Your Next Bite

Brunch on La Brea - Sycamore Kitchen

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Last weekend I took a much needed LA getaway to visit friends, the Stanley Kubrick exhibit at LACMA, and some new bites, of course.

Waking up Saturday inside the old Hollywood charm of 1113Sweetzer.com (full report to come on my new travel edition @YourNextNite) was a gem. Its tranquil foliage and walking distance to all that's fabulous in West Hollywood, reminded me just how much I've missed this city.

The hand model and I threw our running gear on, flew down my favorite tree-lined street, then ended up at Sycamore Kitchen on La Brea. This bakery co-owned by chefs Karen & Quinn Hatfield (yes, of Hatfield's Restaurant) was nearly impossible to get into last summer. Although the 30-minute line that formed around 11:30 that morning didn't make things much easier.

The restaurant is sunken back from the busy street with a brick wall covering part of the sunny, open-air, dog-friendly patio. Walk inside and the aroma of sweet Sticky Buns, savory Quiches, and freshly brewed Espresso fills the area.

Still hot from the 85 degree weather on our morning 5k, we thankfully snagged one of the first-come-first-serve inside tables, after ordering at the counter.

The Grubdown:

- screw the carbo pancakes, never-ending plump berries, crumbly goodness, Blueberry Oat Bar ($3.25)

- way more pucker than hot 'n sweet, Ginger Limeade ($4)

- hits all the major flavor notes (sweet sour salty bitter), love the kale texture with mixed greens, Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Dates, Hazelnuts, Radicchio, Kale, Blue Cheese & Red Wine Vinaigrette ($12)

- crunchy thin sliced bread that's beautifully soaked in olive oil, super creamy, could use a touch more lemon to cut the thickness, Cured Salmon Tartine with Avocado, Capers, sliced Hard Cooked Egg, Radish & Creme Fraiche ($11)

- sinful unless you share, sticky caramel outside, partly dry inside, Salted Caramel Pecan Babka Roll $3.50

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Upon finishing our meal, our friends decided to join, so I kindly hopped in line to chat their wait away. Little did I know what major trouble I was getting myself into, as new trays of piping hot goodies filled the counter.

Quiches, Babkas, and Galettes galore! Unfortunately, there was just too much to order for one sitting – and I'd have to run another 5k to work off each additional pastry.

P.S. Word on the street is after 4:30pm, baked goods are half off. See ya then!

The never ending food glory of Austin, Texas

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Last weekend was my first trip to the state of Texas for the Paramount Break-a-Leg 5K. It's no surprise I landed at their (food) capital, Austin.

Before I even arrived, a friend of mine had given me a list of 15 restaurants to try. She told me she'd given up on eating full meals at one restaurant, since there were literally five (non-chain of course) on every block. She called it "progressive dining", like friends would do, hopping from one house to the next for a drink, an appetizer, a main course, and finally dessert.

Unfortunately, I only had two and a half days (including a 7:30am race on Sunday), so time was of the essence.

Here's a list of my top dishes I tried from the following 5 restaurants:

The Grubdown:

1.) Lamberts Barbecue

- the best of all the meats, tender, juicy 'n fatty in all the right ways, Natural Black Angus Brisket with Brown Sugar & Coffee Rub and House Pickled Escabeche $16

Bite Advice: Don't even think about coming here without ordering their excellent, refined 'n fresh, Fried Green Tomatoes topped with Jumbo Lump Crab Salad, Spicy Greens, and Green Goddess Dressing too $15

2.) Elizabeth Street Cafe

- so bad for you but so good, pillowey, sweet 'n salty, Niman Ranch Pork Belly Steamed Buns with Cucumber, Scallion & Hoison Sauce $8

Bite Advice: Take advantage of this French Vietnamese fusion cafe by taking a Cinnamon Curry Macaron ($2) to go.

