Top dessert spots in Los Angeles

If you don’t like any form of desserts, we can’t be friends. Seriously. Whether it be chocolate, pastries, ice cream, macaroons, cookies, cupcakes, etc., you need to be able to let loose and get fat with me. I don’t play. It’s that serious. Any of these places that I’ve listed are a perfect compliment to one of the date ideas I’ve previously posted, so be sure to indulge yourself in everything this beautiful city has to offer. It doesn’t matter what type of dessert you’re into, I’m sure I know of a place to go to or know someone that knows of a place. That my friend is what you call networking.

Any who, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite dessert spots in LA just because it’s Monday and I’m in the giving mood. You’re welcome. I like everything. I kinda wish I was exaggerating when I said “everything”, but I can literally go to town with anything sweet (with the exception of candy, eh?). I know there’s a myriad of places that I still need to try, but my stomach has led me to some pretty palatable spots that make you salivate instantly. Yes, I went there. If you’re ever feeling down over a break up, an argument, an issue at work or whatever the case may be, feel free to contact me and I will be more than happy to binge on desserts that we’ll regret the following day. Actually, you might regret it the following day but I’ll be having leftovers… if there are any. Check out my list below and let me know your favorite places!

1. Porto’s Bakery (multiple locations)- If you live in the valley then I’m sure you know what Porto’s is and if you haven’t… where the heck have you been?! This Cuban bakery is my favorite place for all things pastries and desserts in the valley (San Fernando Valley that is). All I really need is a Guava & Cheese Roll along with an Horchata smoothie and I’m made! They have some of the most amazing cakes and the best part about this place is that they have pastries that you can eat at any time of the day. It’s extremely busy on Sunday mornings, so I suggest you go there during the week since it’s not as hectic. I’d love to continue my review about this place but I’m dying a bit inside knowing that I can’t have it at the moment.

   

2. Bricks and Scones (Larchmont)– Remember that place Larchmont Bungalow that I mentioned in my previous post Top 5 Cafes in Los Angeles? Yea, well this place is actually on the same street! This can be really dangerous having one of my favorite cafes and one of my favorite dessert places on the same street. The vibe here and the ambiance surpasses every option on this list. The best way to describe Bricks and Scones is that it looks like a cottage but has the feel of a library.. where you can eat… and be loud.. and everything else that you can’t do in a library. Can you guess what their signature dish is? You guessed it right, Scones! Being that it’s an awesome location, you really can’t go wrong. 

   

3. Diddy Reise (Westwood)- I would actually consider this a “staple” in Los Angeles because it’s something that you have to experience once you’re here. What makes this place unique is that it’s the In-N-Out of desserts. Now, what does that mean?Their menu is beyond simple and it’s just an ice cream cookie sandwich. Big whoop right?! Tell that to the people that are in line for 30-45 minutes to purchase one of these bad boys. It’s near the UCLA campus so you’ll see plenty of students here on the weekends, before classes, in between classes, after classes, etc. You will always get more than what you pay for by going here and there’s hookah spots right on the same block so you can possibly make a date out of it! Go figure. 

   

4. Syrup (Downtown LA)– I can’t decided where I’d place this in my top dessert places but it for sure makes the top 3. I might be biased considering that I’m swoon over anything in Downtown LA. Anything with waffles is to die for. You know, like chicken and waffles or ice cream and waffles or just waffles. Their chocolate truffle cheesecake is my number two option- actually, if I’m with a date I order both options and don’t share which probably explains why I’m single. If you’re on a no carb diet, I suggest that you stay away from this place. Oh, did I mention their crepes? Dear God their crepes. Apologies for jumping all over the place but this is what food porn does to me. 

   

5. DeLuscious Cookies & Milk (Hollywood)- You can’t ever go wrong with cookies and milk. Ever. If you had a childhood, you know that cookies and milk made any situation better and it’s something you never had to make (unless you were an overachiever and made your own cookies). The only downside here is that they sell cookies by the dozen, so unfortunately you’re not able to just pick up a couple. What sets this place aside from the others are the names they give their cookies. You don’t even need to eat them to savor the taste since you can already sense what they’ll taste like based on their name. I won’t give any names away so you’re going to have to try them on your own!

