Amy T. Shuster
· 2525 Michigan Ave. Ste A3 Santa Monica, CA 90404 · Neighborhood · Santa Monica·
Located deep in the rear of Bergamot Station. Stopped by on a hunch while in the area. I figure the art dealers gotta eat somewhere right? Lunch is slammed during peak hours between 11 and 1. Get there before 1:00 if you want to try their famous Mint Lemonade. They were out by the time I got there at 1:45. Settled for a Chai Latte, which was perfect. Love that Intelligentsia coffee is popping up everywhere now. They proudly serve it here among a few other specialty drinks. It’s a nice spot to chill outside on the patio on a nice day. There’s not much indoor seating. In fact, I don’t think there is any at all. The options are shaded, or not shaded. You’ll see mostly gallerists and casual art wanderers having a bite or non-alcoholic beverage here mid-day. Could have sworn I saw a Corona bottle though.
They serve, cold or hot sandwiches, salads, etc. Your basics. I tried the Turkey Meatloaf on Sourdough. It was very soft and seasoned well. It came with a little side salad. Nothing to dream about, but it hit the spot. Free Wifi. Nice unassuming hideaway if you want to disappear for a while.
· Bergamot Station 2525 Michigan Ave. B5 Santa Monica, CA 90404 · Neighborhood · Santa Monica ·
Naturally, of all the art in Bergamot Station, the first place I walk into has food! Well, not edible food. But food art!
Skidmore Contemporary Art is currently featuring work by sculpter, Jean Wells who is a master at bling’d-out, mosaic sculptures. Many of them are of food! Hamburgers, hotdogs, coke bottles, ice cream, etc. Each of them are a few feet wide, so these are large solid looking menu items. Hooray for pretty food! A foodie’s dream.
The show comes down on April 16th, so be sure to stop by Bergamot Station and get your art-foodie on.
Here are just a few of the fun, sexy looking pop art sculptures I spied today.
· 5772 W Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90019 · Neighborhood: West Los Angeles ·
Amazing find! This independently owned coffee joint, sits on the corner of Ogden and Pico (at Fairfax) and is barely a year old. For those of you who know this lack luster area, a great coffee shop has been much needed ’round these parts. Well, here it is! ’bout time!
They offer free wifi and a hip decor to chill and zone out on your computer. Every table has its very own hipster plugged in and sipping their pour over made to order brew. It’s very quiet and therefore, a good place to study and hang for an hour or two or four. FYI, street parking in the neighborhood is 2 hours max, so you gotta remember to do the car dance and move your car to the other side of the street. The music is mellow in Nick Drake or Beatles White Album fashion. The decor is industrial with exposed rafters, brick and pipes. I wish I lived in a loft as pimp as this.
Ben, the barista (do they call them baristos?) was super nice and informative and was patient with me while I picked his brain and asked him 20 questions about the new establishment.
They have a small but good little food selection with treats from local establishments like Cake Monkey , Sweets for the Soul, Sweet Lady Jane, and Le Pain du Jour to name a few. Items like pre-made quiches’, chilis’, salads, baguette sandwiches, croissants or even strawberry pie are available to snack on.
They serve Intelligentsia Coffee and Ecco Caffe and serve individually crafted pourover coffees. D’lish!
Prices are pretty steep. At $4.25 for an 8 oz mocha I quietly gulped and smiled as I handed over my greens. You get what you pay for though, the cup is rich, thick and perfectly brewed. You’ll like this place.
BYB Tip: Don’t forget to bring your KCRW card. You’ll get a little discount!
· 710 N Heliotrope Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90029 · Neighborhood · East Hollywood
This petite little coffee shop is located on the cross of Melrose and Hipster Heliotrope Dr. I first came here when they had just been open for 3 months back in September 2010. Everything was simple and bare bones and they only had one size of coffee. Small. Very small. Even still, I predicted that it would soon become a favorite coffee shop of mine and 4 months later, it indeed has.
I find myself returning almost weekly to enjoy the simple organic flavors. I love the mocha – which is a sound cup of rich, unsweetened cocoa and caffeine. The iced coffee is so perfect you don’t need to add any sugar or half and half. It’s solid.
