Semi Sweet Bakery | Los Angeles, CA

Cronuts/Crullants

Sure, we had to wait nearly an hour until the next batch of fifty was brought to the counter. And yes, as the clock ticked down to those last waning minutes, we all clamored for position in a line that stretched out the door and down to the immediate street. As troublesome as that may sound, it was well worth it ... Every single second spent, for every single bite it took to consume one. What am I talking about? Call it a Cronut or a Crullant. It really doesn't matter because, when all is said and done, it's still the same warm, flakey, and chewy goodness that filled me (and every discerning customer) with general euphoria while standing in the dining room of Semi Sweet Bakery.

Established in 2010, Semi Sweet Bakery is the brainchild of Sharlene Fong, a native New Yorker who transformed herself from a promising financial consultant to a well-respected and innovative pastry chef. Together with Dennis Hunter and James Gonzalez, she finds inspiration in a budding downtown LA food scene that has collided with the city's ever-changing and vibrant urban landscape. Maple Bacon Sticky Buns, 7-Up Poundcake, PB & J Pockets, Chocolate Butterscotch Potato Chips, and Homemade Pop Tarts populate her menu alongside savory salads and sandwiches such as the McFong All Day Breakfast Sandwich. And let's not forget to the bakery's original "talked about" dessert, the Ding-A-Lings. Sharlene's twist on a popular childhood treat, her Ding-A-Lings come in Red Velvet, PB Crunch, Hazelnut Crunch, or Traditional Cream-Filled.

But again, the real star of late is her rendition of the Cronut, the pastry that skyrocketed its creator Dominique Ansel and his Soho bakery into foodie folklore. While the concept is similar, Sharlene's version is not fried, but rather baked, which explains why they are not made in big batches and takes a while to go from kitchen to counter. Its other distinction is that hers comes candy-glazed and without a filling. Plain, simple, and light. This is a must have that should be on everyone's culinary bucket list!

Semi Sweet Bakery in located at 105 East 6th Street in  Los Angeles, CA. It is open on most days at 8:00a except on Mondays. Get there early!


Semi Sweet Bakery
105 E. 6th Street
Los Angeles, CA  90014
(213) 228-9975

 

π Day or is it Pie Day?

For mathematicians around the world, the numerical value of π represents the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. In decimal form, it's written as 3.14 ... Hmm, today is March 14 ... 3/14 ... Welcome to Pi Day!!! And in homage to Pi, we thought it would be fun to celebrate some of the more memorable Pi's ... er ... pies we've enjoyed over the last year.

Lemon Ice Box Pie at Lois the Pie Queen | Oakland, CA

Pecan Ice Cream Pie from the Sweet Rose Creamery at the Brentwood Country Mart| Santa Monica, CA

Pumpkin Pie at the Model Bakery | St. Helena, CA

Deep Dish Chicago Style Pizza Pie at Chicago Fire | Sacramento, CA

Tamale Pie at Hobees | Palo Alto, CA

Pear Pie at the Courtland Pear Fair | Cortland, CA

Tasty Tuesday :: Chilaquiles

A Mexican favorite of ours is chilaquiles. Made with crispy corn tortilla triangles, called "totopos," this dish incorporates green or red salsa, a scrambled or fried egg, and pulled chicken. The mixture is then simmered until the tortillas start to soften, and it is topped with queso fresco, sour cream, or crema before serving. What you end up with is a culinary staple that warms the heart, and because chilaquiles is made with such simple ingredients, it is a popular dish for many households that carry these items in their refrigerators and pantries. Ours included.

And although chilaquiles is a satisfying meal during any part of the day, it is typically served during breakfast for one good reason: it is said to be cure for the common hangover. Why? It is believed that spicy foods, like chilaquiles, help in the body's recovery process as it reacts to capsicum, a potent and well documented pain relieving chemical found in most chiles.

In this picture: Chilaquiles from Antigua Bakery located in the Highland Park neighborhood in Los Angeles, CA.

