Astro Doughnuts - National Doughnut Day

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516 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

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This Friday at Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken (516 W. 6th St) they are serving a limited-edition Cherry Pie Doughnut (cherry compote filling, shortbread crumble, and tart cherry vanilla glaze).

This doughnut will be available for $3.50 on Friday, June 2nd for National Doughnut Day with 100% of sales benefitting Fisher House Foundation.

Fisher House Foundation provides “a home away from home” for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. 

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Astro Doughnuts

After four years of success in Washington, DC and Virginia, Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken opens its first West Coast location on April 5, 2017 in Downtown Los Angeles at 516 W, 6th Street, between Olive and Grand, bringing its seasonal and creative menu to a town that is notoriously in love with doughnuts.

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A casual yet refined take on two comfort food classics – fried chicken and doughnuts – Astro’s unique cuisine has had loyal customers lining up around the block for years. The menu features an evolving array of seasonal doughnuts, creative takes on fried chicken, unique side dishes and specialty doughnut sandwiches. Sourcing only the finest ingredients, Astro’s menu evolves based on the freshest fruit and produce available from local farmers and purveyors. Astro’s crème brûlée doughnut has been named one of 40 “Must-Try Dishes” by The Washington Post, one of the “best fried chicken restaurants in America” by TimeOut, one of the “Best Doughnuts in DC” and “Best Donut Shops in America” by Thrillist, one of the “Hottest Doughnut Shops in America” by Eater and “The Best Southern-Style Fried Chicken in Washington, DC” by Serious Eats.

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Fried Chicken Sandwich with Bacon, BBQ Sauce, with a potato roll.

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The beauty slice in half.

Los Angeles, CA

516 W 6th Street Los Angeles, CA 90014

213-622-7876

Hours:
Monday - Friday:                 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 
Saturday:                               7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday:                                  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

DeLuscious Cookies - Hollywood

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If you are thinking about a street treat to give your friends, family, and colleagues, think no further. I am so happy to have gotten to try some baked goodies from DeLuscious cookies. Their cookies are baked to order, but they do carry their classic flavors for walk-ins. I enjoyed everything you see here. I made a festive center piece for my sweets for guests to enjoy as they brew their coffee. I simply found a fall wreath (or any holiday wreath you have) and simply placed a glass stand to hold my cookies. The goods were delivered warm and most importantly, on time. 

Everything you see were delicious. I especially love the red velvet brownie that I cut up so more fingers can snatch them up. The oatmeal raisin cookie was also a rave along with Cinnamon Brulee and chocolate decadence. It's hard for me to bake during the holidays and that is mainly because I am a savory person. Baking is not my forte, but DeLuscious Cookies made it easy to have a great party without me having to worry about buying eggs, sugar, butter, chocolate, etc. The cookies and baked sweets were all unique and fresh. 

It literally feels like it's Christmas already. Do yourself a favor and order some for your loved ones. You won't regret it.

Their shop is located: 829 North Highland in Los Angeles, CA 90038

Website to shop: http://www.delusciouscookies.com/

Anko - Koreatown Los Angeles

My friend Bernadette (@eatlikeabosslady) took us here one night after dinner. Boy am I happy that she did. Shaved ice is not in my wheel house. I haven't tried enough to know what's the best, but I can tell you what I tried here at Anko was delicious.

It was fairly empty when we arrived, but it got packed within an hour or so. I've heard that they changed ownership, but changed the name and the items on the menu. I've also heard that it's better than it was before which is a good thing. We ordered 2 shaved ice to share between 4, and after having a large meal, it was enough.

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This is the black sesame Anko. Shaved tiny ice, with black sesame drizzle, red beans, pine nuts and injeolmi (rice cake). It's served with more red beans on the side with condensed milk. As you dig into this beautiful globe, you will find almonds and more black sesame layered within. It was sweet, refreshing, and very tasty. I love black sesame. It was toasty like how black sesame should be. It wasn't overly sweet. I highly recommend this to you if you are a huge fan of black sesame or just want to try something different.

Strawberry shaved ice. Simple, shaved ice topped with strawberry syrup and more strawberries. Very refreshing and delicious as well. It was hard to jump between the 2 because both were spot on.

Check it out:

400 S Western Ave Los Angeles, CA 90020

Koreatown, Wilshire Center

Claudine - Encino

A little bio on Claudine,

"Claudine Artisan Kitchen & Bakeshop is the collaborative effort of Chef Anthony Jacquet and Pastry Chef Lea Newton, whose combined skills and culinary passions have led to the opening of a globally-influenced neighborhood café and bakeshop in the San Fernando Valley. Named after Jacquet’s late sister, the driving force behind his decision to become a chef, Claudine Artisan Kitchen & Bakeshop is a full service restaurant, bakeshop, coffee bar, and grab n’ go deli. Serving only the highest quality food made with local and sustainable ingredients, Claudine Artisan Kitchen & Bakeshop features an assortment of breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes.Highlighting the bounty of local and seasonal produce in California, the restaurant’s menu draws inspiration from the many cultures and people who have shaped the city."

16350 Ventura Blvd., Suite F, Encino, CA 91436

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16350 Ventura Blvd., Suite F, Encino, CA 91436

Stone IPA

Located on Ventura Blvd in Encino is where you will find Claudine. From the outside, it blends it with the neighborhood Chipotle which sits in the same center. But walking inside, the expectations are blown away by how adorable this place is. Open kitchen with tons of baked goods ready for you to hover over. Everything is made fresh daily, so if you see low inventory, that's a good sign.

Michelada

Claudine also serves wine and beer which is always a plus. I started with a Stone IPA. They also carried a few specialty cocktails like sangrias and micheladas.

We had a few dishes to sample, all delicious. They make their own house cured lox on toast. The salmon was not overly salty served on top of some preserved Lemon Cream Cheese, Pickled Shallots, Cucumber and Capers. Their Briana's Short Rib Grilled Cheese is also a must order. Stuffed with Stout Braised Onions, Roasted Mushrooms, ‘Merican Cheese, Black Vinegar Teriyaki, and russet wedges. Get your napkins ready.

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Cianna's Naan-Zza

They also make their own naan pizzas. We've tried 2 and fell in love instantly. Cianna's Naan-Zza: pesto, buratta, bacon, mushrooms and asparagus. Serrano Ham and Olive Naan-Zza: fresno chile, buratta cheese and oregano. The Lea's Lightened Quiche was a winner all around. Custard made with spinach, basil, and only one egg with salad greens (SO GOOD).

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If you are not sure what to do about your life, order the Malted Milk Pancakes. Cinnamon-Blueberry compote, salted honey butter, Warm Maple Syrup and Bacon. Sandwich this baby together and eat it with pride. Lot's of it.

16350 Ventura Blvd., Suite F, Encino, CA 91436