This is the second post in a series in which locals who obsess over the food scene recommend the dishes that they swear are worth going out of the way for. (Part 1 has an explanation of how this came about.) Now go try something new! And if you have your own suggestions, feel free to add them in the comments. And sign up for the Siteline email newsletter for the freshest food news in town.
··········
D’Angelo Bakery’s Eggs Rose is kalamata olive bread smothered with artichoke spread and a poached egg. I could eat it for breakfast every day.
··········
The veggie corn dog from Dave’s Dogs: Hand-dipped. Affordable. Delicious. What’s not to love? (Veggie is just one of seven sausage types.)
··········
I love the spicy crispy shrimp, banh mi and Gangnam-style tacos at East Beach Tacos, but ordered in lettuce so I can choose to either get a little messy eating them like a taco or just pretend they are a salad. Either way, they get added crunch from the pickled vegetables.
··········
Caldo de pollo at El Bajio reminds me of soup like my grandma made. The broth is clean but rich with chicken flavor and brightened with fresh Mexican oregano, the vegetables and huge chicken pieces make it into a hearty meal. Dump the side of rice right in.
··········
With all the cardamom fragrance and taste, a few crunchy coarse sugar grains on top, and great texture, Gipsy Hill Bakery‘s cardamom buns are in a totally different category from overly sweet and gooey Cinnabon-style buns. I have yet to make the drive home without breaking into one.
··········
The smoked salmon bagel at Helena Avenue Bakery is a mouthwatering contrast between cream cheese and zingy pickled onion and fresh squeeze of lemon.
··········
The Honor Bar uses prime rib for its French dip—that means it’s piled with flavorful, supple meat, and not chewy, leathery pieces as can happen elsewhere. The bread is house-made and pillowy soft. Ask for horseradish cream, too.
··········
Coated in an amazing apple cider vinegar glaze, the apple fritter at Hook & Press is only available Fridays and it always sells out.
··········
Kate’s Bread in Ojai has the fluffiest croissant I have ever had in my life. She typically bakes on Sundays and Wednesdays, but check Instagram for her weekly schedule.
··········
Marui Me Sushi is a private chef who makes 30 weekly sushi boxes for $40 and distributes them at the Pickle Room. The sushi is incredibly fresh and the portion sizes are generous. It typically comes with bluefin, salmon, and yellowtail, sashimi and nigiri and a surprise roll that differs weekly.
··················
Photos, clockwise from top left: D’Angelo Bakery, Kate’s Bread, Helena Avenue Bakery, Marui Me Sushi, Hook & Press, The Honor Bar.
Dying to find out more about Gipsy Hill cardamom buns. Alas, I don’t use Instagram and can’t even access the page without an account right now! (Facebook likes to try to bully people into signing up for an account.) I lived in London and cardamom buns from a Swedish bakery were my Friday morning made-it-through-the-workweek treat to myself. I’ve missed them ever since moving back to SB. Is there a physical location? Google directs to Instagram and more articles. Thanks!
I just emailed you contact info for Gipsy Hill Bakery (whose website will be up soon). If anyone else wants it, let me know.