Eat in West Hollywood: La Conversation

Classic Salad Nicoise with ahi tuna, green beans, red onion, new potatoes, Roma tomatoes, hard boiled egg, Nicoise olives, and balsamic vinaigrette




Tostada Salad with iceberg lettuce, black beans, feta, onion, tomato, cilantro grilled corn, and grilled chicken on a baked flour tortilla


Eggs La Conversation with scrambled eggs, croissant, and filet mignon


Cappuccino

After walking by La Conversation for years, I finally visited this French cafe and bakery a couple weeks ago. Located on the West Hollywood side of Doheny north of Santa Monica, La Conversation is known for serving a variety of omelettes, salads, pastries, and more.

I tried the Classic Salad Nicoise with ahi tuna, green beans, red onion, new potatoes, Roma tomatoes, hard boiled egg, Nicoise olives, and balsamic vinaigrette. It was pretty good. All the ingredients were fresh, prepared perfectly, and tasted great together. They gave me a generous portion of seared ahi tuna. My mom enjoyed her Tostada Salad, as did my brother like his modified Eggs La Conversation. I also had a cappuccino with the most foam I've ever had. It was stronger than I'm used to, but I'm definitely not complaining.

The highlight of the visit was seeing the restaurant's interior. It's a lot larger on the inside with its high ceilings covered with red and white striped wallpaper that resembles fabric waving in the wind. Along the walls, you'll find a few paintings, porcelain vases and plates, and elaborate chandeliers hanging from above. Within their bakery display cases, there's a wide selection of éclairs, tarts, cakes, and other treats.

When we visited, we noticed that there were many Europeans patronizing the cafe which seems like no coincidence. After all, La Conversation feels like more of slice of Paris than a bakery on the Westside. I will have to try dessert the next time I stop by this quaint cafe.

La Conversation
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638 N. Doheny Dr., West Hollywood, CA 90069
Open: Monday - Saturday 7 - 7, Sunday 8 - 4

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Eat in Los Angeles: Churros Calientes

Churro Grande filled and topped with dulce de leche


Churros Largos with a side of sweet condensed milk for dipping

A couple weeks ago, I tried Churros Calientes with my pal Jing. Located on Santa Monica between Sawtelle and Barrington, this West LA churro place serves the sugary treat as well as paninis, salad, coffee, and other fixins.

I tried the Churros Largos with a side of sweet condensed milk for dipping, while Jing had the Churro Grande with dulce de leche carefully added on top and inside. Both of our desserts were very good. Their Spanish-style churros are made fresh-to-order and sweetened with just the right amount of sugar. My more traditional churros were complemented by the sweet condensed milk perfectly. Jing ordered one of the must-try dishes: the Churro Grande with a cup of hot chocolate on the side. Made with high-quality organic cacao beans, it is little wonder why their hot chocolate is so good.

Besides sweet condensed milk and dulce de leche, you can also add chocolate, guava, or strawberry sauce to your churro. They also serve a variety of coffee drinks that look delicious in their own right. The next time I stop by, I'll try the Churro Grande with a cappuccino.

What have you tried at Churros Calientes?

Craving more photos from Churros Calientes? Of course.

Churros Calientes
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11521 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
Open: Tuesday - Friday 5:30 - 10:30, Saturday - Sunday 11:30 - 10:30

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Eat in Los Angeles: Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle

Char Siu Tsukemen ramen with char siu (barbecued pork) and a seasoned boiled egg

A couple weeks ago, I visited Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle with my buddy and food whisperer Jing. This West LA restaurant on Sawtelle has been crowned one of the best ramen places in the city on various lists (like this one) and has found a fan in Los Angeles Times food critic Jonathan Gold.

I ordered the main attraction: the Char Siu Tsukemen ramen with barbecued pork (char siu) and a seasoned boiled egg. What makes this ramen different from what I'm used to is that it has its own way of being eaten. As you can see above, the noodles, pork slices, and lime come in one bowl, while the broth is separate. What you do is dip a mouthful of noodles into the broth with your chopsticks and then eat it as usual. As Jonathan Gold touched on in his review, the broth is very thick and contains a lot more than meets the eye, namely the perfectly boiled egg, more pork, green onions, and everything else that makes the broth so flavorful. Since the broth is very greasy and concentrated, it is served on its own. After you finish about half of the noodles, you can add the lime juice into the broth. Although, according to my waiter, you should be absolutely certain you want to do so, since it will change the broth's taste entirely. You can then continue eating the soup as before, or, ask your waiter to dilute the broth if you'd like to drink it.

