LOCAL TABLE BRUNCH

I was recently invited to a girl-power brunch at new-ish downtown eatery Local Table. Most of us had never been there before, so we were like kids in a candy store. Only this one was organic!

It’s signature is fresh-made-daily cold-pressed juices, served in mason-type jars, with the title of each wrapped around the lid. Health shots are presented the same way, only in tiny jars. Adorable.

Of course, since this wasn’t one of my official reviews, we didn’t try that many dishes, and I had only the opinions of my friend Debbie and myself. So I have only a few to tell you about. But if you order any of them, you’ll be as happy as we were.

Before I discuss the food, though, I first really must laud our server, Alyssa, who tended to five tables of us almost single-handedly. She stayed unbelievably pleasant through it all, as did her co-workers who jumped in to help us occasionally. Waiting on a demanding group of women could have been a real test for them, but the entire establishment passed with flying colors. I really appreciated all of their positive attitudes. (I have a feeling it all begins with amiable owner, Dariush Fakheri.)

Debbie started-off her morning with a “delightful” vanilla soy latte, which is made with some special premium coffee brand, but since I don’t drink the stuff, I didn’t pay any attention to that portion of the menu. I chose the really delicious hot chocolate.

Debbie said that her French mushroom omelette was “cooked to perfection,” and “the best one” she’s ever had in her life! And she added that she had “even eaten them in France!” How’s that for a compliment?! She really didn’t stop raving about it all day.

One person at our table had an interesting dish, that was a very different combo, and really enjoyed it. It was a thick, juicy slice of watermelon topped with creamy burrata cheese and halves of all different color tiny tomatoes. The woman said it was very refreshing.

Even though on week-ends I’m usually more of a griddle girl, I couldn’t take my eyes off the box on the menu describing the burger. I knew I just had to have it.

Here’s the description, so you can see how right that decision was: “Flavorful combination of Gruyere and blue cheese, Rosemary aioli, fresh peppery arugula, Applewood smoked bacon, and caramelized onions. complimented with our house made sauce and seasoning.” It was soooo juicy, and came on a gorgeous thick, square roll that was soft enough to bite safely, yet hard enough to complement the texture of the burger. Yum-my! It comes with your choice of sides, and the sweet potato chips that I chose were absolutely perfect.

You’d think that after all that, we wouldn’t have room for dessert, but have you ever met me? You know I couldn’t leave there without having at least one! When I saw the beautiful display of all their daily-made confections, I knew right away that choosing just one was going to be a tough decision.

But the one that called my name the most was what they describe as sort of a deconstructed cupcake; it’s the cake and frosting layered in a little jar, with chocolate crunchies on top. And if you don’t finish it, they give you the lid of the glass jar so that you can take it home with no mess. That’s just brilliant, all the way around.

Debbie, on the other hand, could not choose just one, so she opted for a quartet of bite-size pastries, including a spoonful of tiramisu in a tiny chocolate cup! She declared that her absolute fave was the gluten-free almond macaroon. Of it, all she could get out was, “Wow!”

The cutest thing was–when we asked for some bags to put our containers of leftovers in, Alyssa brought us material bags that are like the ones containing goodies from a gifting suite! I asked if those were for some party they were having, and she said no, that’s just their to-go bags. Really classy. The next time I go, I think I’ll leave some food over just so I can take them home and get another great bag!

800 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles www.localtable-la.com