3.) Olivia

- out of this world handmade pasta, creamy smokey carbonara-like sauce, soft 'n tender Rabbit Fettuccine with Lamb's Quarter, Asparagus, Broccoli & Smoked San Marzano Cream $31

Bite Advice: Make a reservation ahead of time, so you can experience some of the best service I've seen in years. Truly superb with great attention to detail. Each plate was served with its own set of silverware, an empty plate was never left on our table for more than 30 seconds, and our friendly waiter even hailed a cab for us on the street while we waited comfortably inside. Oh, and did I mention their food comes from their garden out back?

4.) Daily Juice

- brilliant, why didn't I think of this before, refreshing, sweet 'n soul satisfying, Depth Charge Green Juice with Cucumber, Celery, Kale, Spinach, Parsley & Coconut Water $7 (16oz)

Bite Advice: The perfect treat to enjoy after a 5K or marathon. They also serve smoothies, Kombucha on tap, and Kale & Quinoa Salads to go.

5.) Clark's Oyster Bar

- perfectly tender & delicately balanced, fluffy not heavy with a flakey crunch, Oven Roasted Gulf Oysters with Bechamel, Spinach, Bacon & Sourdough Bread Crumbs $14

Bite Advice: Go for Brunch and sip on the fizzy Pomegranate Blanco Mule $8 while sitting on the sunny patio. If you're trying to decide on the Shrimp Toast $16, it's plump but the Bread is too thick. And the Lobster & Farm Eggs En Cocotte $24 is so rich, it's only for the brave of heart.

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Y'all, I really enjoyed myself in Austin. From the five food spots on every corner (not to mention their huge food truck scene), to the awesome music and friendly folks, I'm definitely on board to Keep Austin Weird.

It's the Great Pumpkin at Lette Macarons

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Fall. It's my favorite time of year. It's not just the chill in the air, or the colors of the leaves changing, but also the seasonal bobbing for apples and cornucopia of Pumpkin-flavored everything!

Thankfully, my two favorite things have come together as one: Pumpkin Lette Macarons. Born in Beverly Hills circa 2007, the "kaleidoscope" colored, gluten-free, almond cookie delights are named  after owner Paulette Koumetz and pastry chef Christophe Michalak.

Paulette's personal motto is "let them eat macarons!" And thanks to the new Fashion Island location, now we can.

The Grubdown:

- delicate crisp outside, ooey gooey inside, resembles pumpkin pie filling minus the whip, with hints of Nutmeg, Cinnamon & Vanilla, Pumpkin Macaroon $1.70

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These sweet treats are perfect for holiday parties and semi guilt-free snacking. (Did I mention they're gluten free?!?). Buy 'em in packs of 2 ($4) or up to 36 ($59).

Other favorite flavors of mine include herbals like Earl Grey, Rose, and Violet Cassis. They also rotate unexpected ones like Lychee and Black Licorice. Check out their flavor wall and you'll see  30+ more to look forward to all year round.

Bon Appetit!

1131 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660. 949-706-8299.

A Day Trip to Julian Apple Festival

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Last weekend the hand model and I drove southeast to the once-a-year Julian's Apple Days Festival, and then missed it. I hadn't been since I was 8, so memory wasn't serving me well. Neither was their signage, nor their website. (Information on the festival's whereabouts was via phone only – talk about small-town time warp.)

As soon as we got into town, we saw throngs of people and parked the second we found a spot (call it trigger happy from living in LA 9 years). Mesmerized by pony-drawn carriages, apple everything (apple cider, apple butter, dried apple rings, caramel apples), and the ridiculously long line outside MOM's Pie's, suddenly we had forgotten all about the festival.

It wasn't until we had ordered a whole take-home Flaky Apple Pie, devoured a quick slice with warm Cheddar on top, and purchased a 1960's wind-up watch necklace at the antique store next door, did we realize "hey, aren't we supposed to pay a $5 admission fee somewhere to pick apples and drink from the beer & wine garden?" Oops.

