Right in the middle of Central L.A. there is a boulevard that will make you want to take a stroll down it everyday until you have enjoyed all the stores and restaurants along the way.
A little brick building at the start of the street with a simple silver sign that reads “Larchmont Bungalow” captured my attention and ushered me inside.
Immediately I felt as if I had walked into a cozy home — if home has a coffee shop in the foyer, that is. To the right, a worker is in front of the middle of a chalkboard featuring artisan coffee items and freshly made pastries taking orders.
My friend and I saw many options, but decided on an entree item. When I placed my order for the Basil Chicken, the cashier asked me what two sides I wanted. All seven options sounded delicious, but I narrowed it down to the mashed potatoes and stir-fry vegetables. Now, the vegetables were a risk because sometimes I don’t like the selection of veggies restaurants offer, but I thought I’d go for it.
Larchmont Bungalow is the type of cafe that gives you a pager and sets you free to find your own seating. The freedom is nice in Bungalow because you are able to decide what type of ambience you want: inside on a couch next to a vintage dresser or outside on the patio with a fireplace to keep you warm on a cool L.A. evening?
We weren’t waiting long before the two plates were presented to us. I didn’t know what bite to take first: the chicken smothered in tomato based cream sauce, the mashed potatoes or the vegetables that had all my favorites (broccoli, asparagus, onions and zucchini). It didn’t matter which I devoured first because from the first to last bite my taste buds were beyond content.
The stir-fry veggies mixed with the mashed potatoes had a combined flavor that could have been a meal in and of itself. Mixed with the basil infused chicken, it was the meal my stomach had been growling for all day. The best part about all this was the perfect portion: I ate every last bite without feeling sick or remaining hungry.
While I’m boasting about my decision, I need to note my friend’s salmon entree. I must preface this with saying I do not like fish. Until now. He gave me a bite dipped in his basil sauce and my eyes sprung wide open with delighted surprise – I liked it a lot.
While I didn’t end up diving into the triple chocolate cake I saw when I first walked in, it’s something worth coming back to Larchmont Bungalow. I will definitely return to the Bungalow and the other places on Larchmont as soon as I convince myself the drive is worth it.
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