VENICE: FRENCH MARKET CAFE

Jane has been prattling on about French Market Cafe (Venice) practically since I met her two years ago. I never payed too much attention as I always equated it with Mimi's Cafe, and if you've been to one of those you've been to them all.

I'm an idiot. Jane finally dragged me on Saturday for a late lunch. Upon entering this quaint establishment I immediately took to the little market area. I ordered a chicken panini, Jane got a ham and brie sandwich (served on a fresh baked baguette) and we took a seat in the adjacent dining room. It took about 2 seconds for me to realize every person in there was speaking French (including the one year old beside us saying his first words). This was a nice touch, if you're going to serve French food then bring it and go ahead and include nearly the same ambiance one would get in Paris.

"Run by a French couple, the cafe also includes a petite Market filled with imports from the homeland: Wines, bitter chocolat, soaps, spices, French newspapers and magazines are always available for purchase. Also with free parking!"






After lunch we grabbed a few coffees and if the wind had not been insane we would have enjoyed them on the patio.

Things to try:
quiche paninis crepes full menu & daily specials here
French Market Cafe (map)
2321 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice

Hours:
Mon. - Fri. 7am to 5pm Sat. & Sun. 8am to 5pm

JOE'S PIZZA - SANTA MONICA

There are two people in my life that nut themselves over New York whenever it's mentioned. One is Jane and the other is Dahoud. For a few years now I've been listening to them whine about the pizza in LA sucking in comparison to NYC. I usually just give them the obligatory nod, knowing that if I ever leave this fair city I'll be saying the same shit about Mexican food. Much like Londoners never shut up about their Indian food, it's the circle of food.

A while back Jane took me to Joe's Pizza in Santa Monica (her new favorite). This is due to the fact that "Joe" is the very same Joe from Brooklyn. I have to say . . . . these two might be on to something. It was better, not only that the atmosphere is exactly what you would imagine it to be. The guys behind the counter are yelling at each other, there is a line that rivals Pinkberry, and Joe himself is kickin it at the cash register.

However, there is one very important detail that makes Joe's in Santa Monica superior to the NYC branches. IT'S IN SANTA MONICA. Instead of grabbing a slice and walking to a park to enjoy it, you are just steps away from the Pacific Ocean (god's park). That my friends is why we win.

Note:
-Cash only
-$2.75-$3.50/slice
-the parking will most likely suck.

(map)

OUR WEATHER IS LIKE A NICE GOUDA

No question that it's been an intense few days here, and we have yet to emerge from the smoke that seems to be EVERYWHERE. The heat is on, and the N household has been on high-alert with family on the brink of disaster in just about every southern California county--our San Diego brethren did evacuate, but are now safe and back at home, we're happy to report. Anyway, we couldn't resist sharing this light-hearted take on the situation from our dear friend Laura Birek.

Props to all the LA bloggers staying on top of the situation. We especially like Franklin Avenue's "Covering the Coverage."

Stay well, y'all.

Random cheesiness even the lactose intolerant can love

K may love the Brits, but my heart is with the Italians--and that's why, courtesy of Brian at Artisan Taste.

If only the giant hand would come sprinkle some Pa,Pa,Pa over my desk...

Speaking of cheese, why is LA's own Govind Armstrong hawking Wisconsin cheese? (As seen on three online ads today.) Doesn't he know about the happy cows? We may not have cheese curds (seriously, these things are amazing, props to cheeseheads for creating those nuggets of joy, which you just can't find anywhere around these parts), but come on, where would Humboldt Fog be without the Humboldt? Point Reyes blue without the Point Reyes? Come on back to Cali, Govind...