Posted November 6th, 2008 by Meg
A few weeks ago my boyfriend and I were down in Hermosa Beach area and I had remembered that supposedly the best gelato in Los Angeles could be found nearby at Paciugo Gelato. Paciugo was started by the Ginatta family after they moved from Torino, Italy to Dallas, Texas (which is why they are currently predominantly found in TX). They opened up shop in 2000 and after years of perfecting their product and people showing interest they began to franchise in 2004. The gelato is made fresh every moring without preservatives and fructose corn syrup. They even have nutritional information on their website which is surprisingly not too guilt inducing. This is probably because their gelato is made from whole milk and not butterfat which is commonly found in ice cream.
My entrance was warmly welcomed by the friendly and happy people behind the counter. There was quite an array of flavors including the traditional (vanilla and chocolate) to the unique and intriguing (violet, chocolate extra virgin olive oil, sweet potato organic maple syrup). They also let me sample a fair share of them before I made the executive decision: Pumpkin Pie, Pannacotta (Wedding Cake), Mediterranean Sea Salt Caramel, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl. The gelato was thick and creamy. Although I have never tried to eat velvet, if I did this is what I would hope it would taste like. Each flavor had subtle wonderful hints: spicy finish to the pumpkin pie, hint of vanilla in the creamy wedding cake, lovely toffee taste found in the sea salt caramel, and the sweetness of hazelnut in the chocolate swirl in the peanut butter.
The location is close to the beach which means on the weekends it is crowded and parking is unfortunately limited and/or costs money. Overall, I think it is almost as good as Scoops in quality, but sadly is even longer of a distance to travel for me. However! Looking at their website, it shows that Paciugo’s are coming soon to the following Los Angeles areas:
California-Los Angeles / (Coming Soon)
California-San Diego / (Coming Soon)
California-Santa Monica! / (Coming Soon)
California-Thousand Oaks / (Spring 2009)
California-Orange County / (Coming Soon)
Paciugo Gelato
1034 Hermosa Ave
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Posted November 5th, 2008 by Meg
I was lost but now I am found. I’m sure I’ve led a lot of people to believe that I lounge around my apartment eating peanut butter (and frosting). But the truth is, I rarely eat peanut butter. I love the taste of it, but for so long have I have not included it into my meal rotation. At least that was until this past weekend. My boyfriend and I spent a lazy Sunday morning at one of our favorite breakfast places: JuJu (the cereal bar! remember?) I walked in sleepy eyed knowing that I wanted to change my bowl. I wanted more than just fruit, milk, and cereal. Instead of exponentially increasing my chances of adult onset diabetes by ordering the frosted flakes with chocolate syrup, gummi bears, and and chocolate milk, I chose this crazy concoction: Hemp granola, peanut butter puffins, bananas, blueberries, skim milk, and PEANUT BUTTER. I had no idea what to expect and was a little hesitant about the milk and peanut butter. But, when I saw the prepared bowl, I knew it was going to be okay. In fact, it was a perfect combination of taste and textures: yummy, chewy, creamy, crunchy, gooey, chunky, etc. I know some might consider me crazy, but… so be it. Peanut butter is amazing. If you don’t believe me, it’s okay because I have found others like me: Peanut Butter Lovers.
I’ve gone beyond just ordering it on the weekends. Inspired by my bowl at JuJu and by Diana Takes A Bite’s recipe, I went out and bought some peanut butter. Like Diana, I add the peanut butter to my morning oatmeal breakfast. She has a more developed recipe; I have lazily stuck to adding just bananas and peanut butter - for now. It has made a world of difference on elevating my energy. Also, in combination with the morning coffee, it has quite the thermogenic effect on my body, which is nice because it’s so cold in the morning these days!
JuJu Cereal Bar
1248 Westwood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 474-8571
Posted November 5th, 2008 by Meg
Yesterday, I experienced a plethora of emotions: nervousness, excitement, eagerness, and happiness. I was oozing with anticipation and shed tears of joy for what is to come in the future. That’s right, today is my 100th post! For the past three months I have put a lot of time into this little internet nugget of joy and am so proud of my commitment and consistency. I raise my glass to my five readers and cheer for many more posts to come!
Posted November 4th, 2008 by Meg
I know it’s been approximately two weeks since the annual White Trash Tasting at Colorado Wine Company took place, but I must mention how great it was! [Or maybe "I thot it wers pertd dam goot" would be more appropriate? Or maybe that's too inappropriate(ly wonderful)]. Every wine was paired with the delicious delicacies any income bracket can enjoy: Boules de Fromage, Charcuterie de 7-Eleven, Frito Tarte, and Gâteau au Chocolat en Plastique. (Translation: Cheese puffs, Slim Jims, Homemade Chili and Frito Chips, and last but not least a Ding Dong). In the few short hours between 4pm and 6pm, CoWineCo transformed into a magical world: crowded like Target on a Sunday, tasty like Taco Bell at 3am, and the feeling of a receiving a great deal like a Birthday card filled with cash.
My roommate, boyfriend, and I arrived shortly after 4 to find the place packed to full capacity. Never before had I seen a wine for line and never before have I waited so happily in line for wine! The service was impeccable as usual. When I arrived it was John at the register, Jen at the food table, and George & Drew serving the wine. Although busy, everyone was in great spirits. This was probably my favorite part about the whole event because a lot can be said about a staff that is friendly, passionate, and thoughtful. I want to go on a tangent about it, but I’m stopping myself. Just know that I think this place is the tops.
In the end, the pairing of wine AND food was a wonderful reminder to me that I shouldn’t only drink my wine after dinner. Instead, I should buy more bottles so I can drink while eating and when I am not eating. Thank You, CoWineCo.
Colorado Wine Company
2114 Colorado Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 478-1985
Posted November 3rd, 2008 by Meg
I can’t believe November has arrived.
Found this gem near Wilshire & 14th. Gobble, gobble…
Posted November 2nd, 2008 by Meg
No.
A few weeks ago my boyfriend and I were down in Hermosa Beach area and I had remembered that supposedly the best gelato in Los Angeles could be found nearby at Paciugo Gelato. Paciugo was started by the Ginatta family after they moved from Torino, Italy to Dallas, Texas (which is why they are currently predominantly found in TX). They opened up shop in 2000 and after years of perfecting their product and people showing interest they began to franchise in 2004. The gelato is made fresh every moring without preservatives and fructose corn syrup. They even have nutritional information on their website which is surprisingly not too guilt inducing. This is probably because their gelato is made from whole milk and not butterfat which is commonly found in ice cream.
