a study in no. 3 // the pie hole

Sep 07

Question: Where can I find a slice of pie that would make grandma proud?

Hypothesis: Granted, Los Angeles has many pie shops—some ancient institutions that employ lovely people named Bea, we’re sure—but as the saying goes, “Promises and pie crusts are made to be broken”. This means, save the stale ol’ apple concoction for others and explore a place where they bend the rules of pie, filling and of course, crust. (As for the promises, perhaps keep them). The Pie Hole, a name that’s an ode both to how small (and charming) this place is and to what they’ll fill when you get here, is an Arts District must-visit. But will it satisfy both the epicurean traditionalist and the pie renegade?

Findings: Absolutely—and everyone in between we might add. From the baking-brain/founder, Rebecca Grasley, comes forth a long list of both interesting sweet and savories like the epic Crostata pie, a salted-caramel brownie-like middle meets flaky, buttery crust, to the Vegetable Curry Pie served with fresh chutney, and the Mac-and-Cheese pie, a stellar mashup of two comfort foods.  Each creation, hand-formed and lovingly crafted, has the perfect amount of filling-to-crust ratio (very important when it comes to pie) and a twist that makes you forget the classics. Plus, on any given day, you’ll find a special fresh from the bounty the team hauled in. On our visit, we were lucky enough to try the stuff-it-in-your-face-it’s-so-good Cream Cheese Beet Pie which may veer to the side of renegade, but grandma, this one is for the books .

Data: 
The Pie Hole
(213) 527-0115
714 Traction Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Category discover, eat, near
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brunch out no. 1 // little dom’s

Jun 25


Question: Where can I find a unique weekend brunch in Los Feliz?

Hypothesis: Having made a cameo in many a movie, Little Dom’s is a recognizable corner eatery in Los Feliz with an interior that would make both your cousin Vinny and any hip Angeleno comfortable. But what perhaps comes to mind when you think of this red-doored spot is rice balls, gnocchi, and Italian Wedding Soup—delicious fare that is best served post-noon. What you may not imagine is a brunch menu of Eggs Fungi Poached w/ Roasted Mushrooms, Grilled Bread, and Fennel Pollen Hollandaise, and an Oven Roasted French Toast Soufflé with Crème Fraîche Whipped Cream and Maple Syrup among other imaginative dishes. So should you skip visiting Little Dom’s for dinner and find yourself here on a Saturday morning?

Findings: Sì e presto! And come in good company. Between the sweet and savory dishes like the Nutella Panino and fresh frittatas, the Housemade Limoncello and an Affogato made from steaming espresso and vanilla bean gelato, time will surely dissipate and (in true Italian form) your meal may turn into a multi-hour affair. Should you have snagged a seat al fresco, enjoy the summer jacaranda, order away and let the clever conversation commence. As they say, when in Rome. . .

Data: 
Little Dom’s
(323) 939-6455
2128 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027

 

Category discover, drink, eat
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a study in no. 2 // milk

May 17

Question: Where is a good stop for an original summer (or anytime) sweet?

Hypothesis: A cornerstone of Beverly Boulevard, Milk has long been serving up buckets of freshly-made ice cream, their famous ooey gooey cookies and blue velvet cake the color of Cookie Monster to Angelenos for half a decade. Whether it’s in their chewy cookie sandwiches or cupcakes shaped like ice cream cones, this is an institution that perhaps goes through a boatload of sugar a day. So should you put aside your visions of wicked sugar plum fairies just to enjoy a scoop on a sunny afternoon?

Findings: Get in line and relax. Practically a rite of passage to claim Angelenohood, you’d be silly not to spend at least one Sunday with blood orange sorbet dripping down your chin. With goods all made in house, the grocery store dessert freezer section will become a lot less appealing once you’ve tried (or retried) any treat from this place. Plus, it’s located on one of the most walkable streets in Los Angeles so you can easily burn a few calories post fill-up by exploring the neighborhood. Worth it, indeed.

Data: 
Milk
(323) 939-6455
7290 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Category discover, eat, near
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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

Category discover, eat
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picnic no. 1 // in the park

Apr 17

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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

Category discover, eat
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