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

Dinner Al Fresco

In honor of one of my dearest friend's birthday, I set up a little intimate dinner date in my backyard on Sunday evening.

 

Rachelle (the beautiful birthday girl!) brought these delicious Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches and spring rolls from Banh Mi Che Cali in Alhambra. Although I've only had them about a handful of times, these sandwiches are easily one of my top 5 favorite foods. I constantly crave the tangy and spicy vegetables in a warm baguette. Drooling.

I provided dessert from Joan's on Third, which is near the Beverly Center. I pretty much walked into the bakery section, and asked for the best selling desserts. Below you'll see a strawberry cream puff, a lemon bar, a chocolate coconut cupcake, and one of their amazing chocolate chip cookies. Yum! Not only is Joan's a great place for baked goods, but it's also a great place for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. It's always poppin' on the weekends, FYI.

I hope you had a great birthday, Rachelle! Love ya!

P.S. Don't you love her charm bracelet?! The bracelet itself is Juicy Couture while the charms are from Anthropologie. So adorable.