This week at Rodeo Realty: Valley Newsletter September 30-October 6!!!
Weekend Events: October 4-6
It’s officially the spookiest time of the year and fall came in with a hurry. With so many fun things to do this season, we’re rounding up this weekends top choices. From a Dumpling Festival to GOT at The Hollywood Bowl, the options are endless! Spend some time out and around L.A. and discover your inner Angeleno!
Friday, October 4
San Gabriel Dumpling & Beer Fest 2019
Location: Historic San Gabriel Mission District
The City of San Gabriel is proud to present the 5th Annual award-winning Dumpling & Beer Fest! The event will feature dumplings, craft beers, desserts, DJs, and live entertainment! Foodies and beer enthusiasts are invited to partake in experiencing a local twist on Oktoberfest. The event is free and open to the general public. Wristbands can be purchased online in advance until October 4th.
2019 Pacific Park World Taco Eating Championship
Location: Pacific Park
Join us for the 2019 Pacific Park World Taco Eating Championship in honor of National Taco Day on Friday, October 4th at 11AM at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. Watch Joey Chestnut, the number-one ranked competitive eater in the world, compete against 14 other Major League Eaters to see who can chow down on the most LA street-style carnitas tacos in 8 minutes!
2019 Ventura Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show
Location: 2019 Ventura Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show
The 2019 Ventura Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show, is coming to Seaside Park at the Ventura County Fairgrounds October 4-6, complete with Kids’ Zone with a pumpkin patch, an outdoor stage with live entertainment, and three buildings brimming with hundreds of captivating arts & crafts and specialty foods.
Saturday, October 5
4th Annual Say NO Bullying Festival
Location: Griffith Park
Come ALL! 4th Annual Say NO Bullying Festival is an outdoor extravaganza which empowers and educates the entire community (all ages). The festival will feature messages from bully prevention influencers, some of today’s hottest musical talent, exhibit/resource booths, food, celebrities and a massive group of supporters. The event is hosted by the Human Growth Foundation.
Game Of Thrones Live Concert Experience – Music By Ramin Djawadi
Location: The Hollywood Bowl
The critically acclaimed Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience will return this fall, bringing the music of Emmy® Award-winning Game of Thrones composer Ramin Djawadi to stunning new life at outdoor theatres across North America. As we say goodbye to one of the biggest shows and scores in television history, relive the greatest musical pieces and footage from all eight seasons in an immersive outdoor concert experience.
33rd Annual California Avocado Festival
Location: Downtown Carpinteria on Linden Avenue
Why avocados? Well, Santa Barbara County is the third largest avocado producer in North America, with Carpinteria being a major contributor. It’s all good (fat, that is)! The 33rd Annual California Avocado Festival takes place in Downtown Carpinteria this weekend only. Admission to the Festival is FREE. There are four entertainment stages with over 75 acts in total as well as dozens of arts and crafts vendors, commercial vendors and food booths. The festival is home to the world’s largest vat of guacamole! Other activities include Best Guacamole Contest, Avocado Auction and more.
Sunday, October 6
CicLAvia—Heart of LA Celebrating UCLA100
Location: Hollywood/Highland Metro Station
Don’t miss a special edition of CicLAvia’s beloved Heart of LA route, presented by Metro and celebrating UCLA’s centennial. Come along for the ride as they explore Westlake, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Boyle Heights, and DTLA (where UCLA originally began as a teachers college), by bike, board, or foot.
Nick Jr. Live! Move to the Music
Location: Dolby Theatre
Join the Nick Jr. Live at this day of fun for the whole family! VIP Experience premium main floor seating and Meet and Greet with Dora the Explorer and Rubble from PAW Patrol. Don’t miss an Exclusive photo opportunity with Blaze from Blaze and the Monster Machines, a VIP merchandise item, a souvenir lanyard, and more!
