Friday, July 27, 2012

Unique LA

A couple of weekends ago, I had the pleasure of attending the 2nd Annual Unique LA Summer Show at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Each season, Unique LA brings together people from all over Southern California to showcase their very own Made in America goods. And although Target is my number one love, I'm always down to support my local community one way or another.


While there were many amazing vendors there, my absolute favorite was none other than LA's very own NoeyCakes. The NoeyCakes menu included Banana Chocolate Chunk, Peach Cobbler, Churro, Mocha, and Meyer Lemon cupcakes. See close ups here!

My Banana Chocolate Chunk on the left, Jared's Mocha on the right
Not only is Noey a master baker extraordinaire, but she also so happens to sit less than ten feet away from my desk at work. I was so excited that she had the opportunity to showcase one of her greatest passions!

Another highlight of the event had to be the DIY bar, in which I finally brought to life my wildest Pinterest dreams... DIY bracelets!


Two DIY bracelets on the left, JewelMint friendship bracelets on the right
I've been dying to recreate these bracelets! Not only did they provide the materials, but there were also ladies everywhere to help us get started. There was definitely a "one bracelet per person" rule, so I was glad to have Jared there to grab another for me. And partially weave it for me. Ugh, adorbz.

After our bracelet making extravaganza, Jared and I ended our day at Unique LA by sharing these from the Me So Hungry food truck:

From left to right: the Cali Slider, the KTM Slider, and the Flyin' Hawaiian Slider. Yum!
If you missed out on this really cool event, not to worry, Unique LA will be back for the holidays. Also, if you're a SF or NY resident, keep an eye out for Unique SF and Unique NY! 

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Mendocino Farms

If you live anywhere that's remotely close to the Grove at Farmer's Market on Third and Fairfax, I'm sure you're fully aware that they built a Trader Joe's right across the street (HYFR because the La Brea location is always so crowded!), and a Mendocino Farms right next door to it.

Mendocino Farms is not really new to LA (there are locations in DTLA, Marina Del Rey, and West Hollywood), but it's definitely a I-can't-decide-where-to-eat-and-this-place-is-always-good kind of place. They offer a great variety of sandwiches (even vegan stuff for all you weirdos), and a couple salads, too.

For dinner, I had the Spicy Lemongrass Steak Banh Mi, which has lemongrass marinated steak with chili aioli, housemade sweet chili sauce, pickled daikon & carrots, cilantro, jalapeno, and cucumbers on a panini grilled ciabatta.


I promise you I am not lying when I say that this particular sandwich has easily became one of my favorites. I was a little turned off the first time I went to Mendo (almost a year ago) when I had the Kurobuta Pork Belly Banh Mi, and from what I remember, it wasn't that great. But my mind is now forever changed due to their steak Banh Mi. Just a heads up though.. In SGV, these sandwiches typically run no more that $5-$6. This one is $9.50. Not too bad considering the locally grown, fresh ingredients, and the size. I also promise you that they do not only serve Bahn Mi sandwiches (I just happen to be obsessed). Check out the menu here!

And just in case you're wondering where the name comes from.. "Mendocino Farms pays tribute to the county in Northern California that is known for its support of the Slow Food Movement and Sustainable Farming. This area is famous for its unpretentious "down home" love for artisan food and drink." Nice.

I'm really fighting the urge to go back so soon, but we'll see how long that lasts. Plus, I heard Dev Patel and Freida Pinto were spotted having dinner there.. Gourmet sandwiches + celeb power couple sighting? Don't even get me started.

Displayed right about the registers.. Great words to live by!

Mendocino Farms
175 S. Fairfax Ave Suite B
Los Angeles, CA 90036