Category: Sweets
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Read More: Wood and WaterWood and Water
PSA: If you live anywhere near Wood and Water and haven’t eaten there yet, you’re making a terrible life decision. Wood and Water delivered a five-star experience from the moment we pulled up to valet. First good sign: we were seated right on time by the owner himself. Second good sign: they handed me a…
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Read More: Burger LoungeBurger Lounge
Last night’s dinner plan was what we like to call “the Murphy Method”—wait until everyone is hungry, then go somewhere that welcomes our four-legged food critic: Burger Lounge. And of course, Murphy the Doodle (MTD) was more than happy to attend. MTD loves Burger Lounge for two very important reasons: We also noticed what looks…
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Read More: The Serving SpoonThe Serving Spoon
My friend and I rolled into The Serving Spoon this morning after reading the LA Times hype, fully prepared to investigate the situation like two extremely serious breakfast journalists 🕵️♀️🍳 I’m happy to report: the hype is not only real… it might actually be an understatement. There were people waiting outside, which is always a…
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Read More: Cha Cha ChickenCha Cha Chicken
I Finally Tried This Santa Monica Spot After Driving Past It for 30 Years… and Now I’m Mad at Myself 🍗🌴 You know that restaurant you pass every single day and always say, “We should try that place sometime”? And then… you don’t. For years. Well, after living in Los Angeles my entire life and…
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Read More: Max and Helen’sMax and Helen’s
I told myself I would wait until the hype around Max & Helen’s died down before going. Reader, the hype did not die.The hype is alive.The hype is thriving.The hype has a gym membership. So my friend Debbie and I bravely drove from Marina del Rey to Larchmont Village through the kind of traffic that…
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Read More: Augie’s On MainAugie’s On Main
We strutted into Augie’s on Main fresh from the Farmers Market, feeling very Santa Monica chic — and Murphy the Doodle immediately became the VIP of the patio scene. Water bowls, tail wags, new canine connections… honestly, he may have had more friends than we did. Now let’s talk about the culinary plot twist: this…
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Read More: All’ Antico VinaioAll’ Antico Vinaio
I was really excited to try All’ Antico Vinaio – Los Angeles after hearing so much hype. We stopped in for lunch and while it was good… I wasn’t exactly blown away. The bread? Excellent. The Italian potato chips? Elite. Truly no notes. I may or may not have stuffed a few into my sandwich…
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Read More: Sadaf Modern Persian CusineSadaf Modern Persian Cusine
Last night we ventured to Sadaf – Encino, a modern Persian restaurant with multiple locations and, apparently, a very relaxed relationship with time. We arrived at 6:35 p.m. and were quoted a “20-minute wait.” Adorable. We were ushered into the bar because the entrance was packed with large parties. (Note: they don’t take reservations for…
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Read More: All About the CinnamonAll About the Cinnamon
Straight outta West Philly, two hip-hop-loving creatives turned a pandemic cinnamon bun craving into a full-blown sugar empire. The concept? “Where hip hop and baking collide.” The execution? Absolutely understood the assignment. Now let’s talk about the important stuff: carbs. A recent cinnamon-fueled adventure to Sherman Oaks brought us to this colorful little gem on…
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Read More: Manhattan Beach CreameryManhattan Beach Creamery
If happiness had a street address in Manhattan Beach, it would absolutely be Manhattan Beach Creamery. I walked in thinking, “I’ll just grab a frozen banana.”I walked out questioning all my life decisions… because HOW do you choose a treat when 28 small-batch, hand-crafted ice cream flavors are staring at you like a delicious beauty…
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Read More: Joe’s PizzaJoe’s Pizza
Last night we secured what I can only describe as a legitimate slice of New York pizza — no plane ticket required. It was a brisk 54 degrees in Los Angeles (yes, that qualifies as Arctic conditions here), but we boldly chose to sit outside so our pizza could remain at peak temperature. This is…
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Read More: Hibye CoffeeHibye Coffee
As part of my very serious responsibilities as a Yelp Elite Black (you’re welcome, Westlake Village), I visited Hibye Coffee — and let’s just say… I’ve found my new pink-lit personality trait. 💖 Located on Russell Ranch Road in the Target shopping center, this little lounge gives cozy zodiac café meets “why don’t I work…
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Read More: Pantry Coffee +madhappyPantry Coffee +madhappy
Drove over to Melrose & Robertson to try Pantry Coffee after multiple “you HAVE to go” texts — and fine, everyone was right. First of all, it’s tucked inside Madhappy, so you can emotionally support yourself with a vanilla latte and then financially destabilize yourself with sweats. Multitasking. Let’s discuss the customer service because WOW….
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Read More: Jon and Vinny’sJon and Vinny’s
We stopped into Jon & Vinny’s in Brentwood recently, which is basically California-Italian with great lighting and better PR. Created by Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, this place has mastered the art of making you feel both very cool and slightly underdressed at the same time. Let’s start with the wine, because priorities. The program—courtesy…
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Read More: JonesJones
If comfort food had a crown, Spaghetti & Meatballs, old-school style at Jones would be wearing it—and judging everyone else at the table. This was not a meal. This was a full Italian-American experience, paced perfectly from “we’ll just start with a salad” to “someone loosen my waistband.” The Opening Act: Salads (aka, Lies We…
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Read More: La ScalaLa Scala
La Scala has been one of our favorite restaurants for years, so when I recently noticed it sitting at a two-and-a-half-star rating on Yelp, I was honestly offended on its behalf. In Beverly Hills. For La Scala. I needed answers. So we went to dinner last night to investigate. There were four of us, and…
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Read More: Marty’sMarty’s
Some places don’t need trends, fancy toppings, or a rebrand—they just need a hot grill and decades of doing it right. Marty’s is one of those places. This LA burger institution has been holding it down since 1959, and after one visit, we fully understand how it’s stood the test of time. We walked in…
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Read More: Bread HeadBread Head
Today my friend and I wandered into Bread Head on Montana Avenue “just for a sandwich,” which is adorable because this bread deserves a full commitment. First things first: the staff is exceptionally friendly—like, makes-you-want-to-come-back-even-if-you’re-full friendly. Now let’s talk about the bread. This is homemade, custom focaccia baked every few hours in special pans with…
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Read More: Bru’s WiffleBru’s Wiffle
We hadn’t hit Bru’s Wiffle in almost a decade (RIP Marina del Rey location, gone but not forgotten by my stomach), so we ventured to the Santa Monica spot. The back patio is basically a botanical garden with waffles — plants everywhere, happy people carbo-loading, the works. First up: the hot chocolate. It arrived in…
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Read More: Courage BagelsCourage Bagels
Yesterday Murphy the Doodle and I made the pilgrimage to Silver Lake for one reason and one reason only: Courage Bagels. Two words. That’s it. That’s the mission. Naturally, LA made me earn it. Forty minutes in mid-morning traffic, three laps around the block looking for parking—fine. But then I turn onto a street literally…