14th Annual Denim, Diamonds & Stars for Autism
Location: 14th Annual Denim, Diamonds & Stars for Autism
This star-studded, red carpet charitable event raises funds to provide direct care and treatment to children with autism. Event will The fundraiser will feature a VIP & general cocktail reception, silent & live auctions, live entertainment, seated gourmet dinner catered by Four Seasons Hotel award-winning chefs, and an exciting program of celebrity presenters, live entertainment, and a special tribute to 2019 honorees.
LA Eats of the Week
With so many great options to grab a bite in L.A., your choices are almost endless. Rather than scroll through yelp for top picks, we’re rounding out a tailored list to you. Read our Eats of the Week and treat your tastebuds to something new!
BADMAASH
Location: DTLA
In the mood for something spicy? Badmaash recently opened their second location on Fairfax. With a bright, neon hindi sign this restaurant is located on one of the hottest blocks in LA and it’s hard to miss! Start with a samosa, order the deliciously flavorful butter chicken with garlic naan and finish off your meal with some sweet mango lassi. The popular modern Indian spot is open from lunch through dinner and has doubled down on its collection of wines and craft beer.
Pizzana
Location: Los Angeles
What better go to on a Friday night after a long week of work than a crispy savory pizza? Head over to Pizzana for a delicious pizza pie to ring in the weekend! This casual Brentwood restaurant broadens the horizons of the pizza-making art-form thanks to its detailed approach to Neapolitan pizza. What’s more? The racked pizza dishes mean say goodbye to standard sogginess and hello to a warm, crispy crust to finish off your slice!
Rossoblu
Location: Los Angeles
With their wood-roasted meats and pastas, this Northern Italian menu has dishes for everyone. The modern dining room is one of the most attractive spaces in the city. Chef Steve Samson’s Bolognese inspired menu is served in a stunning 100 year old building located at City Market South in the Fashion District of Downtown Los Angeles
Mian
Location: San Gabriel Valley
What better food to have on a rainy day in than Sichuan noodles? Let us introduce you to your new noodle go to spot, Mian! With various mouthwatering spicy broths and sauces that span the array of Sichuan flavors, a plate from this restaurant will hit the spot. Throw in an order of Chaozhou wontons and voila you have a delicious Chinese meal!
Sevan Garden Kebab House
Location: Los Angeles
Garbanzo beans blended with tahini, seasoned garlic and olive oil with fresh falafel or your choice of meat and fresh rice make for a delicious Mediterranean meal. Sevan Garden Kebab House offers healthy, fresh, authentic Mediterranean cuisine that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Located in downtown Los Angeles, this eatery is a great little stop to fill your hungry belly after a long day of shopping in LA’s Fashion District!
Petty Cash Taqueria & Bar
Location: Los Angeles
A great taco is worth the drive across town to taste. People in LA may like salads, but you don’t really hear about anyone bragging about how amazing of a salad they had for lunch. Mouth watering tacos? Now, that’s something to brag about! Petty Cash Taqueria & Bar offers tacos that will send your taste buds on a wild ride!
Carousel
Location: Los Angeles
This Armenian-Lebanese fusion cuisine has been said to be the finest in all of Los Angeles. Located in a strip mall in Hollywood, the original mom and pop is where this exquisite restaurant got people talking. The second larger location, in Glendale, opened in 1998. Every Friday and Saturday night the restaurant hosts live entertainment including belly dancing for a packed house.
Lum-Ka-Naad
Location: Encino
Lum-Ka-Naad is the perfect place that fuses Northern and Southern Thai specialties. If you are in the mood for something spicy, this is your spot! The new location in Northridge boasts a long dark wood noodle bar with its own separate menu.
Vito Restaurant
Location: Santa Monica
Craving that red sauce spaghetti Italian dinner? Well, look no further! Vito Restaurant has been in business for 40 years. This place has not changed much since opening all those years ago, including their classic pastas and traditional cocktail list which includes vesper, Sazerac, or side car.
Sushi Park
Location: West Hollywood
Located on the second floor of a strip mall, this sushi haven is a hidden gem on the Sunset Strip. If you are searching for some great sushi, you’ve found the treasure! Whether it’s the refreshing taste of a California roll on a hot summer day or Kanpachi on a chilly autumn night, this restaurant will fulfill all of your sushi cravings.
