If you are in need of a hip but casual date night spot, Lou on Vine is the place. I spent a lot of time there when it first openned and now, two years later, I remember what I love about the place. The restaurant is in a corner of a mini mall off Melrose and Vine. There are no signs and but if you score a parking spot in the lot, you should have no trouble finding it behind its curtains.
The best thing to do at Lou is go for the Cheese plate and/or Charcutarie and start wine tasting. Unfortunatley, this past trip there, I couldn't indulge (being 71/2 months pregnant). But, my partner could and I was able to pick from a 2oz or 5oz. size pours of obscure and small production wines. Many of the wines are unrecognizable but the staff is happy to explain and the menu gives a pretty accurate picture of what you are about to try. It uses adjectives such as raunchy, briny and cerebral to describe their wines.
For dinner, the menu is market driven. We enjoyed the halibut with roasted cauliflour and parsnhips and farmers market green salad. If you are adventerous, I'd recommend you try the Pig Candy. It's maple glazed bacon and a fun way to start your meal.
Lou is located in a classy strip mall at 724 Vine Street in Hollywood. Yep, that’s us, right next to the laundromat!
Lou’s telephone number: 323 962-6369.
http://www.louonvine.com/
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
BLD: The perfect pancake
I know it's been a while and after many requests for more reviews, I am back. I decided that the best way to restart my blogging about Food is with breakfast. I don't know about you but I am a french toast, waffle, pancake in the morning kind of girl. Especially when it is the "Perfect Pancake." I can say there are many contenders in Los Angeles (Dinah's Apple Pan Pancake is still amazing), but BLD is my pick for the best of. This pancake is a ricotta blueberry pancake with the most delicious Vermont Maple Syrup that ties it together. It is two large plate sized pancakes and I can barely get through one, so I would share an order with another person. BLD for breakfast is a treat. I also recommend their fresh squeezed orange juice, french press coffee, and Three Bean Huevos Rancheros (they are spicy if you are into that). It is a nice place to start your weekend or end it. It gets crowded so go early or plan on waiting a little for a table.
BLD is run by chef/owner Neal Frasier. He is also the owner of Grace restaurant which I miss terribly. Grace closed last year from it's Beverly Blvd. location but Frasier has plans for a bigger and hopefully just as great new and improved Grace downtown. I am looking forward to that! For now, I'll happily continue to treat myself to BLD, a neighborhood restaurant, and my choice for the best pancake in Los Angeles.
BLD
7450 Beverly Boulevard Los Angeles CA 90036 323 930 9744
BLD is run by chef/owner Neal Frasier. He is also the owner of Grace restaurant which I miss terribly. Grace closed last year from it's Beverly Blvd. location but Frasier has plans for a bigger and hopefully just as great new and improved Grace downtown. I am looking forward to that! For now, I'll happily continue to treat myself to BLD, a neighborhood restaurant, and my choice for the best pancake in Los Angeles.
BLD
7450 Beverly Boulevard Los Angeles CA 90036 323 930 9744
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Red O
Sorry I've been away for a few weeks. After writing so intensely for a month, I went away to New York City and came back exhausted. I ate and drank my way through NYC and have been wondering about Los Angeles' food culture as compared to what they have. You know, the grass is always greener. And on some level, walking around aimless for a few days, was exactly what I needed...no plans, no agenda...just some names of spots I've heard of and wanted to try and time to stumble around a city so full of choices. In Los Angeles, it's not always that easy to stumble upon a restaurant...we have to drive, soberly to a restaurant-usually with a reservation or a plan. I did that in NYC too, but there, it's ok to go without a plan. Or maybe you can have that too in LA. I'm still trying to figure that out.
