Category Archives: Larchmont

August 30, 2026 · 11:06 am

The Best LA Soft Serve Spots to Cool You Down

It’s hot outside! As we’re all trying to survive this record-breaking heat wave, here’s a special summer edition of Consuming LA featuring a ranked list of the twelve best places to get amazing frozen soft serve treats in Los Angeles. Please stay cool and consume responsibly!

12. Bumsan Organic Milk Bar (Koreatown). This little pink shop on Western Avenue serves super premium soft serve from the leading organic dairy producer in Korea. Pro tip: get the Croffle SoulMate, which combines your choice of soft serve (I love the Taro Milk Tea flavor) with a crispy, caramelized croissant-waffle hybrid.

11. Honeymee (Downtown, Little Tokyo, Gardena, Koreatown). This small chain serves creamy goodness served with a yummy chunk of honeycomb. It’s the bee’s knees!

10. Magpies Softserve (Tarzana, Silver Lake, Highland Park). As a soft serve specialist, Magpies makes some of the best ice cream in town. Their rotating flavors include Thai Tea, Roasted Strawberry, Mexican Hot Chocolate, and my favorite, Corn Almond.

9. Pressed Juicery (multiple locations). This soft serve is vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free, and made with healthier ingredients like fruit and vegetable juices, almonds and coconuts. It’s also incredibly delicious. I recommend the vanilla or chocolate flavor draped with almond butter.

8. The Bigg Chill Frozen Yogurt (Westwood). This is one of the very best yogurt shops in town, with lots of great flavors and even more great toppings, including several different kinds of cookie dough.

7. Indigo Cow (West LA/Sawtelle, Echo Park). This newer addition to the LA ice cream scene serves high-end Hokkaido-style soft serve. Get the Yaki Imo Brulee, which is topped with brûléed sweet potato puree (or pumpkin puree in October!), or the M.B.R., which is topped with mochi, brown sugar syrup and roasted soybean powder.

6. Humphrey Yogart (Sherman Oaks). Located inside Gelson’s Market in Sherman Oaks is another one of the best frozen yogurt shops in LA. They offer something for everyone (including low carb options), but their speciality is custom-blended frozen concoctions exactly per your specifications.

5. Lupaba (Koreatown). This not a frozen dessert shop, but rather an awesome new Italian/Korean pasta bar. If you’re lucky when you eat there, they will have a dessert offering of “BTS,” which is Black Truffle Soft Serve with Brown Butter, and if you love truffle like I do, it will blow you away.

4. Milk Bar (Mid-City). If you’ve never had this dessert shop’s Cereal Milk Ice Cream, you are missing out big time! The soft serve itself tastes like the milk remaining in the cereal bowl once you’ve eaten the cornflakes.

3. Go Greek Yogurt (Studio City, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Mid-City/Larchmont, Brentwood). There’s no hotter food trend right now than protein-rich, high quality, frozen Greek yogurt. The yogurt at Go Greek is pricey and the lines can be long, but it is phenomenal and highly addictive.

2. Hokey Pokey LA (Century City). Three brothers from New Zealand brought their homeland’s famous toffee-infused soft serve ice cream to Century City Mall, and we are the incredibly lucky beneficiaries.

1. Yoga-urt (Santa Monica, Echo Park, Glendale, Granada Hills). It’s vegan and a healthier option, but that aside, it’s the best tasting soft serve in the city. The Chocolate Bliss, Strawberry Serenity and Pistachio Passion flavors are all incredible, but the Peanut Butter Prana is truly to die for.

