Botanica | Silver Lake, CA

A visit to Botanica is a bit like walking through your computer screen into a perfectly curated Pinterest board. It’s positively idyllic: glassware sparkles in a flood of afternoon sun, dreamy florals bring pops of color to patinaed wooden shelving, crusty loaves of Bub & Grandma’s bread beckon from a table loaded with take-home treats, all while impossibly chic Eastsiders catch up with friends over matcha lattes and glasses of rose. As the details within the space unfurl, the impressiveness of this operation sinks in - every object has been carefully curated, from the cluster of glass orb lamps above the bar to the clean, unfussy font on the menus. And just when you think the experience cannot possibly be more beautiful, your food arrives, and there are flowers on it. If the thought of Instagramming this place doesn’t cross your mind at least once, you’ve got to be dead inside.

What is perhaps most impressive about Botanica, however, is that its impeccable aesthetic is backed up with serious substance. Founded by former food writers Heather Sperling and Emily Fiffer, Botanica is not just another vegetable-forward, hip Silverlake hangout (though both “vegetable-forward” and “hip” could be counted among its descriptors); it is a thoughtful, multi-faceted operation that aims to nourish, support, and give back to its community. By partnering with organizations like Empower LA and offering employees benefits like healthcare and maternity leave, Sperling and Fiffer are making a positive impact in both their neighborhood and in the restaurant industry. Through their online magazine, they're able to break the confines of geography by offering Botanica's own recipes to readers all over the world. And by sourcing the highest-quality ingredients possible for their dishes and their small, curated market, they're able to offer remarkably delicious, healthful cuisine to their patrons, while simultaneously supporting local farms and small businesses in their community.

Following a “no rules” food philosophy, Botanica’s menu highlights fresh, seasonal vegetables accented with organic dairy products and sustainably raised meats. There are nods to Sperling’s Lebanese heritage in the form of middle eastern flavors like za’atar and labneh, and dishes that make vegetables sing like only a truly passionate healthy-eater (like Fiffer) could. During the day, options range from sweet fruit and granola dishes to savory eggs and salads, with a tempting list of coffee drinks made with Coffee Manufactory beans. At night, things get more romantic as the candles are lit, and the menu is flipped over to feature heartier, more substantial dishes, complimented by a thoughtfully constructed list of natural wines - not to mention a healthy list of whiskies to choose from. 

On a recent quiet weekday, we made the pilgrimage to Silver Lake to visit Botanica - a trip that had felt like a long time coming, even though the restaurant's grand opening was in May. The space was pleasantly full and lively, with enough seats to choose from in both the cool, airy restaurant and on the charming outdoor patio. The waitstaff were friendly and attentive, welcoming us within moments of our arrival with warm conversation. It's no surprise that in the short months since Botanica's opening, a loyal base of regulars has already formed - a few were seated near us during our meal, and their servers had already memorized their favorite dishes. 

To begin, we enjoyed some cold drinks, obligatory on a warm July day. The iced latte made with their house-made cashew-date milk is a perfect way to caffeinate without heating up, and the delicate, lightly sweetened nut milk is creamy and satisfying. For something even more refreshing, there is the Cucumber Lemon Ginger Spritzer, a vibrant green concoction that is tart, fizzy, and downright fun to drink. 

When a menu boasts something as delightfully alluring as "Cake for Breakfast!," we have little choice but to order it - because who hasn't wanted to indulge in a little bit of cake for breakfast on occasion? This version, a gluten-free, almond-orange-honey cake, is topped with mounds of vibrant roasted fruit, a generous dollop of cream, and a dusting of orange zest. It is the perfect compromise between having your cake and eating breakfast, too - sweet and decadent enough to qualify as cake, nourishing and healthful enough to qualify as a proper breakfast. The fruit is especially delicious when soaked into the coarse crumbs of the cake - a perfect bite was a mixture of both apricots and berries, a touch of cream and a generous bite of cake. 

Eggs and vegetables are the most essential building blocks of a perfect brunch, and fortunately the team at Botanica are adept with both. Their "Our Favorite Romesco" dish offers heaps of perfectly cooked seasonal vegetables stacked atop a thick smear of nutty, peppery romesco sauce, dusted with sprigs of fresh herbs and flowers, and crowned with a crispy fried egg. The vegetables, a melange of summer squash, leeks, cauliflower, and potatoes, are roasted to perfection with just a touch of char. The potatoes, especially, are melt-in-your-mouth delicious, offering a burst of flavor with each bite, while that runny egg yolk brings creamy richness to the party. 

Finally, to meet our ever-important leafy-greens quota, the fulfilling and flavorful "Niçoise-ish Salad." A work of art in a bowl, this salad came loaded with fresh, crisp greens, tender green beans, savory tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy potatoes. A scoop of hardwood-smoked Blis tuna and a delicate six-minute egg supply a healthy dose of protein, while a coating of delicate mustard-tarragon vinaigrette helps to marry the flavors together. And true to form, the whole ensemble is studded with happy little microgreens and tiny purple flowers. 