I wrote a blog about where I went in New York, but scratched it, because when I came back to LA, I went to Red O and decided that I needed to speak about the pulse of my own city...the one I love and call home. Red O is Rick Bayless' first LA venture (there is another one planned to open in Santa Monica in the near future). His restaurant, a Dodd Mitchell design, is gorgeous. It is a lively restaurant with a a very LA vibe. When you first walk in, you are at standing in the front room and if you sit there, you can look up at the...well, we don't really have stars in the sky in LA. None the less, it is a beautiful, modern room, white with interesting design notes like cow bells strung together or an entire art piece that is made of metal and looks like the roots of a tree. There are swings hanging from the ceiling near the bar and you feel like you are someplace else...
Although I could not stand the "bouncers" at the door with a reservations clipboard, once I got inside, the place was great. The waiter was attentive as he explained the menu and took our order. It is a place to go with a group, because there is an entire side of the menu that is small plates. It is hard not to want to order one of everything. There are some definite things not to miss on the menu. There was this drink I had, a margarita with Serrano simple syrup was amazing. I love the idea of sweet, tart and spicy in one drink. It was a perfect pairing with the variety of spices in the food.
Try these: they were highlights!
-guacamole: a nice start
-Short rib sopes: ridiculous!
-Sonoma duck taquitos: smoky and rich
-Colorado lamb soft tacos-delicate tortillas, flavorful chile sauce...make you own
-chicken en mole poblano: it's only days later, I crave it and realize the subtlety in the sauce
There were dishes that were not life changers: shrimp ceviche-salty and nothing exciting and chicken tamale-eh...there are better in LA.
I would go back. I liked the feel of the restaurant...it is alive and new and fun. The food and drinks were great and it is a fun place to go for a night out with friends, a birthday celebration, or a bachlorette dinner ...yum, mole!
Red O made me forget about my experiences in New York City...it brought me back home. Los Angeles is a melting pot...we have chefs from Chicago coming here to expand their successful other ventures in a new place, full of hope. I love LA!
8155 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Neighborhoods: Mid-City West, West Hollywood
(323) 655-5009
www.redorestaurant.com/
Wine list notes: B+
Good range of wines and prices, variety of regions.
We had the Summerland Viogner ($59) which was fruit forward and paired nicely with the lighter fish dishes (shrimp) and chicken tamale and held up to the bigger spices in the duck, lamb and chicken mole sauce.
I wrote a blog about where I went in New York, but scratched it, because when I came back to LA, I went to Red O and decided that I needed to speak about the pulse of my own city...the one I love and call home. Red O is Rick Bayless' first LA venture (there is another one planned to open in Santa Monica in the near future). His restaurant, a Dodd Mitchell design, is gorgeous. It is a lively restaurant with a a very LA vibe. When you first walk in, you are at standing in the front room and if you sit there, you can look up at the...well, we don't really have stars in the sky in LA. None the less, it is a beautiful, modern room, white with interesting design notes like cow bells strung together or an entire art piece that is made of metal and looks like the roots of a tree. There are swings hanging from the ceiling near the bar and you feel like you are someplace else...
Although I could not stand the "bouncers" at the door with a reservations clipboard, once I got inside, the place was great. The waiter was attentive as he explained the menu and took our order. It is a place to go with a group, because there is an entire side of the menu that is small plates. It is hard not to want to order one of everything. There are some definite things not to miss on the menu. There was this drink I had, a margarita with Serrano simple syrup was amazing. I love the idea of sweet, tart and spicy in one drink. It was a perfect pairing with the variety of spices in the food.
Try these: they were highlights!
-guacamole: a nice start
-Short rib sopes: ridiculous!
-Sonoma duck taquitos: smoky and rich
-Colorado lamb soft tacos-delicate tortillas, flavorful chile sauce...make you own
-chicken en mole poblano: it's only days later, I crave it and realize the subtlety in the sauce
There were dishes that were not life changers: shrimp ceviche-salty and nothing exciting and chicken tamale-eh...there are better in LA.
I would go back. I liked the feel of the restaurant...it is alive and new and fun. The food and drinks were great and it is a fun place to go for a night out with friends, a birthday celebration, or a bachlorette dinner ...yum, mole!
Red O made me forget about my experiences in New York City...it brought me back home. Los Angeles is a melting pot...we have chefs from Chicago coming here to expand their successful other ventures in a new place, full of hope. I love LA!