Rodeo Realty Celebrates Fall with Family Fun in Malibu
Over the weekend Rodeo Realty held its End of Summer/Fall Family Picnic. It was an event full of family fun for all ages in the heart of Malibu. Held at the Saddlerock Ranch and Vineyards, Rodeo agents, staff and their loved ones enjoyed great food and live entertainment. While children enjoyed activities like a bounce house, face painting and carnival games, adults were able to mix and mingle with their fellow agents.
The highlight of the day came when kids and adults had the chance to partake in a speed bingo raffle, taking home fun prizes like a 50 inch flat screen TV and Restaurant.com giftcards.
Rodeo Realty President Syd Leibovitch (aka the Host) enjoys going above and beyond for his agents. With so many agents and their continued success, tis is just one of the great ways in which they enjoy a day just for them…until Christmas that is.
Check out pictures from this years Family Picnic!
If you’re interested in being part of the Rodeo Realty family, visit www.rodeore.com/careers or call your local branch office!
The Best Places for Apple Picking Near L.A.
You’ve seen the Instagram photos, perhaps even the SNL sketch. It is officially apple picking season! While you may not know it, this seasonal fun isn’t just for the East Coasters. Check out this round-up of places to go apple picking this fall and have a ripe ol’ time!
Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho
Location: Oak Glen
Ripe apples are in full bloom at Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho, from now through Thanksgiving. There are multiple varieties available for u-pick and bulk purchase, including Macintosh, Gala and Spartan, but be sure to check online to find out which types are ripe and ready to be picked. Meander past the petting zoo, or stop in for a full meal at the onsite Country Kitchen. Fresh pressed cider is available, too, and a necessary way to end your time spent in the orchard. The farm is open for apple picking on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 6pm, and on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11am to5pm.
Willowbrook Apple Farm
Location: Oak Glen
Do more than just pick your own apples at Willowbrook Apple Farm, where the fun continues beyond the field. After picking from their century-old Stayman Winesap apple trees, you can then press your own cider, indulge in a tasty caramel apple or hitch a tractor ride. The farm opens on Labor Day, but U-pick apples are available Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm, typically late September through November.
Riley’s Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard
Location: Oak Glen
The first weekend of October is when the grounds of Riley’s Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard open up for apple picking. Their field of heirloom Stayman Winesap trees ripen throughout October and, during a good season, bear fruit into November. The apple orchard itself is 130 years young, but you’ll also find storied plots to pick your own pumpkins, herbs and flowers. Before filling up your bags up, you’ll get a brief lesson from a farmhand on the history of Riley’s, how to properly pick the apples and helpful tips on tasting. While admission is free, you pay for what you pick at $3.50 per pound.
Riley’s Apple Farm
Location: Oak Glen
Spend an afternoon at Riley’s Apple Farm (not to be confused with Riley’s Farm) for a blast from the past. Pick from different varieties of apples for around $3 per pound starting Labor Day weekend, all the way through October or November depending on the season. On the weekends you can partake in a number of different activities, including archery, cider pressing and knife throwing. Be sure to stop into the Trading Post for home goods and to-go items like jams and jellies, and check out their site to see which apple varieties are ready for picking.
Brian Ranch Airport U-Pick Orchard
Location: Antelope Valley
After going for a spin in the air, spend some time picking your own apples in the orchard at Brian Ranch Airport. There are a handful of apple varieties available at different points in the season—which began late-August this year—and you can find out what’s available by calling (661) 261-3216 ahead of your visit. During apple picking season, hours are Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 2pm, as well as other times by appointment. Be sure to enjoy your pickings in their picnic area afterward.
