Republique

This pumpkin sticky bun at Republique was very, very good. I savored every single bite. I have eaten at this place of joy and wonder a few times now and it makes me so happy. Walter and Margarita Manzke have created a thing of (food) beauty with their restaurant.

I can be a little jaded about LA food, but Republique is everyday magic* and has quickly made its way to the top of my take-people-I-love-here list. On my first visit, I had their salmon tartine and it was magnificent. It sounded simple on paper, but when I took a bite of all the components together, it was like time stopped. But, that's what Republique does; it surprises you about something you thought you knew (case in point: smoked salmon and some type of bread. I have had this combination many times in life, so didn't have high expectations. But, goodness, gracious, it was so good.)

If you go for dinner, you must have their bread, order something with butter and/or cheese and save ample room for dessert. They really know what they're doing on all fronts. Two things to keep in mind:

1. it is super popular. Patience is a virtue, but maybe have a snack before you leave the house; if you're going for dinner, make a reservation.

2. speaking of dinner, the price point veers towards "celebration" level. Fortunately, they have their menus with prices on their site (it is so helpful when restaurants do this!).

So, in short: I love Republique and hope you do/will, too.

Republique
624 S La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
310-362-6115

*this phrase means that even though I understand real people make this food, it boggles my mind.

Milo and Olive

This photo is of a recent breakfast of baked skillet eggs at Milo and Olive, which is a major favorite of mine. I love everything about this place: THE BREAD (this is one of Zoe Nathan and Josh Loeb's restaurants; she is a master of baking and basically a local hero in my opinion), the coffee (they serve Caffe Luxxe, which is really strong and superb), the food in general, the beautiful space and the friendly and professional staff. The first time I ate here, I think I had a margherita pizza and it blew my mind. The crust was hold-the-phone good and I was telling people it was the best pizza in the city. Nowadays, I come in for breakfast, which makes for a wonderful way to start the day, especially during those moments when you need a pick-me-up because you're not living in Paris right now, for example.

But, I need to visit at a pizza appropriate time and have that glorious crust again. It was a pizza miracle. Also, if you're anything like me, you may daydream about having all your meals there like an heiress from a Wes Anderson movie, but we take what we can get. Take note: it is a popular place and they do not take reservations. They recently expanded the space and added more tables, but people really love this place, so consider the time of day and your hangry status before heading over. If you're dining solo, you might be able to snag a seat at the counter or the communal tables. But, just try to pick a non-peak time window and you should be okay. Trust me, it is so worth it.

Milo and Olive
2723 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310-453-6776

Huckleberry

I don't know if business is ever slow at Huckleberry. Maybe I will try eating lunch there at 11am sometime and let you know if it's easy breezy. But, even if there's a long line to order, rest assured that your patience will be rewarded once the food arrives.

Yes, I ordered the brisket plate ($12.25) on a warm summer day and it was delicious: tender, flavorful and unfussy. I wasn't expecting such a generous portion! Bread and an arugula salad were also included. I have never paid much attention to brisket before, but this dish felt like a proper introduction. In fact, I want to try cooking it at home once the weather cools down a bit.



For dessert, raspberry and fig galette ($4.50) that was just sweet enough. One could make a meal out of just their pastries and desserts. So many to choose from. Make sure to save room!



Huckleberry
1014 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 451-2311

Bricks & Scones

Bricks & Scones is located up the street from the busy main part of Larchmont, yet its patio is serene and remarkably quiet.



My very enjoyable latte and blueberry scone (with clotted cream) outside. For the record, I had my first good scone here: crumbly, fluffy and delicate. And it had been warmed! These folks want you to love their scones.

Bricks & Scones is civilized, tranquil and with a lot of outdoor flora that makes it very easy to drift away in your thoughts. They've also got free wifi in case you'd rather fall into a Youtube abyss while enjoying your caffeine.

Bricks & Scones
403 North Larchmont Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90004
(323) 463-0811

Porto's Bakery

I know I've been MIA on here, but in my (lousy) defense, I've moved, don't have internet in my new place and been quite busy with life overall. Much of what I've been eating has been unremarkable or already been covered, but I do have a new obsession that is worth sharing with you all: Porto's Bakery!

A Cuban bakery with a big space and a lot to choose from. This photo shows about 1/3 of the bakery case.


Charles loves their eclairs and now he cannot visit without getting one.


Insides! Charles appreciates the fact that they are not stingy with the custard.


One of Porto's signature items is the cheese roll. Similar to a cheese danish, but with a flaky exterior. Get it, it's damn good.


The chicken croquette has a creamy filling and is good. But my favorite is...


The potato ball! Think fried potato ball with taco meat. Not entirely accurate I know because there are specks of bell pepper in the filling, but that's how my brain has filed it away.


A respectable cherry turnover with gorgeous sugar crystals. Would be perfect with tea as an afternoon snack.


Inside shot shows the lovely layers and simple cherry filling.


The best part of Porto's is their pricing. Here is my receipt:


$4.22! And this is when I got extravagant for the sake of the blog. Normally, I get a potato ball and a cheese roll ($0.65) and am full. And don't worry, I didn't forget you folks drooling over the eclair; it's only $1.50! Even with a coffee or milk, breakfast usually runs us $2 something. For a quick breakfast in the greater LA area. I keep expecting someone to say "just kidding," but it is for real. When you scramble over there, though, be aware that there is a separate line for bakery items and other menu items like sandwiches, etc. Hope you'll try it!

Porto's Bakery
3614 W. Magnolia Blvd
Burbank, CA 91505-2913
(818) 846-9100

Kiss My Bundt

A couple amazing things happened to me on Saturday while running an errand:

1. I found a parking meter on Third Street.

2. I had no change, but there was still 30 min left on the meter.

3. I parked right in front of Kiss My Bundt.

My destination was a denim store, but of course, I couldn't pass up the chance to pop into Kiss My Bundt, which I first heard about through Tannaz. Here are the mini bundts I picked up:

Lemon Drop, Carrot Cake and Red Velvet



They had been slammed that morning, so were temporarily out of chocolate cakes. Next time, I'd love to try their Chocolate with Buttercream Frosting or Cookies and Cream. Since carting these babies home, I've only tried the Red Velvet so far (the Lemon Drop has been reserved for Charles).

Kiss My Bundt's Red Velvet is quite good and not too sweet and I liked the mini size. But, for those with bigger dessert needs, they also offer a bigger Baby Bundt size as well as the traditional large cake. I never considered bundt cakes for celebrations before, but now I think I will! I leave you with an excerpt from My Big Fat Greek Wedding when John Corbett's mom brings dessert to the Portokalos home:

Maria Portokalos: What is it?
Harriet Miller: It's a bundt.
Maria: A bun?
Harriet: A bundT.
Maria: A Bondt?
Harriet: BUNDT BUUNDT!!

Kiss My Bundt
8104 W. 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 655-0559