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Filed under Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Century City, Downtown, Echo Park, Gardena, Glendale, Granada Hills, Highland Park, Koreatown, Larchmont, Mid-City, Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Tarzana, West LA, Westwood

Tagged as best ice cream in LA, best ice cream LA, best ice cream Los Angeles, best soft serve ice cream LA, best soft serve ice cream Los Angeles, best soft serve LA, best soft serve los angeles, best vegan ice cream LA, best vegan ice cream Los Angeles, dairy free frozen desserts LA, dairy free frozen desserts Los Angeles, soft serve ice cream LA, soft serve ice cream Los Angeles, soft serve LA, soft serve Los Angeles

May 31, 2018 · 9:21 am

Melrose Place

While looks aren’t everything, when it comes to food, it’s certainly true that we eat with our eyes first. Great chefs know this and no chef in Los Angeles is more talented in composing visually stunning plates than Kevin Meehan. At Kali, Meehan expertly arranges colorful edible flowers, delicate dehydrated lemon slices and wispy pea tendrils to create beautiful works of art.

Besides looking amazing, the seasonal California cuisine and drinks at Kali taste pretty awesome too. I recommend starting your meal with a “New Pad Thai” cocktail made with Green Chili Vodka, Aqua Perfect, Lime and Coconut Ice, and garnished with bean sprouts and a thin slice of carrot. Enjoy your cocktail with an order of Kali’s signature Black Barley “Risotto” with Fermented Garlic Tea and Fiscalini Cheese Crisp. For entrees, I recommend the Ribeye with Buttermilk Garlic Cream, Charred Onion, Potato, Mushrooms and Ash Sabayon, and the Duck Breast with Smoked Sunchoke, Sage, Squash and Coffee. For dessert, go for the hot sugary Buttermilk Doughnuts. You’re welcome.

Kali is located at 5722 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles (on the border between Hollywood and Larchmont).

Cocktails! New Pad Thai (St. George Green Chili Vodka, Aqua Perfecta, Lime and Coconut Ice) and On_the_DL (Vida Mezcal, Blood Orange, Salt & Pepper, Lime and Jalapeño)

Ridgeback Prawns with Citrus, Nasturtium, Pickled Kumquat, Chive Oil and Preserved Lemon Foam

Yellowtail Crudo with Charcoal, Avocado, Rice Chips, Nasturium and Charred Lemon

Beet Root Tartare with Whipped Creme Fraiche, Tender Garden Herbs, Black Garlic Vinagrette and Toast

Burrata Salad with Dill Pickled Carrots, Almond Granola, Mustard Frills and Whole Grain Toast

Black Barley “Risotto” with Fermented Black Garlic Tea, Wheat Grass and Fiscalini Cheese Crisp

Agnolotti with Smoked Parsnip, Egg Yolk Pasta, Fermented Turnips, Burnt Kale Oil and Almonds

Duck Breast from Liberty Farms with Smoked Sunchoke, Sage, Squash and Coffee

Black Cod with English Peas, Mint Oil, White Chocolate, Almond and Pea Tendrils

Ribeye with Buttermilk Garlic Cream, Charred Onion, Potato, Mushrooms, Ash Sabayon

Pork Loin with Tahitian Squash, Potato Gnocci, Raisin Gremolata and Swiss Chard

Duck Breast with Whipped Polenta, Fermented Blackberry, Fava, Coffee Oil and Kombucha

Bass with Preserved Lemon Steam, Tomato Raisins, Fermented Fennel-Kraut, Garden Herbs and Olive Foam

Buttermilk Doughnuts

Cool, modern and minimalist decor

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Filed under Hollywood, Larchmont, Mid-City

Tagged as beautiful food, cali menu, cali restaurant, chef kevin meehan, Hollywood Restaurants, kali, kali kevin meehan, kali larchmont, kali los angeles, kali melrose, kali menu, kali restaurant, kali restaurant los angeles, kali restaurant menu, larchmont restaurants

May 22, 2014 · 11:54 am

The 13 Best Donut Shops in LA

Loved by cops, Homer Simpson and pretty much everyone else, donuts are entering a renaissance here in Los Angeles. New donut shops are regularly popping up and offering high-end artisan versions of the traditional fried ring-shaped cakes. At the same time, long established shops have been expanding their menus and offering renditions of the latest donut crazes such as maple bacon or the croissant-donut hybrid known as a “cronut.” Excited by these dynamic donut developments, I set out against the advice of my wife and doctor on a mission to find the best donut shops in LA. Here are the winners:

Fresh Peach Stuffed Donut from The Donut Man

1. The Donut Man (915 E Rte 66, Glendora). It’s not only the best donut shop in LA, but probably in the top five for the whole country. Located in Glendora on Historic Route 66, it’s well worth the long car trip, which I like to refer to as a “Pilgrimage to the Hole-y Land,” especially from February until Mid-September when they sell their famous fresh strawberry and/or fresh peach stuffed donuts.

