Curious Palate - Rustic Sandwiches

cowboy cookie. raisin, chocolate chips, oatmeal, and pecans. talking about some "healthy" finds :)

On my way to my spinning and yoga classes, I always pass by Curious Palate. A tiny and friendly neighborhood sandwich gem that got me so curious and decided not to let it pass me by this time. This place reminds me of Joan's On Third, cafe/market minus the pretentious celebrity vibe. What makes their sandwiches so special are fresh, top notch, and elaborate ingredients. These people really put their love into the products, quality, and customer service. So if you don't mind cashing in $12 for a sandwich, then I recommend you to get curious and give them a try.

 strawberry juice. sweet and refreshing.

 feta, mushroom and spinach quiche served with curious salad.

 thai chicken satay - jidori chicken thigh marinade in peanut sauce with avocado and japanese pickles on 5 grain. A nice twist for satay!

 juicy jidori - organic jidori chicken breast, red peppers, scallion, cilantro, flour tortilla. simple ingredient, creative on flavor!

pulled pork - braised berkshire pork with onion confit, deglazed in strawberry gastrine on a brioche bun. crazy palate! the pork was so tender and flavorful - simply my favorite.

Curious Palate

12034 Venice Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90066

(310) 437-0144

www.thecuriouspalate.com

Skratch Is Now Choppe Choppe

 Turkey Waldorf - All Natural Hand Shredded Turkey Breast, Spiced Walnuts, Bing Cherries, Julianne Green Apple, Stilton Blue Cream Spread, and Cut Green Leaf with a Strawberry Vinaigrette. My favorite sandwich! Of course my idea of "healthy" has to involve cream cheese.

Seasoned Braised Pork, Vietnamese Picked Daikon and Carrots, Fresh English Cucumber, Jalapeño and Cilantro Aioli*, Napa Slaw, and Sesame Ginger Dressing.

What you eat is what you are, isn't it? I always try to get avoid the junks and eat healthier during my weekdays. At least it will make me live guilt free of the non-stop munching and crazy culinary expeditions on the weekends. Skratch, which is now Choppe Choppe, is my healthy alternative to the usual basket of garlic fries. Well, I always justify my food - anything with plenty of greens and involving white meat are healthy.

Thank goodness with the new name, they still serve my favorite sandwich - turkey waldorf. Some changes made on their menu, mostly getting rid of the less appealing and add more varieties such as Vietnamese Bahn Mi or Korean BBQ rib eye.

Everything is simple. The menu listed are available in sandwich, salad or wrap. One last thing, you can order everything online, regardless take out or dine in. You can schedule your pick up time or put ASAP for 5-10 minutes wait.

Choppe Choppe 
3867 Hughes Ave 
Culver City, CA 90232

(310) 558-3400

www.choppe-choppe.com/

Amandine Patisserie - Little French Corner

chicken baguette. chicken breast, tomato, grilled onions, mayo, dijon mustard, greens, provolone, french dressing.

croque madame. sauce bechamel, sunny side up egg, gruyere.

gateau fraise. strawberries, whipped cream, sponge cake. "light" dessert can be so deceiving.

I always want to drag my sleepyhead bum for breakfast at Amandine, so far mission unaccomplished. Breakfast is only served to 11.30 am on weekdays and with tons of excuses later, I guess I'm gonna keep enjoying their lunch.

The moment you walked in, a whole array of desserts are welcoming you, and how you can say no to those beautiful looking cakes and cookies. They have some delicious pastries as well, the french croissant was so crispy and buttery layer after layer. Either you go with the sandwiches, coffee, pastries, or desserts, you can't go wrong. Feel free to bring your laptop and enjoy their free wi-fi. The only cons of being in the business district, Amandine tends to get very busy at lunch hours and parking is annoying.

Amandine Patisserie 

12225 Wilshire Blvd 

Los Angeles, CA 90025

(310) 979-3211

www.amandinecafe.com

LAMILL - Silverlake, CAffeinated.

In this era of recession, who's willing to drive all the way from west LA to Silverlake for a cup of coffee? Or pay some good amount of dollar for a shot of espresso? Well, let me break it down why Lamill coffee is not your average cup of Joe; it's a magical gourmet experience in a cup from the people who are most passionate about their beans and loyalty.

