Issue 11 — Wine Windows 🪟 Food News 🗞 + Everywhere I Ate Last Week 🍔
(i'm still full)
News Bites —
Halfbaked Harvest x Benny Blanco made Jalapeño Cheddar Popovers together so naturally people assume they’re dating.
🥖 Still mourning Breadblok — but glad to hear Honey Hi has officially found a new gf loaf to love. (and it’s cheaper)
Kitchen Mouse is opening its literal 3rd location on Fig. The IG story is gone now, but the expansion was first announced last fall.
Justine Snacks cleared up the #ButterBoard controversy on TikTok — people thought her viral 2022 butter board 🧈 concept was an orchestrated ad for ‘big dairy’… (it wasn’t) but even if it was? That would prove she’s really good at her job as a content creator. Anyway, butter mountains are way cooler.
We all love the Gjusta vibe, but would you STAY overnight? You can.
My bad if this is old news, but Night Market has their own canned wine?
I tried Thank You Coffee’s June Special Strawberry Soda. I added matcha as recommended and I’ve been dreaming about it ever since. It leans far more matcha than it does soda. 10/10 🍓
I haven’t been back to Checker Hall much since the Little Fish residency ended years ago — but these new menu additions might push me to go back. (Also chef, Gabe Kennedy is kinda hot?)
Sweetgreen launched the ‘Infinite Kitchen’ featuring robotic automation and NO employees. Well there is one. Someone to greet you when you walk in.
I saw a special screening of Flamin’ Hot this weekend. 🔥🌶 (Yes it’s about the Cheetohs) The flavor you know, the story you don’t. Movie was mid (It’s no Air), but it’s a reallly sweet, inspirational story.
It’s come to my attention people don’t know that cows only produce milk as a result of being pregnant just like humans. 🐄 Dairy cows must give birth to one calf per year in order to continue producing milk. Carry on…
Ghia’s Launch Strategy—
Either you love it or you hate it, but as a brand, we can all agree they are an interesting one to follow. For the next week or so, you can add a sample pack of their new mystery flavor to any online order. They claim it’s to get feedback on the new flavor, BUT I’m guessing they’re already deep in production. The new flavor is set to launch in July.
If the real objective is to create a buzz, let their customers feel heard, and get people to order their existing product, it’s working. Hell, I almost placed an order and I’ve never even bought Ghia before. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a free can at an event as much as the next content girlie, but I sure don’t have a subscription or anything.
Recent Bites —
I went back to Cafe Birdie for another solo happy hour and loooved the Impossible Lumpia. Dipping vinegar with minced pickles? Yes pls.
Finally checked out Highly Likely in West Adams since it’ll be opening up in HLP soon and I loved it. Their menu is full of leafy acidic crunchy bits, great coffee and natural wine. And their YUZU SAUCE. I’d take home full deli containers if they’d let me. I’m telling you — it’s the Summer of Yuzu! 🍋 (More on that next week…)
Woon is consistent. Good vibes, good food, and even better leftovers. (I always add more veggies and smother all of it in woon stir fry sauce) I wasn’t in the mood to drink, so I got the apple sidra— reminds me of those caramel apple pops from childhood.
Baby Bistro - We fired the menu in a barber shop. We were told the pop-up menu is “best ordered in its entirety” and that it “delivers on excitement and comfort and skill and inspiration.” and it did. The Anchovy toast was a stand out, wine selection was on point. ‘Eater reached out for additional details but hasn’t heard back.’ lol ICONIC. They’re booked and busy. DM the babes on IG for a res. `
Pop-Up Party —
Stopped by Jurassic Magic for the Peanut Butter Jamn Fest featuring @challahdad, @hotjamnpreserves + @onetrickponynuts. Flavors were so nostalgic, like kindergarten in the best way — elevated by top tear bread and passionfruit mango jam. I ordered mine open faced because I’m annoying. Alexis’ cookies were also a perfect treat to take home. 🥜🍓🍞🍪
Burgerlords collab’d with The Linda Lindas on a vegan burger called ‘Too Many Things’ — and that’s exactly what it was. (Monica and I shared. It was grotesque but hit nonetheless )🍔 🍟 IDK what it is about Burgerlord’s milkshakes, no matter the flavor, they will always taste like peanut butter to me. I’m a sucker for their specials though.
Alta-d bevys hosted a lil tasting party for Molly + Marigny Wines. Neon Pizza was set up out front sling’n slices. Never met a pizza I didn’t like. Def pick one of their frozen pies up next time you see one.
Stir Crazy is a club I want to join.
You’re greeted warmly, but still, you sorta feel like you showed up to a cool dinner party you weren’t invited to. Everyone is hot. Everyone paints (never for money)… others recently left their band to try out the ‘solo thing’ for a while. Everyone drove from a different part of town (you’re on Melrose after-all.) The wine is orange. Bottles are in buckets. The dishes are works of art. The server just dropped a butter sculpture adorned with nasturtium leaves at the table next to yours. That definitely wasn’t on the menu. You’ll know to order it next time.
In all seriousness, I love the vibe and definitely will be back. The 28 year old coffee shop Stir Crazy flipped to a cool-kid wine bar just a few weeks ago. They’re only open on weekdays. (obviously) Here’s some actual info via Eater.
🍷🪟 Wine Window
Several summers ago, you’d find me on the sidewalk of Echo Park Ave, face mask dangling on my wrist, waiting for the wine fairy to call my name. Every minute or so, a miniature door would open, and glass would appear on a tiny shelf — like magic.
I came to know of the wine window during a pandemic, so I really shouldn’t have been surprised to learn they originated out of the same need to social distance during the bubonic plague in 17th century Europe. Apparently no plague can stop us from enjoying happy hour, not now, and not then.
‘They passed the flask of wine through the window to the client but did not receive payment directly into their hands. Instead, they passed a metal pallet to the client, who placed the coins on it, and then the seller disinfected them with vinegar before collecting them.” Tilda had ipads, but basically the same.
Tilda quickly removed their wine window once they full reopened again. I kinda miss its Florence charm. I wonder, from a service perspective, does a wine window streamline things? Is it helpful? Or is it dehumanizing?
P.S. That little back corner you cozy up in with your boo used to be their wine fridge.
🎧 A Podcast Episode I think You’ll Like —
I keep recommending the Taste Podcast — they drop interviews several times a week. It’s a lot of content. Last week they had on Dan Frommer (@fromedome), the founder and editor in chief of the New Consumer, an influential publication that covers the intersection of technology and consumer brands, including many brands that live in the food world.
I especially resonated with Dan’s take on Graza vs Brightland. He talks about familiar spots like Cookbook and Kumquat. If you like this newsletter at all, give it a listen.
🔗 Last Week’s Most Clicked Link
☕️ This couple is converting a 2-car-garage into a Coffee Shop in Echo Park. The backyard courtyard + veggie garden will be shared with Baker’s Bench + more very soon! 🥐
This issue is dedicated to the Tacos Delta matriarch Maria Esther Valdivia, who was sadly stuck by a car while using a crosswalk in Echo Park last week and died. Only 74 years old.
