Blu Jam Cafe...an LA kinda day

There is nothing better than waking up early in the morning and walking through a sea of flowers at the Los Angeles Flower Market. You are immediately hit by an array of every color imaginable and then some. This place has probably become one of our favorite places. (okay maybe certainly)  Its magical in its own way and inspiration pours out at you from every corner (why can't weddings be our full-time jobs??) Anywho, me and Di had gone to get a little inspiration for a wedding Di has lined up this summer, and boy did we! With so much beauty surrounding you, its impossible not to.

 

After such an early morning, we were both starved and in need of some caffeine. I'd been reading a local magazine that reviewed some of the top places for breakfast and lunch and thought we'd go ahead and try one of them called Blu Jam Cafe. Boy were we lost for words at this place. Amazing, delicious, scrumptious, and indulging, can't even begin to describe the party in our mouths after just one bite! Di ordered the Florentine Benedict: Poached eggs on a toasted English muffin with sautéed fresh spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and brie cheese, topped with hollandaise. Its served with side of potatoes that are so perfectly cooked yet slightly crispy at the same time! The dish has so many amazing components to it, its hard to pick out your favorite ingredients.  They blend so well together, as any egg benedict should!

I went for the more traditioanl breakfast: two eggs any style, crispy bacon and two pancakes slices of french toast. The eggs were so perfectly cooked, with soft, runny centers. The bacon was so crispy but not too greasy which is such a rare find. (who really wants grease all over their plates?) And now for the french toast. Hands down the best toast I've ever had, ever! (and that's saying a lot considering I worked at a breakfast joint). It wasn't too sweet or too dense. The real maple syrup definitely added to the perfection of that little french toast. 

If you aren't so keen on the breakfast dive type of vibe, then this place is superb and will sure meet your needs. It's got a nice LA urban feel to it. Its even decorated with local artwork that changes every month or so. They serve breakfast until 5 p.m. everyday! I mean come on now you really can't get any better than that. The place even opens up as a Bistro for dinner starting at 6 p.m. 

Now go try it and let us know what you think! 

Love,

B & Di

The bold fold

What does Orange and waffles have in common? BRUXIE! 

First new thing I noticed when I got back to Chapman after my little adventure was this snazzy little walk-up restaurant on the corner of Glassel and Palm. Old town Orange is the best place for unique eats and this is one was no exception. So a friend of mine (Clauds!) finally suggested it for a quick dinner after a study date. Now let me tell you, I was so intrigued by the idea of eating savory waffles! I'm big on trying new and well...off-the-wall things. If I can't be adventurous everyday like ohhhh traveling foreign countries, the least I can do is be adventurous with my food! (Hey I take whatever I can get okay).

Here we ordered wild mushroom and Arugula...simply delicious.

But if you want more of a snack type meal, go with the classic PB&J! why not right?

GO try it and let us know what you think! Its ideal for snacks, a quick lunch,

 or a late night bite. 

True Food Kitchen

Yesterday I spent the afternoon at this delicious Newport Beach hot spot with my co-workers! It's simplistic concept brought me back to Italy for just a little. My favorite dishes are often the ones with the least amount of ingredients.  When you have fresh, organic ingredients you really can't go wrong. Everything sounded so amazing on that lunch menu most of us couldn't decide! But the best part was how flexible True Food Kitchen was.  You can split any of the dishes or entrees and have half of one dish and half of another. Now that is my type of restaurant! Sometimes a girl just can't narrow it down!

This is what we started with...

Local Vegetable Crudites

Two dips: Tzatziki & Black Olive

who knew carrots came in purple! They were yummy and 

so was that black olive dip!

I ordered half of Sashimi Tuna Salad

and half order of the Fish Tacos 

The fish tacos were so light and the bean salsa was just refreshing!

Finished off my meal with a delicious arnold palmer made with honey lemonade.

The whole menu is modeled after Dr. Andrew Weil's Anti-Inflammatory Diet & Food Pyramid. In other words it is incredible healthy.  So if you are looking for a filling, healthy, and delicious meal then you have got to try this one out! Let us know what you think about it. 

**First photo courtesy of OC Register

Lots of Love,

B

Porto's Bakery & Cafe

Porto's Bakery & Cafe

From the rows of delicious pastries, decorative desserts,

perfectly brewed espresso, to mouth watering sandwiches and fried plantain chips. 

This little Cuban bakery is a favorite.

It is located in Downey, my hometown.

I lived 18 years in Downey. This little town

is a diamond in the rough so many great

things come from Downey. I will probably keep you all up to date

on more about Downey, but for now lets just droowl on all these

delicious pictures!

I will let the pictures I took while visiting this past weekend 

with my sister, brother, and brother in law

speak for themselves.

 I forgot to mention, the lines at Porto's are INTENSE!!!
I was there this Sunday, and it was out the door
and around the corner, not joking.

 this is a Italian Cheesecake.

Our favorite pastry at Porto's are these cheese pastries.
They are warm, sweet cheese on the inside
and caramelized crunchy sugar on the outside!

Iced Dulce de Leche Latte

...unfortunetely I did not take pictures of the sandwiches!
The turkey melt is great, so is the grilled chicken.
And if you love meat, the Cuban Sandwich is a classic!


Visit Porto's and let us know how much you love it!




Love, Di