Semisweet Bakery

The 7 Up pound cake is moist and tender, dusted with a thin layer of powdered sugar.  

Food makes memories. Some of my best meals involve gathering around a table with friends and family, talking and laughing for hours, and sharing incredible dishes. I love to cook and bake because great food creates the most enjoyable experiences. 

Whenever I eat grilled fish, I remember my family's trip to the Mediterranean, where our lunch was sourced fresh that very morning. Macarons and croissants transport me to the streets of Paris, strolling leisurely and peeking into the display window of every patisserie I passed by. The desserts at Semisweet Bakery in Downtown Los Angeles bring me back to my childhood, with classic American favorites like chocolate-banana bread, decadent layer cakes, and strawberry pocket tarts.

A generous slice of blueberry cornbread- 

the perfect balance between sweet and savory. 

Semisweet is a charming shop nestled into a bustling Los Angeles street. The decor pays tribute to the 60's, with checkered tile tables, baby blue walls, and vintage accessories. Peering at the menu offerings made me nostalgic for the types of desserts I used to love as a kid- Oreos, Thrifty ice cream, and molten chocolate cake. 

After much deliberation, I ordered the 7 Up pound cake, blueberry cornbread, Samoa macaron, and the traditional and PB Crunch Ding a Lings. All were excellent, but the pound cake and the PB Crunch Ding a Ling definitely stole the show. A Ding a Ling is Semisweet's rendition of the iconic Ding Dong- a chocolate snack cake filled with cream and dunked in chocolate glaze. You must try the peanut butter version, which satisfied my sweet-salty-crunchy-chocolately craving all at once.

Semisweet's prices are also very reasonable given the top-notch quality and generous portions, a major advantage for someone who can never make up her mind on what to order. So visit this quaint bakery for delicious American treats that will make you smile. 

Semisweet Bakery 
105 East 6th St. 
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 228 9975
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Tuesday-Thursday, Sunday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

My Pop-Up Bakery at Kaldi Coffee

Starting my own pop-up bakery business in February has already been such a fruitful and exciting experience. I have learned so many valuable lessons about entrepreneurship and have improved my baking skills by 110%. It's neat for me to take part in every step of the production process, from buying ingredients at the market to baking at home, and eventually seeing people enjoy my baked goods right in front of me. This meticulous, hands-on approach gives each one of my pop-up bakeries a special homemade touch. 

For the past several weekends, I have set up shop at Kaldi Coffee in Atwater Village, a hip and rapidly developing L.A. neighborhood. I load up the trunk of my car with baskets of chocolate chunk and oatmeal-raisin cookies and cake stands for citrus-poppyseed loaf and almond cake. Creating treats to pair with coffee has been an interesting challenge for me. All of my offerings are subtly sweet with ingredients like orange zest, clover honey, and Medjool dates that provide complex, refined notes of flavor. 

To me, an excellent dessert is one you eat slowly and mull over the different components that make it so good. I gain inspiration by going to bakeries, ordering a handful of items along with a glass of water, and spending time analyzing each one in between sips of water to cleanse my palette. For most people, this process is too time-cosuming and tedious, but doing it makes me even more passionate about my own little bakery. I hope that eating my products gives people the happiness and excitement that I feel when creating these baked goods.  

One of the most rewarding aspects of my pop-up bakery at Kaldi is receiving compliments from customers in-person and online. If you would like to connect with Maral's Bakery online, "like" www.facebook.com/MaralsBakery for updates on where I'll be and when, new menu items, and special orders. If you are an L.A. local, visit Kaldi Coffee tomorrow April 28 to meet me and pick up a treat. 

Maral's Bakery at Kaldi Coffee 
3147 Glendale Boulevard 
Los Angeles, CA  
90039
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Most Sundays, 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 

Baking for the Pasadena Civic Ballet

As many of you know, I have started my own pop-up bakery business for my high school Senior Project. I recently "popped up" at The San Gabriel Mission Playhouse for the opening weekend of Peter Pan presented by the Pasadena Civic Ballet. It was a beautiful show, and the environment around the auditorium was joyful and bustling.

I decided to use a green and purple theme to match the colors of the performance. I loved the way the plush green tablecloth made everything pop. Various shades of green and purple ribbon dressed up basic cellophane bags and differentiated products from one another. My mom's flower arrangements really completed the look of my table; I love the freshness and ease that they add to the spread.

