Tuesday, March 31, 2009

M Cafe- Downtown Culver City






Again, another lazy afternoon weekend in Culver City and were looking for a good place to eat. We always pass by the M cafe and there's always a crowd, so we decide to check it out. We're aware that the menu is mainly vegetarian, but there's gotta be some meat, right? Well, there's meat alright, fake meat. The menu is macrobiotic which is all organic. The deli part of the restaurant looks actually quite tasty, featuring a full array of baked goods, sushi and salads. This place is perfect for the on-the-go "veggie". Theres plenty of pre-made fresh ingredients. Think of it as an uber Fresh and Easy store. So we order a grilled veggie salad: romaine, zesty basil-pesto and avocado lemon vinaigrette and Seitan Katsu Bowl: crispy seitan cutlet, with tangy katsu sauce, shredded cabbage and steamed veggies and brown rice.

My husband is strictly a meat kind of guy, so having "fake" chicken was a struggel for him (good thing he was hungry). Although the flavors were well prepared and fresh, nothing tops food like some good ol' red meat! However, I found my salad to be very flavorful. The avocado-lemon vinaigrette was something I'll have to recreate at home, I really did like it. The grilled veggies were great too, but I would prefer warm instead of cold veggies.

Overall, not a bad place to be in Culver City (although I've never been to a bad one!). I'll probably come by again to try the sushi or some other salads, but leave the hubby at home!

http://www.mcafedechaya.com/

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Bluebird Cafe-Downtown Culver City




We went to Bluebird Cafe for lunch one weekend. The atmosphere was small and cozy, like an old family diner. Of course, the first thing I noticed was the frosted cupcakes on top of the counter. Flavors include: chocolate with rainbow sprinkles, vanilla, red velvet and coconut with shaved coconut. I couldn't wait to dig in! But first- lunch!


This menu featured panninis, wraps, ahi tuna burgers and salads with delicious ingredients like prosciutto and gruyere . My husband chose the ahi tuna burger (which came in a deal with salad, fries and a cupcake for $10.50). The burger had a chipotle aioloi and fruit salsa on a brioche bun (very flavorful!). I had the BBQ chicken sandwich with aged chedddar on rustic white bread and served with a side salad. The bread was crisp and crunchy and the cheese melted all over the bread. The servings were just right for a lunch date. I definitely recommend the Bluebird for an afternoon of relaxing.


To be honest, I was trying to hurry and finish my lunch so I could get to the cupcakes! We tried the red velvet and coconut flavors. The size was very generous. I was pleasantly surprised by the flavor the homemade ingredients. It felt like I had gone back to bake with my mom. The frosting was sweet, but not overpowering and I especially liked the big muffin top. Both were contenders in my book! But I regret to say that I have yet to find a replacement for my Sprinkles addiction!


http://www.bluebirdcafela.com/