LARCHMONT BUNGALOW ARTISAN CAFE, BAKERY & BREW… “All the Comforts of Home…Fireplace Included!”

Beneath the cover of numerous shady trees and located on charming Larchmont Boulevard amidst a multitude of quaint shops, local businesses and historic homes lies a thriving business within a hundred-year-old building called Larchmont Bungalow. One visit to this friendly neighborhood cafe and you’ll be as captivated as we were. This eco-friendly fully certified “green” establishment includes reclaimed wood flooring, incorporates biodegradable products into their daily business including coffee mugs made from corn that are recyclable, and allows for ample comfortable seating both indoors as well as outside on one of multiple inviting patios.

Caring for our environment as well as the community of Larchmont Village, manager and partner, Ken Bernard calls the abode “a living room for the neighborhood.” And he couldn’t have said it better in our opinion. Handwritten menus donning daily offerings from the kitchen on hanging chalkboards throughout, warm wood tones from the overhead trussed ceiling and reconditioned wood paneling beneath your feet, and even a cozy fireplace inside the cafe crate a welcoming environment for the perfect meal or live evening candlelit entertainment in front of the fire.

Originally built and operated as a commercial entity in the 1920s, this intriguing establishment has been offering an environmentally-friendly and loving touch to the public on Larchmont Boulevard since it’s opening in 2009. Four years later and it’s still going strong. Why wouldn’t it be. Between the artisan baked goods offered, the extensive multiple meal menu presented (including vegan and gluten-free options), one-of-a-kind house brewed coffees and teas, and the alluring ambiance this cafe emanates, there’s something available for most anyone who steps foot through the threshold of this eatery and neighborhood coffeehouse.

Aside from Larchmont Bungalow’s ever-popular all-day breakfast selections, my husband and I truly enjoyed a recent trip to the artisan cafe and bakery for lunch one lazy sunny afternoon. The tea was uncomparably fresh-tasting, invigorating and perfectly chilled over ice for us. My husband and I each enjoyed a large green variety of this beverage, and were satisfied by its coolness and clean flavor…

Fresh-Brewed Green Iced Tea

Traditional Tuna Melt with Side Salad

Above and below, the Traditional Tuna Melt ($12.95) was served with a side salad and was just oozing with flavorful tuna and cheddar cheese. My husband enjoyed this delicious conglomeration of savoriness, as did I. Certainly one of my favorite tuna melts ever, this sandwich was an experience to behold with the colorful crisp lettuce and crunchy bold-flavored chopped red pepper, sweet and tangy green apple, hearty honey-roasted cashews and taste awakening house vinaigrette dressing.

Traditional Tuna Melt With Side Salad

BBQ Pulled Pork Wrap with Sweet Potato Fries and a Fried Pickle

This stunning menu option (pictured above and below) was gratifying and every bite was particularly comforting to me. At first taste, the BBQ Pulled Pork Wrap ($12.95) sent flavors of tender pulled pork with a tangy sweet barbecue essence across my taste buds for an enthralling ride. I actually debated whether or not to finish it in its entirety, but resolved to take the second half home with me to enjoy and savor later in the evening. (Not bad with a nice glass of Cabernet, I might add!) The tender greens and creamy avocado in this wrap also added to the flavor experience, and the sweet potato fries and fried pickle were also well-received.

BBQ Pulled Pork Wrap with Sweet Potato Fries and a Fried Pickle

Aside from the fresh, lovingly-crafted meal options at this cafe, there is also the bakery part of it not to be overlooked. But we really don’t think you’ll be overlooking it. Upon entering the front door, a huge glass-encased dessert-filled display almost beckons you into its presence mischievously tempting you with a kaleidoscope of various colors, shapes and portions made of only the finest and freshest ingredients…

Larchmont Bunglalow’s Sinfully Savory Dessert Offerings

The perfect flaky croissant to accompany a cup of house-brewed artisan coffee? A moist blueberry-filled muffin? How about an intriguing-to-the-eye rainbow of fresh berries atop one of the Larchmont Bungalow’s sweet sensations with a tender graham cracker crust? Or maybe you’d prefer a few of the meticulously decorated and colorful savory cookies available…it’s all up to you. And it’s all available at Larchmont Bungalow.