The coffee sizes are small, about 6 or 8 oz. But are so rich and flavorful, you don’t really want more. (Seriously though, a friggin’ Vente or Trenta coffee at Starbucks has enough caffeine in it to power up a baby cow. No, thanks, I’ll stick to my 8 oz.)
Folks here are always nice and the pastries, sandwiches and breakfast items are pretty good. It’s not a huge menu, but just enough to satisfy.
Their coffee is also available at the Hollywood, Silverlake and Atwater Village Farmer’s Markets as well as its sister location in Silver Lake just 5 minutes away. The beans are roasted locally in LA, in small batches and they treat their workers well all the while believing in sustainable practices and non-chemical use.
There is a small upstairs area where you can work privately on your computer or spy on other patrons who are down below. There are plenty of outlets along a thoughtfully laid down electrical strip. It’s not the most cozy spot (no soft couches or areas to lounge) it’s a pretty simple place. Definately a local’s hang, and a good place to meet a friend or casually sip and watch the time slip away.
Cafecito is one of the first cafés I’ve noticed to sport the iPad register system, which can text or email your receipt Also, if you have an iPhone you can download the Square App which charges your bill directly from your phone — no wallet needed. It takes the phrase, “put it on my tab” to a whole new level.
[2/1/13 – UPDATE: They now offer coffee brewing classes every 3rd Friday of each month at their various locations. For just $10 you can learn all about the different brewing methods and how to make that perfect cup at home. Also, you get to take home a bag just for playing.]
333 S Alameda St · Ste 310 Los Angeles, CA 90013 · Neighborhood · Downtown ·
This was my first trek into the Tokyo Center. Sadly it looks like the once bumpin’ Japan-fused mall is now full of sparse, barely surviving businesses and yogurt shops. One place that I am glad to see, still hangin’ in, is this unassuming, contemporary-microbiotic-organic-vegan-Japanese restaurant, Shojin. Yes, you read that right. Talk about niche!
I love this place. Mind you, one needs to think a little outside of the box when you eat here. Prepare yourself. This is not your typical sushi place. Serving up rolls (sans meat or fish), you’d think they’d run out of menu items. Not at all! This place has a jam-packed menu of saitan, portobello, avocado and lots of veggies.
The host/server, Nao, (who I think is also the owner) is very welcoming and attentive. The walls are adorned with art and it’s crafty decor is simple but nice. They play relaxing Jazz music which is also a nice touch. This is a stress free place!
I had the Portobello Roll which was surprisingly not the best thing we ate. Wasn’t bad, just ok though. Loved the BBQ Saitan Roll which looked and tasted like a Dragon Roll (you know, the one with Eel and Avocado on top).
Order the Shishito Peppers! They were perfectly flavored and you get a great big bowl of ’em! We also had the most delicious Avocado, Pumpkin Seed and Edamame Salad. This was the BEST.
There were surprisingly not too many tofu-infused items, which I didn’t mind. I didn’t miss the meat either. I’m not vegan, but I appreciate the occasional meat-free dinner.
This meal’s for you little cow – Run! Be free! Be free!
· 105A North 3rd Street Brooklyn, NY 11211 Neighborhood · Williamsburg ·
Yup. I am a chocoholic. I will eat a double chocolate cake with chocolate frosting, chocolate chips, chocolate syrup and a chocolate fork, all atop a chocolate plate and still want more chocolate. Hence, it was only natural that I discovered the organically delicious decadence that is… Mast Brother’s Chocolate.
This dark chocolate is pure – containing only organic cane sugar and cacao beans.
Ah, so this is what real chocolate tastes like!
I tried the Madagascar Bar, which definitely had notes of citrus, cherry, raspberry and red wine. It was deep and powerful and a bit gritty which I liked. You’ll definitely want to let it linger a bit dissolving in your mouth before letting it go.
Rick and Michael Mast make up Mast Brother’s Chocolate. Hand crafted chocolate beans from the Dominican Republic, Madagascar and Venezuela. Organically farmed, fermented and imported to New York by boat. These bearded hipster, bean-to-bar chocolate makers are quickly becoming a trendy, little trend in Williamsburg, NY.