8155 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Neighborhoods: Mid-City West, West Hollywood
(323) 655-5009
www.redorestaurant.com/
Wine list notes: B+
Good range of wines and prices, variety of regions.
We had the Summerland Viogner ($59) which was fruit forward and paired nicely with the lighter fish dishes (shrimp) and chicken tamale and held up to the bigger spices in the duck, lamb and chicken mole sauce.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
The Unemployed-a sandwich story
I always thought it was funny that my friend from college didn't like to eat sandwiches. When I asked her why, her answer was that she could never open her mouth wide enough. (I'll come back to sandwiches later on this blog). Anyway, I don't have that problem. As a feminist and a therapist, I have a voice, opinions, a big mouth...and lately I've been questioning, where do we get our power from? Our voice? And when did we learn not to use it?
My power comes from the food I eat, the way I take care of my body and the way I can think critically about ideas. My power comes from family and friends and passions I have.
I recently played in a high school alumni day soccer game. I haven't played soccer since high school, but I have spent the last year working out three to four a week. I ran up and down the field and the idea of my own power kept coming through...where do I get the strength to run up and down this field? How do I keep pushing on even when I'm tired, or outrun by another player, or want to give up? That is the same parallel I face now. In a job market that is non-existent, and a saturated amount of psychologists in a small space, how do I continue to have personal power? To persevere? To push through? How do I stand out, or create, or continue on when the phone is not ringing and I question my career choice? I know I am not the only one who feels this. My colleagues are in the same boat. Seasoned professionals with many more years of experience and expertise are struggling beside me. How do we individually and collectively succeed? I have encountered a large amount of people in Los Angeles who are unemployed, self-employed, or on unemployment...no matter what field, it doesn't feel good. Our power comes from the work we do, the paycheck we make, our title. On some level, that is true...but when you are stripped down to the basics again-when you are living as simply as you can-you realize your power. It comes in the small things, sending out a resume, asking for help, watering the garden, making lunch at home-and mostly, connecting again with who you are and who you love.
I feel sandwiched...stuck between two slices of bread...one slice is success, the other is unemployment. I am stuck in between, having a private practice is the meat, my goal, my power. I am in between, in the space between the slices, seeking to grow a business, to define my specializations, to creatively seek clients. I feel grateful for the time and space to seek, to create, to craft. I am hungry.
Ok, so on to the real story here...the sandwich debate in LA starts and stops at Bay Cities in Santa Monica. If you are new to LA or have tourist friends in town, spend the day in Santa Monica, go to Bay Cities-wait in the long line, buy some good products, some cheese, olives, chips, sodas, and get the Godmother or the meet and cheese of your choice and hit the beach. This is my favorite summer activity by far. I love to Rollerblade, so I'll do that first in the morning, park in Venice where they have free street parking (if you go early enough). Blade for an hour and drive over to Bay Cities. I like the Turkey and Provolone with the Works-the reason this sandwich does it for most Angelinos is because it's got the perfect combo of crunchy fresh bread, good meats, cheese, and veggies and amazing dressing. You can eat it right there, outside in the sunshine, or take it to go...walk to the beach, people watch, get your tan on.
There are a ton of sandwich spots in LA trying to be Bay Cities...a good example is All About The Bread on Melrose and La Brea. I like that it is just a sandwich place, but as good as the bread is when you are eating it, the way it rips up the top of your mouth and leaves you handicap for the rest of the week makes it not worth it. It's a shame because I really liked the sandwich I had there, just not the burn afterwards...maybe they need to consult on how to make the bread a little softer.
Wherever you choose to eat your next sandwich, and there are many choices, think about your power, your meat, how you compose your life as a sandwich...mine is a classic-roasted turkey breast, provolone, lettuce, tomato, mustard, Italian dressing, mild peppers, crunchy baguette. What's yours?