Here are additional dessert spots that I would also highly recommend!
Sprinkles Cupcakes (multiple locations)
Frosted Cupcakery (Hollywood)
Crumbs Bake Shop (Larchmont)
Flan King (Los Angeles)
Cuscatleca Bakery (Hollywood)
Milk (West Hollywood)
New York Snow (Downtown)
Bottega Louie (Downtown)

Date idea- Drive in movie theater

If you don’t believe how old- fashioned I am, well now you should. Finding a drive in movie theater in Los Angeles is like finding a needle in a haystack. I can probably count on one hand how many drive in movie theaters I know of in the Los Angeles area, but I’ll be reviewing the only one I’ve been to. I’ve actually have been to another one in Chino but I vaguely remember the details of it so I’ll just stick to what I know. Drive in theaters are the epitome of an old- fashioned date where you’re able to have a more intimate setting in the front seat of your car. From my understanding, you began the date in the front seat but slowly drifted to the back seat if you get my drift. This spot is definitely one of LA’s little treasures that not many people know about. I’ve actually only been there a handful of times but it’s definitely something you can do to impress that special person in your life!

This drive in movie theater is snuggled on the second floor of a parking structure in Downtown LA between Broadway & Spring (great location!). The movies that are shown are all older but timeless classics including: Clockwork Orange, Goodfellas, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, All About Eve, and plenty more! You can either drive in with your car, or walk in and sit on blankets or lawn chairs on the astroturf located in front of the screen portion and in front of the cars. You may easily miss the sign into the parking structure so I recommend that you get there a bit earlier just to ensure you enter the correct place. The times I’ve been there, there’s been trivia questions before the movie and the sound comes from a local radio station which I thought was super awesome! You’re able to purchase tickets on their website for $10 or it will be $13 at the door- cash. They do have a Snack Shack which offers BBQ items such as hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers and a wide variety of candy, chips, beverages, and their locally made GIANT Brownie Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Since summer is right around the corner, I’d suggest taking full advantage of this opportunity! Gentleman, I guarantee that this will make your lady swoon and if it doesn’t, she’s not the one for you, or anyone in that matter of fact. Just kidding. Bring your own blankets, snacks or anything else that you believe would make the night even better. Do purchase your tickets in advanced just in case it fills up and arrive a bit earlier to avoid getting lost as it is a bit tricky to find the structure. Right next door is Perch, which is an amazing rooftop lounge which looks over Perishing Square and the rest of Downtown Los Angeles if you’re interested in extending your date. Let me know how it goes!

Facebook: Electric Dusk Drive- In
Website: Electric Dusk Drive- In

Top Cafes in Los Angeles

Now that the weather is warming up, it’s the perfect time to go out with some friends/family for breakfast or brunch and bask in the LA sun. For those of you that enjoy trying contemporary places and don’t mind paying a couple dollars extra for some delicious food, I’d highly recommend going to to the places below. Cafes and food trucks seem to have increased dramatically over the past couple of years and I’m always searching for novel places to eat. I’ve never been a huge fan of chain restaurants for breakfast (IHOP, Dennys, Carrows, etc.) so I’ve explored Los Angeles looking for some of the best cafes that give breakfast a more “at home” experience with large portions, food made from love, and a quaint ambiance. It was hella difficult to choose from all the cafes I’ve been able to eat at, but I was able to narrow it down to my top 5. I attempted to rank it from 1 to 5, but that failed quickly so I just threw them all out there. I was initially going to list my top 10 but “aint nobody got time for that”. If you have any restaurants you’d like me to check out, feel free to let me know!

1. Crave Cafe (Studio City)- There’s not many great cafes in the valley, but this cafe might actually be one of the best (if not the best) in the Los Angeles area. In my opinion, the best restaurants in the valley are along Ventura blvd. Although it can get pretty populated during the peak times, it’s open 24 hours which is fitting for either breakfast, brunch, dinner, or even after you’ve had a long night of partying and want some delicious food. The patrons are very sociable and hospitable which is always a deciding factor on whether or not I’ll be returning.

