Croissants, Croissants, Croissants

Flaky, buttery, sweet, savory, delicious. What more could you want?

Medialunas (croissants) are a serious staple of the Argentine lifestyle. Tres Medialunas con Cafe (three croissants and coffee) are on every single menu in Buenos Aires (well almost). After spending six months there last year I obtained a serious love-hate relationship with the buttery little morsels; love because of their buttery deliciousness, and hate because of, well, their buttery (and carb loaded) deliciousness. However, I still find them to be one of the best occasional treats to accompany a morning or afternoon coffee.


Since coming back to the states I have had a seriously difficult time matching the deliciousness of the croissants from my favorite cafeteria in Buenos Aires. Although I haven't matched the same melting goodness, I have found a place the competes in a whole other realm of croissant divinity.

Behold the largest, most filling croissants that at least I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. Seriously, we are talking huge. But, grandness alone doesn't equal greatness. The croissants at Cafe Los Feliz come in a multitude of tempting flavors including savory versions like mushroom, ham and Swiss, and spinach and cheese, as well as some mouth-watering sweet versions like chocolate filled, apple filled, and my personal favorite the almond paste filled croissant. The almond filled is a large, traditional half-moon croissant filled with a thin sugary almond past, with toasted, sweet almonds on top...perfection. The creative versions offer something for every croissant desire, and yes they are all delicious; flaky, buttery dough, fresh flavorful ingredients.

The tiny, unassuming exterior of Cafe Los Feliz is easily missed, but once you enter the gleaming display of baked goods and the impeccable service will charm you. While you're there grab a cafe latte with one of your treats. The woman behind the counter may seem a little serious at first, but when she asks, with a smile, if you would like a little cocoa and cinnamon on top of your latte I guarantee you will be in a child-like enchantment (cocoa on top of a latte? Who would have thought!). Of course this only works if you haven't already snuck a bite of that warm croissant; you'll instantly be under the magic spell of Cafe Los Feliz.

Cafe Los Feliz

2118 Hillhurst Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90027

(323) 664-7111

Apple Filled Croissant at Cafe Los Feliz

SNOW!... or at least ICE

I am currently sitting at home, about to eat some spicy Mexican Pozole stew, and staring outside at the snow covered pines. Sound like a perfect winter night? But, it doesn't sound like a winter night in L.A., does it?

Being back in the Northwest and experiencing a seriously wintry December made me realize how much I missed the seasons. If you are still in L.A. you may not be getting snow any time soon, but you can at least get a taste of some holiday ice.

Just a few blocks from Third Street Promenade Santa Monica hosts a seasonal outdoor ice skating rink open for Angelenos to get their wintry fix. For only $10 dollars you get admission and rental skates, and your wrist band can be redeemed at any Orange or Los Angeles County Starbucks for a free tall hot beverage. So bundle up (at least a little), and enjoy some winter ice under the palms....L.A. wouldn't do it any other way.

Ice at Santa Monica

1324 5th St. and Arizona Ave.

Santa Monica,CA

http://www.downtownsm.com/calendar/icerink.html

Cajun Christmas Tradition

My family has a an unusual yet awsome Christmas Eve tradition: Cajun Gumbo.

Although we only lived there a few years, my family has a feisty connection to America's creole capital, New Orleans. Already a family that lives largely through cooking and good food, we (mostly my dad who is the household chef) were shaped by the unique, powerful, spicy, and historic flavors of Cajun and creole cooking.

Having moved to Portland we still keep the Southern spirit alive through frequent Cajun meals like jambalaya, red beans and rice, fried catfish, crawfish etouffee, and of course gumbo. Every Christmas Eve we have friends and stragglers over for a laid back gumbo party, which tends to be a hit (occasionally more so than the Christmas day ham).

Now that I am based in L.A. I have serious cravings for the flavors of New Orleans, and after a little searching I have found perhaps one of the most authentic Cajun joints in town. Maybe it won't become your Christmas favorite, but it may still become an L.A. favorite.

The Original Farmer's Market

6333 West Third Street #312

Los Angeles, CA 90036

http://www.thegumbopotla.com/index1.html

The Gumbo Pot is located at the Los Angeles Farmer's Market, one of my favorite eating spots in the city (more to come on that). It is a hoppin' stall connected to courtyard seating with a vibrant and simple Cajun menu. Although pretty much everything they whip out of the kitchen boasts authenticity, some standouts are the variety of Po' Boy sandwiches, Muffelata, red beans and rice, and of course the gumbo. I'm a personal fan of the traditional seafood gumbo, but the gumbo ya ya with andouille sausage and chicken is killer as well. The dishes come with the must have cornbread and your choice of side including salad, sweet potato chips and collard greens. If you have room after your hearty meal stick around for a warm beignet (french bread doughnut with powdered sugar), you won't regret it.