Bay Cities
Italian Deli & Bakery
1517 Lincoln Blvd.,
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-395-8279
http://www.baycitiesitaliandeli.com/
HOURS:
Tues-Sat 9-7 Sunday 9-6 CLOSED MONDAYS
All About the Bread
7111 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Neighborhood: West Hollywood
http://allaboutthebread.com/
My power comes from the food I eat, the way I take care of my body and the way I can think critically about ideas. My power comes from family and friends and passions I have.
I recently played in a high school alumni day soccer game. I haven't played soccer since high school, but I have spent the last year working out three to four a week. I ran up and down the field and the idea of my own power kept coming through...where do I get the strength to run up and down this field? How do I keep pushing on even when I'm tired, or outrun by another player, or want to give up? That is the same parallel I face now. In a job market that is non-existent, and a saturated amount of psychologists in a small space, how do I continue to have personal power? To persevere? To push through? How do I stand out, or create, or continue on when the phone is not ringing and I question my career choice? I know I am not the only one who feels this. My colleagues are in the same boat. Seasoned professionals with many more years of experience and expertise are struggling beside me. How do we individually and collectively succeed? I have encountered a large amount of people in Los Angeles who are unemployed, self-employed, or on unemployment...no matter what field, it doesn't feel good. Our power comes from the work we do, the paycheck we make, our title. On some level, that is true...but when you are stripped down to the basics again-when you are living as simply as you can-you realize your power. It comes in the small things, sending out a resume, asking for help, watering the garden, making lunch at home-and mostly, connecting again with who you are and who you love.
I feel sandwiched...stuck between two slices of bread...one slice is success, the other is unemployment. I am stuck in between, having a private practice is the meat, my goal, my power. I am in between, in the space between the slices, seeking to grow a business, to define my specializations, to creatively seek clients. I feel grateful for the time and space to seek, to create, to craft. I am hungry.
Ok, so on to the real story here...the sandwich debate in LA starts and stops at Bay Cities in Santa Monica. If you are new to LA or have tourist friends in town, spend the day in Santa Monica, go to Bay Cities-wait in the long line, buy some good products, some cheese, olives, chips, sodas, and get the Godmother or the meet and cheese of your choice and hit the beach. This is my favorite summer activity by far. I love to Rollerblade, so I'll do that first in the morning, park in Venice where they have free street parking (if you go early enough). Blade for an hour and drive over to Bay Cities. I like the Turkey and Provolone with the Works-the reason this sandwich does it for most Angelinos is because it's got the perfect combo of crunchy fresh bread, good meats, cheese, and veggies and amazing dressing. You can eat it right there, outside in the sunshine, or take it to go...walk to the beach, people watch, get your tan on.
There are a ton of sandwich spots in LA trying to be Bay Cities...a good example is All About The Bread on Melrose and La Brea. I like that it is just a sandwich place, but as good as the bread is when you are eating it, the way it rips up the top of your mouth and leaves you handicap for the rest of the week makes it not worth it. It's a shame because I really liked the sandwich I had there, just not the burn afterwards...maybe they need to consult on how to make the bread a little softer.
Wherever you choose to eat your next sandwich, and there are many choices, think about your power, your meat, how you compose your life as a sandwich...mine is a classic-roasted turkey breast, provolone, lettuce, tomato, mustard, Italian dressing, mild peppers, crunchy baguette. What's yours?
Bay Cities
Italian Deli & Bakery
1517 Lincoln Blvd.,
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-395-8279
http://www.baycitiesitaliandeli.com/
HOURS:
Tues-Sat 9-7 Sunday 9-6 CLOSED MONDAYS
All About the Bread
7111 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Neighborhood: West Hollywood
http://allaboutthebread.com/
Monday, June 14, 2010
Blair's Restaurant-Silverlake
If you are looking for a romantic, date night out next weekend, try Blair's in Silverlake. Blair's is a destination spot, if you are coming from the Westside...it will take you 30-45 minutes to get there...but once you are there, relax and explore the Eastside.
My first tip is to bring your own wine. The wine list at Blair's is good and the prices are fair but with the no corkage fee, it is a great deal.