   

2. Literati Cafe (West LA/Santa Monica)- I typically go here with co- workers during an early lunch before the lunch rush and it never lets me down. On the corner of Wilshire  and Bundy, this place is the perfect place to wind down and potentially fall asleep with all the comfy sitting. They do provide free Wi-Fi here, so if you’re ever looking to play hookie from work/school this woud be a great place to get your work done.. but I guess if you’re playing hookie, you’re not looking to go somewhere and do work. Their seating arrangement here makes it appear to be more of a lounge or coffe house rather than an actual cafe, but it’s well worth it!

3. Alcove (Griffith Park/Los Feliz)- You’re automatically surrounded by gorgeous estates that set the vibe for a breakfast/lunch here. I recently had lunch here with my friend Krista and had a little impromptu photoshoot, but the food here was exactly what I needed that day (and any day for that matter). Unlike most cafes where there’s relatively a small amount of space, this place offers a generous amount of seating AND they have valet if needed. Most of the people I know come here after a hike at Griffith Park or Runyon Canyon to make up all for all the carbs they just lost. It’s a brilliant idea if you ask me.
4. Malibu Cafe (Malibu)- My best friend/sister used to work here and although the food doesn’t compare to the other cafes on this list, you’re really paying for the environment, weather, and activities they have there. Think of it this way.. it’s a huge backyard with fire pits, cabanas, ping pong tables, live bands, paddle boarding in the lake, and a bunch of other great things. It’s a perfect place to go with family so that kids can run around or even with friends for bottomless mimosas on Sunday morning. It’s planted in the hills of Malibu so it may be a difficult to locate at first but it’s for sure one of my favorite places in Los Angeles.

   

5. Larchmont Bungalow (Larchmont)- The first time I came here was after a hike and let me tell you, I don’t regret consuming all those carbs because it made my stomach and heart happy. I slept like a baby that afternoon. They have these scrumptious red and blue velvet pancakes that I never finish. Ever. The best part about this place is that it’s located on a street with a bunch of little boutiques and Sprinkles cupcakes is right across the street- which is dangerous if you have a sweet tooth. Their desserts are on steroids and I’m not sure who they think they’re serving to- giants? sasquatches? big foot? The point is that you absolutely need to come here if you have the chance.

Here are some additional suggestions for cafes:
Cici’s Cafe (Tarzana)
Aroma Tea & Coffee (Studio City)
Urth Cafe (Multiple Locations)
Morning Nights (Silverlake)
Griddle Cafe (Hollywood/WeHo)
Cafe Americano (Mid Wilshire)
Blu Jam (WeHo)

Vibin’ with Clauds- ThePennyCloset

Facebook: ThePennyCloset
Twitter: Clauds_Love
Instagram: Clauds_Love
Website: thepennycloset.blogspot.com

“Style just can’t be bought. Instead of shelling out entire paychecks on a pair of jeans, invest the time into your creative mind. Be your own fashionista! Be you! And save! That’s what this blog is about. Look lavishly on an affordable budget.”

I had the pleasure of interviewing this lovely lady and what was initially supposed to be an interview in regards to her blog quickly turned into a discussion of life. I guess that’s what happens when you just vibe out. Living in Los Angeles, we’re constantly reminded of what we can’t afford whether it be the luxurious cars, the multi- million dollar home, belts that are worth thousands of dollar and so forth. Then again, I feel that some of us feel like we’re entitled to certain things because we live in such a society and the media instills that notion into our youth’s minds. Regardless, I wanted to capture the simplicity of life and how we have to work with what we’re given.. and if it looks good- well even better.

“Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess.”

Clauds blog, thepennycloset.blogspot.com, brings you diverse fashion tips without having to spend the hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars on those brand name items. Let’s be honest here, we all enjoy looking like a million bucks but don’t want to spend that amount- predominantly since we don’t have it. With her husband, Khristian, they’ve been able to collaborate on not only pictures but videos which is a nice touch on her site. Krs does a wonderful job capturing the items that compliment the outfit- which well all know that the little things become things. Her inspiration is drawn from other fashion blogs/shows and from there she is able to comprise outfits that she’s able to piece together from those ideas. She focuses on items that can make any women of any style look like they’ve walked out of a magazine because of the different looks that she’s able to give. The ability to make 3 different outfits out of the same clothes is what separates people with style and people who buy fashion. The variety of stores where she gets her items ranges from vintage stores in NoHo, to Aldo, to May Max, and so on. Check out the additional questions and quotes from the interview below:

What do you think is the biggest obstacle in today’s society?
“Finding your identity amongst those around you.”