This ramen definitely lives up to its hype. The broth is slow-simmered for sixty hours, after which point seafood is added to give it an extra sweetness. The pork is nice and fatty, complemented by the thick, oily broth. I would definitely order this dish again.

If you're planning to visit, try to stop by early because this spot seems very popular. If you've visited Tsujita LA, what did you order?

 Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle

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2057 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
Open: Daily 11am - midnight

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Coffee in Los Angeles: Tierra Mia Coffee

Cappuccino Italiano

I'd like to add Tierra Mia Coffee to my (unofficial, unwritten) list of must-try coffee shops in Los Angeles. A couple weeks ago, I visited their Echo Park location on Alvarado just off of Sunset with a friend.

Given my current cappuccino kick, I ordered the Cappuccino Italiano. In short, it was pretty amazing. It had the perfect taste and just the right amount of foam. It was also pretty large. I would definitely try it again.

I'll try the Horchata Latte the next time I'm in Echo Park, Oakland, or the Mission.

Tierra Mia Coffee
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1202 N. Alvarado St., Los Angeles, CA 90026
Open: Daily 6:30am - 10pm

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Eat in Los Angeles: Sage Vegan Bistro

Mediterranean Grilled Vegetable Salad with olives, chickpeas, hummus, and eggplant on a bed of mixed baby greens

I visited Sage Vegan Bistro a couple weeks ago with a vegan friend of mine. Located on West Sunset Blvd. between Echo Park Ave. and Glendale Blvd., this hip Echo Park eatery is known for a wide selection of vegan salads, sandwiches, burgers, and even KindKreme ice cream.

Opting out of the meat-adjacent options, I instead tried the Mediterranean Grilled Vegetable Salad that came with grilled red bell peppers, squash, artichoke, kalamata olives, chickpeas, and raisins over mixed baby greens. It was served with two pieces of toast covered with a hummus and an eggplant spread. The whole meal was really good. The dressing was tasty and very tangy, while the veggies were fresh. I would definitely order this salad again.

The next time I stop by, I might order one of their smoothies or some ice cream. If you've visited Sage's Echo Park location, what did you try?

Sage Vegan Bistro

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1700 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026
Open: Monday - Wednesday 11 - 10, Thursday - Friday 11 - 11, Saturday 9 - 4 & 5 - 11, Sunday 9 - 4 & 5 - 10

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Eat in Culver City: Coolhaus

Left: Brown Butter Candied Bacon ice cream made with a brown butter, maple, and bacon base, with candied bacon bits
Right: Pistachio Black Truffle ice cream made with Sicilian pistachio and black truffle mushrooms

No visit to Los Angeles is complete without a trip to a fancy pants ice cream shop. A couple weeks ago, my mom and I tried Coolhaus in Culver City for the first time. Located on Washington between Sherbourne and Cattaraugus, this trendy ice cream spot serves interesting flavors like Goat's Milk Caramel, Spicy Pineapple with Cilantro, Fruit Loops Cereal Milk, and more.

I tried the Brown Butter Candied Bacon, while my mom had the Pistachio Black Truffle. The bacon ice cream was divine. Its base of brown butter, maple, and bacon had the bold flavor you'd expect from an ice cream with bacon in it. To top it off, it had a very good portion of candied bacon bits mixed throughout, which provided a great balance of sweet and salty. I would definitely try it again. It's the kind of ice cream I'll dream about for a while. My mom described her ice cream as very creamy and having a subtle pistachio flavor she liked.

The next time I visit, I might try one of their signature ice cream sandwiches with snickerdoodles on the outside or a hand-dipped ice cream bar. What would you recommend trying at Coolhaus?

There are more photos from Coolhaus right this way...

Coolhaus

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8588 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
Open: Sunday - Thursday 12 - 10, Friday - Saturday 12 - 11

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Work It, Los Angeles: Shelly

Shelly is wearing a vintage dress, sunglasses from Crossroads Trading Co., Miss L Fire heels, and a purse from Pinup Girl Clothing. You can follow her on Instagram.

Spotted at Melrose Trading Post.
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Work It, Los Angeles: Haruna

Haruna is wearing a vintage top and denim shorts, and Y R U shoes. You can follow her on Instagram.

Spotted at Melrose Trading Post.
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Work It, Los Angeles: Kaho

Kaho is wearing a top, skirt, and kimono jacket from Urban Outfitters, hat from Melrose Trading Post, and Forever 21 wedges. You can follow her on Instagram.