Peanut Butter, Banana and Chocolate Chip Donut from Stan’s Donuts

2. Stan’s Donuts (10948 Weyburn Ave, Los Angeles in Westwood). Since I’m a UCLA graduate, this Westwood mainstay is a sentimental favorite, but it’s hard to imagine anyone not falling in love with these donuts. I’m obsessed with the glazed ones generously stuffed with peanut butter and either fresh bananas or jelly.

Maple Bacon Donut from Primo’s Donuts

3. Primo’s Donuts (2918 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles in West LA). This little old-school shop on the Westside has sold consistently awesome donuts since 1956. Everything here is super fresh (it helps that Primo’s is only open in the morning and afternoon) and are made from super high-quality ingredients. The glazed Buttermilk Bars, which are slightly crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside, are not to be missed.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Filled Glazed Donut from Donut Friend

4. Donut Friend (5107 York Blvd, Los Angeles in Highland Park). Located on newly gentrified, hipster-laden York Boulevard, Donut Friend is a place to unleash your inner pastry chef. You can design your own custom donut creation by selecting a base donut and picking fillings or toppings such as Nutella, maple or chocolate glaze, fresh fruit, chopped nuts, crushed Oreo cookies, bacon and even Sriacha!

Chocolate Raised Donut from Bob's Coffee & Doughnuts

Chocolate Glazed Raised Donut from Bob’s Coffee & Doughnuts

5. Bob’s Coffee & Doughnuts (6333 W 3rd St #450, Los Angeles in the Original Farmers Market). Bob’s is an LA instituion, and for good reason. They sell some of the yummiest donuts in town. I especially recommend their warm and uber-fresh Apple Fritters and, if you’re a chocolate lover, you can’t go wrong with one of their Chocolate Glazed Raised Donuts.

Mambo Italiano Donut from Glazed Donut Bistro

6. Glazed Donut Bistro (8807 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood). This brand spanking new eatery is dedicated to creative gourmet donut concoctions for grownups, such as the “S’more Please” with chocolate ganache, crumbled graham cracker streusel and house-made marshmallows, and the “Mambo Italiano” with pistachio glaze, homemade ricotta cheese, chocolate curls and a maraschino cherry. They also offer savory donut treats. UPDATE: Glazed Donut Bistro is closed. Selling donuts in fitness-conscious Boys-town was maybe not such a great idea.

Original Glazed Doughnut from Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

7. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (4034 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles in South Los Angeles). Yes, it’s a chain, but it’s better than 90% of all donut places in town. The Original Glazed can’t be beat. The freshest ones come from the South Los Angeles location where they are made right on the premises while you watch.

Original Croissant Style from Kettle Glazed

8. Kettle Glazed (6211 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles in Hollywood). Another new kid on the block, Kettle Glazed is a purveyor of small batch artisan donuts. Daily offerings may include Lemon-Blueberry, Vanilla Bean Glazed and different types of Cronuts. They also have gluten-free options.

Glazed Ube Donut from DK's Donuts & Bakery

9. DK's Donuts & Bakery (1614 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica). This family run shop might have the biggest variety of donuts in the city. Pretty much all donut trends can be found here including several types of Cronut knockoffs. But they also create new varieties as well, including three types of donuts made with ube, a purple yam which is extremely popular in the Philippines.

