a sunday stop no. 1 // handsome coffee roasters
May
06
Question: Where do I find serious coffee of the house-roasted, no-frills variety?
Hypothesis: Helmed by a trio of coffee connoisseurs with their own roasting facilities on-site (just look through the glass to see the process), Handsome is a brainchild that came from an epic meeting of the minds (and skills). Take a master roaster, a barista champion, and a bean business guy with an amazing mustache, and you have coffee that is smooth, bold and can stand up on its own—no sugary syrup or frothed almond milk required. Is this the place where the art of coffee lives and you’ll leave with a perfectly brewed cup?
Findings: Indubitably. Whether you choose a poured mug of Scout’s Honor or a simple cup of espresso with milk, you are bound to enjoy your selection properly. This isn’t about the fix, but rather about the enjoyment of each sip. Paired with a Proof Bakery chocolate chip cookie (they stock them, but go early) and you’ll never see Sunday morning the same.
Data:
Handsome Coffee Roasters
(323) 606-3593
582 Mateo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013
lunch out no. 2 // sage vegan
Apr
28
Question: Where can we find an eclectic, earth-friendly lunch in Echo Park?
Hypothesis: So you say you like burritos, eh? Ice cream? Burgers? Yes, that’s what we thought. You’re like everyone else—offer a big plate of decadent, colorful comfort food and you’ll be there. At Sage, a corner bistro with soaring ceilings and aromas of fresh-pressed juice in the air, you can have all of these dishes piled high on big plates, but made without one ounce of an animal-derived ingredient. Everything’s vegan and everything (we’re talking about you Soul Bowl) is delicious. A place where carnivores and veggies can find harmony?
Findings: Absolutely. Part restaurant, part ice cream shop, you can fill up on edibles like Street Tacos and Bistro Po’Boys at a table and then exit with a giant scoop of KindKreme Chocolate Salted Caramel in hand. Gander at the goods at the nearby Echo Park Time Travel Mart and the Echo Park Independent Co-Op after and you’ve had a swell afternoon hanging in the EP.
Data:
Sage Organic Vegan Bistro
(213) 989-1718
1700 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026
dinner no. 1 // earth day
Apr
23
Question: What should I make for a quick Earth Day celebration?
Hypothesis: If you keep it verdant, it’s bound to be an apropos hit. Gather a green and gold bounty from the farmer’s market (in this case zucchini, fresh herbs and baby potatoes) to put atop rolled out whole wheat pizza dough. Find a local cheese vendor for fresh mozzarella and seek out California cold-pressed olive oil. To sip, cut a few rosemary sprigs, slice an organic bartlett pear and stir together with one part gin and two parts organic ginger beer.
Findings: Perfect for this very green holiday or any other spring evening, this is a simple and seasonal supper fit for a gathering with eco-minded friends.
shop no. 1 // individual medley
Apr
09
Question: Where can we find curated goods for both young and old(er)?
Hypothesis: Meet Individual Medley, the California-cool, new-kid-on-the-block shop in the heart of Atwater Village. With a vibe that invokes a little Yosemite (think Juniper Ridge’s Douglas Fir incense in the air), a little Mojave (desert air plants and natural canvas accents), this is a smart spot that carries perfect picks in the form of Men’s and Women’s clothing, vintage treasures and even charming, hand-embroidered baby goods. Worth scouting for a good gift?
Findings: Yes. Owners Monica and Justin Boyes are not only two of Los Angeles’ friendliest and most humble residents, they also happen to have impeccable taste. Why wander the rest of the city when you can stop here to browse for a little Bridge & Burn, Current/Elliott, or Herschel Supply Company (among others), all while you sip a bubbly pop from their retro cooler? Don’t forget to say hello to Vita, resident super pup and the third member of the Boyes’ bunch.
Data:
Individual Medley
(323) 665-5344
3176 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90039
lunch out no. 1 // good girl dinette
Apr
03
Question: Where can we find a spicy-meets-sustainable lunch in Highland Park?
Hypothesis: Good Girl Dinette, the modern, light-filled Vietnamese eatery, serves up killer spicy fries paired with cilantro mayo, piquant bowls of rice noodles, curries and pho, and an ever-changing array of housemade sodas to wash it all down. Perfect for a Sunday stop to fill up after exploring York Boulevard?
Findings: Yes. With generous portions, an affable staff and new hours so you can get lunch anytime, it’s worth taking your Westside self all the way to NELA (Northeast Los Angeles), a part of LA you probably never knew existed. After stuffing your belly with scallion-topped tofu, wander around Heritage Square Museum for a peek at 200-year-old structures that will make your mid-century abode look brand-spankin’ new.
Data:
Good Girl Dinette
(323) 257-8980
110 North Avenue 56, Los Angeles, CA 90042
meet the boffins // hello there
Apr
02
This is our journal as two scientists (read: happy explorers) of good living in the city of Los Angeles. We’re neither culinary crackerjacks nor aces of art, whizzes at writing nor phenoms of photography, but we know how to find the good things and we certainly know how to share. Whether living it up locally or wayfaring our way through the wonders beyond, we’ll put our discoveries to paper (or screen) here.
All Boffins welcome.