4 Plates & A Date #5
IT’S THE WEEKEND AND L.A. ANY DAY IS BACK AGAIN WITH OUR SERIES HIGHLIGHTING FOUR LOS ANGELES RESTAURANTS (PLATES) AND ONE DESTINATION (DATE) TO EXPLORE. ENJOY!!
Sweet Butter
A neighborhood restaurant in Sherman Oaks that should be added to your bucket list is Sweet Butter Kitchen. Open since 2010, this family-owned business is a jewel in this part of town as they serve phenomenal breakfast choices, such as bistro breakfast sandwiches and chilaquiles, lunch which varies from a truffle filet mignon to a buffalo chicken wrap, and dinner where they offer everything from a banh mi burger to lobster agnolotti. Brunch and a selection of pastries are also available, well as wonderful catering options, and you can even order a delicious, traditional Thanksgiving dinner to bring home to your family (and maybe even pretend you’re exhausted from cooking all day). Join them on their spacious outdoor patio and enjoy this gem of a restaurant.
Picnic Society by Gwen
One of the most adorable, unique, and coolest culinary pop-ups in town is Picnic Society by Gwen. Located at The Grove, celebrity chef Curtis Stone has teamed with WonderTent Parties to create a luxurious “glamping” experience where you dine on delicious picnic-type inspired cuisine while overlooking the shopping center’s beautiful fountain.You will be seated at miniature tables on plush cushions with cozy blankets where you can order pre-made picnic baskets or à la carte options for a true picnic experience. This temporary pop-up is only available till January so make your reservations soon.
The Win-Dow at American Beauty
A little hidden gem on the Westside is The Win-dow at American Beauty Restaurant. Just a few blocks away from Venice Beach (and another location just opened up on the Venice Boardwalk), you will find a walk-up window with one of the best cheeseburgers in town, at a very affordable price. You can also order delicious fries, fried chicken sandwiches, a yummy grain bowl, and a shaved kale salad. Even fresh lemonade and ice cream sandwiches. This outlet is part of their amazing steak restaurant that is currently closed at the moment due to the pandemic. So get your cheeseburger fix soon at the Win-Dow.
Breadblok
A new BAKERY is in town and it’s a a big hit! Breadblok in Santa Monica specializes in gluten-free artisan breads and pastries. This neighborhood bakery and restaurant not only delivers incredible baked goods but they offer outdoor seating for your dining pleasure. Breadblok offers an assortment of bread, pastries, cookies, tea cakes, scones, muffins, cakes, and tartlets. Specialty coffees and teas, as well as a marketplace to pick up kitchen goods are available. In addition, delicious items are offered for breakfast and lunch ranging from brioche french toast to tartines (pictured above), sandwiches, and salads. Stop by next time you’re on the Westside... you won’t regret it.
AND ONE FABULOUS DESTINATION
Venice Electric Light Parade
Talk about an L.A. hidden gem, this is one of the coolest experiences I have ever witnessed. Every Sunday evening, people from all walks of life gather with their bikes to ride off into the sunset. The Venice Electric Light Parade starts at Winward Plaza Park in Venice and takes off at approximately 6pm. All of the bikes, in all shapes and sizes, slowly head down the Santa Monica beach path and end up at our iconic Santa Monica Pier. There are dozens of bicyclists and the bikes, majority lit up with LED lights, as well music blaring to get you in the mood, is quite a sight to see in person. This event is free and open to everyone so bring your bike and if you don’t have lights, you can buy them there and someone will help you with the installation. Founded and led by Venice legend Marcus Gladney, this parade of lights is about appreciating our amazing city and is a celebration of life.
A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA: HERE ARE SOME HIDDEN GEMS I COVERED THIS WEEK
The Garden of Oz
A magical hidden gem that is truly hidden is THE GARDEN OF OZ. Located in the Hollywood Hills at 3040 Ledgewood Dr., this small plot of land is privately owned. What started off as a place to grow roses, and after a few decorative tiles and beads were added to brighten up the concrete, the rose garden quickly became an inspiration for the owner’s favorite movie, the “Wizard of Oz.” The garden’s decor took on a life of its own and was dedicated to Munchkinland, a plant-filled garden dedicated to the Land of Oz. Here you will find a yellow-tiled path, a crystal ball, a wall of toys, and there is even a mailbox where you can send a letter directly to Oz. In addition, there are musical thrones dedicated to the likes of Elvis Presley, Rosa parks, the Dalai Lama, and even one where you can sit and pretend to be your own king or queen. If you look closely, you will find a throne dedicated to the bombing survivors of Hiroshima. Unfortunately, the Garden of Oz is not typically open to the public but you can view it up close from the street. It is a magical sight to see.
Wexler’s Deli
For those in the know, head on down to this traditional Jewish deli from noted Los Angeles chef Micah Wexler. At Wexler's Deli in Santa Monica and DTLA (at Grand Central Market), they stand for tradition, craftsmanship, and quality. Wexler’s uses traditional methods to handcraft and cure all their meats, including their amazing pastrami and smoked salmon. Personally, a must try is their pastrami sandwich (pictured). Traditional deli food at it’s best!
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