Red Velvet Donut from S K’s Donuts & Croissants

10. S K’s Donuts & Croissants (5850 W 3rd St, Los Angeles in Mid-City). This 24-hour joint produces a bevy of tasty treats. Most of the donuts are traditional but some are modern such as “Skronuts” (their version of Cronuts) and a not-to-be-missed Red Velvet Donut.

Maple Bacon Cronut from California Donuts

11. California Donuts (3540 W 3rd St, Los Angeles in Koreatown). This popular K-town stand is open all night and offers a pretty nice variety. It’s perfect for capping off a nice meal of Korean BBQ or a bowl of Spicy Crab Soup with a sweet treat.

Chocolate Rainbow Sprinkles Donut from Randy’s Donuts

12. Randy’s Donuts (805 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood). Located near LAX, Randy’s is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The 45-foot giant donut-shaped sign on its roof has appeared in countless movies and beckons all who pass by to stop and purchase some very tasty donuts. The assortment here is all traditional, including cake, raised, jelly and old fashioned varieties, as well as apple fritters and bear claws.

Strawberry Cruller from Doughnut Hut

13. Doughnut Hut (2025 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank). Surprisingly, there are not many exceptional donut places in the Valley. But I do like Doughnut Hut in Burbank, not only for their traditional donuts (which I recommend purchasing and consuming early in the day) but for their cool retro-looking red and yellow hut. My favorite donuts here are the crumb cake and orange glazed ones.

Pecan, Caramel and Chocolate Donut from Donut Snob

Honorable Mention: Donut Snob (www.thedonutsnob.com). It’s not a brick and mortar shop, so it doesn’t qualify for my list. However, this company that delivers pricy but scrumptious gourmet donuts (which are similar to those at Glazed Donut Bistro) to your home or work, is worth an honorable mention. You can also buy them at Go Get Em Tiger, a popular coffee bar on Larchmont.

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Filed under Burbank, Glendora, Highland Park, Hollywood, Inglewood, Koreatown, Larchmont, Mid-City, Santa Monica, South Los Angeles, West Hollywood, West LA, Westwood

Tagged as Best Donuts Los Angeles, Best Doughnuts Los Angeles, Bob's Coffee & Donuts, Bob's Coffee & Doughnuts, Bob's Donuts, Bob's Doughnuts, California Donuts, California Doughnuts, Crispy Cream, Crispy Cream Los Angeles, Crispy Creme, Cronuts LA, Cronuts Los Angeles, Croughnuts LA, Croughnuts Los Angeles, DK's Donuts & Bakery, Donut Friend, Donut Hut, Donut Restaurant West Hollywood, Donut Shops Los Angeles, Donut Snob, Donuts Burbank, Donuts Santa Monica, Doughnut Friend, Doughnut Hut, Doughnut Shops LA, Doughnut Snob, Doughnuts Burbank, Doughnuts Santa Monica, Farmer's Market Donut Shop, Galzed Doughnut Bistro, Glazed Donut Bistro, Highland Park Donut Shop, Highland Park Donuts, Kettle Glazed, Kettle Glazed Donuts, Kettle Glazed Hollywood, Krispy Kreme Donuts, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Krispy Kreme LA, Krispy Kreme Los Angeles, Maple Bacon Donuts, Primo's Donuts, Primo's Doughnuts, Randy's Donuts, Randy's Doughnuts, Red Velvet Donuts, S'mores Donut, SK Donuts, SK Doughnuts, SK's Donuts & Croissants, Stan's Donuts, Stan's Donuts Westwood, Stan's Doughnuts, Stan's Westwood, The Donut Man, The Doughnut Man, ube donuts, ube doughnuts

January 7, 2013 · 11:51 am

500 Days of Scones

Last year I rejected the hackneyed New Year’s resolution to eat healthier and instead I boldly declared my resolution to eat more pie. That was so 2012. As we begin 2013, I feel we are entering a new era, an era of both frightening uncertainty and cautious optimism (and I’m not just talking about the Lakers). Accordingly, my resolution this year is to eat more scones!