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Christmas in L.A.?

Despite the lack of wintry weather, there are still Holiday activities to participate in here in L.A. Perhaps one of the most intriguing is the mile long DWP Light Festival at Griffith Park. I ventured there with my roommates this weekend, and although it wasn't the most outstanding lights show I had ever seen, it was definitely still worth the trip. As my roommate Katie mentioned, the only thing missing were some snow machines....maybe next year.

DWP Holiday Light Festival

4730 Crystal Springs dr.

Los Angeles, CA 90027

http://www.dwplightfestival.com/index.htm

Venturing through the tunnel of lights.

Christmas in L.A.

Happy Holidays!

Los Angeles Lovers Gift Ideas: Books

It is officially December, which means the holiday giving countdown has officially begun. It is the seasons for giving, but most of us have a lot less funds to help contribute to the giving this year. However, as we all know, the best gifts are often the ones that cost the least and show the most creativity and knowledge of other person.

If you know someone who loves and/or is fascinated by California, the exploration of L.A., who wants to start going out more, finding new places to explore, and ideas for inspiration, then a book or guide can be the perfect gift. A good guide is great for so many reasons, it is something that people can use over and over again, it is an inexpensive gift, and it is a great way to say you want to spend more time with the other person (by going out and having fun!)

All of these books should be available at any bookstore or online, but a great way to save money and be environmentally resourceful is to use a website like http://www.half.com/, where you can buy used books in great condition for as little as 75 cents plus shipping!

Here is a list of a few of my favorite books and guides on L.A.

"Counter Intelligence

Where to Eat in the Real Los Angeles"

By Jonathan Gold

On of my top picks, this book is the food novel of Los Angeles.

Jonathan Gold is one of the most prominent and influential food writers in the country. He grew up in the Los Angeles area and lived and worked as a food columnist and writer until recently when he moved to work for Gourmet as the New York restaurant critic.

This book is unlike any other food book or guide I have ever read. For someone as educated and renowned as Gold this book is incredibly unpretentious, just as the title says this book is all about real food. The book reads like a novel with narratives for each restaurant, which are separated both alphabetically and by type of food. Gold finds the best of every food including 8 types of Chinese food, the best Uzbecki restaurant, and of course American favorites like the best hot dog and breakfast joints. Even better is that most of the restaurants in the book are inexpensive and often family owned places. The food is authentic and Gold tells you exactly why you are going where you are going, what to order (and sometimes what not to), and keeps the reader entertained the entire time.

"eat.shop.la."

By Kaie Wellman

http://eatshopguides.com/

This is a creative and aesthetically pleasing guide tied for my top pick. The eat.shop series takes a simple and enticing approach to the travel guide. Only 90 shops and restaurants make the cut, and each location gets a full two-page spread, filled with telling and intriguing photos and short descriptions full of personality. My other favorite part is that Wellman gives personal recommendations on what to order and drink and what are the best finds in stores.

The copy below is the first edition, but a second edition came out last year. The eat.shop guides are available in other cities, so check the website to see if another city of intrigue is in the collection.

Sample Page for Jin Patisserie in Venice Beach

"My California

Journeys by Great Writers"

Edited by Donna Wares

This is a great compilation of Californian travel writing on everywhere from Seal Beach to Berkeley to the Badlands. The narrative stories are short and delightful and give insight into areas you never would have considered a desirable destination.

"Off the Beaten Path Los Angeles

A Guide to Unique Places"

By Lark Ellen Gould

In terms of a more general guide book, this is probably my favorite to Los Angeles. The book is separated into sections by areas of Los Angeles. Gould takes a more narrative approach to describing each area and some interesting sites, restaurants and shops in each. At the end of each narrative she highlights and gives short descriptions of popular hotels and restaurants in each area, incorporating a section on the author's favorites. Although she does cover a lot of standard and well known places, she is sure to include some that are definitely off the beaten path.

"Sunset Boulevard

Cruising the Heart of Los Angeles"

By Amy Dawes

If you haven't ever drove the whole 23 miles of Sunset Boulevard from downtown to the Pacific Palisades then you should, and this book will give you all the incentive you need. Although packed with fascinating information on the history of Los Angeles and the creation of Sunset Boulevard, this book is not just for history buffs. It includes information on the creation and cultures of Hollywood, photos of Los Angels through the years, and a site and restaurant guide for places that are still open for business today.