Tasty Tuesday :: Smac 'N Cheese | Nickel Diner

For this Tasty Tuesday, we wanted to highlight comfort food. Comfort food, simply stated, is a meal that gives one a sense of well being. It is food that often reminds us of our childhood or just plain happy times. Mac and cheese is just one of those dishes that cries "comfort." This version of mac and cheese, aptly named "Smac and Cheese," hails from the Nickel Diner in Los Angeles. Made with four different types of cheese, noodles, roasted tomatoes and topped with a crispy bread crumbs, this dish left everyone at the table smiling, satiated...and yes...comforted.

Nickel Diner

524 S. Main Street

Los Angeles, CA 90013

OOTK's "12 Days of Christmas" | The Seventh Day

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

7 different kinds of vintage, hard-to-find, imported soda

In this photo: Plantation Style Mint Julep Soda from Galco's Soda Pop Stop. With over 500 different kinds of pops on the shelves, Galco's is the mecca for all soda pop enthusiasts.

Location:

Galco's Soda Pop Stop

5702 York Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90042

Auntie Em's Kitchen | Eagle Rock, CA

Auntie Em's Kitchen has been a regular dining spot for the surrounding community for as long as I can remember, but it wasn't until recently that it's popularity (and reputation) grew beyond the borders of Eagle Rock, CA.

During our long-overdue visit, we were captivated with the friendly staff, the colorful art on the walls, and the free-spirited atmosphere that had everyone feeling comfortable and at-home. And the food? Auntie Em's Kitchen boasts a full menu of comfort food favorites that are certainly a treat for the eyes as well as the tastebuds. All are made fresh with seasonal ingredients from local farmers and artisans. For example, in the summer months, choices include an heirloom tomoto salad, watermelon gazpacho, chilled cucumber soup, and a selection of berry pies. Winter brings hearty stews, chowders and gumbos as well as savory bread puddings and apple pie.

These creations and so much more are the brainchildren of former punk rock musician turned chef, Terri Wahl. And what do I mean by "so much more?" Auntie Em's Kitchen is also home to a cheese shop, a full service catering and organic home delivery service, and a renowned bakery where cupcakes, especially the red velvet and coconut variety, are extraordinary. To Chef Wahl, we can only say "thank you."

The Oinkster | Eagle Rock, CA

To categorize The Oinkster as just another hamburger stand would be a great injustice, especially when they offer other choice selections such as the BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich and the Oinkster Pastrami. As good as these are, however, none holds a candle to their all beef counterparts, including The Royale, a 1/3 pound behemoth that is blanketed with slices of pastrami, their house-special chili, Gruyere cheese, red cabbage slaw, and crispy bacon. Now, that's finger-licking good times!!! And did you save room for dessert? My recommendation ... the Horchata or Ube shake made thick and creamy from Fosselman's ice cream.

Founded by celebrated chef, Andre Guerrero, The Oinkster is located along Eagle Rock's Colorado Boulevard in what was once known to the surrounding community as Jim's Burgers. Fully restored and redefined, they describe themselves as being "innovative, affordable, stylish, and fun. We tread where no Los Angeles eatery has gone before and combine culinary classics with a no-attitude style." No argument here, especially given that The Oinkster is now among my son's top ten faves.

Swork Coffee | Eagle Rock, CA

In as many years as my wife and I have been married, we've been coming to Swork Coffee, one of the original small business establishments which helped spearhead Eagle Rock, CA's revitalization. And the attraction was not what we were getting in our cups, but rather Swork Coffee offered a no frills place to meet and laugh with friends, family and neighbors.

Got kids? No problem, meaning that the little tykes are taken care of as well with an available children's drink menu and a play area known as Sworkland, where there are toys and books a-plenty. Founded by entrepreneur Tricia Neal in 2000, Swork Coffee offers nothing but the best with its beans coming direct from growers in Guatemala and its blends developed through its own beverage lab. Whether you're having one of their signature Sworkuccinos, Gelatoccinos, or Smoothies, you know you're getting quality and rich flavors that are not watered down. So, avoid that other "coffee house" across the street and stop into this true original. You won't be disappointed.