Tuesday, June 26, 2007

In Full Bloom

A couple months ago I drove by Posh on Pico and noticed that they, sadly, closed their doors. When Bloom Cafe opened I was a little skeptical, however I kept hearing good things about it. So on Sunday afternoon I met Miki, Melanie and Baby Noah for a lunch date and was pleasantly surprised. First of all they had fresh coconut juice on the menu (love for Miki and I!). As I learned recently, coconut juice is loaded with electrolytes and contains more potassium than a banana plus it's low in calories and of course, all natural! It just makes me happy. Google the benefits of coconut juice then find some coconuts and make yourself happy. Good times.

Anyway, after analyzing the menu and wanting everything, I decided to order the Fresh California Mozzarella & Tapenade Tartine. It was amazing and perfectly seasoned. Melanie ordered the Fish Tacos and Miki got Huevos Rancheros (see pic)...as the waiters were walking by serving this dish, we watched in awe. I had one bite and it was delicious. We then discussed how Earl and Ivan would both enjoy this dish.

Melanie also got a lemonade, but the French waiter brought a mint lemonade instead (which she didn't want so I gulped it up instead). It's probably not for everyone or for anyone that likes their lemonade sweet. But I loved it, refreshing and a bit tart. Perfect and somewhat similiar to the crazy green drink (have no clue what it's called probably because it's in Hebrew, but everyone at my work place loves it) they serve at Aroma Cafe in Encino. Oh, and I can't end without including a picture of Baby Noah. He's filling out and has the most adorable belly that screams "gotta love me!"

Bloom Cafe
http://www.go2bloom.com/
5544 W Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
323.934.6900
P.S. They are organic AND green (meaning environmentally friendly)!

Monday, June 11, 2007

Canneles - A Crazy Confection!

Last week I visited my favorite cafe in Pasadena, EuroPane. As I ordered my usual chicken salad sandwich, I (of course) couldn't help myself from eying the desserts...I noticed a familiar treat, canneles, that I've been wanting to try but haven't seen at any of the other bakeries I've recently visited. I first saw a picture of canneles in the new cookbook I purchased and have been thinking about making EXCEPT you need to purchase these crazy pans and find some beeswax, which intrigued me even more. Once I bit into these scrumptious tiny things, I was in love. Heaven for me really. They are crisp on the outside, from the beeswax and no they don't taste waxy at all...the middle contains a fluffy custard, with an almost cake-like consistency but softer. Sort of like a custard cloud? Okay, I can't find the words but they are phenomenal! One day soon I will find these ridiculously priced pans (perhaps I need to go back to France?) and beeswax. Will keep you all updated, but in the meantime try to find some and enjoy!