No trip to Botanica is complete without a stroll through the market, where many of the ingredients from your meal can be purchased to take home with you. The refrigerator is stocked with fresh dairy and eggs and a vibrant rainbow of produce, while long shelves boast organic wines, jars of oils and spices, and house-made coconut cacao granola (which, be warned, is impossible to resist - our little container disappeared in just a day or two). All the components for a Botanica meal are here, and with a quick visit to the recipes section of their online magazine, you're invited to re-create the magic at home. 

With both style and substance, and some undeniably delicious food, it's impossible to deny Botanica's allure. The icing on the breakfast-cake? The owners and staff are genuinely kind, wonderful human beings who are happy you've come, and are quick to invite you to their community - a community that we'd be honored to be a part of. 

Botanica
1620 Silver Lake Blvd. 
Los Angeles, CA 90026

Urth Caffé | Santa Monica, CA

Just steps from the beach on a lively stretch of Main Street stands the Santa Monica branch of Urth Caffé, housed in a beautiful Spanish-style building bedecked with colorful tilework and lush, vibrant greenery. This is just one of several outposts of the mini-chain that could easily be called a Los Angeles institution; its top-notch organic coffee and tea and consistently high-quality, health-conscious food offerings have made it a mainstay for over 15 years - and have put it on the map as one of L.A.'s best coffee shops. 

Tiled fountain on the patio at Urth Caffé, Santa Monica, CA

Impressively, the restaurant's distinct aesthetic is consistent across each of its six locations; its trademark custom metal chairs, courtyards with charming tiled fountains, and shelves lined with gleaming tins of tea offer a familiar warmth that makes its regulars feel at home. No matter the location you choose, you're greeted by a massive glass case filled with gorgeous, meticulously decorated pastries and desserts, behind which hordes of hunter-green clad employees buzz around, grinding fragrant coffees and swiftly filling orders to keep the ever-present line moving. It feels overwhelming and comfortably familiar all at once, perhaps due in part to Urth's commitment to quality and consistency - each item on their lengthy menu is crafted with care and is easily customizable. 

In 1989, dissatisfied with the destructive and chemical-laden coffee manufacturing process that was (and unfortunately still is) the standard, founders Jilla and Shallom Berkman set out to create the first exclusively organic, heirloom coffee company in the world. Just two years later, in 1991, they opened the very first Urth Caffé in Manhattan Beach. The operation grew slowly, and by the mid-2000's, the healthful meals and organic coffees served at Urth's locations across Los Angeles had formed a cult following. The restaurants also became a hotspot for celebrity sightings, and made regular appearances on HBO's Entourage. Today, the fervor still exists - tourists and locals alike flock to the six locations to sample quintessential healthy Southern California fare and to sip photo-worthy coffees and teas. 

Halfway through a foamy cappuccino at Urth Caffé, Santa Monica, CA 

While Urth Caffé is now well known as a full-service restaurant, excellent coffee remains at the heart of the operation. It's probably safe to say that Shallom Berkman is coffee-obsessed; his stringent high standards ensure that the words "organic," "fair trade," and "sustainable" actually mean something when used in reference to Urth's coffee. Berkman establishes and maintains relationships with ethical coffee growers around the world, often educating them in best practices for growing organic coffee, then oversees the meticulous roasting process back at Urth's Downtown LA headquarters. Here, the coffee is roasted in small batches using cast iron roasters, giving the team the ability to fine tune each coffee's flavor on an individual level. 

Just as Urth offers a variety of different types of coffee beans, the menu also features a wide array of serving styles - options are kind of their thing. It's actually fortunate that there's almost always a line out the door here, because having a few extra minutes to decide is a godsend when you realize just how overwhelming the menu of drinks can be. Not only are there about three times as many options for espresso drinks as any normal coffee shop, but you're also faced with the choice of how you want your espresso: Urth Italia (dark roast) or Urth Dolcé (light roast). Beyond espresso, you can sample traditionally brewed coffee, French press coffee, tea lattés, boba teas, juices, and smoothies. Customization options include at least seven different types of milk, ten natural flavorings, and additions of real whipped cream, boba pearls, or extra shots, and they'll even make anything unsweetened upon request. So yeah, those of us who have trouble making decisions should probably just avoid looking at the menu at all.  

For the first time in the Great Cappuccino Project, I was faced with a quandary when ordering: Urth actually features two different cappuccinos on their menu. One is called simply "cappuccino," and the other is an "Italian cappuccino." Fortunately, I'm no stranger to Urth's Santa Monica location, and I've been able to stage repeat visits in order to sample both - in the name of science, of course. 

Cappuccino at Urth Caffé, Santa Monica, CA

The simply titled "cappuccino" recalls memories of the foam-explosion we experienced back at Funnel Mill: this is the 90's style, wall-of-foam type of cappuccino that you order before settling in for a Poetry Slam. It's unfortunately a bit of a let down if you don't know what you're getting into; after seeing countless Instagram photos of Urth's coffees featuring top-notch latte art, the tall mound of foam on top looks bland and a little sad. But once you take a sip, things start to look up. Under that big fluffy cloud lies Urth's trademark flavorful espresso - sharply bitter with a robust flavor profile that remains steady throughout your sip. It's a classic example of "don't judge a book by its cover," as long as you don't have an aversion to milk foam. And if that's the case, then you probably shouldn't be ordering a cappuccino anyway. 