I've been to Blair's a handful of times now, and the best compliment for this restaurant is that the food is consistent and good. It is a neighborhood bistro with a great vibe. Blair's has three rooms, the first a bar with four high tables, the next two, more relaxed tables full of friends and couples on double dates. I love the yellowfin tuna tartare ($16)...it is placed on layers of avocado, crispy round wontons and cucumber. It is fresh and a nice way to start. Another starter to enjoy is the beet salad with orange, spinach, and goat and blue cheeses ($11).
The entrees include Colorado short ribs and rainbow trout. Entrees come with side veggies or you can order your protein a la carte and pick a few veggies to share with the table. The Colorado short ribs ($30) are delicious, sitting on sage polenta and bread crumb covered braised leeks. The jus sauce on the ribs is a savory beef or veal stock (can't decide, but I loved it) and the entire dish is balanced and brings out the flavors of a big red wine like a cab, syrah, merlot. For something lighter go for the rainbow trout ($23) served with pan seared cauliflower and carrot/ginger puree.
The real reason to go to Blair's is the truffle mac n' cheese ($11). Share it as a side dish or eat it yourself for an entree if you want something rich and indulgent. The mac n'cheese is made with square noodles (which are unusual and fun to eat) and baked with melted Gruyere cheese and truffle oil. The truffle comes through in the mac n' cheese and it's hard not to order seconds.
For dessert, the chocolate souffle cake is fantastic ($10), served with macadamia crusted vanilla ice cream and a caramelized banana. The cake is cooked through, which I appreciate because there is nothing I hate more than souffle cake that has not cooked in the center-I ordered cake, not chocolate sauce.
Go to Blair's in Silverlake this summer. For two, you can leave there for $100, tax and tip included. It is kind of how Porta Via in Beverly Hills was when it first opened...small, reasonably priced, good food, and full of neighborhood locals.
If you stay on the Eastside after dinner, check out Barbrix on Hyperion for a glass of wine or get a drink at Edendale Grill on Rowena (an old Fire station). There is a lot to do in Silverlake and the surrounding area...if you want some other suggestions, let me know.
Blair's Restaurant
2903 Rowena Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90039
Neighborhood: Silver Lake
(323) 660-1882
My first tip is to bring your own wine. The wine list at Blair's is good and the prices are fair but with the no corkage fee, it is a great deal.
I've been to Blair's a handful of times now, and the best compliment for this restaurant is that the food is consistent and good. It is a neighborhood bistro with a great vibe. Blair's has three rooms, the first a bar with four high tables, the next two, more relaxed tables full of friends and couples on double dates. I love the yellowfin tuna tartare ($16)...it is placed on layers of avocado, crispy round wontons and cucumber. It is fresh and a nice way to start. Another starter to enjoy is the beet salad with orange, spinach, and goat and blue cheeses ($11).
The entrees include Colorado short ribs and rainbow trout. Entrees come with side veggies or you can order your protein a la carte and pick a few veggies to share with the table. The Colorado short ribs ($30) are delicious, sitting on sage polenta and bread crumb covered braised leeks. The jus sauce on the ribs is a savory beef or veal stock (can't decide, but I loved it) and the entire dish is balanced and brings out the flavors of a big red wine like a cab, syrah, merlot. For something lighter go for the rainbow trout ($23) served with pan seared cauliflower and carrot/ginger puree.
The real reason to go to Blair's is the truffle mac n' cheese ($11). Share it as a side dish or eat it yourself for an entree if you want something rich and indulgent. The mac n'cheese is made with square noodles (which are unusual and fun to eat) and baked with melted Gruyere cheese and truffle oil. The truffle comes through in the mac n' cheese and it's hard not to order seconds.
For dessert, the chocolate souffle cake is fantastic ($10), served with macadamia crusted vanilla ice cream and a caramelized banana. The cake is cooked through, which I appreciate because there is nothing I hate more than souffle cake that has not cooked in the center-I ordered cake, not chocolate sauce.