I was super excited to learn that these attractively designed chocolate bars are available at Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market which is located in The Farmer’s Market by the Grove and at Cookbook in Echo Park among other locations.
I look forward to checking out their little chocolatier shop too when in Williamsburg.
If you’re in NY, enjoy their chocolate tastings, Thursday through Sunday. Tours of the factory are available on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00pm.
For more info visit:
http://www.mastbrotherschocolate.com/
· 426 N Fairfax Ave Los Angeles, CA 90036 · Neighborhood · West Hollywood ·
Two of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet, head up this delicious, hip little burger joint that prides itself on local.
Hence, the name The Golden State.
I am not a beer drinker. Yet I go to The Golden State for the beer. Let me correct that. I go to The Golden State regularly for the beer and ice cream… together. It’s the most delicious marriage of two food items since rice and beans or peanut butter and jelly or chips and salsa or… you get the point.
A Rasputin Beer Float with Scoops Brown Bread Ice Cream. Yummm. It’s what drives me to eat here almost once a week. Well, that and the AMAZINGLY tasty burger. Did I mention I am also not a burger eater? I am not. Well, I wasn’t before this place.
Oddball ice cream flavors paired with micro-brewed, locally made beer is a no brainer. Their menu is ever expanding and they have been featuring specials on different days of the week. Eg. Lamb Burger, Fish and Chips, specialty Salads, etc. This place also serves the best Veggie Burger I’ve ever had. I’m obviously not a vegetarian, but I LOVE their Veggie Burger. It’s perfect.
Anytime a friend comes to town, I always bring them here. If I find out a SoCal buddy of mine hasn’t heard of it, I drop everything, throw them in the trunk of my car and take them straight here.
Thank you Golden State for introducing me to burgers and beers I like and for adding 3 inches to my waist line. Eh, uhm actually, I hate you. See you tomorrow.
· 433 N.Bedford Drive, Beverly Hills CA 90210 · Neighborhood · Beverly Hills ·
As far as deli’s go… As far as service goes… As far as large portions go…. As far as cheap eats in Beverly Hills goes… Judi’s Deli is one of my favorite cheap lunch eats in Beverly Hills. Oh so good.
Rodeo Drive who? Judi’s is my tourist spot! Huge salads, all which are pretty good. They let you pick and combine salads with wraps or sandwiches and are very accommodating. Whenever it’s a cold day, I treat myself to the Matzo Ball Soup which is “outta this world” as the little painting on their wall with a Matzo ball moon says. I like to mix it with the chicken noodle soup (Matzo w/noodle) which shakes things up a bit. My favorite wrap is the Turkey Avocado. It has a nice light dressing which adds a nice touch. The salads are HUGE, filling and delicious. Have a latte to perk you up or try a Turkey Burger on for size. You can’t go wrong with any order. Plus, the guys at the counter are all super nice and get to know their customers. You’ll settle in like family here.
Good for breakfast, the best for lunch. Lucky you, if you work in Beverly Hills.
I make it a point to tell my friends (who live in the valley) whenever I come to eat here, just to make them jealous.
TIP 1: Get the half soup/ half wrap or sandwich option. It’s a good amount of food and let’s you save some for later.
TIP 2: If you like people watching, sit outside — there’s usually a bunch of paparazzi that hangs out right there to catch celebrities coming out of the neighboring businesses. If you can’t stand that sort of thing, sit inside, enjoy your soup and keep your head down.
TIP 3: Busy at work? Order online and have them deliver to your office. You won’t even have to pick up the phone.
· 408 La Cienega Los Angeles, CA 90048 · Neighborhood · Mid-Wilshire ·
I always feel like I have to be in the mood for chili so it had taken me a while to check this place out. Chili Addition has been a welcome addition to West LA, La Cienega strip for a little over a year now. After moving from the Hollywood Farmer’s Market to their very own shop, owner and Chili connoisseur, Johnny Kovin has concocted over 90 chili recipes and has been featured on The Food Network’s “Meat and Potatoes” and won a bunch of awards for his outstanding chilis. But that’s not all…
Homemade sausages, hotdogs, condiments, burgers, mac and cheese and even homemade ice cream! They have a full vegetarian menu as well. It is truly 5-star comfort food.
