A little slice of Europe

So since we moved to LA, a friend has raved about the Aroma Cafe.  It sounded like a place I would enjoy, but it took me over two months to get there!  Finally, the same friend suggested we go for a late lunch last week, so all of us took a trip down to Tujunga Ave.

Wow, this place is in a word... adorable!  The outdoor seating on the street and around the back is extremely eclectic and unique.  We chose a cozy spot under the trees and enjoyed some interesting conversation while waiting for our food.

I ordered the Brie Plate, which was full of fresh and dried fruits, crostini and of course a huge slice of warmerd Brie cheese.  I mean, the picture speaks for itself.

The brie was delicious, and the fruits and nuts were a perfect compliment to the cheese.  But my favorite part of this plate was the honey drizzled all over the entire thing, which you can't really see in the picture, but it was there and amazing!  All in all a successful brie plate which is great if you are looking for something light and refreshing as a change from the usual heavy, greasy American food.  My husband had a tuna melt that he assures me he will order again, and that came with a huge mound of fries.  Our friend enjoyed a Cobb salad that came in a bowl the size of his head.  Everyone was very satisfied with their lunch choices.  The prices were a little high, but for the portion size and quality of food it was well worth it in my opinion.

I will definitely be back, as I am craving some of the delicious looking desserts I saw in their front cabinet where you order.  One friend from out of town has requested I find her a cute outdoor cafe to enjoy when she comes to visit.  I think I have hit the nail on the head.  Really looking forward to a long relationship with the Aroma cafe.

Bratkartoffeln

So what could be better than sweet onions and potatoes cooked to perfection in bacon fat, and then bacon crumbled on top?  If this sounds amazing to you, then you should definitely check out Bratkartoffeln.  This is a german dish that I have loved for many many years.  And it is super easy to make.  With a few of the ingredients that I picked up at the farmer's market yesterday, this was one tasty dinner.  But you could make it as a side dish as well.

Ingredients
4 slices thick cut bacon(or your favorite)
1 med. sweet onion, chopped or sliced your favorite way
4-6 red potatoes, chopped or sliced your favorite way

Directions

In a large skillet, brown bacon until crispy and remove to paper towel to drain, leaving bacon fat in pan
Pour onions into skillet, letting them sweat in the bacon fat until soft
Pour potatoes on top of the onions, and cook down together until potatoes are soft
Before serving, crumble bacon and place back in skillet, giving all ingredients a good toss to combine.

Super easy, super tasty!  Give it a try and let me know what you think?

Sunday At The Farmer's Market

Today was one of those perfect Sundays.  You know the ones that include catching up with friends, naps, and an afternoon coffee break.  Clear skies, crisp morning, and Farmer's Market Day!  I checked out the one in Studio City, and I have to say it was a lot of fun.  I found a few amazing vendors, scored some amazing deals, and look forward to a week full of fresh fruits, veggies, herbs and breads!

Located between Radford and Laural Canyon on Ventura Place stands the Studio City Farmer's Market, SCFM.  It's open every Sunday, from 8 am to 1 pm.  Though it is relatively small, two rows of stalls that line this short street, there is no wanting here.  I saw all kinds of fresh fruits and veggies, as well as prepared foods.  And by the way, just one hint.  Don't eat breakfast before you go!  There are so many free samples, I was stuffed before we left.

All the rage it seemed was for a small fruit I had frankly never heard of before, pluots.  Apparently, these are a cross between plums and apricots, and are 100% delicious.  We tried many different varieties, and ended up purchasing several dino eggs and flavor grenade pluots.  It was exciting to see something new an unexpected, and I look forward to making several tasty recipes with them.  I've seen a lot of plum tart recipes lately, and that might be on the list of things to bake this week!

Two amazing stands that I loved were Homeboy Bakery and a handmade olive oil/vinegar stand(I forgot the name, opps).  While it has a funny name, Homeboy Bakery has an amazing message behind it.  It allows the recently incarcerated, those considering gang life, or other at-risk teens to learn a trade that will keep them from a life of crime, or from returning to it.  We purchased fresh made tortilla strips and a loaf of french bread here, and both were amazing!  The tortilla strips have three ingredients: corn, vegetable oil, and salt.  So simple, yet very tasty.  We will definitely be back!  The second was a California olive oil and vinegar stand.  I tasted a few varieties, but my favorite was their Meyer's lemon olive oil.  I'm trying to think of recipes to add this one to, but I see it mainly for salad dressings and dipping.  Yum yum yum!

All in all I would tell you to check out this market if you live in the area, but I doubt I would drive very far to get to it.  It had a cozy atmosphere, and I completely plan on coming back next week.  I want to try to make something with rhubarb, which I saw in a stall when we were walking out, and didn't have time to grab it.  Do any of you go to a local farmer's market you would suggest?

The hubs and I will be eating very well tonight!  Take a look at our haul.

So excited to play with these!

Grab Bag of Fresh Herbs - $2!!

Guten Appetit!!