Go to Blair's in Silverlake this summer. For two, you can leave there for $100, tax and tip included. It is kind of how Porta Via in Beverly Hills was when it first opened...small, reasonably priced, good food, and full of neighborhood locals.
If you stay on the Eastside after dinner, check out Barbrix on Hyperion for a glass of wine or get a drink at Edendale Grill on Rowena (an old Fire station). There is a lot to do in Silverlake and the surrounding area...if you want some other suggestions, let me know.
Blair's Restaurant
2903 Rowena Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90039
Neighborhood: Silver Lake
(323) 660-1882
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Gardens of Taxco
I've been going to Gardens of Taxco on Harper and Santa Monica Blvd. for years now. My little league softball team would go at the end of season to celebrate it being over, my parents have had Holiday parties there for their employees, and I've celebrated many birthdays there with friends. Why so much celebrating and why there? Gardens of Taxco is the bomb authentic homemade Mexcian food. This is not fast food or food truck Mexican food...this is grandmas recipes, generations old, and good!
Go for dinner. The menu is oral and the guy who tells it to you does it with passion, and without laughing, which seems hard to do. You pick what you want: steak, chicken, shrimp, vegetarian...and he tells you how it is prepared. I've tried everything on the menu, but here are my favorites:
-shrimp with cilantro sauce
-chicken a la crema-this is the sauce they use for the pasta I get on the side too
-carne asada
The entrees come with rice and refried beans which are good and traditionalist, but I ALWAYS get the pasta (with the crack crema sauce) instead. Your call.
The dinner is about $25 a person and it comes with five courses.
On the table are chips and salsa and spicy marinated vegetables. Don't fill up here because the food starts rolling out and the goal is to get through dessert.
First, you get a small quesadilla with guacamole. Delicious!
Then, the albondigas soup-it's like a minestrone soup but with a meatball...comfort food and not salty.
My favorite appetizer is the chicken enchilada with the sauce a la crema (basically, it's the best sauce ever, thick, creamy, tangy...wow).
The portions of the three aps are good, small but because they are so rich, they are filling too.
I already described the entrees-that's all about your personal choice. I don't think you can go wrong with the three I listed above. Anyone have a different favorite?
For dessert-a banana pudding that is gooey and creamy and delicious...it comes with a shot of creamed sherry which leaves the best after taste.
Now, I know, this is a lot of food...but you can also order a la carte without all the appetizers and just have a good dinner with rice and beans and call it a night.
The goal is to be able to walk out of the restaurant without having to unbutton your pants and without feeling like you are never going to eat again...but the truth is, that never happens...you always leave full.
Gardens of Taxco
www.gardensoftaxco.com
(323) 654-1746
1113 N Harper Ave
West Hollywood, CA
Hours: Sun, Tue-Thu 4:30pm-11pm; Fri-Sat 4:30pm-12am
Tip: They do deliver to the West Hollywood area now.
If you are into being serenaded, the guitarist will be happy to sing you a song for a tip-La Cucaracha, La Cucaracha...
Go for dinner. The menu is oral and the guy who tells it to you does it with passion, and without laughing, which seems hard to do. You pick what you want: steak, chicken, shrimp, vegetarian...and he tells you how it is prepared. I've tried everything on the menu, but here are my favorites:
-shrimp with cilantro sauce
-chicken a la crema-this is the sauce they use for the pasta I get on the side too
-carne asada
The entrees come with rice and refried beans which are good and traditionalist, but I ALWAYS get the pasta (with the crack crema sauce) instead. Your call.
The dinner is about $25 a person and it comes with five courses.
On the table are chips and salsa and spicy marinated vegetables. Don't fill up here because the food starts rolling out and the goal is to get through dessert.
First, you get a small quesadilla with guacamole. Delicious!
Then, the albondigas soup-it's like a minestrone soup but with a meatball...comfort food and not salty.
My favorite appetizer is the chicken enchilada with the sauce a la crema (basically, it's the best sauce ever, thick, creamy, tangy...wow).