The Grubdown:

- for me the melted cheese just adds another textured layer, but my hand model swears by it, gooey 'n rather mild Slice of Flakey Apple Pie with Sharp Cheddar Cheese $4.95

- could use more salt 'n cinnamon to spice things up, otherwise simple, tart 'n fresh with an impressive perfectly raised crust, Whole Flaky Apple Pie $14.95

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After speaking to the lovely lady inside the antique shop, she told us the festival was about a mile east of the main town at Menghini Winery. We figured, "what've we got to lose?" (Besides our parking spot.) By the time we arrived, it had shut down and the winery stopped serving. Thankfully the coffee guy in the side room offered us a rare Heirloom Snow White Apple – with flesh, not skin, as white as snow – on the house. It was very crisp 'n juicy with a faint tartness vs. sweetness.

Driving back into town we stumbled upon Julian Brewing Co. and Bailey Woodpit Barbeque. We drowned our sorrows of missing the once-a-year festival in a gluttonous meal of stick-to-your-ribs down-home comfort food and hard cider.

The 2nd Grubdown:

- the star of the night, juicy 'n tender with crunchy veg and a flakey bun, Grass and Grain-fed Smoked Tri Tip Sandwich with Grilled Peppers, Onion, and Side of Cole Slaw $8 (Half Order)

- tangy 'n sweet sauce, kinda chewy 'n fatty pork, Half Rack of Baby Back Ribs with Side of too intense chopped Raw Garlic & Parmesan Fries and devilishly creamy Mac & Cheese $14

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Next year we (and you!) will have to do ourselves a favor by CALLING Tracy Turner at 760-803-4377 like their website lists, instead of just showing up. Thankfully, Julian offered enough charming distractions to make our day trip.

MOM's Pies. 2119 Main Street, Julian, CA 92036. 760-765-2472

Menghini Winery. 1150 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian, CA 92036. 760-765-2072.

Bailey Woodpit BBQ. 2307 Main St, Julian, CA 92036. 760-765-3757.

Delectable 'n Dainty Casey's Cupcakes in Fashion Island, OC

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When I first saw Casey's Cupcakes at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, immediately I thought, "Really, ANOTHER cupcake joint?" But when I heard Casey's story of being a Southern California native and 2011 Winner of The Food Network's "Cupcake Wars", I had to buckle down and do the research.

Casey has four OC locations: Riverside, Laguna Beach, Irvine, and the one I visited, Fashion Island Newport Beach. The store couldn't have been cuter, decorated in only pink, white, and black. The inside has an upscale ice cream parlor feel with a decadent display of whimsical cupcakes, candy dispensers, and specialty gifts. But it's the branding that takes the cake, right down to the pink & white striped boxes that pop open like a flower, and the pink receipt paper, of course.

The Grubdown:

- 1st choice because it's super moist, light 'n fluffy with frosting that's not too heavy or sweet, chocolate chip surprises, and a single serving candy tease, Peanut Butter Cupcake $3.50

- 2nd best, creamy 'n sweet with just the right amount of sugar grit in the frosting, and a sensible amount of Raisin and Carrot shreds, Carrot Cake Cupcake $3.50 (pics are missing because I ate the evidence)

- besides the tri-flavored Chocolate Shavings, this one was a let down because the frosting had a gummy almost gel-like consistency, not-so Excellent Espresso Cupcake $3.50 (pics are missing because I ate the evidence)

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Ask the wait staff and they'll tell you that the Decadent Dark Chocolate is one of the most popular - perhaps that should've been my third choice instead.

Check CaseysCupcakes.com for monthly flavor specials, like August's Cherry Cupcake with Cherry Pie Filling, Cherry Flavored Vanilla Buttercream, and a Glittered Butterfly & Cherry on Top.

1041 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660. 949-706-2525.

A Mother's Day treat from Le Petit Bateau in CDM, OC

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After being down in The OC for over a month now, one of my favorite new finds is 2-month old French bakery, Le Petit Bateau, off PCH in quaint, seaside Corona del Mar.

The cafe is adorable meets modern, selling intricate truffles & brightly colored macaroons neatly spaced on glass & silver counters and purchased from – none other than – an iPad 2 (white, not black).

This Mother's Day, Le Petit Bateau is offering 15% off any 1/2 dozen box of these said treats, wrapped in polka dot, jacquard, striped, floral – whatever your mom's heart desires – beautiful, keepsake packaging. (Mom, if you're reading this, SURPRISE!)

