LA Story - Rockenwagner

I visited the Rockenwagner Bakery/Cafe at 311 Arizon Avenue in Santa Monica to pick up some snacks for my flight from LAX.

I bought a pretzel roll ($1.50) and a cheese twist ($3). I love pretzel rolls and this was very good. The cheese twist had both poppy seeds and sesame seeds and a alot of cheddar. Both made for a nice snack at the airport.

LA Story - Le Pain Quotidien

...even though this is a chain the food is high quality organic and is consistent. "L" and I had brunch at the 316 Santa Monica Blvd. location in Santa Monica.

"L" had the Rustic Tuna with Hummus and White Beans Tartine ($10.75) with coffee ($2.95). I had the Turkey and Avocado Tartine ($10.25) with hot apple cider ($3.75).

Once again, everything was very good.

LA Story - Bouchon Bakery

I have mentioned in previous posts that I am a Thomas Keller groupie. If you don't know who he is then you probably won't share my enthusiasm with this post.

Anyway, Chef Keller recently opened an outpost of Bouchon Bakery in Beverly Hills at 235 N. Canon Drive.

The Cafe is located downstairs next to the pretty garden courtyard. Here you can have a quick meal or drink without reservations.

Ascend upstairs to the restaurant where high ceilings, a mirrored wall and a raw seafood bar welcome you to this white table cloth oasis.

"L" and I both started with iced tea ($3.50/each) - each served in their own little decanters. And we shared a chocolate croissant ($4.50) which was served warm - it was flaky and buttery.

"L" had the Croque Madame ($17.95) with a salad which was very good. I wanted to test the kitchen and ordered the Poullard Roti - roast chicken with wilted greens and mushrooms. The skin had a nice crispness and the inside was juicy and moist.

For dessert we shared a slice of lemon tart ($9.50). Based on the size of this slice the full tart must be the size of a pizza pie. It was excellent!

Once again Chef Keller lives up to his reputation.

LA Story - Back to Bite

..."L" and I returned to 3221 Pico Blvd. in Santa Monica for brunch this time at Bite Bar & Bakery.

"L" started with coffee ($2.25) and I with hot chocolate ($3) - unfortunately I was not given a spoon and most of my chocolate settled at the bottom of my cup and I didn't not enjoy it until I finished most of the liquid.

"L" had the Egg Souffle Plate ($7.75) which was as light and fluffy as it sounds and served with heirloom tomatoes and a salad.

I had the Crab Sandwich ($13.25) which was crab salad on grilled sourdough bread and served with a salad. I was a little disappointed with my sandwich as I hopped it would be more lump crab meat, but it was smooth and creamy like crab spread.

We topped it off by sharing a Red Velvet Cupcake ($3.25) which was moist and had a good frosting to cupcake ratio!

LA Story - Sweet Rose Creamery

...this delightful ice cream shop was opened by the same couple who own Huckleberry and Rustic Canyon - a very talented food duo!

It is located in the Brentwood Country Mart shopping center at 225 26th Street in Santa Monica.

With all the wonderful flavors offered it was difficult to decide, but for $5/cup you have your choice of two flavors. And they give you real silver plated spoons for tastes of up to 3 flavors.

"L" had Salted Caramel and Fresh Mint with Chocolate Chips. And I had Salted Caramel and Creamy Peanut Butter. All three flavors were very good.