There are eight different varieties of chili, which they change out daily. I tried the Prime Rib, which was perfectly seasoned and very tender. I also tried the Americana, which is a perfect standard chili. The Americana was chopped up ground steak, a hearty meaty sauce and a good little spicy kick in the butt.
The chili’s’ are rated by spiciness and you can try them before you order. The chili’s I ordered didn’t come with much else in them. They are pretty bare bones. If you are used to lots of onion, cheese or jalapeño, you can always ad that in afterwards.
The sizes of the bowls are deceiving; you’ll get filled up fast. There are four different sizes ranging from small ($6) to x-large ($12). I had a medium and couldn’t finish it. What you are getting is basically a bowl of meat, so keep the Tums handy. You can also do a sampler, which is 3 4oz chili bowls for $10 bucks. The bowls come with chips or you can add a side like cornbread muffins or delicious sweet potato fries.
This place truly warms the tummy and hits it home. When you are in the mood for some classic rock and comfort food on a cold day give Chili Addiction a try.
** [Fall 2012 Update: They have changed their name to The Addiction Bistro.]
And that’s how it began…
My passion for food started in college, many years ago when I was working towards my acting major in Chicago, IL.
I blame the free cable that my little visual arts school provided us in our dorms.
I often sat in the lobby, in front of the TV, watching the Food Network. I was there almost as much as I was in class. Rachel Ray, Alton Brown, Bobby Flay, Ina Garten and Jamie Oliver as the Naked Chef were my instructors. I would bring a note pad and take notes. I would bring my acrylics and paint the food I saw on TV. I was fascinated with all of it.
My dorm-mates always knew when I was in the building.
The aroma of chicken or salmon or plantains permeated the all-girl dormitory. The rich smells would rise up to the 4th floor and my friends would gather round asking if I needed any “help”.
Eating, that is.
We had ovens in the lobby.
I’m not sure why, but I was sure grateful. I might as well have been at culinary school.
I took to that kitchen often, trying new recipes and gladly accepting bi-monthly groceries from my parents. Sometimes friends would bring something over to me when they wanted a “home-cooked” meal.
I was a broke, college student, without a car to get groceries but somehow, I always found a way of customizing my college food experience. I eventually got a steamer, rice pot and toaster in my dorm. I got crafty.
When my finance first met me 10 years ago, I was smuggling salami and cheese in my pockets from the school’s cafeteria. I was a rebel, and it was love at first cold cut.
OK. This is my naughty college secret: I would use my lunch card to enter the cafeteria and browse the salad bar looking for ingredients; deli meat, cheeses, tofu, vegetables, etc. I would then take my lunch ‘to-go’ and recreate something much better than the meager offerings that were slopped up in the lunch line. It was a really small school in the middle of a forest, so we didn’t have many food choices besides a Subway and a Denny’s 20 minutes away.
Thus, college was my training for taking control of my food.
I was taught to cook at a young age by my mom (“the concoction-specialist”), and grandma (“the fry-master”). I’m so thankful that my curiosity in the kitchen blossomed into what it is today. It is now more like a healthy obsession. I truly believe that everyone should not only learn how to cook, but to know how to cook the things that they like to eat, so they can have it whenever they want it.
We all have the opportunity to eat well. For most people, they do have a choice.
It’s not like you would have a stranger pick out your clothes for the day. Why would you let someone one else tell you what to put in you body? You should eat what you like.
No matter where you live, you have choices.
One does not have to eat junk food because that’s the only thing around. Sometimes you just need to get a little creative. Don’t get me wrong, I had my fair share of Top Ramen in my day, but I would add tofu, peas and broccoli and voilà! it’s a full meal.
At a restaurant, get to know your options. You do have them. Being in control of what goes in your mouth is the first step toward a healthy lifestyle. Especially, if you’re reading this and you are an actor, you especially need to look out for yourself.
Your body is your instrument, respect it. Eat well, live well. Bon Appetit!
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