Riley’s Farm
Location: Oak Glen
With more than 30 different kinds of apples and trees that are more than 100 years old, Riley’s Farm (yes, that other Riley’s) is a great place for those who want a large assortment during their u-picking adventures. The farm specializes in heirloom apples, old varieties that you often won’t find in the grocery store. Now through typically November, you can head to the farm to get picking, but if you’re looking for the widest variety, stop by in mid-October for a huge array of pre-picked apples. Check online for the crop status and varying u-pick hours, which often fall on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm. Want something, uh, different? Riley’s also hosts an array of historical reenactments, to keep things interesting, not to mention it’s home to a colonial bakery.
Content Curated from: TimeOut LA
Out and About: Pumpkin Patches in and Near L.A.!
Looking for the perfect pumpkin? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re looking for a quaint patch or a massive farm featuring family games, there are plenty of patches in LA to suit your fancy. Every October, tiny parking lot patches sprout up all over the city and local farms bring out their best orange squash – from tiny little fellas to massive twenty-pounders.
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Tanaka Farms
Location: Irvine
Want to take your pumpkin picking up a notch? Make your way to Tanaka Farms in Irvine for a Hello Kitty-themed farm experience (admission is $4) featuring festive activities like wagon rides, a corn maze, petting zoo and sunflower fields. Just note that this themed patch gets very busy, so parking reservations are required in advance on weekends ($10).
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Bones Pumpkin Patch
When it comes to celebrity sightings, you probably wouldn’t think of visiting the local pumpkin patch. But at longtime favorite Mr. Bones, Hollywood stars and their offspring can’t stay away from the Halloween fun. This family-owned, Los Angeles mainstay would pop up every year in Beverly Hills before recently moving to its new location in Century City.
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Tapia Brothers Farm
Location: Van Nuys
Get lost. No really, get lost in Tapia Brothers Farm’s epic corn maze (an entire lot across from the patch itself) with a much-needed map and a sheet full of trivia questions. Scavenge through the maze for the answers and once you’ve found them all, submit your name in a drawing for a chance to win a cash prize – an early treat for your navigation efforts.
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Forneris Farms
Location: San Fernando Valley
Forneris Farms is back again with a four-acre cornfield maze, weekend pony rides, live entertainment and of course, an impressive selection of pumpkins. Tractor rides will take pumpkin patch goers on a narrated tour through the cornfields and around the farm. Kids can enjoy their own harvest haven by running through a hay bale mini maze, climbing the hay pyramid and getting wild in the giant pumpkin jumper.
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Underwood Family Farms
Location: Ventura County
Every October, Underwood Family Farms becomes an autumnal wonderland as it celebrates its annual Fall Harvest Festival with different events every weekend ranging from Western Weekend to All About Pumpkins. For the entire month, guests can come and be entertained by live music, animal shows, corn mazes and an endless amount of pumpkins. Admission is $16 per person for the first two weekends and then $22 for the following weekends in October.
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Tina’s Pumpkin Patch
Location: Sherman Oaks
There’s something about encountering a friendly llama that makes the trip to this tiny but charming patch so worth while. Maybe you’re not into the whole pumpkin picking thing – or even Halloween at all – but interacting with these highly entertaining petting zoo animals is one memory you need to create.
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Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch
Location: LAX/Westchester
Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch is definitely the spot for you. Like most patches, admission is free and activity prices usually range from $3-$9 with most falling toward the cheaper end. If it’s anything like past years, the massive size of this pumpkin patch, guarantees tons of pre-Halloween fun.
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Pa’s Pumpkin Patch
Who said county fair season is over? There’s no reason a pumpkin patch can’t bring back the same memories of booth games, carnival rides and sugary indulgences. Treat yourself to a weekend of classic festival favorites like giant slides, fun houses and more – all harvest-themed, of course. The patch is also full of haystacks, corn stalks and gourds.
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Whittier Pumpkin Patch
Location: San Gabriel Valley
If you’re an SGV dweller looking to entertain your youngsters, head to Whittier Pumpkin Patch. Pick a pumpkin with your family and enjoy their petting zoo, inflatable jumpers and pony rides.
Home Tips: Prep Your Home for Fall
With summer a fading memory, now’s the time to ready your home for fall’s cooler temps and unpredictable weather conditions. Read below for how to prep you home during the change of season!