Flaky Croissants, Berry-Topped Temptations & House-Baked Colorful Cookies

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Larchmont Bungalow. We look forward to returning for breakfast, dinner and some nightly fireside entertainment very soon!

  • ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: The feel of Larchmont Bungalow is that of walking into the front door of a friend’s home…that of welcome invitation. The spacious interior allows for seating in multiple areas, while dining outdoors is another option not to be missed. Warm tones of color fill the entire establishment, while the aromas of freshly ground coffee and artisan baked goods carry themselves through the air tempting and luring patrons inside.
  • FOOD / DRINK: Fresh fare is creative, enticing and sensationally delicious. Don’t be surprised if you return to the register to even take something home with you after your dining experience! Beverages are made with care and worth ordering more.
  • LOCATION: Larchmont bungalow is located on the inviting stretch of Larchmont Village at 107 North Larchmont Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA 90094.
  • HOURS: Open from 7:30 AM – 9 PM Sunday through Saturday, this cafe conveniently offers delectable beverages and tempting fare daily.
  • SERVICE / STAFF: The staff showed only kindness, well-versed knowledge about the establishment and the menu, and seemed genuinely pleased to be there.
  • PRICE / VALUE: At just $12.95 each for the Traditional Tuna Melt and the BBQ Pulled Pork Wrap, we were thrilled with the price. What we got for the money was delightful flavor, huge portions, and even leftovers to take home! A terrific value.
  • CORKAGE FEE: No outside alcohol is permitted.
  • PARKING: Available parking is present along charming Larchmont Boulevard via metered spaces.
  • TOTAL BILL: Our total bill came in under $36 for two iced teas, a Traditional Tuna Melt, and a BBQ Pulled Pork Wrap (including tax).

Larchmont Bungalow on Urbanspoon

Larchmont Bungalow  Restaurant Reviews

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

JOE’S RESTAURANT… “Culinary Excellence With a Neighborhood Feel!”

Known for it’s beaches and popular boardwalk, being an abode for the creative and artistically-inclined, its elongated entertainment-furnished Promenade and slower-paced neighborhood feel, Venice, CA is also host to another notable attraction…Joe’s Restaurant. For more than 20 years, Joe’s has been catering to the gastronomic cravings of patrons and leaving in its wake only satisfied customers forming lines to return. Our most recent visit to this eatery proved to be a delight of the senses, a culinary experience worth noting and an excellent choice for a late lunch.

Opened in1991, Executive Chef and owner, Joseph Miller sought out his love of all things culinary by opening Joe’s Restaurant along Abbot Kinney Boulevard in an eclectic section of Venice, California. Since that memorable occasion, Chef Miller has been serving up unmistakable offerings that serve as a favorite gathering spot among locals.

Below, the restaurant’s staff hard at work in the kitchen, the covered tranquil patio, the view of Joe’s from outside, indoor dining, a walk along the sidewalk beside the eatery and the view of the hallway leading from the patio back to the front entry.

Upon being seated at a cozy table for two on the patio on a perfectly beautiful California day, our server brought a vessel of iced water to our table, menus and a variety of breads with butter and an olive tapenade. Relaxing sounds of water flowing from the stone wall fountain built into a patio wall amplifies the al fresco dining experience. The fresh crusty bread that is served while perusing the menu is hearty and delightful.

I especially loved this warm weather chiller…the Watermelon Agua Fresca! Fresh-squeezed watermelon juice, simple syrup, a splash of soda and lime juice just waiting to be enjoyed. Such a refreshing beverage to enjoy on a warm day...

Watermelon Agua Fresca

The Chef’s Tasting was a small biscuit accompanied by a square of pork belly with a peach mustard, which complimented the flavors nicely.

