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
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
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