The Grubdown:

- the best one I tasted, true to flavor, velvety 'n crunchy, Cookies 'N Cream Macaroon

- my 2nd favorite, highly recommended by the waiter, minty fresh with specks of heaven, Chocolate Mint Macaroon

- i didn't think it was possible, but even this flavor was faint, more coffee like, Pistachio Macaroon

- wasn't as tropical as I'd hoped for, again more like Vanilla, Coconut Macaroon

- how can you go wrong, Chocolate Macaroon

- forefront flavor was Vanilla, with a little Birthday Cake mixed in, only a hint of floral, Rose Macaroon

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Despite the fact that some of the flavors didn't live up to their potential, their texture & freshness are some of the best in town – even a day later – with rich 'n creamy filling that melts in your mouth.

I can't wait to return to try their Croque Monsieur with Mushroom Pesto ($8.95), one of their signature Flatbreads ($11.95), or a simple Omelet.

Happy Mother's Day!

P.S. Sorry, about forgetting to add the price for the Macaroons. Sometimes, you just can't put a price on happiness.

Big flavor from Cambria's Red Moose Cookie Company

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While attending a friend's wedding this past weekend in California central coast's oceanside town of quaint Cambria, my mother-in-law introduced the hand model and I to a fantastic new Cookie Shop called Red Moose Cookie Company.

Located in Tin City (otherwise known as the business/services part of town), Red Moose is run by the sweetest couple ever, Caren & Roger. When our group walked in they made sure we received the "Cookie Tour "– a mini presentation of their 10 cookie flavors and other products like the chunky chocolate pretzel "Naughty Rod". All bags of 4 larger-than-life cookies cost $6. And did I mention their samples – as many as you want – are free?!?

Their baked goods are homemade from scratch with ingredients like Farm Fresh Eggs, Pure Vanilla, Real Butter, and Love. The signature "Cinnful" Cookie is what started it all, making Caren's lifelong Cookie dreams a reality.

The Grubdown:

- bursting Cinnamon flavor, sticky Toffee crunch, Cinnful Cookie with Oatmeal, Hershey's Cinnamon Chips, Toffee Chips & Walnuts $6

- the hand model's all time favorite combination, Old Fashioned Chocolate Chip Cookie with Oatmeal, Semisweet Chocolate Chips & Walnuts $6

- the most uniquely spot-on flavor with crunchy sugary crystals, Root Beer Float Cookie with Sassafras, Ginger & Root Beer Reduction $6

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The Root Beer Cookie was definitely our favorite because we had never tried anything like it before. It's sweet 'n spicy like the soda, and would be phenomenal as an Ice Cream Sandwich, just like Caren recommended.

What's not to love about the Old-Fashioned with big chunks of Chocolate Chips, Walnuts, and crunchy Oats. And the Cinnful was delish, tasting kind of like a candy bar. (However, it didn't have as much wow-factor as the Root Beer.)

All in all, while we loved the flavors, at first bite, I personally felt the cookies were a little dry. BITE ADVICE: store them in the fridge. (It actually added moisture and I enjoyed them even more!)

Come November, I'll be all over their Pumpkin Mousse Cookie Pie! (Order forms are ready, just call the number below.)

2531 Village Ln, Ste C & D, Cambria, CA 93428. 805-900-5140. M-F 10am-5pm

Doughboys Grilled Cheese, Tomato Soup, and Beefy Mac

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Nothin' cures cold, windy weather days better than a steaming hot bowl of Tomato Soup and a Grilled Cheese Sandwich. At Doughboys Cafe & Bakery on W. 3rd Street adjacent to West Hollywood, they like to call this far-from-humble dish the "After School Special." More like after football practice, these two dishes are so big, they might as well be pumped up on steroids. Adding insult to gut injury, tackle the Beefy Mac 'n Cheese Special too, and you got yourself a full line up of leftovers for at least 3 days.

