While in LA last month I was able to steal an afternoon away from meetings and work to enjoy some precious sunshine-filled hours shopping, sipping, and nibbling around West Hollywood, by far one of my most favorite spots in the world. Where succulent foliage peeps out behind white picket fences and perfectly manicured boxwood hedges, world class *vegan* Mexican cuisine mingles with the most luscious Parisian chocolates and french pressed coffee, and a fresh cold pressed juice with additions like Bulgarian Rose water or a shot of tangelo juice is never further away than the next store front. West Hollywood is a serene and enchanting foodie paradise for anyone and everyone. Here are some of my favorite spots and a little photo diary of how I like to spend a Monday munching my way along Melrose…
Gracias Madre : The best al fresco lunch in town. Vegan, yes and absolutely-terrific-so-good-you-would-never-know-it’s-vegan Mexican cuisine. I don’t care who you are or what you eat, there is more than just something here for you: Gracias Madre is the most glorious dinning experience in L.A. right now from every aspect and angle, sight and bite.
Fresh muddled creative cocktails, beautiful 100% agave margaritas, and crisp cold fresh-pressed juices are only part of this complex and varied bar scene. Order the La Belleza and Purista-II (pictured above) for the ultimate palate awakener and perfect start to any meal.
Must try: the vegan cauliflower nachos with a trio of fresh salsas and guacamole… once you start you just can’t stop, and no one there would ever want you too either! Let the amazing servers guide you from there, they are wonderful and won’t steer you wrong. No wrong turns exist on this menu map!
The decor speaks for itself as well: inviting and colorful, comfortable and oh so absolutely chic: the real question that you’ll be left with is why not stay through till dinner when they fill the courtyard with hundreds of candles, music, and moonlight…
L.A. Juice Shop : Now when it comes to juices and juicing I am a long time well-researched (self-proclaimed albeit) aficionado. I make my own cold-pressed green juice every day and try every brand and local shop to constantly keep my taste buds fresh and on the pulse. To say I am obsessed would be an understatement. That being said,
L.A. Juice has won the game entirely. I mean it truly- the best of juice/mylk/oh my goodness award goes hands down to L.A. Juice. Everything I have had there tastes better than the previous juice, and better than any juice I have had to date.
Their menu (
here) of juices and mylks is enough to satisfy anyone for a lifetime of liquid living, but my favorites are the Sunset Greens, Vero Greens, Almond Rose Mylk, Golden Glow, & Red Carpet.
Stop in on Tuesday’s for the 2 for Tuesday Special: buy any two juices or mylks and get the third FREE! Tell them The Supper Model sent you and there may be something else for you in store…
Alfred Coffee & Kitchen: Pick me up time? No problem, tucked away on iconic Melrose Place is the best coffee-internet-cozy-cool-cafe on the west coast.
Alfred’s is a local place the oozes with West Hollywood understated fabulousness charm. Home of the #10DollarLatte and the killer #AlfredCone Alfred’s offers the freshest
Stumptown Coffee Roasters and
Farm Shop pastries every day along with a signature Alfred-ambiance that just cannot be replicated anywhere else. Call a friend and meet for coffee, or just walk on in, order a shot and make a new one …But,
as always, First, COFFEE!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend filled with yummy meals and holiday delights wherever your travels may take you.
Thanks for reading.