These chocolate friands with mirrored chocolate glaze are a French take on a traditional American cupcake. Rich and decadent, they resemble flourless chocolate cake in flavor and texture. They looked absolutely adorable in mini liners, perfect for popping into your mouth during a few minutes of intermission. 

My chocolate soufflé cakes have become something of a signature item. How could you resist a cloud-like chocolate dessert served in one of these mini baking molds? I loved watching little kids jump up and down at the sight of them, pointing excitedly and tugging on their parents' arms to ask for money. So cute! 

I made zimtsternes for my first event at the Summer Opportunities Fair. After receiving such a positive response from customers, I had to bring them back. A traditional Swiss cookie made with ground almonds, honey, powdered sugar, and cinnamon, they are barely crunchy on the outside and soft in the center. Other items included grapfruit-olive oil loaf cake, and oatmeal raisin, lemon shortbread, and chocolate chunk cookies. 

The event was a great learning experience for me, because I branched out to an unfamiliar venue and catered to a unique crowd of people. It is important for me to adapt my presentation and tweak menu offerings based on where I am and who I am serving. After this event, I appreciate the expression, "It's all about the customer." While I have to stay true to my aesthetic, I must also be aware of my audience's desires. 

It is exciting for me to learn new lessons with every project I take on. Follow Let's Live La Vida on Facebook to see where I'll be popping up next. If you have any inquiries or would like me to cater a private function, please email me at maral.lavida@gmail.com. 

Senior Project: My Own Pop-Up Bakery

At my school, every senior pursues a project about a topic she is passionate about and wishes to explore further. For my Senior Project, I have started my own pop-up bakery, and will chronicle all my experiences on this blog. My first event was the Summer Opportunities Fair at my school, where I set up my own table filled with homemade, "rustic French desserts." 

Chocolate soufflé cakes and brownie drop cookies with walnuts, by far the two most popular items of the day. 

I came up with the idea for my project during the middle of my junior year, but have fantasized about opening my own bakery for a while now. I daydreamed about designing a space and baking dozens of beautiful goodies, but never thought about the hours of meticulous planning and labor required to open up shop for a day. 

After a week of deliberation, I decided to make rustic, French-inspired goodies because they felt the most natural to me. I baked until 2 a.m. the morning of the fair, and woke up at 6:30 to finish up some last-minute items and package everything. The final menu included heart-shaped chocolate soufflé cakes, citrus-glazed poppyseed mini loaf cakes, chocolate pecan torte, brownie drop cookies, zimtsterne cookies, lemon shortbread cookies, and big-cluster maple granola. 

I learned so much from this experience, and everything sold out within a few hours! It was so satisfying to tell people about my project and to see their genuine interest in my baked goods. I felt great when customers returned to my stand two or three times to buy additional items or to tell me how much they enjoyed something. I love to bake for family and friends, but receiving genuine compliments from complete strangers elevated my excitement to a new level. 

One major lesson I learned is that presentation is key. Many people stopped at my stand because of how aesthetically pleasing and professional it looked, with a vibrant yellow tablecloth and bouquets of flowers fresh from the farmers' market. Investing time and care into packaging products and arranging them on beautiful platters really paid off. 

Zimtsternes are traditional Swiss cookies made with ground almonds, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and honey, and topped with a simple glaze.

For my first pop-up bakery, I was thrilled with the outcome of the day and everyone responded so well to my desserts. I also recognized many aspects that I can improve upon, mostly related to the business side of things. I'm still figuring out appropriate pricing, and would like to optimize my time in the kitchen by prepping certain recipes in advance. My sister and my mom helped me with every step of the process, from brainstorming menu items to assisting me with baking, and I could not have succeeded without them. 

Starting in March, I will pop up at various locations in the Los Angeles area. Follow Let's Live La Vida on Facebook for specific details about location and time. If you would like more information about my project, or would like me to appear at a private event, please email me at maral.lavida@gmail.com. I cannot wait to see how my business grows in the coming months! 

The Sycamore Kitchen

The Sycamore Kitchen's seasonal offerings include this pumpkin pie with crumble topping and a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

As a food blogger, people often ask me about my favorite bakeries in Los Angeles. With so many wonderful bakeries each with its distinct style, it can be difficult to select a single one. The Sycamore Kitchen strikes the ideal balance between European-style patisserie and cozy American bakeshop.