The Grubdown:

- thick 'n string cheesy, coulda used a lot more grill, After School Special with Grilled Cheese Sandwich & super sweet Creamy Tomato Soup $9.95

- more like Hamburger Helper, could've used more salt even with the thick layer of cheese, Beefy Mac 'n Cheese $9.95

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If you've always wanted to go to Doughboys, but found the brunch line to be too long on the weekends, try going on a Monday night instead. They offer the same full menu without the wait.

The hand model and I tried the After School Special in search of a comforting, hearty meal on a cold week night. Instead we found ridiculously huge portions without the greasy, guilty flavors we were looking for. Possibly because I asked for the Wheat instead of regular French Pan de Mie Bread, our Grilled Cheese was served crustless with barely any butter or notion of toast – a.k.a. it tasted like it just came out of the bread package.

The Sandwich's only saving grace was the thick Swiss, White Cheddar, and Fontina Cheese that gave a bitter contrast to the overly sweet, but addictively creamy piping hot Tomato Soup. (Did I mention the bowl was the size of my hand model's head?)

The Beefy Mac 'n Cheese offered a nostalgic flavor profile with crunchy Diced Onions, Tomato Cream filling, and Elbow Macaroni all covered up by a thick warm Cheese Blanket. We found ourselves fighting over the cheesy beef bits. And the big loaf of Bread it's served with seemed more like a carbo-holics joke as neither of us could bring ourselves to indulge after such a rich meal.

Both dishes were way too big for us to barely put a dent in. But that didn't stop us from drooling over the display case's Red Velvet Cakes that Doughboys is known for.

(Next time I'll be returning for the Pineapple, Coconut, Macadamia Nut or Blueberry Flax Seed Pancakes for dinner.)

8136 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90048. 323-852-1020.

Black Cat Bakery on Fairfax Blvd.

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6 months or so ago, dedicated brunch-goers and health enthusiasts in the Fairfax District – including myself – were all sad to see Mani's Bakery (now closed) move on to Beverly Hills. Today, I'm happy to announce that once you walk inside the new Black Cat Bakery – smartly decorated in black 'n white with devilishly good looking pastries and angelic sugar-free & whole grain options – your Mani's memories will be nothing but a corner of your mind.

This counter-order cafe, open every day from 8am-4pm, serves up Downtown L.A.'s Homeboy Bakery Artisan Breads, Vegan Tofu Scrambles ($9.95), Crabcake Salads ($13.95), Apple Wood Smoked Honey Cured Bacon Burgers ($10.95), and a ton of friendliness ($0).

The Grubdown:

- the fluffiest pancakes you ever did eat, I'm salivating right now just thinking about my next bite Classic House Made Buttermilk Pancakes with Farm Fresh Blueberries $8.50

- great for balancing out the bulge, Asparagus, Ham, Pepper, Green Onion Four Egg Scramble $9.25

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I'd been craving Pancakes a few weeks before my hand model and I decided to give this cool Cat a try. But it wasn't my lack there of that made 'em taste so good. Instead, it was their crispy buttery edges, fluffy texture, holey surprise inside, and fresh bursting Blueberries.

As for the Scramble, we subbed the Ham for Bacon to give it a bit more sin 'n crisp. The plenitude of Green Onions gave it a kick, but it was the super thinly sliced Asparagus that was more of a conversation piece. We couldn't tell if we missed the usual 1/2 inch thick chunks served at most restaurants, or if we were enjoying this new way to dice and slice it up.

All in all, we can't wait to return to stuff our faces with some Croissants and Orange Honey Muffins.

519 S. Fairfax Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036. 323-932-1500.

Sweets from Simple Things Sandwich & Pie Shop

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It's fair to say Easter is around the corner (1 1/2 weekends to be exact) and if you're giving up the goodies for lent, I bet some sweets are definitely on your mind. So let me indulge your thoughts with marshmallow topped treats for kids & adults to enjoy Easter Day from Simple Things Sandwich & Pie Shop on West 3rd St bordering West Hollywood.

First of all, this place is adorable, from the signage to the copy, to the packaging and the old fashioned diner feel. So even though they offer delivery and catering for your next event – even for weddings – you may feel compelled to stop in just to get a sense of what it's all about.