When I walked into Lamill, my attention wasn't to the sleek espresso counter, it was a split between the teal faux alligator seats and the dazzling vintage chandelier. Not only the chic and comfy space got people hooked, dog-friendly patio, free parking and wifi are additional rejoice for people who spend 5 bucks on a shot of coffee and a jelly donut.

select your extraction: hand dripped ice coffee. Japanese Hario extraction brewed at your table with customized ice.

select your beans: Brazil Serra Do Boné 

the end product in a glass with added cream.

Taste: Dark chocolate, with texture of cashew butter, orange, sweet dried fruit and a floral finish.

One of the many things that differentiates Lamill from other coffee shop is that you can actually chillax on your seat. Having their all-rounded and knowledgeable waiters explains everything you wanted to know about Blanco y Negro or their clover extraction brewed at your table is really worth the dime. 

Caramel Corn. Fresh peanut milk & espresso topped with popcorn infused cream and caramel sauce. I truly enjoyed this sweet yet bitter blend. 

Coffee and jelly donut. Strawberry essence layered with donut-infused milk and topped with espresso. don't underestimate this tiny shot, a must for all early birds and those who need to be revived.

tea champagne. booze and tea?! cheers to that...

butternut squash soup with croutons and espresso powder.* WOW in a bowl! the creamy soup is the highlight of my day... yummycraveness!

Chipotle chicken salad* /Apple, currants, scallions, almonds, celery served with sliced ciabatta.  perfectly sweet and tangy.

Arctic Char Tartare* / Quatre épices, crème fraîche, capers, hard boiled egg, toasted house-made brioche.

ABLT* / Pork belly, arugula, tomato, preserved black bean. you know I will not resist pork belly. I almost can't handle succulent fat porky, grilled cippolinis, and yukon gold chips on one plate.

Buckle up, kids! the savory and sweet delicacies menu in Lamill is designed by two-Michelin Stars Michael Cimarusti and Adrian Vasquez, Providence's very own chefs. Dessert fanatics, if you're not up to gulping some caffeine, you can't go wrong with the desserts.

Passionfruit Gelee / Lychee-shiso sorbet, coconut-soy milk soup, basil seeds. yes this dessert was on my Providence escapade. balanced sweet, sour, and refreshing. it's a whimsical delight that you must savor.

I don't know why I never hung out at Silverlake, but now is not too late for a start.

*sample size only. 

LA MILL Coffee 

1636 Silver Lake Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 663-4441

lamillcoffee.com

Jin Patisserie - Life's a Box of Macaroons

 say hello to world's mischievous rainbow

Life isn't a box of chocolate, instead a box of macaroons, colorful ones. You'll never know what flavor you will get until you take a gentle baby bite of it. Though all is mysterious, surely at Jin Patisserie each macaroons is exquisitely crafted with love and filled with luscious cream. I've tried all of their flavors, and some held a special place in my heart, particularly ume, pistachio, sea salt caramel, tea, and vanilla flavors.

americano coffee, macaroons, poire cake, and a cup of peche mignon. Chinese green tea scented with pieces of fruits, vineyard, peaches, melon, passion fruits, and wild strawberry flavors.

Not only they're famously known for the French macaroons, but this little gem at Abbot Kinney has wide tea and dessert selections. All created by Kristy Choo, a Singaporean born who studied at San Francisco’s California Culinary Academy and pour all her creative passion to the patisserie. She always around the shop with all smiles and looks so low key. Exactly like her concept of Jin, so sit back at the little garden with a cup of tea and plenty of macaroons. You're all set...

Poire cake. poached pear flambe wrapped dark chocolate and pear william creme.

vanilla, ume, tea, yuzu, and pistachio.

Jin Patisserie
1202 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 399-8801

www.jinpatisserie.com

Skratch - Healthy Never Tasted So Good

slow braised pulled pork sandwich - fig & white grape compote. green apples, organic baby field greens. topped with truffle oil vinaigrette.

Organic, healthy, fast, top-notch ingredients, cheap! wait, cheap is included in making those sandwiches taste awesome? yup. Welcome to Skratch where you have fine selection of healthy alternative of fast food! Yummy? don't ask...

Skratch

3867 Hughes Avenue
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 558-3400

www.skratchbasics.com

Joan's On Third - Gourmet Marketplace

Whoever Joan is, she's a smart cookie - between the ready made food depot, cupcake and desserts, sandwiches, pastries, cheese station, and mini market - everything looks delightful and requires more than one visit to pass my final verdict.

