Boule Atelier

While looking through Eater LA yesterday, I found out about the special preview event for Boule Atelier's opening. To my luck, I had just enough to time to RSVP to the tasting. So, on a school night, my sister and I dressed up in our cutest casual dresses and drove to La Cienega Blvd. As we circled to find parking, I caught a glimpse of the new store. Candlelit high tables were surrounded by people who were talking and enjoying the treats circulating the store. I was definitely excited.
This event was not only for PR and press coverage, but also to give Boule's fans a sneak peek at the new store. The champagne was flowing and shop was bustling with photographers, magazine writers, fellow foodies excitedly discussing the tasty treats. My sister and I were taken by the many pastries in the display case and the artisan breads lining the wall. But we weren't confined to the storefront. Everyone had access to the inside of the kitchen, where the magic actually happens. We munched on flaky croissants by the ovens and work tables.

Lucky for me, I had the chance to talk to David Myers, chef of Sona Restaurant and also the husband of Boule's creator, Michelle Myers. Myers says Boule Atelier will provide us with a more interactive experience. The windows into the kitchen allow visitors to clearly see patissiers and bakers create each delicacy. With three times the space of Boule up the street, customers can enjoy a broader selection of baked goods. Along with a pâtisserie, glâcerie, confiserie, and chocolaterie, the Atelier will also introduce a viennoiserie and boulangerie. The high tables, lighting and full window storefront really achieves the 20s-inspired Parisian vibe Boule was aiming for.The Atelier is the fresher, livelier version of the original Boule. I already know that I will be a frequent visitor!




some of the treats I tasted last night:
-korova sable cookies
-olive foccacia
-mini macarons in matcha green tea, rose raspberry and meyer lemon
-pâte de fruit
-cheese breadsticks
-croissant

All the atendees also received gift bags. yum.

I thoroughly enjoyed all of the samples and this great event.
I was a very lucky foodie last night! :]

Boule Atelier
430 N La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone: (310) 289-9977

more photos...

Boule Macarons

At Boule, a pâtisserie on La Cienega, they sell gourmet chocolates, candies and confections, their own gelato and coffee with sandwiches and various baked goods. I've been to this store numerous times because I can't get enough of their delicious macarons. The macaron, not to be confused with the coconut-coated macaroon, is a traditional french pastry from northeastern France. It is made of egg whites, almond flour, icing sugar and sugar. Boule bakes them in many different flavors including meyer lemon, matcha green tea, vanilla, dulce de leche, passionfruit with chocolate, venezuelan chocolate, lavendar, pistachio, rose petal raspberry and other seasonal flavors. The macarons have a delicately crunchy outer shell covering the moist and chewy insides. The two merigue-like cookies sandwich a sweet center filling. Although I have yet to try macarons from another store and compare, these treats definitely satisfy my sweet tooth.

Look forward to a Boule review once I try the other yummies!

Boule Pâtisserie
420 N. La Cienega Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90048
310-289-9977
http://www.boulela.com

Hours
Monday through Saturday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm - 6:00pm

Santa Monica Farmers' Market on Main St.

Every Sunday from 9:30 to 1:00 the city of Santa Monica holds a farmers' market on Main st. Since the January of 1995, this weekly event brings businesses and shoppers from all over LA. You can hear the band playing on the patio of the Victorian while browsing through the numerous stalls. They sell everything from fresh produce, homemade sweets and sauces, clothes to artisan cheeses. I've seen some rare veggies and tasted the sweetest fruits. One of my favorite stalls was Basiltops Pesto. Their pestos would make a fantastic pasta dish.

Even after munching on the samples the vendors offer, you won't be able to resist the omelettes, crepes, quesadillas and roasted corn that are cooked fresh to order. Once you have your newly bought produce in one hand and steaming tamale in the other, enjoy the people, atmosphere, music and the outdoors on the grass and the kids can get their face painted and ride the ponies.

go check it out on Sunday!
http://www.smgov.net/farmers_market/sunday.htm

Yose Sunday Brunch

Being the adventurous food city-searchers we are, my sister and I decided to try breakfast at Yose. Hidden behind a busy Pete's Coffee, Yose is located in Santa Monica. To serve its blend of Japanese and Korean cuisine, the restaurant is equipped with sushi bar, grilling station and bar and lounge. We were attracted by the variety of entrees on the buffet menu. This brunch offers a medley of sushi and rolls, eggs benedict, chicken and vegetable stir-fry, salads, korean bbq, fruit and other asian foods.

here are some pointers for those interested in trying Yose out:

-sushi and entrees are made in small portions and replaced often unlike most buffets.

-my favorites: the bite-sized scallop with spicy tuna and the Yose special roll with a california roll base topped with spicy tuna, eel, avocado and eel sauce.

-although the fish selection wasn't the best, it was decent quality.

-Yose uses saffron in the sushi rice for a unique yellow color. There is no difference in taste, only for aesthetic appeal.

-the various rolls, including spider rolls, veggie rolls, tempura rolls, and spicy tuna rolls, big compared to most those offered at sushi restaurants, are difficult to eat.

-the mix of banana pancakes, eggs benedict and Chinese stir-fry with fried rice takes getting accustomed to but when eaten separately the variety is great.

-free champagne

-clean and modern interior design

-slow to take used plates, but otherwise pleasant service

Overall, Yose's Sunday Brunch was a good experience. It was a bit too heavy for a brunch. Although I can't say I would go again, it was definitely worth the try. The quality and clean service is worth the $18 per person. I will, however, go back to try the regular dinner and lunch menus when I get the chance. Yose offers a fresh mix of asian foods with style and quality. So, if you're going to give the Yose Brunch a try, bring with you a sense of adventure and a big appetite.

Yose Nomadic Asian Cuisine

2435 Main St.
Santa Monica, CA

310-255-0680

http://www.yosedining.com

Hours

Mon-Thurs 11:00 am-10:00 pm

Fri-Sat 11:00 am-11:00 pm

Sunday Brunch 1:00 am-3:00 pm