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Clear out the gutters
Remove leaves and other debris from your drainpipe and gutters to prevent clogging. In areas with old winters, outdoor faucets should be drained in the fall.
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Clean the fireplace and chimney
You can clear out ash and charred wood from the fireplace yourself, but leave the chimney cleaning to a professional. Have the chimney cleaner check the damper to ensure it can be tightly closed to prevent drafts.
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Check the heating system
Do a survey of your home’s heating vents to make sure they’re not blocked or covered by furniture, carpeting or curtains. Dust vents and clean all filters. Make an appointment for an annual heating system check-p.
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Store air conditioners
If you have removable window air conditioners, be sure to unplug them before taking them down. Dust and clean before covering or storing.
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Check for drafts
Stay warm, save energy and reduce your heating bills this fall by examining windows and doors for cracks and sealing them to prevent drafts.
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Put up storm windows
If you have removable screens, now’s the time to clean, store and replace them with storm windows.
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Ready the water heater
Prepare for cooler weather by draining the water heater and clearing out any debris that has settled in the tank.
Weekend Events: September 27-29
It’s the last weekend of September and the first weekend of the maximum amount of fall fun kicking off in L.A. From scary pop-ups to retro-arcades, the city of stars in showing out this weekend. Spend some time out on the town and discover your inner Angeleno!
Friday, September 27
I Like Scary Movies
Location: 2118 East Seventh Place, Los Angeles
Artist Maximillian’s popular horror-themed pop-up I Like Scary Movies returns for Halloween season September 20 through November 17. The detailed and beautiful series of installations is a love letter from the artist to iconic horror films like The Lost Boys, Beetlejuice, and The Shining. Runs Wednesday through Sundays.
Van Nuys Art Festival
Location: Civil Center, Van Nuys
The third annual Van Nuys Arts Festival showcases the artistic talents and skills of local residents. This years theme is “The Glow Up” and the Van Nuys Civic Center will be transformed into an outdoor virtual forest with interactive art installations, live music, a 3-D maze and more.
Park After Dark Program
Location: Paramount Ranch, 2903 Cornell Rd, Agoura Hills
The Stars of Paramount Ranch – Go behind the scenes with a ranger and explore Paramount Ranch at night! See the eerie remains of Western Town. Stand on a dangerous, abandoned racetrack. Gaze into the sky to see the stars that still shine here. Bring a flashlight, water, and wear sturdy shoes. Stargazing will be available if the sky is clear.
Saturday, September 28
Union Station’s Retrocade Experience
Location: Union Station, DTLA
Enjoy free play of over 50 classic arcade games from the 70’s-90’s during Union Station’s Retrocade Experience happening September 28-29. Guests will also get to enjoy classic arcade food, 80s soft drinks, a Pac Man competition, along with beer, wine and specialty-themed cocktails. Admission is $5 to the experience.
Fantail Wine, Beer & Food Festival
Location: USS Iowa Battleship-250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro
Relive the 1940’s aboard the historic Battleship USS IOWA when 40’s On The Fantail Wine, Beer & Food Festival takes over the ship for a day of live music, swing dancing, food and drinks all to raise funds for Mission 22, a non-profit working to combat veteran suicide. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase.
14th Annual Wag ‘n Walk
Location: Rancho Simi Community Duck Park amphitheater, 1765 Royal Avenue, Simi Valley
Wag ‘n Walk is a three-mile fundraising walk for you and your dog. Vendors, music, prizes, dog adoptions, and silent auction/raffle items. Event T-shirt and goodie bag for walkers that raise at least $100. Registration is FREE.
Sunday, September 29
Mexico in a Bottle: South to North
Location: LA Plaza De Cultura y Artes-501 N Main St.., Los Angeles
Mexico in a Bottle: South to North is a special tasting event that explores Mexico’s regional spirits and flavors through craft spirits, art, food, and music. Over 100 expressions of spirits will be offered plus bites from several restaurants including Guelaguetza and Madre.