There is something very warming and comforting about a scone, especially when accompanied by a hot drink on a cold day. First introduced to the world by the the Scots in the early 1500’s, the scone is more popular today than ever. There are two basic kinds of scones: the “cream tea scone” and the “drop scone” (aka “griddle scone”). The cream tea scone is light and fluffy and served with clotted cream and jam during a traditional English afternoon tea. I prefer drop scones (aka griddle scones) which resemble biscuits and are crispy and slightly browned on the outside, delicate and flaky on the inside.

My favorite scones in LA come from Rockenwagner Bakery/3 Square Cafe and Bakery, helmed by Austrian-bred master chef and baker Hans Rockenwagner. Rockenwagner’s scones are insanely good and his varieties include Triberry, Ginger, 5-Grain, Chocolate Chip, Blueberry, Bacon & Cheddar and my favorite, White Chocolate Raspberry. I’m also crazy about the Republic of Pies’ Bacon Scone, which is surprisingly sweet rather than savory. Another unique scone is Short Cake’s Campfire Scone, which tastes just like a S’more and is topped with toasted marshmallow. Below is my list of the top eight scones in the city. Happy New Year!

Raspberry White Chocolate Scone from Rockenwagner Bakery/3 Square Bakery and Cafe in Santa Monica, Mar Vista and Venice

Chocolate Pear Scone from Clementine in Westwood

Bacon Scone from Republic of Pies in North Hollywood

Maple Oatmeal Scone from Sweet Butter Kitchen in Sherman Oaks

Blueberry and Jam Scone from Bricks and Scone (403 N. Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles)

Blueberry and Jam Scone from Bricks and Scones in Larchmont

Campfire Scone from Short Cake in The Farmer’s Market

Ginger Apricot Scone from Susina Bakery & Cafe (7122 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles)

Ginger Apricot Scone from Susina Bakery & Cafe in Mid-City

Oatmeal Brown Butter Scone from Sycamore Kitchen in Mid-City

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Filed under Fairfax, Larchmont, Mar Vista, Mid-City, North Hollywood, Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, Venice, Westwood

Tagged as 3 Square Bakery and Cafe, Best Scones, Best scones in LA, Best Scones in Los Angeles, Bricks and Scones, Bricks and Scones Larchmont, Campfire Scone, Clementine Bakery, Clementine's, Clementines Bakery, Clementines Century City, Clementines Los Angeles, Hans Rockenwagner, History of Scones, Republic of Pies, Republic of Pies North Hollywood, Rockenwagner, Rockenwagner Bakery, Rockenwagner Bakery Culver City, Rockenwagner Bakery Mar Vista, Rockenwagner Bakery Menu, Rockenwagner Bakery Santa Monica, Rockenwagner Bakery Venice, Rockenwagner Scones, S'mores Scone, Scones, Scones and Bricks, Short Cake, Short Cake Bakery, short cake campfire scones, short cake farmer's market, short cake los angles, short cake s'mores scones, Short Order Bakery, Susina, Susina Bakery and Cafe, Susina Los Angeles, Sweet Butter, Sweet Butter Bakery, Sweet Butter Cafe, Sweet Butter Cafe Sherman Oaks, Sweet Butter Kitchen, Sweet Butter Kitchen Sherman Oaks, Sweet Butter Sherman Oaks, Sycamore Kitchen, Sycamore Kitchen Los Angeles, Three Square Bakery and Cafe

November 1, 2012 · 11:30 am

10 Best Sub Sandwich Shops in LA

Subs, Grinders, Hoagies, Po-Boys, Heroes, Submarines. Whatever you call them, they’re a central part of the national diet, especially for lunch. A long roll filled with deli meats and/or cheese along with toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes or peppers, and condiments such as mustard and olive oil sounds like a simple thing to make, but discerning eaters know that not all deli sandwiches are created equal.

