For those of you who aren’t familiar with me, I work in the television industry here in LA. I have the opportunity to work on different TV shows throughout the year and while it’s super fun, when we are filming I work very long hours and have little time to do anything else, much less go to new restaurants. The show that I was recently working on has finally wrapped, and I am on a break for the next few months! While my husband and I have several trips coming up this Fall and Winter, I made a vow to explore more of my hometown of LA during this downtime. There are so many restaurants that I had been dying to try – first up, Salazar.
Salazar is a modern Mexican food restaurant located in Elysian Valley (also dubbed ‘Frogtown’), and operates out of what used to be a car repair lot. It’s cool, quirky, and feels so much like you’re actually in Mexico. Most of the seating is in the open outdoor area, which has mix-matched furniture that definitely gives you Mexico vibes. It would be a great place for large parties or birthdays. The bar area is so cool, and they whip up a number of fun specialty cocktails and agua frescas. We were there to catch their brunch menu, which had a great selection of Mexican classics like huevos rancheros, breakfast burritos, tacos and more.
For food, we had to start with their freshly made tortilla chips and guacamole with cotija cheese. It was addicting, creamy goodness that we had to order seconds of. Since I never met a chilaquiles I didn’t like, we ordered that along with the vegetarian tacos for something different. Both were delish with their homemade hot sauce (and extra dollops of their guacamole, of course). It was so peaceful out on the patio that we stayed a while after finishing our food and drinks.
I’ll definitely be coming back for more fun drinks and to try out their dinner menu. What a cool, hidden gem in LA! It’s a must-try spot if you’re ever on the east side. Salud!
-Naz
Not all chocolate is created equal. And when you combine chocolate and art, you get Compartés. Since 1950, Compartés has been making gourmet chocolate in Los Angeles, using the best ingredients, with the most exquisite packaging ever. Each chocolate bar is truly a work of art, with unique designs for each flavor. Jonathan Grahm took over the company and has reinvigorated the brand into products of art, design, fashion and style. With two store fronts in Los Angeles – one in Brentwood and their newest, most gorgeous store at the Westfield Century City Mall – Compartes will satisfy your sweet tooth and desire for aesthetic beauty!
I recently visited their newly opened Century City location, which was gorgeously designed by renowned interior designer, Kelly Wearstler. If you’re familiar with Kelly’s work, you’ll recognize the glamorous art deco flair, gold accents and beautiful marble incorporated into the space. The design makes for the perfect setting for these unique pieces of food art. Their different creations are even laid out like an art exhibit, with beautiful chocolate bars in display cases strewn about. You can indulge on endless treats, from their traditional chocolates to their signature truffles, and of course – don’t forget their frozen hot chocolate. What an absolute treat, made with their hot cocoa powder, topped with whipped cream, gold flakes, berries or whatever your heart desires.
Not only is the packaging on Compartés products beautiful, but even the chocolate itself has unique flavors, ingredients, textures colors, and even metallic or bright accents right within the chocolate itself. Their chocolate is certainly not your average pharmacy chocolate bar – with each bar being around $12, they’re more like collectors items that make for a great gift or party favor. You won’t want to throw away the box! Cheers to chocolate!
-Naz
