Some of our favorite restaurants are pivoting to market-fresh packages for the home
Words by JAKE HEDDAEUS
If you’re like us, you’re finding comfort in the more wholesome aspects of life right now, whether that be mindful morning walks in your neighborhood, tending to your flower beds, checking in on your neighbors or quiet moments of meditation. All the things we always intended to do more of but never found the time for are now at the forefront of our minds and proving themselves essential to our well-being. Topping the list: home cooking. For those who have longed for a triumphant return to the kitchen, there’s no better time than now.
With shelter-in-place rules extended through May 15 in California and local officials encouraging fewer grocery store trips, we’ve sought alternative ways to get farm-fresh ingredients for healthful made-at-home meals. In the past month, California’s culinary scene has stepped up, finding new ways to support local farmers and keep its communities fed. Here is a list of the best restaurants and businesses offering ways to fill your fridge and stock your pantry while avoiding the line at your local Whole Foods.
The Butcher’s Daughter
A chic option for sure, Abbot Kinney’s finest vegetarian is offering Bodega Boxes. The Essentials Kit comes packed with staples like a dozen organic eggs and freshly baked sourdough; indulgent treats like a pint of cookie dough and an assortment of its house label wines; and the most coveted of all, toilet paper and hand sanitizer. For a foodie-focused option, go for the Farmer’s Market Kit, which includes seasonal produce selected from Venice’s local farmer’s market as well as a loaf of bread, eggs and a carafe of your choice of oat or almond milk. Feeling boozy? Opt for the Home Bar Kit, which comes with a selection of spirits from Casamigos Tequila to Redwood Empire Whiskey and five recipes for Butcher’s Daughter cocktails. Available for pickup or delivery within 10 miles of Venice. 1205 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice.
Flamingo Estate
The private residence and sprawling garden-turned-lifestyle-brand Flamingo Estate has launched a produce box in collaboration with County Line Harvest, a certified organic farm with locations in Thermal and Petaluma. The box includes farm-grown veggies and herbs, and can be ordered for pickup or delivery depending on your location. It comes in two different sizes; a medium includes 11 to 13 pounds of vegetables and feeds a family of two, while a large includes 18 to 22 pounds and can serve a family of five. Boxes start at $35 and can be picked up Fridays 2 to 5 p.m. 5634 N. Figueroa St., L.A.
Gwen
Hollywood steakhouse and butcher Gwen is offering a market menu, which includes cuts of meat, such as a 32-ounce Australian porterhouse; an array of produce ranging from cabbage and cauliflower to blueberries and bananas; and an impressive list of beer and wines from Italy, France and, of course, California. If you’re looking for a night off from cooking, opt for a family-style meal that comes prepared and ready to heat — just pop it in the oven and follow the provided heating instructions. The market is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for takeaway or delivery through Caviar and Postmates. Sign up for their newsletter online to get the daily menu sent directly to your inbox. 6600 Sunset Blvd., L.A.
Jon & Vinny’s
You can still order from Fairfax’s foremost italian Jon & Vinny’s for pickup or delivery via DoorDash, but it has also rolled out a market option, available for pickup at sister restaurant, Animal. There’s a new site where you can pre-order items for pickup or delivery (depending on your location and Jon & Vinny’s scheduling ability). In addition to fresh produce, eggs and meats, you can purchase signature pomodoro sauce, pancake mix and pizza making kits. 435 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A.
République
Beloved La Brea French restaurant République has been offering a range of a la carte items to shop on Postmates and Tock. Order fresh pastries and breads prepared by chef Margarita Manzke while stocking up on groceries, such as farm-direct produce; organic dairy options like milk, yogurt, cheeses; and meat and fish that have been aged, smoked and prepared in-house. Additionally, prepacked mixed produce boxes from Thao Farms are available, which include seasonal vegetables like bok choy, swiss shallots and kale. They do not accept walk-ins, so be sure to place your order in advance via the above platforms. Follow them on Instagram for the latest details. 624 S. La Brea Ave., L.A.
Spago
Established in 1982 by Wolfgang Puck, this Beverly Hills institution is a flagship of the celeb chef’s restaurant group, known for its fresh, market-driven ingredients. In addition to its contactless takeout and delivery menu options, Spago is offering daily market boxes filled with mixed herbs like mint, basil and parsley and farm-fresh fingerling potatoes, baby carrots and mixed greens. Knowing the restaurant’s immaculate culinary standards, this box is not one to be missed. Available to order on Tock for pickup or delivery. 176 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills.
Bacari
Having transformed its Third Street outdoor seating area into an open-air, co-op market, Bacari offers a pleasant grocery shopping experience (something that’s virtually unheard of right now). Support local business while stocking up on everything you need: Meats, produce and pantry staples are available alongside paper goods and cleaning products. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily for walk-ins, pickup and delivery via Postmates. 8030 W. Third St. #3/4, L.A.
Feature image: A “Kitchen and Pantry” box from THE BUTCHER’S DAUGHTER.
April 15, 2020
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