What made you start your blog?
“I noticed that I would receive compliments from people about the outfits that I put together and how much they were and where I got them so I thought I’d put together a site where I could share that information.”

“People think I may be intimidating”

What is some advice that you’d give to young women nowadays?
“Express yourself more and don’t let people bring you down.”

If there is something that you could tell yourself 10 years ago, what would it be?
“I don’t think I’d ever marry a Salvadorian. Nope. Not me. Well we all know how that turned out.”

If you could have any super power what would it be?
“I’d make sure everyone had a home a roof over their head.” (world peace wasn’t an option- this isn’t a pageant. Ha!)

“I love that my husband surprises me and will put random stuff in my car or send me sweet text messages.”

Now that you’ve been in a relationship for 10 years, how have you made it work?
“He’s always made me laugh since day 1 back in high school and made me comfortable where I’m not being judged and criticized.”

What would you describe your style as?
“Depends on my mood that day but I can be sporty, classy, etc.”

Where’s one place you want to go and why?
“China. I love cherry blossoms and the culture out there, it’s just beautiful.”

I definitely encourage you to check our her blog, instagram, facebook, twitter, lookbook and everything in between (just don’t stalk her). Whatever your plans may be this weekend, take some time to vibe out with those around you this. Life is beautiful and it’s too short to be anything but happy. Go out there and be amazing!

Date idea- Champagne Brunch or Starlight Dinner Cruise

I went on this Champagne Brunch Cruise in Marina Del Rey about a year ago and this is the epitome of what “Sunday Funday” should be. This cruise hosted by Hornblower Cruises & Events now has a Starlight Dinner Cruise in addition to the Champagne Brunch Cruise that I participated in. They may have always had the dinner cruise but this is my first time learning about it so I’m excited to see how it is. Both these cruises are perfect not only for dates with a significant other but to go with your family or to get your “grown up turn up” on with your friends. Since the weather is slowly getting warmer, I would highly suggest to go between now and May, although, since you always have the marine layer in the marina I’m sure it would be just as beautiful during the summer months.

The Champagne Brunch Cruise includes 2 hours of coasting around the marina, a brunch buffet, free- flowing champagne (get some OJ and make yourself a mimosa) and sparking cider, tranquil background music, and your own table overlooking the scenic view. Since the marina isn’t in open water (don’t get technical), you’re not really paying for a cruise per say, but rather the experience. When making the reservations, request if you can be seated on the top deck as you’re able to fully take in the breathtaking view and you’re not in the commotion of others getting their food on the bottom deck. The food consists of every typical American breakfast dish, but their desserts.. Uhh- mae- zeeng. They have a variety of sweets that puts Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory to shame (ok, maybe I’m exaggerating but it was hella good!). Switch up your Sunday Funday routine and book this! I haven’t tried their dinner cruise so I can’t really give my two sense, but you better believe I will once I try it!

I actually have a gift certificate for either of those events because the wind wasn’t playing nice so they compensated us with a free ticket. If you’d be willing to accompany one Sunday or a Friday/Saturday night (dinner cruise), please let me know! Let’s eat. Let’s drink. Let’s relax. Let’s vibe.

Personal Men’s Stylist- Fourth and Grand

What’s better than having a personal stylist send you a case of outfits every month? Bacon. Bacon is the only thing that’s better. Before Fourth and Grand was Fourth and Grand, they were called Gentleman’s Square and they’ve improved their service tremendously since I joined last year. I was introduced to this start up last year by a former colleague, Tal, who told me about a service where they acted as personal stylist who chose outfits for you based on the initial “quick style quiz”. The first thing that came to my mind was, “Dammit, why didn’t I think of this?” This is perfect for two types of men, and I’m sure you gentlemen fall in either category: The man who absolutely hates going to the mall (or wherever) and the actual process of shopping, or the man who is too busy to have time to go to shopping and likes to be kept up on the latest fashion trends. I happen to fall into both categories- how convenient. There’s so many beneficial features of this service (feedback, free shipping, only paying for items you keep, convenience, etc.), but I’d say what keeps me coming back is their customer service. Impeccable.

