dining in LA
"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well." Virginia Woolf

SpoiledinLA   |   dining   |   relaxed dining

Featured Review
Hotcakes Bakes
Los Angeles, CA
The expression flying like hotcakes is literal at Hotcakes Bakes. This West LA bakery has quickly become one of the rising stars in a battle of the bakeries. Owner Elfie Weiss came to Los ...(Read More)

Food Lab Cafe & Market Place


7253 Santa Monica Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90064
(323) 851-7120
www.foodlabcatering.com
Foodie alert! If you’re a sandwich connoisseur Food Lab Café is the place for you. Located on an unsuspecting block of Santa Monica Blvd, a stones throw away from a variety of chain restaurants, lay
s this mecca of homemade, freshly prepared food. As soon as you walk in, it’s impossible not to notice the wall full of Dean & Deluca products. From spice racks to pancake mix it’s an epicurean’s wet dream. When you turn around it gets even better. Staring you in the face is a prepared foods case and a blackboard with the day’s menu chalked in.

Sandwiches reign supreme at Food Lab and they are worth every calorie you consume. The standouts include the organic chicken curry on walnut raisin bread with lingonberry chutney. It’s the perfect ratio of sweet and spicy and has just the right amount of kick. Be careful as it is addictive and you’ll find yourself stopping by Food Lab Café multiple times a week just for this culinary delight. The homemade Austrian meatloaf is served hot with Food Lab’s signature tomato aioli, and fried onions on ciabatta bread. And for those of you that are more into unique sandwiches try the grilled chicken with roasted plums and honey whipped mascarpone cheese. This sandwich is so delicious it can almost be considered dessert!

Speaking of dessert, in addition to their own pastries, like sugar brioche, food lab also proudly carries Deluscious cookies and macaroons by Paulette. And don’t forget to grab their homemade sauces, aiolis, tapenades, and freshly squeezed lemonade and fruit juices from the refrigerated case.

After you place your order at the counter you receive a number and can take a table in front or on the back patio. When you head out back pick up some of their complimentary water flavored with mint and wait for your delicacy to arrive, which will be accompanied by a small dish of olives and cornichons. Whether you need a new lunchtime getaway or a place to grab a delicious dinner- Food Lab Café is a foodie’s dream.

3/5/2009