I had heard good things about Los Angeles based Umami Burger and finally had the chance to see what the buzz was all about. I love that the multi-restaurant concept is based on the savory umami flavor found in many foods...and interesting was to bring this infamous Japanese flavor to the traditional meat patty.
Paradise Cove is like a little hidden gem of sand & sun just outside of busy Los Angeles, in Malibu. Off a windy path, this cheeky seaside restaurant unveils itself inch-by-inch past million dollar celebrity-owned beachside trailers. The restaurant serves basic casual fare like cold seafood platters, burgers, and salads in enormous portions. The food is nothing to write home about {and on its own wouldn't be worth mentioning here}, but the draw of Paradise Cove is certainly the pretend-you're-on-vacation beachside location. Be prepared to take off your stilettos as all tables sit in the sand on the beach with sea gulls flocking to every leftover morsel. Afterwards, digest your meal away in one of the seaside beds that look just perfect for an afternoon slumber and a full belly.
I love gelatinous things. Gummy candy, jello, flan, and custards make me giddy with glee. So I was thrilled when a foodie friend brought me these crème custards from Phoenix Bakery. The Chinese-style desserts mix sweet with a little bit of savory. With flavors like Black Sesame & Almond {bottom photo} and Cappuccino {top photo}, they're most similar to a mix between flan and jello. And, they make a lighter dessert option when you want a little sugar without diving into a big ole piece of chocolate cake!
{To find crème custard where you are, check out your local Chinese bakery or Asian grocery store. Photos by Oh Joy.}
...gorgeous and vivid pieces from Bakelab in Los Angeles. They have an online shop too!
{photos by bakelab}
Fun news! This Happy Lady is moving to lala land! Come August, you can expect my location-based posts to include more Los Angeles area culinary adventures as I travel the far ends of the city in search of gastric delights. But fear not, I aim to help food lovers everywhere eat more happily so there will always be culinary treats and treasures here for all of you...no matter where you are!
{print by gandol photo}
Tavern in Brentwood is a spot where I could spend a whole afternoon laughing, lounging, and lunching with friends. The gorgeous, sun-filled dining room feels like your dream outdoor patio mixed with a swanky indoor hotel lounge. I found their Sunday brunch {with lunch desserts} to be quite lovely as well as the French Macarons I grabbed on the go.
Final thoughts...4.5 out of 5 happy ladies for food, decor, comfort, and the attached bakery!
{photos by Oh Joy}
I love it when my dreams become realized and food stops on my Lust List are fulfilled. On Friday, I made a post-lunch dessert stop at Milk in Downtown LA. The tiny shop is home to an incredible array of desserts–mostly ice cream and cake based. I devoured the coffee macaron ice cream sandwich which was the icing {of ice cream} on top of the cake {of French macarons} that I already adore. I watched a fellow foodie friend indulge in the delicious coconut ice cream sundae, and the floats were also a big hit among our crew.
Final thoughts...4 out of 5 happy ladies for originality, quality, and for indulging the child within.
{photos by Oh Joy}
When it comes to cupcakes, I've never been much of a red velvet girl. But when it comes to pancakes, I absolutely LOVE the red velvet pancakes at Larchmont Bungalow in L.A. Soft, light, and topped with a cream cheese filling that is to die for, I dream about these pancakes in my sleep.
{photo by Oh Joy}
While I normally post about places I have actually been to, there are certainly plenty of foods and restaurants I haven't yet tried but am dying to try. Just like that handbag you want but really don't need, I've got plenty of food spots on my lust list.
Milk in Los Angeles may seem like your average modern eatery. But lo and behold, they've got a sweet side that will make any sugar-centric glutton drool. French macaron ice cream sandwiches, ridiculous milkshakes, and baked goods aplenty. Milk, watch out, I'm coming for you...
{photos by Milk}
First there came cakes...then cupcakes...and then their offspring took over. Mini cupcakes are the newest phase of the cupcake revolution with some shops selling their cupcakes only in miniature form. The bite-sized treat allows for more flavors to be taste-tested and consumed in larger quantities which is a quality I highly encourage. One of my favorites, Kumquat Cupcakery in New York was the first I came across that sold mini gems of cake goodness. With flavors like Maple Bacon and PB Banana Honey, I could gladly consume a dozen in one sitting. While I haven't tried this West Coast version, the mini's from Cuppie Love in Los Angeles look delish and super sweet, too.
{photos above by Kumquat Cupcakery {top row} & Cuppie Love {bottom row}. For those of you in San Diego, the newly opened Cups sells all their flavors in mini size, too!}
by way of new york to philly, and now, to san diego, i'll share my favorite local finds as well as tips on how to find or make the featured food wherever you are. you'll also see plenty of stylish & tasty foodie things i love in general.
see more about me right here.
I only post about products and locations that, to me, deserve a 3, 4, or 5 star rating. If you'd like to see the other restaurants i've visited, you can see them {right here} on yelp.
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