Husband and wife team Quinn and Karen Hatfield, chef-owners of Hatfield's restaurant, founded Sycamore in the summer of 2012 with the goal of "redefining the urban bakery." The building's rustic design of red brick walls, industrial windows, and glossy wood tables contributes to its unique aesthetic. The menu includes American treats we know and love, such as chocolate chip cookies, buttermilk scones, and coffee cake, but with a refined finish. The chocolate chip cookies use rye flour instead of traditional all-purpose for an earthy flavor, sour cherries add vibrance to the buttermilk scones, and crème fraiche moistens the coffee cake. 

The Hatfields use only the highest quality, seasonal ingredients, and offer breakfast and lunch items in addition to sweets. I recommend the Cinnamon Brioche French Toast, the Mediterranean Chicken Salad, and the Farmhouse Chop Salad. For dessert, you must try the Salted Caramel Pecan Babka, a light, buttery pastry wound together by layers of sinful salted caramel. The Sycamore Kitchen also serves excellent coffee, courtesy of Stumptown Coffee Roasters. 

The Sycamore Kitchen 

143 S. La Brea Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90036

(323) 939 0151

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Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Local Find: Baked on Oceanview

While Los Angeles is full of excellent bakeries, hole-in-the-wall ethnic finds, and fine-dining restaurants, its traffic is a headache. Driving into the city from my quiet suburban community can be a treacherous feat, leaving me exhausted and wishing to never sit in a car again. When I heard about a newly-opened local bakery serving homemade breads, seasonal pastries, and light lunch items, I could not wait to visit. 

Baked on Oceanview offers a wide selection of breads made from all-natural ingredients, baked fresh every morning. The Whole Wheat roll is soft and airy on the inside, with a subtly crunchy crust- a refreshing change from the stale slices I store in my freezer. A cross between rye and wheat, sweetened with molasses, and sprinkled with oats, the Squaw loaf is another favorite. 

Customers can create their own sandwich using any of the bakery's signature breads, meats, cheeses, toppings, and spreads- all of which are fresh and made-to-order. The salads are simple and dressed with a grainy mustard vinaigrette, perfect for a healthy lunch. The comfortable, light-filled setting and easy parking add to Baked on Oceanview's appeal. I recommend Baked as an accessible, local bakery with wholesome, tasty breads crafted from quality ingredients. 

Baked on Oceanview 
3600 Oceanview Blvd. No. 7
Montrose, CA 91208
(818) 249 3587
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Tuesday-Saturday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed Sundays and Mondays 

Hidden Gem: Altadena Farmers' Market

One of the many perks of living in sunny Southern California is the presence of farmers' markets all year round. I love strolling among the massive white tents filled with beautiful fruits and vegetables picked fresh from the farms. I incorporate seasonal produce into my baked goods whenever I can, and it's inspiring to know that the ingredients I use come from local growers rather than mass producers in other continents. Take Chuy Mendez of Chuy Berry Farm, one of several top-notch vendors I discovered at The Altadena Urban Farmers' Market. Chuy grows his berries in hot houses all year round, treating the crops with lime oil and ladybugs rather than pesticides. Mendez tightly manages his 10 acres of land, explaining why his berries are so naturally sweet and plump.  

I visited the Altadena market for the first time last week as an assignment for a feature in my school newspaper. All I can say is I can't believe I hadn't discovered this place earlier. The market, which debuted in late May and is less than 10 minutes away from my house, is Los Angeles's best kept foodie secret. It boasts an impressive list of artisan vendors, including Sqirl Preserves, Plow & Gun Coffee Roasters, and Drake Family Farms Dairy, to name a few. One of my favorite purchases was the Chia Tea and Cashew Brittle from Morning Glory Confections, a local company specializing in refined brittles. Founder Max Lesser creates baked goods such as dense Valrhona Chocolate Brownies and fruit galettes exclusively for the market. The thin chocolate chip cookie, filled with chunks of Lesser's signature Fleur de Sel and Peanut Brittle, is irresistible. Other things I highly recommend trying are the smoked salmon from Shucked Oyster Bar and the aged "Glacier" Goat cheese from Drake Family Farms. 

