Bite by Bite

Restaurant Review : Wonderland Custom Cakes (Bakery, Dessert, Cupcakes) $$ *9 out of 10*

Decadent, moist, delicious, jam packed with taste…  Winner of Cupcake Wars on the Food Network, Wonderland Cupcakes deserves a visit.

They’re little handfuls of sweet goodness for $3.25 each.  Try the salted caramel, you won’t be disappointed.

Wonderland Custom Cakes
107 S Fair Oaks Ave
Pasadena, CA 91105
Neighborhood: Pasadena
(626) 486-9977
http://www.wonderlandcustomcakes.com/

Restaurant Review : Spoon House (Japanese Pasta, Bakery) $$ *8 out of 10*

The first time I went to Spoon House (years ago), there was a thirty minute wait to be seated - a good sign. As I stood waiting in the entrance, I overheard two separate couples conversing about how far they frequently travelled just to eat here - one from Orange County and the other from the Valley - definitely, another good sign. I curiously grabbed a menu and began looking over the options. Only the third option down, I stop in my tracks…Japanese-style Cod Roe with Uni, Ika, and Seaweed… 

…yes, please!

Since that day, I can’t really say I’ve ever had a disappointing experience at Spoon House. I’ve rarely strayed away from the Cod Roe & Uni spaghetti, but I’ve always been more than satisfied when I have. The pasta is prepared a tiny bit al dente, the ingredients are fresh, and the portions are generous. If you want a larger portion, they’ll gladly provide (for a 50% fee). As others have mentioned, definitely enjoy the bread and the one dollar salad with your meal. But, do note, they’ll drown the salad with their Japanese dressing; so, if you prefer it lighter, just ask for it on the side. 

As for their set up…

Aside from the bright blue door and awning, you probably wouldn’t even notice this place walking by. Even when you go in, it’s rather unassuming. There are only five or six tables, and the rest is counter space. The kitchen is open and exposed to the diners at the inside counter, where you can watch the automated process of their spaghetti boiling machine churn out plate after plate. Along the walls throughout the restaurant, you’ll find generic European pics that look like stock photos that came with the frames. For a casual lunch, I really wouldn’t expect anything more.

Spoon House Bakery & Restaurant
1601 W Redondo Beach Blvd
Gardena, CA 90247
(310) 538-0376

Restaurant Review : Frances Bakery in Little Tokyo, DTLA *6 out of 10*

I’ve been known to stop by here to get some coffee and a little dessert after a lunch at Gen.  It’s a cute little place with a homey atmosphere.  Their coffee is decent and their desserts are light, delicate and not too sweet.

On my last visit I decided to try out their macarons.  I’m sorry to say, I was not so impressed.  The meringue-cookie part was not quite chewy enough and the ganache didn’t impress me.  The strawberry one tasted too much like fruit preserve and the green tea…how can I say…was kinda’ boring. 

For next time, I’ll just stick with the cakes and coffee.  

Restaurant Review : Porto’s (Cuban Bakery) Burbank, CA *10 out of 10*

Savory, Sweet, Delicious, Amazing, Mouth-Watering delights in a big, eye-popping venue at fair prices; Porto’s is AWESOME!  

What I LOVE there…

Beautiful whole cakes for $23! I love the Red Velvet Cake and The Parisian Chocolate Cake

The Fruit Tart, Potato-Meat Balls, Guava Cheese Strudel = Yummy! Yummy! Yummy!   

The food is good too but it definitely takes a back seat to the bountiful selection of baked goods.  

Restaurant Review : Erick Schat’s Bakery (American) Bishop, CA *9 out of 10*

Sooooo far in distance but not so far from our thoughts…We have an aunt and uncle that lives in Bishop who bring us Breads and Pies every time they visit LA.  Needless to say, we are always happy to see them.  

When we actually get to the location itself, to and from Mammoth, we languish in carb heaven filled with pull-away breads, cookies, tasty and light donuts, and fresh sandwiches with amazing bread. The smells, the sights, dizzy me and call to me with their siren song… “eat me, eat me” they sing. And I oblige. I make sure to take something home with me, usually the Sheepherder’s Bread so I can enjoy the echoes of this place at home.

Restaurant Review : Corner Bakery Cafe (Sandwiches) Downtown LA *5 out of 10*

Decent sandwiches, decent baked goods.  I’ve been here several times but I can’t seem to remember the details of what I had.  I had to look at my pictures to refresh my memory! —-O the chicken breast Panini with a side salad!  Yeah, that tasted better than it initially looked.  I also remember that I liked the side salad. I remember having some baked goods as well but since I can’t remember, it must not have been that memorable. 

The location is decent; it feels nice and homely.  We had a late lunch and the place was still pretty packed. 

So in my opinion, not a very memorable place but I found it welcoming. I will go back if it’s convenient or if someone else wants to.

Restaurant Review : Great Harvest Bread Co. *8 out of 10*

They mill all their grains in-house (with the exception of their white flour) and a few hours later VOILA! out comes amazing breads that taste REAL!

I love this feel-good, cozy place.  They always have a very generous sample counter so you can taste before you buy. They have good sandwiches and they serve Peet’s coffee.  I don’t usually like whole-grain breads but that doesn’t apply here.  Taking a bite of this bread is like taking a bite of sunshine goodness.  :)  Try their Dakota bread.  It’s jam-packed with stuff like sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and other good seed stuff I’m sure.  Their breads range from $5-$7 on average (some are a little more) but considering what you get, it’s definitely worth it.

Hurray for real food!