Flake, Venice

When I first moved to Venice, in the uber chic NoRo (North of Rose) area, my only coffee option was Ground Works. I love Groundwork Coffee and all but, it was 2 blocks too far for my IMMEDIATE need of coffee in the morning! I anxiously awaited for Flake Venice to open. . . and when they did, they did not disappoint.

First and foremost, Flake is not just a cereal bar as the name would suggest. I personally have never even had cereal there as I’m rather keen on a certain salad. You’ll find both great breakfast and lunch items there. Panini’s and Salads, all clearly named after local places and legends, often finished with secret family ingredients from the owners family vaults. A rockin’ Oatmeal and their world famous Acai Bowl with Hemp Granola are not to be missed. My favorite salad is called The Neptune. It’s named after the infamous apartment complex in the Marina where Natalie Woods, had her last fateful drink. The Neptune is the owner’s spin on a the classic Tuna Salad (with very little mayo) combined with cilantro and another secret ingredient. Next up for me is The Fatty. Turkey, Swiss Cheese, Avocado, and Secret Sauce on a Toasted Croissant.

Flake’s motto is cheap and cheerful. They are dog friendly, vegan friendly and offer free Wi-Fi. And Bacon is their specialty! Flake has now become part of the fabric of the NoRo community. One of the best spots in town to sit and watch the Venice world go by. This is my own special little place where everybody knows your name.

If Venice, Italy is the ultimate romantic locale, it certainly makes sense that the canals of Venice, California would inspire the same amorousness. While all the hip magazines have written about the cute boutiques, design shops and spinning classes offered on Abbot Kinney, no one has really pointed out that thanks to a couple great restaurants, a primo gelato bar and a monthly streetside festival, Abbot Kinney is the best spot in LA for a great date night.    Here are my personal Abbot Kinney Awards winners….

Best First Date Spot – Primitivo Wine Bistro
I firmly believe that the best venue for a first date is a tapas restaurant.  If the date is interesting, sharing a bunch of plates of random Spanish goodness and a pitcher of Sangria is a great way to get to know someone and envision how dining with them (for the rest of your life) might be.  If the date is not going well, its two drinks and a small plate of food and you’re out of there.

Primitivo has that hip, happening feel and the food to back it up.  The Sangria is delicious and with valet parking, you can flee as fast as you need to.  The dining room is gorgeous and perfectly lit (my restaurant pet peeve) and there is an outdoor patio to enjoy the nice beach breeze.  This was my last first date venue and since we’re still going strong, I also give Primitivo good karma points…may the luck rub off on you too.

Best Restaurant and Cocktail Spot – Gjelina
If your looking for a nice, romantic foodie experience, Gjelina is the spot.  Your date will instantly feel your inherent hipness when they realize there is no signage to guide your way but once they find it, your good taste meter will rise.  I rarely get blown away by new restaurants anymore but Gjelina had my head spinning.  The eclectic menu includes the most delicious wild mushroom bruschetta and the perfect mussels but that’s just the beginning.  The flatbread pizzas were a pleasant surprise and with a constantly rotating menu there is always something new and delicious to try.  If your meeting someone for cocktails, they have a lovely bar and fireside patio that are the perfect venue for an intimate drink.

N'ice....

Best After-Dinner Stroll Destination – N’Ice Cream/Pinkberry
Abbot Kinney can feel like a night on Martha’s Vineyard thanks to two Norwegian guys who moved to Venice and plunked down a homemade Gelato shop right next to the Pinkberry.  Now, you’re either addicted or repulsed by Pinkberry so those that need their fix can get theirs.  But for those who like their dairy creamy,  this gelato is top-notch.  The chocolate gelato is rich, silky and smooth.  The Sour Black Cherry is a pleasant surprise for those who aren’t a sweettooth.  But the piece de resistance, IMHO, is their pistachio…definitely worth the trip to Venice all by itself.

Best Monthly Street Party in LA – “First Fridays” on Abbot Kinney
Maybe the best night to explore the AK is the first Friday of every month.  What started as a way to get more shoppers down to the street, has turned into the best monthly block party in LA.  Each “First Friday”, the stores, restaurants, bars and galleries stay open until 10pm (at least) and offer free drinks, music and the best people watching in town.  A spontaneous block party is a great date idea and “First Fridays” is the ultimate night to explore Abbot Kinney.