Abbott Kinney Festival
Location: Abbott Kinney
The Abbot Kinney Festival in Venice has been dubbed the coolest block in America by GQ Magazine. Enjoy over 350 vendors, eclectic boutiques, artisan eateries, food trucks and booths, kids’ rides and games, four music stages, three beer gardens, and more along the mile-long street.
28th Annual California Lemon Festival
Location: Girsh Park, Goleta
As always, the Lemon Festival will feature the most extensive ‘Safety Street’ in the county. Stop by for their wildly-popular pie-eating contests, arts and crafts vendors, and more food than you can shake a lemon-scented stick at. A petting zoo and amusement park rides add to the many things that make the California Lemon Festival fun for the whole family.
LA Eats: Best Bakeries in Town
The city of L.A. has continued to elevate and evolve its loaves. With renewed interest and appreciation for heirloom grains, extended fermentation, and Old World milling among the city’s bakers, Los Angeles is tasting some of the best bread in its history. Thats why we listed the top picks for everyones favorite carb.
Seed Bakery
Location: 942 E Washington Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91104
Nestled in Pasadena’s northern outskirts, Seed Bakery adheres to Old World traditions. Freshly milled whole grains undergo a slow fermentation process before being baked into some of the most appealing whole grain country and rye breads in LA.
Bub and Grandma’s Bread
Location: 2433 Riverside Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90039
While Bub and Grandma’s doesn’t have a dedicated retail store, Andy Kadin’s bread made with Grist and Toll wheat can be found just about everywhere, from the Hollywood Farmers Market to some of the best restaurants around town like Chi Spacca, Here’s Looking At You, and Sqirl.
Friends & Family
Location: 5150 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027
Now that Roxana Jullapat has a permanent brick and mortar in East Hollywood, fans of her bread and pastries can swing by any time of day for a carbohydrate fix. Jullapat’s constantly tweaking and experimenting with different grains, so arrive with an open mind because who knows what rarities will be behind the counter.
République
Location: 624 S LA Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036
To recreate the exceptional bread service at République, first head to the restaurant’s bakery counter for a crusty baguette from pastry goddess Margarita Manzke. Then, pair it with an ungodly amount of Normandy butter or better yet, pan drippings.
Clark Street Bread
Location: 317 S Broadway., Los Angeles, CA 90013
Zack Hall’s dedication to baking with European techniques, organic grains, and natural leaven has made Clark Street Bread one of the most sought-after loaves in town. His stall inside Downtown’s Grand Central Market serves up whole wheat levain and sourdough in simple and fanciful ways.
Pitchoun
Location: 545 S Olive St., Los Angeles, CA 90013
The rustic French-style loaves served up at Downtown’s Pitchoun come from an old family recipe from its founders Fabienne and Frédéric Soulies. The daily selection includes baguettes, ficelle, country bread, pain de mie, and more.
Tartine
Location: 757 S Alameda St Suite 160., Los Angeles, CA 90021
Much like the San Francisco original, this Downtown behemoth spans tens of thousands of square feet of retail, wholesale, and prep space. Pick up some of the wonderfully crusty loaves that made Chad Robertson and Liz Prueitt household names from the takeout window.
Bread Lounge
Location: 700 S Santa Fe Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90021
Ran Zimon’s Bread Lounge serves restaurants and Downtown denizens alike with naturally-leavened bread made in the heart of the Arts District. Choose from fig and walnut, Kalamata olive, and potato rosemary.
Bon Temps
Location: 712 S Santa Fe Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90021
Chef Lincoln Carson knows a thing or two about baking. He designed the entire pastry and bread menu at Superba Food + Bread, and before that he spent years in fine dining under Michael Mina and at Le Bernardin, Picasso at the Bellagio, and Daniel Boulud at Wynn. The baguettes at Bon Temps are nothing short of perfect.
Roan Mills
Location: 250 Arizona Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401
Andrea Crawford and her husband, Robert Dedlow, launched Roan Mills in 2013. Their shared passion for heirloom grains can be tasted in every baguette, boule, and batard. Pick up a loaf at the Santa Monica farmers market.