Spotted at Melrose Trading Post.
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Eat in Los Angeles: Little Dom's

Italian sausage, peppers, and smoked mozzarella frittata


Ricotta cheese and blueberry pancakes with maple syrup


(Breakfast) Pizza with sunny side up eggs, speck, mozzarella, and tomato sauce






Cappuccino

Over the past few years, I've learned that brunch can be a hit-or-miss experience. Oftentimes, over-hyped brunch spots don't live up to my expectations. Fortunately, Little Dom's in Los Feliz is not one of them. Their brunch is everything I wanted and then some. Last weekend, I visited the Los Angeles-based restaurant on Hillhurst and Avocado for the first time with two old friends.

After reading about the Breakfast Pizza on LAist, I knew I had to try it for myself. It has a thin, floury crust as its base, which is then covered with tomato sauce, mozzarella, sunny side up eggs, slices of speck (a type of prosciutto), and sprinkles of basil. It's pretty much as good as it looks. It's great for one (hungry) person, or for sharing with the whole table. It was prepared perfectly and would satisfy any fan of smoked pork and eggs. My friends had the frittata made with Italian sausage, peppers, and smoked mozzarella, and the ricotta and blueberry pancakes, both of which they enjoyed. I was also served a great cappuccino.

When we visited on a Sunday around 11, there was no wait, which is not often the case. They've got an old school restaurant vibe and seats named after celebrity patrons like Jon Hamm. The next time I visit, I'll probably try another one of their egg specials like the Polenta and Fried Egg or the Scrambled Eggs Bruschetta.

If you've stopped by Little Dom's, what did you try?

You're gonna need more photos of the Breakfast Pizza in your life. Stat.

Little Dom's

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2128 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027
Breakfast and Lunch: Daily 8 - 3
Dinner: Sunday - Thursday 6 - 11, Friday - Saturday 6 - midnight

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Eat in Los Angeles: The Pie Hole

Earl Grey Tea pie


Mexican Chocolate pie


Cappuccino

Although I've known about The Pie Hole for a couple years, I finally visited their Arts District location last week. Located on Traction Avenue on the eastern side of Downtown Los Angeles, this pie shop serves an impressive selection of pies in sweet and savory flavors as well as any type of coffee you desire.

When I stopped by with my mom, we ordered a slice of the Earl Grey Tea and the Mexican Chocolate pies. I also got a cappuccino and she a drip coffee. The pies were fantastic. The Earl Grey Tea had that delicate earl grey flavor that I love, a flaky pastry crust, a thin layer of chocolate in between, and was topped with pistachios. The Mexican Chocolate pie was made with a thick chocolate filling, a crumbly graham cracker crust, and a healthy portion of whipped cream. These pies were nothing like I've had before and completely satisfied my craving for pie, which has lasted for what's felt like years. This is one of those places where you know the food is made carefully and with a lot of love.

To top it off, they serve some great coffee, too. I've heard from several people that the coffee is a must-try, and even the main event if you're not in the mood for dessert. My cappuccino was huge and prepared perfectly. My mom also enjoyed her organic drip coffee.

The next time I visit, I'll try a Chicken and Cornbread Pot Pie or a Mac and Cheese Hand Pie. You can learn more about The Pie Hole by watching this video by The Bold Italic.

Looking for more photos from The Pie Hole? Here you are.

The Pie Hole

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714 Traction Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90013
Open: Monday - Thursday 7am - 10pm, Friday 7am - 11pm, Saturday 8am - 11pm, Sunday 8am - 10pm

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Eat in Los Angeles: Eggslut

Egg Salad sandwich with hard-cooked eggs, chives, honey mustard aioli, and dressed arugula on a Portuguese bun

After learning about Eggslut from one of my favorite bloggers, Christina of Profresh Style, I stopped by their shop last week. Located inside Grand Central Market on Broadway and 3rd in Downtown Los Angeles, Eggslut offers a variety of sandwiches, burgers, and sides served with―you guessed it―eggs.

I tried the Egg Salad sandwich made with hard-cooked eggs, chives, honey mustard aioli, and dressed arugula on a Portuguese bun. This is basically a traditional egg salad with more of a kick. The heartiness of the egg salad was complemented by the tangy dressed arugula. All of the flavors fused to create an interesting sandwich I would definitely order again.

