Brentwood Farmer’s Market

In the past 2 years, I have never walked down the road to the Brentwood Farmer’s Market on San Vincente (and Gretna Green) on Sunday. I have definitely ran past it quite a few times, but never thought to myself what a great idea it would be to stop in. Last Sunday, I made a point to wake up extra early on my day off to beat the crowd, heat, and find some good vegetables. I noticed I was falling into quite the stereotype as I made my journey there:

1. Apple product in tow
2. North Face hooded sweatshirt  - (outdoor performance clothes)
3. The fact that I was going to a Farmer’s Market
4. Searching for organic food

And I’m sure many others…

I got there at 9:15, but the place was already filling up with the yoga pant wearing yuppy moms and their children common to Santa Monica. Since it was early, everything went swimmingly. I came home with these goods:

I’ve only tried one of the eggplants and it was a little too ripe, but I have hope that the others will be better. The broccoli is good. I loved these bell peppers, but am afraid they might not be organic (they look too good to believe they are organic :P). I am used to getting apples from Whole Foods and for the most part they are much bigger than the ones I have been seeing at Farmer’s Market, but I took a chance with a few of these and they seem okay. I was only able to find fuji and pink lady apples, which is great because I enjoy both (especially the latter). However, I wish I could find some that are in better condition. I might have to continue shopping for apples at WF (although that can be expensive), I’m not sure though - I’m still searching for more local options.

One stand that I fortunately was able to try samples from was the Moon Pillow stand. Moonpillows are mochi truffles -  rice pastries with chocolate ganache centers. Exactly like mochi ice cream, but not with ice cream in the middle - but chocolate (the mochi exterior is a little softer). I was able to try the Chocolate Peanut Butter and it was amazing. They are handmade in small batches, so you won’t be seeing these sold at Starbucks anytime soon. In fact, I think the only place you can get them in Los Angeles is at the Brentwood Farmer’s Market (or you could order them online). The flavors rotate. Right now their website states there are Thanksgiving flavors (French Roast, Maple-Pecan, Passion Fruit, and Pumpkin Spice) which will be around until December 2nd. The picture is of the Maple-Pecan.

If I had had more cash on me that day, I probably would have bought some because they are fluffy, chewy, and delicious. Sadly, I had only planned ahead for vegetables and good chocolate is never cheap: $23 for a box of twelve, $12 for a box of six, $6 for a box of three. If you get a chance - check them out, buy a box, and then come over to my apartment to share.

Brentwood Farmer’s Market: 9am - 1pm

Lies & Regifts

My boyfriend recently was given a bottle of red wine (Kono Báru 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon) and some candles from a friend for his birthday. Although it sounds like a sweet and innocent gift, it is not. First, who gives their friends candles for their birthday or ever? (Bizarro). Second, everyone that is friends with my boyfriend knows that he does not like red wine. To add to this shadiness, his friend claims the wine came from Mel and Rose’s and was worth thirty dollars. However, I accidently found this upside down label selling at Trader Joe’s for $3.99! I also called Mel and Rose’s to confirm the price, but they told me they had never heard of the brand and did not sell it. Thus, confirming the sketchiness of the story. Even though all signs point to regifting and lying, it did work out to my benefit: I got a free bottle of wine.

The wine was better than expected. It was low complexity and sweet. It had a medium body, monotone flavor, and a short finish. No notes of dryness. It was inoffensive and uninteresting, but still palatable. Overall, a good buy lie.

Cocktail Grapefruit

I was in Whole Foods produce section when out of the corner of my eye I saw a giant lime. Or maybe it was  green orange. Was it St. Patty’s Day already? Or is Whole Foods selling fruit that has grown thick layers of mold, renaming their moldy oranges to “furoranges” and seeing how many yuppy suckers will buy it; Furorange will reduce wrinkles, cause weight loss, fight cancer, and will help you find happiness!

Although my imagination was running wild, I was quickly brought back down to Earth when I read the sign that said it was Cocktail Grapefruit. Sadly there was no mold or promises of happiness. But, like a good yuppy sucker around a novelty fruit item, I put it in my basket.

I tried it this morning without doing any research. I assumed it was part of the grapefruit family and that it would be sweet, tart, and acidic. My taste buds were pleasantly surprised to find it to be just juicy, sweet, soft and lacking that grapefruit bite. My research has found that this green delight is not even a grapefruit, but a cross between a Frua Mandarin orange and a Pummelo. Whatever family it comes from, I wouldn’t discriminate because it tastes wonderful. I would love to use it in a cocktail, but alas it is 6:36am.

Intelligentsia: Kurimi, Ethiopia Yirgacheffe

Me: What do you want to do today?

BF: I don’t know, what do you want to do?

Me: I don’t care, whatever….

BF: How about we get some coffee?

Me: Intelligentsia??!??!???!

BF: Yeah…

Me: You’ll drive??????

BF: Only if you buy me a cup of coffee.

Me: Deal!

And that’s how I ended up with a bag of Kurimi, Ethiopia Yirgacheffe. Usually it’s my idea to go out and procure beans, so I was pleasantly surprised to hear my boyfriend suggest it as a Saturday adventure. Especially since it meant there was less of a chance he would be cranky about driving and gas.

Flavor: Floral, honeysuckle
Acidity: Citrus, juicy
Finnish: Subtle, spice

Kurimi is a shy coffee. A soft, clean, citrus (think lemon/lime and orange) start that turns into a spiced cocoa taste which hangs out for awhile until you’re next sip. At first I had reservations about the citrus taste, but as I continued sipping, the cup opened up to me and told me it’s secrets, allowing me to recognize the beauty from sweet beginning to the calming and resonating end.

Intelligentsia
3922 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 663-6173

Father’s Office 2: Bone Marrow

I love eating bone marrow for two reasons:

1. It’s delicious!

2. It creeps out my boyfriend and is something he would never be willing to even taste

Last time I was at Father’s Office in Culver City I ordered the Bone Marrow. The only prior experience I have had with bone marrow was from Mozza Pizzeria which set the standards high and left me wanting more. I know FO is able to execute amazing dishes so I was not hesitant nor surprised to find their bone marrow appetizing and mouth watering. Bone marrow is like a gelatinous spread similar to jelly. The proper way to eat the bone marrow is to spread it on bread/toast, and add salt. Like a good marrow, it likes to cling onto the bone so it sometimes require more of a scraping motion than a simple scoop. Which sucks because those little bones are hot when they come out and will burn if you are impatient like me. Although the salt is simple, it plays a key role and unlocked the robustness of the marrow. And of course the oiled up bread acted more than just a transportation device to the mouth by highlighting the taste of the salted marrow and adding an extra chewy texture component. The side of greens I felt was more for presentation, but I love capers so it was a nice refreshing side.

I would order this again, which says a lot because usually I go to FO for the burger (and beer!). Apparently Anthony Bourdain is also a fan of bone marrow and has stated that if he were on death row this would be his last meal. He refers to it as a comfort food. At 10-15 dollars a plate (2-3 bones) It’s more like a comfortable living food. I wish I could live in a world where bone marrow is the new mac and cheese.

Father’s Office II
3229 Helms Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 736-2224‎

JuJu…and peanut butter.

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

Colorado Wine Company: White Trash Tasting

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