Italian Cappuccino (left) and Latte (right), Urth Caffé, Santa Monica, CA

If you're looking for a more decorative, sexier cappuccino, the Italian variety is your best bet. With intricate design work etched into a modest layer of a thin, velvety micro-foam, this cappuccino more closely resembles the ones we've found at the hip, "third-wave" coffee shops in Los Angeles. The espresso is consistently robust and flavorful, and it combines with the milk to create a drink that is lusciously smooth. No ugly ducklings here; this drink is dressed to impress. 

I could go on for days about what to try (and what to skip) at Urth Caffé, but if you live in L.A., you probably could, too. It is a mainstay for good reason - it's the perfect spot when you're looking to soak in some California sunshine and enjoy a reliably delicious and healthy meal alongside a well-crafted cup of coffee. 

Urth Caffé, Santa Monica, CA

Urth Caffé
2327 Main St.
Santa Monica, CA 90405

Haute Cakes Caffe | Newport Beach, CA

When it comes to brunch, Los Angeles is bursting at the seams with options. It feels like there are new restaurants opening every week, each offering food more delicious than the ones that came before. Honestly, it's difficult to keep up. So why would you ever venture outside of county lines to have your Sunday mid-morning feast? Because, friends, the O.C. knows how to brunch, too. A quick Yelp search will reveal that cities like Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, and Irvine are absolutely packed with delicious brunch options, some of which even give L.A. a run for its money with their creative, scrumptious fare. My husband and I find ourselves in Orange County quite a bit visiting family, and have managed to sample some really delicious and satisfying brunches. One recent such trip took us to the lovely Haute Cakes Caffe in Huntington Beach. 

Tucked away inside a rather nondescript shopping center you'll find a sweet little garden dining area, as well as an inevitable line spilling out the café doors. Each weekend, OC residents flock to Haute Cakes, lining up for baked goods, egg sandwiches and scrambles, and inarguably delicious pancakes. Luckily, the line moves fast, and there's plenty of seating available both inside and out. This operation is a well-oiled one - which comes as no surprise when you realize that this restaurant is coming into their 27th year of business. 

Both the interior and the patio are absolutely charming, it's clear that the owners strive to keep the place looking fresh and modern and that everything here is done with a lot of love (maybe it's the adorable hearts hiding everywhere that tipped me off?). Outside, locals linger over their treats with their families and pets - dogs are more than welcome on the lovely garden patio. Inside, the pastry case is packed with beautiful sweets from homemade pop tarts to shiny croissants and tempting cupcakes. There's a rumor going around that the cinnamon rolls are unmissable, but as they typically sell out of these within an hour or two of opening, I can neither confirm nor deny. The coffee is taken quite seriously, too; they're brewing up delicious Stumptown coffee in both drip and espresso form. 

Our table sampled plates both sweet and savory, since every good bruncher knows that variety is the spice of life. First, an almond croissant that was flaky, buttery, and light - just exactly what a croissant should be. 

Then, the "Hello & Good Morning" Sandwich: two fried eggs sandwiched between a buttery brioche bun, with crispy bacon, avocado, tomato, greens, sharp cheddar, and onion-jalapeño jam, served with a side of oven roasted potatoes. This was a hearty, satisfying meal with a wonderful kick from the jam. 

Next, the All American Scramble, a perfect choice for those looking for a more classic breakfast. With crispy smoked bacon, avocado and tomato, toast, jam and oven-roasted potatoes, this was another really filling breakfast choice. Normally, this dish is also served with cheddar, but ours was without - my poor husband who ordered it sadly is allergic to dairy products (awful, I know). 

Of course, I am a sucker for some avocado toast, so when it pops up on a menu I'm rarely able to resist. Haute Cake's version comes with smashed avocado, heirloom tomatoes, rosemary sea salt and soft herbs on sourdough toast. I opted to have my eggs sunny side up, because I do love a runny yolk. On the side, some seasonal fruit, which to my delight was a heaping pile of fresh, tart berries. Now that is the way to do a side of fruit (none of this honeydew melon nonsense, thankyouverymuch). 

And because I couldn't in good conscience come to Haute Cakes Caffe and walk away without having tried some 'cakes, we ordered a side of the Orange Ricotta Haute Cakes. The menu warns that these take a bit longer than usual to cook, but ours were out only moments after the rest of our food arrived. Topped with juicy berries and served with a side of maple syrup, these pancakes actually melt in your mouth. Creamy, soft, and perfectly cooked, these were definitely a winner. 

To you Angelenos: next time you have the occasion to venture south of our lovely city, consider doing so on a weekend morning so you can indulge in some Orange County brunch as well! There are many delicious treats to be found, including some really wonderful pancakes. 

Haute Cakes Caffe

1807 Westcliff Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660