This place is crowded hence parking and seating were obviously crappy. Once we order on any of the cashier's stations, we find ourselves a table. Indoor and outdoor seating are available but patio seems to be the popular one. Don't be surprised if celebrity popped into Joan's, we got our own celeb sighting :D

Apricot glazed ham & brie with mustard caper sauce

 Frutti de Bosco

Being indecisive on their lunch menu, I got myself apricot glazed ham & brie with mustard caper sauce sandwich and frutti de bosco. The sandwich was excellent with high quality and tasty ham, cheese and perfect dressing on soft baguette. But I wasn't so excited with the dessert - it was unexceptional. I heard good things about their cupcakes, but don't have the heart to gain extra calories for their thick icing. Oh well, maybe another day another time....

Joan's On Third

8346 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 655-2285

www.joansonthird.com 

Damon & Pythias - Love Stinks

 LA Cheese Steak + Garlic Fries

After so many failed attempts on eating healthy during weekdays, I surrendered once again to carbs galore. There are too much to love when it comes to Damon & Pythias, a sandwich gem in Westwood area where I've been food hunting a lot lately. First of all, I'm a fries fanatic - you can hand me french fries, sweet potato fries, or any kind of fries - I will go to my own little corner and shut up. Damon & Pythias has the best curly GARLIC fries with garlic aioli that will leave your mouth stink for days!

I could not even say no to their LA Cheese Steak sandwich, they have the right ingredients - balsamic-spice marinated angus flank steak, blue cheese dressing, country onions, mixed baby greens, roma tomatoes on grilled foccacia bread. Just make sure you order the steak in medium unless you are going to end up like a crazy carnivore trying so hard to get a bite off of your sandwich.

PS: Whether with a date or not, chewing gum after your garlicky experience is strongly recommended!

Damon & Pythias
1061 Broxton Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 824-8777

Porto's Bakery - Puff Puff Pastry

I just committed carbicide in pastries heaven! Yes, I'm just one of those million victims who would die just for a piece of whatever Porto's have to offer. The usual suspects: cheese rolls, potato balls, and meat pie! Okay I'm gonna keep my focus while writing about Porto's as I have a piece of cheese roll next to me, tempt me, *drool* me....

The long lines of Porto's reminded me of a roller coaster lines where your heart beats faster as you move forward waiting for your turn to place an order. And the wait is paid off when you were handed a yellow/brown box full of warm happiness. And this happiness comes cheap! Like less than a dollar a piece kind of cheap.

Meat Pie - puff pastry filled with seasoned ground beef. Puff puff pastry...

Scrumptious potato balls - ground beef surrounded by mushy mashed potatoes, then lightly coated with breading and deep fried to perfection...

Hella bomb cheese rolls - baked pastry with cream cheese inside with sugary sprinkle on top. you just can't go wrong with these bad boys!

Enough drooling, now it's time to eat my roll I have abandoned for 10 minutes... I must warn you, one isn't enough!

Porto's Bakery
315 N Brand Blvd
Glendale, CA 91203
(818) 956-5996

&

3614 W Magnolia Blvd

Burbank, CA 91504
(818) 846-9100

www.portosbakery.com

Johnnie's Pastrami - "Bun"dle of Joy

During weekdays or when I'm conscious of what I'm eating, I would care more about calories and healthy diet. That being said, when I was bit under the influence of alcohol, I was unconcerned with what I eat. Not only is Johnnie's Pastrami a good hangover remedy, but it's so devilishly delicious that I can chow down a piece of it on any given day.

The to die for French dipped hot pastrami is best enjoyed with extra secret dip on the side. Before you make that bite of your life, dip dip dip, put it into your mouth, and grab the yellow pepper to add an extra UMPHH. Repeat as necessary!

Okay so I have to admit I split the pastrami because meat is generously piled high and Oh I'm saving some space for the chili cheese fries. Have I mention the chili cheese fries? Gosh I'm not saying they have the best chili cheese fries but "Hello?!"...when I know that this is the day to ruin my diet, might as well just make a hot mess.

To make things even better, this place open late night. Make some excuses to eat dinner early so you can have midnight snacking!

My love for Johnnie wouldn't change just because their pastrami cost me $11 bucks and it's cash only. Yep it's quite steep for a sandwich, but it's one hell of a sandwich that will make you and your tummy get a good night sleep.

Johnnie's Pastrami
4017 Sepulveda Boulevard
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 397-6654