din Tai Fung”. I’d love to share dumplings and a bit of something else with that dream boat.
LABELS: Anthony Bourdain, Din Tai Fung, Dumplings, Places to Eat, SGV Restaurants
30
Nov 09
I love meeting friends for brunch, especially if the cafe’s menu is French faire and delicious lattes are the standard. French Market Cafe in Venice is such a relaxing spot to drink coffee and catch up with friends. I was delighted even more when I perused their menu of French treats which offered dishes like croque monsieurs, crepes, and quiches. Délicieux! After deliberating over my choices, I finally went for an omelet with avocado, tomato and chevre. To my surprise it also came with a toasted baguette and jam. Paired with the honey latte, it was perfection. They’ve got a great french market inside if you want to leave with your favorite french coffee, chocolates, and Paris Vogue. Merci beaucoup to the lovely Nina who suggested the spot!
Walking down Abbot Kinney we had to stop at one of our favorite book stores, Equator Books. You’ll even notice the amazing Miranda July in my photo of Asael looking at books. Love her. It was so cute seeing her and director Mike Mills (her husband) perusing the shelves. They have a superb selection of rare books so if you’re a fan of vintage book jackets like I am, I suggest you go take a look.
wearing: vintage Laundry jumpsuit, vintage Harrods tote, and American Apparel Fontana vintage sunglasses
LABELS: Abbot Kinney, Equator Books, French Market Cafe, Places to Eat, Venice
19
Nov 09
I’d first like to say that maybe our meal shouldn’t have started off with duck tongue. Indian Restaurant, a place I’ve passed by since I was in high school and live 1 block from has been calling me for years. Seriously, I don’t know why it took me this long as I’ve eaten my way around the San Gabriel Valley. The restaurant serves Taiwanese food and lots and lots of beer. Their signs dawns an Indian Chief head and all of the girls are dressed in skimpy uniforms with feathers stuck in their hair – yes, I do realize how offensive that is. The decor is part adobe hut, part Tokyo Lobby (SG) and part crazy town. For reals.
I think we were the only people not drunk there on a Friday night at 11:30 p.m. That’s probably the best way to enjoy the place as our food left much to be desired. Usually when I don’t like the food somewhere I’ll tell people to skip it but this place seems really fun for a party of drinkers. Even tables get dice to play Chinese drinking games!
LABELS: Indian Restaurant, Places to Eat, San Gabriel Valley Restaurants, Taiwanese Food
