La Cadencia Lonchería in Mexico City

(Xhico en México)

Alambres de Pollo al Pastor

If you're looking for a good bite to eat in the Roma neighborhood of Mexico City, check out La Cadencia. It's more than just a stop for cyclists and local hipsters, it's a little loncheria offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. The funky decor made of bike parts supports their menu of traditional Mexican dishes with a twist. The food is freshly prepared in huge portions. The staff is friendly and efficient. My friends and I have eaten here several times and always had excellent service from Adrian. He's one of the best waiters we've had in Mexico City. My friend Tara swears by the Molletes and I'm a fan of the Mole Chilaquiles and Alambres.

If you're a vegan or vegetarian, they have plenty of options for you, including tofu! They are also pet friendly and bike friendly too. They have a great lunch deal for comida corrida, so check out La Candencia Lonchería for a good bite.

Chilaquiles with Chicken and Mole Sauce

Molletes, Tara's Favorite

Coffee and Fresh Orange Juice with Breakfast

Agua del día: Melon

La Cadencia Lonchería Logo

La Cadencia Lonchería
Tonalá 183B, esquina Chipas
Colonia Roma, Delegación Cuauhtemoc
México, DF 06700

Donut Friend, Donut Lover

Donuts at Donut Friend in Highland Park

Sometimes you want to make love to a donut. Sometimes the donut just wants to be friends. That donut would be found in Highland Park at Donut Friend. At Donut Friend you can build a donut any way you like it. They have a selection of cakes, glazes and a plethora of fillings and toppings to make either a sweet or savory treat with your own unique flavors.

I went there to pick up some donuts as a treat for my colleagues at work. It was early, I hadn't had my coffee yet and I had no patience to customize fifteen donuts for everyone. So, I took the easy road and got a box full of their signature donuts with unique flavors like nutella, maple-bacon and classics like chocolate with rainbow sprinkles. Oh, an their "minus the bear claw", actually looks like a claw with pecans for the nails on each toe!

The "Caramel Assault" is sweet and sticky with a bit of sea salt. Another and even better sweet and salty treat is "Bacon 182" with sweet maple glaze and topped with crunchy bacon. You can never go wrong with the "Nutellavision" filled with Nutella and a dash of olive oil. They also have gluten-free and vegan options for your donuts so don't be afraid to go get a bite.

Donut Friend also has some very cute murals along with a cute donut/apple logo. It's a great place to take kids or fun for a date night and build your own donuts together.

Xhico in the donut hole. Photo via @chasedesigngroup

Evan is happy for the donut surpirse! Photo via @paula112

Toppings for DIY Donuts at Donut Friend in Highland Park

DIY Donuts at Donut Friend in Highland Park

A dozen delicious "Donuts Done Differently"by Donut Friend

Cute Mural "Donuts Done Differently" at Donut Friend

Donut Friend
5107 York Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Neighborhood: Highland Park
213-995-6191

Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tues-Thurs: 8am to 9pm
Friday & Saturday: 8am to Midnight
Sunday: 8am to 9pm

"Pine & Crane Noodle Co" Taiwanese Food Restaurant Opening Soon in Silver Lake

Pine & Crane Noodle Co. Logo via Facebook

I'm very excited for Pine & Crane Noodle Co to open in Silver Lake. It's next door to the cafe, Morning Nights in the Sunset Triangle, where I often sit to sketch and get inspired by neighborhood friends. I've seen the construction going on since the end of last year and I'm getting anxious for the opening of this Taiwanese food restaurant. It's going to bring some new flavor to our hood. We have plenty of Thai, Vegan, American options. I don't think I've ever had Taiwanese food per se. I've had Chinese but I know Taiwan is an island that likes to think of it's self as an independent.

According to About.com:

Mainland China's position on Taiwan is that there is only one China and that Taiwan is part of China; the People's Republic of China is awaiting reunification of the island and mainland. However, Taiwan claims independence as a distinct State.

With a mix of Chinese, Japanese and aboriginals, Taiwanese food is bound to have some interesting flavors.

Beef Noodle Soup Spice's via Pine&Crane Facebook

The owner is a young Tawainese woman. I've only met her breifly, but I've seen her buzzing about like a hard-working bee with her family and friends close behind to help. The facade of the old Cru restaurant along with the space next door is shaping up with a fresh look quite quickly.

Tea Tasting via Pine&Crane Instagram

I think this restaurant is going to be special for so many reasons - it's family owned, supporting sustainable, local, seasonal produce. According to a sign in their window nearly all the produce will be from their very own family farm. The menu will consist of "noodles, dumplings, scallion pancakes, beef rolls, plenty of seasonal vegetables, a few of our signature Taiwanese dishes like Three-Cup Chicken and Twice-Cooked Pork. Beer, wine and Taiwanese Teas served alongside."

Pine & Crane Noodle Co
Taiwanese Restaurant
Silver Lake
1521 Griffith Park Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

Pine & Crane Instagram

Pine & Crane Twitter

Pine & Crane Facebook

Note in Window

Grub on Vegan Burgers

I'm generally not a fan of vegan restaurants, tho I love my veggies. But if you're a meat eater and ever dragged to Flore in Silver Lake, go for the BBQ Bacon Sliders. The patty is made of black beans and it is delicious. I'll be back for more.

WHERE:

FLORE VEGAN CUISINE

3818 W. SUNSET BLVD. SILVERLAKE, CA 90026

(323) 953-0611