Executive Chef, Carrie Cusack's food ain't all that "bad" (I'm being totally sarcastic) either. The pies are "baked fresh daily, their meats are roasted in house, their sauces are made from scratch, and they use local farm fresh ingredients." Not to mention, their pies earned Food & Wine magazine's 2010 title for "Favorite Pies in America".

The Grubdown:

- ooey gooey, thick 'n chewy Salted Caramel Cutie Pie $2.50

- rich 'n thick decadence Chocolate Peanut Butter Cutie Pie $2.50

- sweet pecan & chocolate Missouri Mud Simple Pie $5.50

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Out of the 3, I enjoyed the Missouri Mud most because you really can't go wrong with Pecan Pie meets Chocolate. The Salted Caramel could have used more salt, and the Chocolate Peanut Butter needed more Chocolate Ganache and thick Peanut Butter than cream. But, honestly, all were delish.

Simple Things full menu includes 5 different Savory Pot Pies like Steak & Lager ($10), Sandwiches ($8-11.50), Soups, Sides, and Vintage Sodas. They also serve Breakfast Saturday and Sunday only, from 9am-2pm with items like Grilled PB&J ($6) and Quinoa & Eggs ($9).

Don't miss their "Pie 4 Pie Dinner" promotion for the month of April. Call for details.

8310 W. 3rd St, Los Angeles, 90048. 323-592-3390.

Maison Richard's new Place on Melrose

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I know what you're thinking. Is Your Next Bite on some sorta French kick with blog post # trois (un Little Next Door, deux La Rue de Paris Food Truck) in the past 2 weeks on yet again another French place? Perhaps it's just wishful thinking that I could be spending a Joyeux Noel or Bonne Annee in Paris, no?!?

Well, if you haven't visited Maison Richard's new location on Melrose – their previous Michel landmark was on Robertson Blvd – then here's an early Christmas present for you.

The Grubdown:

- tender, garlicky, savory, pestoy Escargots de Bourgogne (6 for $10.95)

- lemon capery salsa Smoked Salmon Plate on Brioche ($14.95)

- fluffy 'n creamy, wish it was pinky Lobster Ravioli with Chunky Tomato Sauce ($14.95)

- like chicken pot pie with light brothy gravy Feuillete de Poulet et Champignon ($11.75)

- crystallized sugary air with hazelnuty dark Meringue Chocolate Mousse ($4.25)

- plump, flaky 'n custardy Raspberry Tart ($4.50)

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Walking inside Maison Richard on Melrose is a whole new experience. Warm woods, yellows, and green Palm Fronds greet you at the door. There's a charming fish pond/private dining area to your left, and a larger dining area to your right, complete with an imported-from-France, 17th century Louis the 13th farm country dining table. The owner wanted to make this new open-air patio place as much a home-away-from-home as possible, which is why most of the decor comes from her own. And you'll feel right at home too, from the warmth of the friendly hosts.

Now on to the grub. I had to order the Escargot, but of course. I love that it's served in its traditional shells, as opposed to drowning in beurre like most places do these days. The Pesto is really the prominent flavor here, slightly on the salty side, but it's still buttery and tender – just don't eat the Raw Lentils which are for presentation purposes only.

The Smoked Salmon Plate is what you'd expect – delicate with crumbly Brioche. However, the fresh Caper Salsa it's served with has perfectly cubed chunks of Onion, Cucumber & Tomato with a kiss of Lemon & sprinkled Capers.

The Lobster in the Ravioli is so extremely tender and abundant. The Ricotta makes it creamy. I just wish it was served with a Pink Lobster Sauce as opposed to the Chunky Tomato Sauce – still very fresh and homemade though.

The classic Feuillete de Poule is lighter than you think, with a brothy Country Gravy Jus, plump Mushrooms, crisp Zucchini & Carrots, Chunks of Chicken, and flaky Pastry. Bite advice – split this one so you can have room to indulge in other French delights.