Chef’s Tasting…Pork Belly With Peach Mustard and a Biscuit

Joe’s offers a sensational three-course lunch extension. For just $19, you can choose a starter, entree and dessert! We’re not kidding! We both did this, and were extremely satisfied with what we were presented for under $20.

Here’s what we ordered…

For my starter, I chose the Carrot Ginger Soup with Creme Fraiche and Cilantro. The essence of ginger was unique and mildly spicy throughout without being too overwhelming, while the soothing carrot puree rounded the dish off perfectly…

Carrot Ginger Soup

My husband chose the Albacore Crudo for his beginning flavor experience. Enhanced with Creme Fraiche, Japanese cucumber, breakfast radish, watermelon and toasted sesame, a quick taste of this appetizer convinced me that visual artistry wasn’t it’s only highlight…

Albacore Crudo

For his entree, my husband selected the California Sand Dabs. Avocado, cherry tomatoes, Maine sweet shrimp and delicate Sand Dabs in a delicious chive nage. (Nage is a French word for a flavored liquid used for poaching delicate foods-typically seafood. An example of a traditional nage is a broth flavored with white wine, vegetables and herbs in which seafood is poached. The liquid is then reduced and thickened with cream and butter.)

California Sand Dabs

Below is a close-up of the Sand Dab dish. It was so beautiful and colorful, I just couldn’t resist…

My entree choice was the Duck Confit Tagliatelle. Super thin ribbons of Tagliatelle pasta, topped with multi-colored baby carrots, poached leeks, grilled onions and a savory duck jus. This dish was scrumptious and filling and I was happy to have ordered it.

Duck Confit Tagliatelle

For our dessert selections, my husband opted for the Chocolate Crunch Cake below. Joined by a hazelnut praline, coffee ice cream and flavorful candied hazelnuts, this sweet temptation was crunchy, delectable and good enough to cure even the most discriminative chocolate cravings.

Chocolate Crunch Cake

I selected the Pavlova. Fresh macerated berries, meringue, mascarpone cream atop delicately crumbled cookies. So picturesque!

Pavlova

Joe’s has the deal on lunch in Venice! Nowhere else that we have found has this much variety and quality for under $20 for three courses. Take a look at their menu online and see what we mean. And the next time you’re in the Venice area, be sure to stop in at Joe’s. Whether it’s for their three-course lunches, their prix-fixed dinners, or just to indulge in a cold creative concoction at the cozy intimate bar, you’ll be glad you visited!

  • ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Upscale, yet has a casual feel. Cozy, yet possesses a spacious ambiance. Gets busy, yet we never felt as thought we were forgotten at any point during our visit.
  • FOOD / DRINK: Refreshing Watermelon Agua Fresca coolers, a choice selection of wines and cocktails and eye-catching culinary presentations worthy of being placed in national food magazines. The menu items are full of flavor and creatively engineered.
  • LOCATION: Joe’s is located at 1023 Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, CA 91411.
  • HOURS: Joe’s is available for lunch Tuesday through Friday from Noon – 2:30 PM, dinner on Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday from 6 PM – 10 PM, then on Friday and Saturday from 6 PM – 11 PM, brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 11A to 2:30 PM. Joe’s is closed on Mondays.
  • SERVICE / STAFF: Marguerite was our server, and was professional, suggested favorites on the menu and gracious. All other staff we interacted with were friendly and very assisting as well.
  • PRICE / VALUE: Happy, happy, happy. Where else can you find such value for two lunches with such variety at these prices?
  • CORKAGE FEE: $25 per bottle.
  • PARKING: $2 with restaurant validation located in the lot behind the restaurant.
  • TOTAL BILL: Our two three-course lunches at $19 per meal plus a Watermelon Agua Fresca and a green tea came to a total of $50.03 (including tax).

Joe's Restaurant on UrbanspoonJoe's Restaurant on Restaurantica

Joe's  Restaurant Reviews

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.