Neighborhood Hollywood Glamour
When I first came across the dear Cafe Audrey, I giggled in delight that there was a coffee destination such as this one in my neighborhood! Delicious sandwiches, soups, salads, pastries, and beverages are served here from extremely friendly staff amidst beautiful black and white decor; all an homage to the exquisite Audrey Hepburn. With Ms. Hepburn as inspiration, how could you go wrong? (Hint**You can’t!!)
First off, the coffee is robust, nutty and smooth. Then, if you’re hungry, pick one of their many options; I love the Roasted Bell Pepper and Goat Cheese Panini (it’s goat cheese! My favorite!), the Curry Tuna Melt, or the Turkey and Swiss Panini (hold the onions and tomatoes for me, please!), and almost everything on their breakfast menu. Many of the breakfast items are made with croissants, what a yummy way to start the day! And according to their website, Cafe Audrey offers a happy hour from 3-6 where for $2 you can buy a cookie and their house coffee with free refills! Recessionista, am I! (=
Cafe Audrey also offers free WiFi (YES!) and incredibly comfy tables and chairs, in the classy black and white style (with accents of red thrown in) that are filled with patrons. In addition to being a divine hot spot, Cafe Audrey supports local musicians by hosting live music events. Cafe Audrey is more than just a scrumptious cafe, it’s part of the community. In a city as large and superficial as Hollywood, it’s a refreshing mini-vacation to relax in a welcoming niche like Cafe Audrey.
**Note from me! I couldn’t help but also be reminded of my dear grandma while here at Cafe Audrey. My grandma’s name was also Audrey and she loved coffee like I love coffee. Must have gotten it from her. She was beautiful, feisty and classy. I’ll hunt down a photo and post it so you can see. (-:
My Love of Coffee Shops Continued …
Here I go again, but when it’s this good, I must! Swingers restaurant is a fantastic place to eat, unlike any other. To begin, it has the best classic rock music playing from an old time jukebox, the menus are covered in 70s pop culture memorabilia, and they cater to all taste buds with something for everyone - meat eaters, vegetarians, and vegans. I adore their Swingers Salad with tofu and topped with their homemade balsamic vinaigrette. However they saute their tofu and make their salad dressings is something wonderful.
For you meat lovers, the Swinger Burger is one of the best around; fresh, juicy, and salty, with a toasted bun slathered with a touch of mayonnaise, and just the right size. Also, one of their specials is the spaghetti with turkey meatballs, so fantastic! I don’t like meatballs, but their turkey meatballs are phenomenal!
They have these vegan desserts that taste so good, you would never know they were vegan! Chocolate chip cookies and cinnamon rolls and even cheesecake! Vegan cheesecake! Bliss.
I love their onion rings, their hummus and pita, their coffee, shakes, sodas, cupcakes, french fries, tofu chilaquiles, macaroni and cheese, organic eggs, asian chicken salad (one of their fab specials), tofu saute, veggie burger, stuffed grilled cheese, roasted turkey club … Oh, I think I like almost everything on their menu!
Swingers has two locations: one in Santa Monica and the one I go to off of Beverly and Fairfax. Go, go, go and have a swingin’ good time! ;-D
Coffee Time - Part 1
Mmmm, as coffee is my personal drink of choice, I’m always on the lookout for the best coffee dispensaries in town. Seeing as there are many in LA (I can’t wait to visit Seattle again to compare) this will be a continuing Jilly Bites series. To kick it off, I must introduce you to Urth Caffe, a quaint, warm, inviting, albeit a “see and be seen” vibe, coffee shop with some of the best organic coffee I’ve ever tasted. My favorite would have to be the famous Spanish Latte. It’s strong, nutty, sweet, and very, very smooth; if velvet was drinkable, this would be it. (Also, pay attention to the very pretty designs on the coffee top, this just makes me happy! It’s all in the details :-D )
In addition to the coffee array, Urth Caffe supplies sweets galore as well as delectable, hearty eats. If they are serving tomato rice soup when you visit … get it!!! You won’t be disappointed. Their brownies have the perfect fudge-y balance, their salad is fresh with organic dark, green, leafy veggies and the house balsamic vinaigrette is light yet full of flavor. Oh, and their oatmeal, the oatmeal! I don’t even really like oatmeal, but the oatmeal at Urth Caffe is a breakfast that must be tried.
Bring your friends, bring a book or just people watch, you will enjoy your time at Urth Caffe. I guarantee it.
P.S. The staff are some of the sweetest people!!!
Loving a night out supporting locally grown food & local entertainment at the @LACityFarm. Look for the video 4/28/10 on #JillyBites!!