The market is sandwiched in between a lush public park and a community garden, away from the traffic and noise of busy L.A. streets. The setting is intimate and relatively quiet compared to better-known markets such as Santa Monica and Hollywood. The smallness enhanced my shopping experience as I was able to comfortably float from one station to the next rather than get run over by double-decker strollers and scraped by reusable grocery bags. The people were so genuine and pleasant to be around, generously offering samples and patiently answering my questions. 

So what are you waiting for? Now it's your turn to discover this food-lover's hole-in-the-wall heaven and enjoy it just as much as I did. 

Altadena Urban Farmers' Market 
Loma Alta Park
3330 North Lincoln Ave.
Altadena, CA 
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Wednesdays, 3-7 p.m.

Proof Bakery L.A.

Proof serves a small selection of European-style sandwiches made with the bakery's signature Stecca bread. From left: salami, manchego, and chive butter, beet, arugula, and goat cheese, and ham with heirloom tomatoes, gruyere, and grainy mustard.

I have a confession to make. There is this awesome, authentic French bakery tucked into a charming corner of Los Angeles that I have been frequenting for the past year. It's called Proof and every day, the young, talented staff produces small batches of flaky pastries, thin European sandwiches, and refined desserts. All this time has passed that I have been munching on petite paris-brests and salted caramel tarts and I haven't told you all about this bakery yet. Well, today is the day, my lovely readers, that you too will learn of this hidden gem of a patisserie.

I first discovered Proof 18 months ago when I interviewed the owner and creator, Na Young Ma, for an article in my student newspaper. Na Young is an alumnae of my high school and a firm believer in hand-crafted baked goods sourced from the highest quality, seasonal ingredients available. She purchases fresh fruits and vegetables every week from local farmers' markets and serves artisan coffee from one of L.A.'s finest roasters: Cognoscenti Coffee. You cannot go wrong with any item on the menu, but some of my favorites include the Valrhona Chocolate Chip Cookie, the Almond Frangipane Shortcake with seasonal fruits and whipped cream, the Yogurt Cheesecake, and the Flourless Chocolate Torte. On the savory side: I adore the sandwiches, especially the Heirloom Tomato with Double Cream Brie and Basil. Sandwich offerings change daily and tend to sell out quickly, so I recommend arriving right at noon for an early lunch.

One of the limited-time selections at Proof includes this Devil's food cake layered with milk chocolate ganache, whipped cream, and caramelized bananas. 

Walking into Proof is like entering a cozy bakery on a side street of Paris except with a hip, SoCal influence. The interior contains tiny marble tables and wobbly bistro chairs and a blackboard displays the menu options, hand-written in chalk. The front staff are pleasant and always willing to answer questions. The bakery is located on Glendale Blvd., in an up-and-coming neighborhood of Los Angeles called Atwater Village. The street hosts a handful of cute stores along with a famers' market every Sunday, ideal for browsing on a lazy afternoon. 


Oh, and one more thing, just in case you aren't convinced yet. The granola is incredible- the only one I eat. It has ended my search for the perfect granola and has inspired me to replicate the recipe on my own. 


Proof Bakery 
3156 Glendale Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 664-8633
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Tuesday-Sunday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Closed Mondays 

Best Gelato in LA: Bulgarini

          Bulgarini Gelato, a modest shop tucked inside the alley way of a strip mall in Altadena, CA, may be the reason I never eat store-bought ice cream again. The gelato from this hole-in-the-wall store blew me away. Husband-and-wife team Leo Bulgarini and Eliabeth Foldi select the finest ingredients from around the world for their products, starting with milk from Broguiere's Dairy in Montebello, CA. Unlike traditional ice cream, which contains 18-22% milk fat, Bulgarini's gelato hosts only 2-4% milk fat. The low fat concentration allows the high-quality nuts, fruits, and chocolates to take center stage. The acclaimed pistachio gelato tastes like an handful of aromatic pistachios, hand-picked and imported from Sicily, have been freshly ground into each bite. The rich dark chocolate gelato is sophisticated and sinful all at once. The goat's milk with cocoa nib gelato is earthy but not overbearing. 
          A small serving at Bulgarini starts at three golf-ball-sized scoops, forcing you to choose from a plethora of possible flavor groupings. If you become as overwhelmed as I was during my decision process, the patient and friendly staff will surely answer any questions you have. They are generous with samples and describe each flavor in detail to ensure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest. With its amiable employees and incredible gelato, Bulgarini is simply without parallel in L.A. 