The next time I visit I'll order the Fairfax, which is composed of soft scrambled eggs, chives, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and Sriracha mayo in a Portuguese bun.

Have you visited Eggslut or Grand Central Market?

Wanna see more photos from Eggslut? Eggcellent!

Eggslut

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317 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Open: Daily 8 - 4

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Coffee in Los Angeles: Alfred Coffee & Kitchen

Cappuccino

Alfred Coffee & Kitchen is the most LA coffee shop I've visited so far. Tucked away on Melrose Place, Alfred serves Stumptown Coffee and sandwiches, salads, and pastries from Farm Shop. Based on my first visit alone, it seems like their clientele is made up of mostly models and (working) actors. (Read: I'm not in Berkeley anymore.)

I tried the cappuccino, which was very good. I've never had Stumptown's coffee before, but now it's definitely on my repeat list. The cappuccino was larger than what I'm used to, was prepared perfectly, and had tons of foam. Their employees are very nice and their baristas talented. The next time I stop by, I'll try an espresso in one of their signature chocolate dipped cones. (You read that right.)

If you've visited Alfred, what did you try?

Looking for more photos from Alfred Coffee & Kitchen? Let's go.

Alfred Coffee & Kitchen

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8428 Melrose Place A., Los Angeles, CA 90069
Open: Monday - Saturday 7 - 7, Sunday 8 - 4

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Eat in Burbank: Porto's Bakery & Café

Porto's Veggie sandwich with roasted eggplant, red bell peppers, and zucchini, with Havarti cheese, hummus spread, lettuce, and tomatoes on wheat, served with plantain chips


 Cubano sandwich with pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, butter, and mustard and mayonnaise mix on Cuban bread, served with plantain chips


Red Velvet Cupcake and an Iced Mocha


Carrot cake and Parisian chocolate cake

I stopped by Porto's Bakery & Café with my mom for the first time last week. This Cuban bakery is known for their huge selection of baked goods, cakes, and sandwiches. When we visited their Burbank location on W. Magnolia Boulevard, we tried a bit of each.

For lunch, I had a Cubano sandwich made with pork, ham, Swiss, pickles, butter, and mustard and mayonnaise mix on Cuban bread, while my mom ordered Porto's Veggie sandwich with roasted eggplant, red bell peppers, zucchini, Havarti, hummus spread, lettuce, and tomatoes on wheat. Both were very good and filling. The ingredients were all very fresh, especially the bread they baked in-house. They came with a side of light and crunchy plantain chips.

For dessert, we ordered a Red Velvet Cupcake, Carrot cake, and Parisian chocolate cake, all of which were very moist. The cupcake had a good helping of cream cheese frosting on top, while the Parisian had a creamy chocolate mousse-like layer. I also had a delicious Iced Mocha, which was as chocolaty as I desired.

What's great about Porto's is that it's very well-priced and the wait is pretty manageable given how popular it is. The next time I stop by, I'll try the Cappuccino Mousse or the Caramel Flan.

If you've visited Porto's, what did you enjoy trying?

Craving more photos from Porto's Bakery & Café? Yes, ma'am!

Porto's Bakery & Café
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3614 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA 91505
Open: Monday - Saturday 6:30am - 8pm, Sunday 7 - 7

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Coffee in Berkeley: Rasa Caffe

Rose Latte made with sweet rose, saffron, and vanilla


Cookies and Cream Vegan Donut from Pepples Donut Farm

I think I found my new local coffee shop. Located right near Ashby BART on Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Fairview in South Berkeley, Rasa Caffe serves delicious coffee from Bicycle Coffee Co. and vegan donuts from Pepples Donut Farm. 

When I stopped by last weekend, I tried the Rose Latte and a Cookies and Cream donut. Both were quite good. The latte had a delicate rose flavor, which I really enjoyed. The rose taste is subtle, although very much present. You can tell the latte was prepared perfectly, and with great skill and care. The donut was fresh, light, and just the right amount of sweet. It crumbled in my mouth and was complemented by the latte nicely. 

I was fortunate to met the namesake owner of the shop, Rasa Mott, who's an experienced chef and the son of two prominent Black Panther activists. You can learn more about Rasa and his cafe by reading this piece on Berkeleyside or watching his video on Kickstarter. 

The next time I come by, I'll try a cappuccino or their signature chai latte.

Here are more photos from Rasa Caffe. Mmm...

Rasa Caffe
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3140 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley, CA 94703
Open: Monday - Saturday 7:30am - 4:30pm

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