When I started this blog, I declared the Godmother at Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery the best sandwich in LA. While I still believe this is true today, for other varieties such as a Caprese or Pastrami sub, I prefer All About the Bread on Melrose Ave., which was clearly inspired by Bay Cities but has shorter lines. Both places have unbelievably amazing, crispy and chewy artisan bread which is baked fresh every 20 or 30 minutes, use Boar’s Head meats and fashion extraordinary combos of bread, meat and cheese using the freshest and tastiest ingredients. While these two places are my clear favorites, there are several others in this city worth visiting. After an extensive amount of carb-loading research, here are my top ten favorite sub sandwich joints in LA:

All About the Bread

#1 (tie) All About the Bread (7111 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles near West Hollywood) The name pretty much says it all. I’ve loved every sandwich I’ve had here, but my favorite is the Buratta with Sundried Tomatoes, Fresh Basil, Homemade Pesto, Tomatoes and Roasted Peppers. It’s one of the best things ever.

The Godmother from Bay Cities

#1 (tie). Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery (1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica) The insanely good bread is the secret to their huge success. My favorite sub is The Godmother (Genoa Salami, Mortadella, Capicolla, Ham, Prosciutto and Provolone) with "The Works." I challenge you to find a better sandwich.

Dan’s Super Subs

#3 Dan’s Super Subs (22446 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills) It’s one of the only restaurants that I love in the West Valley. Their delicious bread has sesame seeds and is steamed for each order. Subs are completed with Dan’s signature chopped tomatoes and pickle spears. Not open on Sundays.

The Jose Andres aka “The Spanish Godfather” at Ink Sack

#4 Ink Sack (8360 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles in West Hollywood) Celebrity Chef Michael Voltaggio’s sandwich shop serves creative versions of classic subs. My favorite is The Jose Andres aka “The Spanish Godfather,” which is named after Voltaggio’s mentor and former boss at The Bazaar. It’s made with Serrano Ham, Chorizo and Manchego Cheese.

Storefront

#5 Storefront (4624 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles in Los Feliz) This Eastside hipster sandwich shop is the new kid on the block and was opened only a few weeks ago by the chefs of Salt’s Cure. I am already impressed with “The Mousa” (pictured above), their Italian deli meat sub which includes picked cayenne peppers.

The No. 3 from Larchmont Village Wine Spirits & Cheese

#6 Larchmont Village Wine Spirits & Cheese (223 N Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles in Mid-City) This gourmet wine and cheese shop has some of the city’s best Italian sandwiches, which are served on either a crusty baguette or soft ciabatta. They all come with a nice little side of olives and cornichons.

Mike’s Deli

#7 Mike’s Deli 4859 W Slauson Ave, Los Angeles in South LA) There are very few tables and it’s generic and fast food-esque in appearance, but this simple deli makes simply great subs with top-notch ingredients including Boar’s Head meats and cheeses. A second location opened recently in Little Tokyo.

The Spicy Italian Sub from Mario’s

#8 Mario’s Italian Deli & Market (740 E Broadway in Glendale) A Glendale institution, Mario’s is an old-school Italian market with all sorts of imported goodies and a very popular deli. They cut their sub rolls in thirds lengthwise, so that there is a “mezzanine” layer of bread in your sandwich between two layers of filling.

Busy Bee Market

#9 Busy Bee Market (2413 S Walker Ave, San Pedro) If you’re in the South Bay, it’s the place to go. This unassuming deli counter in a small and rundown-looking neighborhood market turns out excellent subs on super-soft bread. But be warned: it’s cash only, take-out only, and they’re closed on Sundays.

“The Sandwich” from Roma Italian Deli & Grocery

#10 Roma Italian Deli & Grocery (918 N. Lake Ave, Pasadena) Enter this little Italian market, go to the counter on your right and ask diminutive elderly Rosario to make you “The Sandwich.” Watch as he prepares it with fresh meats and cheese and no toppings or condiments other than olive oil. Consume and enjoy.

UPDATE: I’m sad to report that Storefront has closed. If you enjoy Consuming LA, subscribe for free at the top right of this page and you’ll get an email once a week when I post. And please forward this to your friends, repost on facebook and retweet!