^^ohhh hayyyy that’s me!

Well, that’s nice Christian but how does it work? I’m getting there! The first step is to obviously go to their website Fourth and Grand and request a membership using your Facebook credentials or entering your e-mail address. You also have an option to call their phone number which is listed on their site and you’re able to speak to a stylist. Once they reply to you, they’ll lead you to a link where you take a quick style quiz where they evaluate your style based on the options that you chose. After 14-21 days, they’ll send you a monthly case with the items that fit the results of the quiz. Within the case there’s instructions on how to return the case of items along with feedback which I highly suggest you give. Like I mentioned before, you only pay for what you keep and the return process is extremely easy and free. Their company is forever expanding so I’d suggest you sign up soon to be placed on their list!

My personal stylist, Krystal, has diversified my cases based on the seasons and my feedback, and she never seizes to let me down. Within a case there’s typically 2-3 outfits which include a button down or polo complimented by an outerwear garment whether it be a cardigan or a sweater. I’ve requested for “colorful” socks and bow ties on occasions and she caters to every request I’ve had. I’d say that if you purchased the entire case you’d spend anywhere from $250-$400 depending on the items that are included for that month. You’re able to purchase individual items and you’re not by any means obligated to purchase the whole case. The case also includes a price list which states the cost of every item in the case so you already know what you’re going to be charged for once you return the case. They do an amazing job of reaching out to you before they send you the next case with any specific items that you’d like to see.

Date ideas- Wine tasting

**Demetria pictured above.

Every now and then I’ll be writing an article on date ideas because as a single man I have an abundance of date ideas but never go on them. These articles will predominantly pertain to men, but hey, if you’re a woman planning the dates.. more power to you! I can actually appreciate women planning their dates as it’s not of the norm and most women are passive when it comes to doing so. Yes, this is a hint.

I’ve been fortunate enough to go wine tasting in the Santa Ynez valley the past 2 years and I cannot get enough of the wineries out there. I stumbled across this wine tour after numerous searches on Google along with the help of Yelp (that rhymes!). Santa Barbara Wine Tours & Wine Tasting is hosted by an amazing tour guide, Bryan, who is extremely passionate about his craft and has an endless amount of knowledge. He’s able to educate his audience about sustainable farming and the positive influence it has on the environment. Driving from Los Angeles, I met him at the Santa Barbara train station and he picked us up in a Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van which uses biodiesel fuel. The hospitality was exquisite and professional from the time we arrived until the time we left.

My suggestion is to make a weekend out of it or at least spend the night there after the wine tasting because it’s definitely much more vino than anticipated. Within the 5-7 wine tasting tour (seems like a long time but well worth it), you’re able to go to 3 different wineries where you’re able to test around 6 glasses of wine. By glasses, I mean “sample glasses” but it will hit you quicker than you think. This tour also includes an organic picnic lunch which is delicious! At several wineries, you’re even able to taste the grapes right off of the vine which happen to be the most succulent fruits I’ve ever tasted. It’s that good. I participated in this tour in October both years and I cannot begin to express how beautiful the weather was. It was probably around 70-75 degrees with a nice ocean breeze which made you want to nap right then and there. It is quite pricey at $125 per/person but you get more than what you’re paying for (the vino, the experience, the knowledge, and you’ll earn serious brownie points with that special person).

It’s always nice to get out of Los Angeles to an area where you’re able to sit back and enjoy a glass of wine- literally. I’d highly suggest going in the Spring or Fall time when the grapes are ripening although I forgot which time of year they ripen (clearly I wasn’t paying attention). The pictures don’t do any justice of what the experience is like so I’d suggest that you try it yourself- along with a friend or a significant other. I promise you won’t regret it!!