I did not have a bite of the Boudin Blanc – the Christmas Sausage Special – but it sounds amazing with Pistachios, Truffles, Potato & Apple Purees, and Cranberry Sauce ($21).

Nor did I have the Calf Liver – 'cuz I'm not particularly a fan of liver in general – but I assure you, our bite-mate enjoyed every last lick.

All the desserts look divine – like mini works of art – and taste like them too. Especially the Meringue Chocolate Mousse, which is a perfect balance between thick 'n creamy and light 'n fluffy.

The Raspberry Tart will steal your heart with perfectly propped-up Berries and a Gelee Custard.

Follow @MaisonRichard for news on Christmas & New Years dining specials, including ideas on what to order for Your Next Holiday party!

 707 North Stanley Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046-7425. 323-655-7777

The always french 'n fabulous Little Next Door Cafe

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One of my all time favorites, Little Next Door – the french cafe & deli next to LA's well-known romantic hot-spot The Little Door – offers farm-fresh, organic french fare from day to night. Located on West 3rd St nearby The Grove, the Little Door is great for a fruitful Brunch, lazy lunch, or fabulous girls night out on the sparkling patio.

The Grubdown:

- grand marnier 'n honey, Duck Breast a L'orange with Basmati Rice & Brussel Sprouts ($24)

- so good, i've even ordered it for take-out Roasted Saffron Salmon on a Bed of Basmati Rice, Carrots & Asparagus ($24)

- classic French Onion soup ($8)

- creamy, stinky, sweet 'n hard Artisan Cheese Plate ($14/18)

- garlicky 'n thyme, complimentary Olive Oil Dip with crusty French Bread

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I've been to Little Next Door routinely for Brunch & Lunch, and each time I leave wanting to come back for more. I can't get enough of their Smoked Salmon on Brioche, Mediterranean Spread, Grilled Vegetable & Polenta Napoleon Stack, Hibiscus Champagne Cocktails, and French Macaroons.

Naturally I had to round out my experience by coming to dinner strictly for the Duck Breast a L'orange. It has a crispy skin outside, a juicy inside so tender it's bordering on raw, and magnificent Mandarin Grand Marnier Honey 'n Thyme Reduction. The Brussel Sprouts are simply fresh. However, the Jasmine Rice could use a little more of Julia Child's favorite ingredient, beurre.

As for the Salmon, I've been known to order this expensive item for takeout once before. Fish I cannot live without. And one particular cold rainy night I just had to be wrapped up in Butter & Saffron. But this time around, when I was out with the girls, I was soooo stuffed from the abundance of my Duck, I could only take un petite bite of my friend Julia's (not Child's) plate. It was like a love affair reconciled – a sweet, fluffy 'n floral roll in the hay (flavor-wise).

I snagged a bite from another friend's French Onion Soup. Classic, bready 'n crusty with a touch of Parsley.

The Artisan Cheese Plate can do no wrong with a Bleu, a Brie, a Creamy Goat, Caramelized Pecans, Red Grapes, and Apple Slices.

And the complimentary Parsley Spiced Olive Oil Dip is a nice touch you'll all be fighting (gracefully) over.

Check out their special Christmas & New Years Eve Menus.

Bon Appetit!

8142 West 3rd Street, LA CA 90048. 323.951.1210

Magnolia Bakery arrives in LA with guilt free sized Cupcakes and IceBox Desserts too

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If you're a Sex And The City FANatic, you know Magnolia Bakery from Carrie & Miranda's famous cupcake eating scene discussing her new crush, Aidan, in Season 3, Episode 5, "no ifs, ands or butts." If not, Magnolia Bakery opened in New York on Bleecker Street back in 1996, and has been famous for their daily, made from scratch Cupcakes, Icebox Desserts (Pies, Cakes & Mini Cheesecakes), Brownies, Muffins & Squares.

If you live in LA and always "couldn't help but wonder" what they taste like, now's your chance because after months of rumors and impatient waiting, Magnolia Bakery finally opened on 3rd St in West Hollywood last Friday!