The portions of the three aps are good, small but because they are so rich, they are filling too.
I already described the entrees-that's all about your personal choice. I don't think you can go wrong with the three I listed above. Anyone have a different favorite?
For dessert-a banana pudding that is gooey and creamy and delicious...it comes with a shot of creamed sherry which leaves the best after taste.
Now, I know, this is a lot of food...but you can also order a la carte without all the appetizers and just have a good dinner with rice and beans and call it a night.
The goal is to be able to walk out of the restaurant without having to unbutton your pants and without feeling like you are never going to eat again...but the truth is, that never happens...you always leave full.
Gardens of Taxco
www.gardensoftaxco.com
(323) 654-1746
1113 N Harper Ave
West Hollywood, CA
Hours: Sun, Tue-Thu 4:30pm-11pm; Fri-Sat 4:30pm-12am
Tip: They do deliver to the West Hollywood area now.
If you are into being serenaded, the guitarist will be happy to sing you a song for a tip-La Cucaracha, La Cucaracha...
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Tender Greens
A friend of mine took me to Tender Greens in Hollywood earlier this week for lunch. It was packed. I like the concept...fresh healthy salads mostly, and for $10.50, it is not a bad deal for the quality product. I had been to the one in Culver City a few times when it first opened, and now the place is expanding to all over Los Angeles. It is a place that is California. It is not fancy, but sleek. It is not gourmet, but fresh. It is just one big good salad...and that is really all you need for lunch, right?
The thing about Tender Greens is that they have a simple concept...which makes it easy to expand...and easy to see why the line is out the door. They have organic produce from Scarborough Farms in Oxnard,CA. You order off a big board with about 10 different salad choices, can pick a protein, steak, shrimp, or chicken, and then watch as you walk past a line of indigents that the employees are stuffing into large silver bowls. Or, you can order a protein with a simple salad or on crunchy bread and make it a sandwich...I like the marinated flat iron steak best. It's not a long wait, and I like the Hollywood location because they have outdoor seating under big yellow umbrellas. It's that lunch spot where there are industry people schmoozing or doing business.
If you are a foodie, you might appreciate that they use a variety of lettuces-bib, red leaf or that they season gently, or that they let the product speak for itself. It's an easy spot for lunch. Not memorable, but quick and easy and safe (if you are health conscious-like most of us in LA). Watch out for the end of the line where there is serious dessert temptation-HUGE red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting or an Aztec brownie with my guess...some heat.
Tip: Order a salad that includes a protein, otherwise you spend an extra $5 for the protein to be added...and that makes your salad close to $17...not exactly a good deal.
Tender Greens
http://www.tendergreensfood.com
Since there are a variety of locations, check out the website for an address closest to you!
The thing about Tender Greens is that they have a simple concept...which makes it easy to expand...and easy to see why the line is out the door. They have organic produce from Scarborough Farms in Oxnard,CA. You order off a big board with about 10 different salad choices, can pick a protein, steak, shrimp, or chicken, and then watch as you walk past a line of indigents that the employees are stuffing into large silver bowls. Or, you can order a protein with a simple salad or on crunchy bread and make it a sandwich...I like the marinated flat iron steak best. It's not a long wait, and I like the Hollywood location because they have outdoor seating under big yellow umbrellas. It's that lunch spot where there are industry people schmoozing or doing business.
If you are a foodie, you might appreciate that they use a variety of lettuces-bib, red leaf or that they season gently, or that they let the product speak for itself. It's an easy spot for lunch. Not memorable, but quick and easy and safe (if you are health conscious-like most of us in LA). Watch out for the end of the line where there is serious dessert temptation-HUGE red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting or an Aztec brownie with my guess...some heat.
Tip: Order a salad that includes a protein, otherwise you spend an extra $5 for the protein to be added...and that makes your salad close to $17...not exactly a good deal.
Tender Greens
http://www.tendergreensfood.com
Since there are a variety of locations, check out the website for an address closest to you!
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