Los Angeles – Page 3

Fall 2016 isn’t about the Pumpkin Spice Latte

September 13, 2016September 12, 2016Leave a comment

If I’m being honest, Summer is my season. The weather is beautiful, there are food events and concerts every weekend, and everyone seems to be in a better mood. I’ve never been one to celebrate the weather cool down, impending daylight savings, or the over rated Pumpkin Spice Latte, but I must say, I am really looking forward to the Fall season this year. This is for a variety of reasons, some of which may seem basic and mundane to most, but to some of my spirit animals, fellow sufferers of Mercury in retrograde, and proud Snuggie® owners, you just might find something you like on my Fall 2016 favorites list.

Fall 2016 is all about cozy sweatshirts: Between the ‘Hocus Pocus’ design from A Beautiful Mess and Oui Fresh, Spirit Animal design from Bean Goods, and my personal favorite from Esplanade Brand Co., I’ll be comfy all season long.

2. Fall 2016 is about the Apple Sage Latte: Yes, you read that correctly. Skip the artificial pumpkin flavor in your latte this season, and visit the gram-worthy Neat Coffee in Costa Mesa. It’s in a very unassuming location, but you can’t beat the house made seasonal syrups, neighborhood feel, and personable customer service.

3. Fall 2016 is all about Mules: I am obsessed with these Steve Madden slingback mules. They are the perfect transition shoe for Fall, and on those awkward Fall/Winter warm days in SoCal, I’ll be able to rock these all year long. Try and stop me.

4. Fall 2016 is all about Gilmore Girls: Anyone else counting down the days until the reboot? Mark your calendars for November 25th, and get your coffee maker ready for the ultimate Netflix marathon.

5. Fall 2016 is all about cozy cocktails: As I was scrolling through Pinterest over the weekend, I found an Apple Cider Moscow Mule recipe, from the gals of Home Made Interest, that I am dying to try.

6. Fall 2016 is all about new food: Come on, you didn’t think I could go an entire post without talking about some of the anticipated restaurant openings coming up. Even though many of these are pending dates, I can already let you know that I am fully booked all season based on the openings of Kismet, Mr. Holmes Bakehouse, and Cosa Buona.

7. Fall 2016 is all about bulking up for the Winter: Seriously though… If you are guilty of ending a stressful day with ice cream and a spoon, do yourself a favor and reach for Tillamook‘s Super Premium flavors. They are better than other name brands, and will satisfy your sweet tooth in just a few spoonfuls, not the full pint (if it still takes the full pint for you to recover from your day, I don’t judge you).

Keep in mind, Fall is more than sweaters and lattes. I will be using this season to hit the ‘reset’ button. I plan on getting a head start on my 2017 resolutions, and clearing my head before the busy holiday season. Fall is about not feeling bad about a lazy Sunday watching football, reading a new book every week, waking up early to enjoy the newly brisk mornings, and spending time with the ones you love (even if that still involved photo ops at the Pumpkin Patch or going way too early Christmas decoration shopping at Target)…

Let the countdown to September 22nd begin!

Mason Coffee: Cold Brew Specialists

August 29, 2016August 28, 2016Leave a comment

Coffee makes me feel alive. Coffee gives me life. In other words, coffee is life. So, obviously, when Mason Coffee reached out to me about doing a collaboration, I happily agreed. Little did I know, they were going to get me hooked. They sent me their collection of 4 flavors to try: Original, Vanilla, Lavender, and Mint. Their packaging is simple, but colorful which I love, and anything I can throw in my purse running out the door is extremely convenient. While all of the flavors are unique, the underlying quality of the coffee is obvious. Deriving form a sibling team who found solace in cold brew in a society drowning in traditional office pots of hot coffee, Mason Coffee is the epitome of what makes cold brew great. It’s smooth, rich, and refreshing, even more so with their unique collection of flavors. Even though the Original is still my favorite of the bunch, the Mint is a close second. It has a subtle bite in flavor, and compliments the inherent taste of the cold brew base. Their Vanilla and Lavender flavors were also very balanced and smooth. This cold brew got me through a busy day at work, a relaxing afternoon on the beach, a road trip to San Francisco, and morning running errands. Basically, this brand and beverage fits right into my lifestyle. I get my caffeine fix; it tastes great; it’s portable; and people love the way the jar looks, so you are getting quizzical stares and inquiries whilst you caffeinate. Another plus is their location! They are based in LA, and I love to support local businesses. Another plus? You can order Mason Coffee right to your door, or even start a subscription! You mean to tell me that I can live a life where there is always a jar of cold brew in my refrigerator for me to grab on my way out the door? Every morning? Sign me up! You can also find their jars at a few LA hotspots. If you are new to cold brew coffee, or you dislike hot coffee and have been looking for more options than what is available to you at a corporate chain on every street corner, check these guys out. You will never regret having a great glass of cold brew.

Pro tip: I can’t wait to get my next batch of cold brew from them. Rumor has it, if you combine half Vanilla and half Mint, you will get a taste reminiscent of the beloved Thin Mints.

For more information, visit themasoncoffee.com.

Sundays are for Coffee & Toast

July 31, 2016July 24, 2016Leave a comment

You’ve seen the many pictures on my Instagram, but I wouldn’t be letting you all in on the not-so-secret source of my happiness every Sunday if I didn’t write a blog about it, so here it goes!

Wide Eyes Open Palms is a pop-up coffee shop at various farmers markets in Long Beach, most notably, the Alamitos Bay Farmers Market on Sundays. Since it is basically in my backyard, I’m there almost weekly, and when I’m not, my Sundays are not as bright. First of all, they change their delicious offerings weekly, so there is always something new to try. Second, the gals greet you with big grins, cheery music, and grab-and-go pastries as soon as you get to the window. Third, everyone walking by you will ask where you got your food from, and for good reason! Their toasts, coffee options, teas, scones, cookies, and everything else are always delicious, it just depends on what type of flavors strike your fancy.

Below are some of my favorites so far, but I know that each week could hold a new go-to! If you couldn’t tell, I really like their Rosemary Latte. Pro tip: If they run out, go for the Cardamom Latte.

Above: Nectarine and Mozzarella Toast, Denver Frittata with Ham and Peppers, and Rosemary Latte.

Above: Rosemary Latte and Plum Toast with Ricotta.

Above: Asparagus Toast with Shaved Parmesan and Fried Egg…and, you guessed it, a Rosemary Latte.

Above: Same toast, different view.

For more information, visit WideEyesOpenPalms.com.