Who doesn’t love a good sandwich? I’ve been craving them like woah lately, so it seemed like the perfect time to write about Jeff’s Table. This unassuming spot churns out delicious sammies in a repurposed liquor store in the Highland Park neighborhood of LA. It’s essentially a modern micro deli- think elevated deli sandwiches with fun and unique twists on classics. On this particular occasion I went for a seasonal cauliflower sandwich for myself, and I got a banh mi for the hubby, which is always a fave of his. This vegetarian sandwich included spice-roasted cauliflower and charred scallion with a housemade hoisin glaze, fermented jalapeño ginger puree with preserved lemon, fresh goat cheese, shaved fennel, and wild arugula on a fresh sammie roll. Plus, you can make it vegan by subbing goat cheese for avocado if that’s your jam. The banh mi was filled with house-smoked pork shoulder ham, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumbers, herbs, shaved jalapeño, aioli, and the star of the show- a house fermented chili garlic hot sauce! Both were super flavorful and delish. The menu changes seasonally, so make sure to stop in or look online to check out the latest offerings. I can’t wait to go back soon- yum!
triple beam pizza
Triple Beam Pizza, “the place where they weigh the pizza”, is a casual joint in Highland Park serving up classic Roman-style pies. That means you walk in to a mouth-watering view of several slabs of freshly made, thin crust pizza, and show how much you want of each with a simple hand gesture. The guys behind the counter grab the scissors, and cut you just the right amount. Pizza here is weighed by the ounce, so get as much or as little of each kind as your heart desires! I’ve been a few times, and I must say, I truly love this no frills approach. You can also eat it Roman-style (straight from the counter), or get it American-style, so it’s reheated and crisped in the oven for a few minutes. Plus, knowing that Nancy Silverton is the mastermind behind this spot, you know the pizza is going to be totally legit. There’s always a great variety available, from the uniquely delicious acorn squash with honey, to more classic options like margherita or sausage with mushrooms. Yum! The focaccia is also fluffy, chewy, and baked to perfection if you’re wanting a more bready, less cheesy option. I’ve heard they’ll even do a made-to-order vegan pie, so I’ll have to try that out soon as well! Definitely stop by next time you’re in Highland Park!
honey hi
For a cute little brunch or lunch spot in Echo Park, you really can't beat Honey Hi. Their focus on nutritional integrity and sustainability really comes through in each fresh and vibrant dish. Just look at those colors! I love that they value collaborations with local farmers and artisans (organic and locally-sourced produce is used whenever possible), and the menu changes with what's available seasonally at the farmers markets. While the entire menu is inherently gluten-free, they believe in "radical inclusivity", meaning it is not vegan, vegetarian, or any one thing in particular. Honey Hi serves organic, humanely-raised animals and eggs from local farms, but you won't find any refined sugars, GMO's, or vegetable oils in any of their dishes. Basically, you can feel really good about eating here, and your body will definitely thank you for nourishing it with such high quality, delicious eats. There's truly something for everyone here, but so far I definitely recommend "that grain bowl" (I die for the cinnamon roasted sweet potatoes, za'atar tahini sauce & cashew buckwheat dukkah!), and I know my husband would go nuts for the "lambwich" (with grilled halloumi, turmeric pickled onions & date tamarind chutney). Yum! There are tons of tasty drinks here too- from pitaya smoothies to bone broth to medicinal 'shroom coffee, the options are endless. Don't skip out on the grain-free chocolate chip cookie for the perfect sweet ending!