Now it's time for the goods. And, yes I just ate cupcakes for Breakfast. No, I don't feel bad about it because I only had 1/4 each of 3 (for now), and balanced it out with 1/2 a Raisin Bran Muffin. So there. 

The Grubdown:

- my favorite, extremely moist & velvety, Chocolate Cupcake with sugary Vanilla Buttercream Frosting & Chocolate Sprinkles ($2.75)

- fluffy, old-fashioned buttery yellow cake flavor Vanilla Cupcake with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting & Pink Orb Sprinkles ($2.75)

- misses the rich cocoa mark, yet still light 'n fluffy Red Velvet Cupcake with airy Whipped Vanilla Cream Icing ($3.25)

- still warm, super moist, happy 'n healthy, one of the best I've had Raisin Bran Muffin ($2.25)

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I was so excited to taste Magnolia's Cupcakes again that I went at the first shot I got – 8am Wednesday morning. I know what you're thinking, "Cupcakes for Breakfast?" Not to worry. It's best to eat your carbs in the morning, so you can burn them off all day long. 

Upon walking in the bakery, I couldn't help but...notice the down-home country cute 'n ivory fresh decor, and super smiley, friendly service – the people behind the counter were happily taking out fresh trays of baked goodies for me to snap some pics.

I started with the Raisin Bran Muffin – I always say, "Eat your veggies first," but in this case it had to be the grains. Still warm from being fresh out the oven, the Muffin tastes buttery, moist, and is packed with Plump Raisins. It's definitely one of the fluffiest bran muffins I've had, and probably the best since it's not overly branned-out-dense, honey gooey, or dry.

On to the Chocolate Cupcake with Pastel Blue Vanilla Buttercream Frosting. Just looking at the cupcake, somehow I knew it would be my favorite, and low and behold it was. The Chocolate Cake is everything you want it to be – buttery, moist, fluffy & flavorful without being too rich or dense like Sprinkles'. The Vanilla Buttercream Frosting is a bit sugary, but still smooth.

Even though the Vanilla Cupcake has the same Frosting as the Chocolate, somehow it tastes less sugary and more buttery. Perhaps it's because the cake itself hearkens back to the buttery yum of yellow cakes back in the '50s. But, this Cupcake is lighter in color and density, making some serious magic in your mouth when combined with the Pastel Yellow Frosting.

Finally, the Red Velvet Cupcake. After reading much animosity from various bloggers like, "How COULD they use Vanilla frosting instead of Cream Cheese?!?", I'm happy to report that Cream Cheese Icing IS available, you probably just have to specify when ordering it. I, however, was still curious to taste what all the fuss was about. The Cupcake itself is light 'n fluffy, but really misses that red velvety dark cocoa richness. And I actually really enjoyed how airy and whipped creamy the Frosting tastes, but would prefer it on a different cupcake like Chocolate.

The fluffiness and guilt-free, just-right size of Magnolia's Cupcakes really won me over, once again. So if you're not a fan of Sprinkles' large & sometimes rather dense cupcakes, I'd definitely direct you here. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Sprinkles' Strawberry, Chocolate Coconut, Red Velvet & Dark Chocolate Cupcakes, but they're definitely hard to finish in one sitting.

Magnolia sells 12 other Cupcake flavors like Caramel Meringue Buttercream & German Chocolate ($3.25). Some of their specialty items include 16 Cakes like Devil's Food & Peppermint Icebox ($26-55), 10 Pies like Apple Crumb & Peanut Butter Ice Box ($24), and 7 Mini Cheesecakes like Key Lime & White Chocolate Macademia ($5.50). They even make old-fashioned Whoopie Cookies ($2.50) and a "Famous Banana Pudding" ($4.50-36). To drink there's Apple Cider, Iced Tea, Homemade Lemonade, and Iced & Hot Coffees ($1.50-4). And to give there are Gift Baskets ($10-65), Aprons, Cookbooks, Sprinkle Jars, and T-shirts.

8389 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048. 323-951-0636.

P.S. I also had a chance to sample one of their complimentary Magic Cookie Bars at the counter, and it's mouth-droppingly delish. Enjoy!