Bulgarini Gelato 
749 E. Altadena Dr. 
Altadena, CA 91001
(626) 791-6174
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Monday-Thursday, 12 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Sundays, 10 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

One of the Best Cakeries In LA: Sweet Lady Jane

A slice of Sweet Lady Jane's signature triple berry shortcake. Three layers of airy, moist yellow butter cake separated by fluffy whipped cream and fresh berries.

          If you have not visited Los Angeles's acclaimed Sweet Lady Jane, you are missing out on an incredible experience. This sunny city hosts a number of wonderful dessert shops, all so different and delicious in their own way that I cannot select one as my absolute favorite. What I can conclude, though, is that Sweet Lady Jane ranks in the top three on my list of best patisseries. 

          This cozy bakery offers a wide array of items from hearty loaves of homemade bread to rustic seasonal fruit pies, but its specialty is by far the cakes. With a variety of decadent flavors such as four-layer German chocolate, coconut with vanilla buttercream, and buttermilk red velvet with cream cheese frosting, choosing which cake to sample presents a considerable feat. It is virtually impossible to go wrong with any option however, as each recipe has been perfected over the 24 year period the bakery has been open. 

          Over the years, as new businesses moved in and out of the desirable retail spaces on Melrose Avenue, Sweet Lady Jane stood its ground. This homey, English cottage-style shop has become an LA staple, a go-to destination both for its magnificent baked goods and its irresistible charm.

Good Eats: Umami Burger

Juicy, angus beef patty, thin, paper-like parmesan crisp, sauteed wild mushrooms, and a watery, char-grilled tomato slice all pressed together within an airy, lightly-toasted brioche bun. That is what the first bite of an Umami burger tastes like. Their signature sandwich harmoniously combines these individually-distinct flavors into a single, heavenly dish. Each burger on Umami's menu is carefully-assembled, incorporating various unusual tastes to create a brilliant final product. Featured in today's Los Angeles Times food section, Umami has five locations within Los Angeles, each restaurant with its own original decor and ambience. During our visit, my family and I sampled the Umami, SoCal, and Earth burgers. All three exceeded my expectations. With its trademark beef, crunchy butter lettuce, savory house spread, and sweet, caramelized onions, the SoCal burger ranked highest on my list of menu recommendations. The pleasant, attentive service heightened the experience as each server patiently explained the menu items and enthusiastically answered any questions I had. I highly recommend Umami for its ideal mix of fresh, quality ingredients with new, innovative pairings that will surely leave you craving for more.

Big Sugar Bakeshop for a Big Sweet Tooth

 

Big Sugar Bakeshop's double coconut and Belgian chocolate cupcakes.

Moist red velvet cake topped with vanilla buttercream.

Located in Studio City, California, Big Sugar Bakeshop presents a wide array of decadent baked goods. Though all their sweet treats are equally irresistible, I especially love Big Sugar's hand-crafted cupcakes. Everyday, the bakeshop offers seven unchanging cupcake flavors in addition to five daily specials. With its airy dough and rich cream cheese frosting covered in confetti-like shavings of tender coconut, double coconut remains my favorite cupcake flavor. Having visited several bakeries throughout Los Angeles, I strongly recommend Big Sugar for its high level of products and customer service. No matter what item you choose to indulge in, I can guarantee that you will enjoy every last bite.

Sweets for the Soul

A trio of brownies courtesy of Sweets for the Soul bakeshop in Atwater Village. From nearest to farthest: the Billionaire's Bliss brownie, the Obama brownie, and the Espresso brownie.

Buttery shortbread and homemade caramel topped with dark guittard chocolate and fluer de seul.

Fragrant ground espresso infused in a cocoa base with valrhona dark chocolate chips. 

Rated by the Los Angeles Magazine as the best brownies in Los Angeles, Sweets for the Soul bakery offers a delicious assortment of hand-crafted treats. Deciding which item to indulge in provides a considerable feat for any dessert-lover as each maintains the perfect balance of flavors. This heavenly bakeshop is a must for Los Angeles natives and tourists alike; I can assure that you will return for seconds.