When life throws you a couple of lemons, you’re supposed to make lemonade. But when life throws you a couple of lemons (1) while you’re hungry, and (2) in Chef Jackson does an amazing job bringing together the classic feel of the “school cafeteria” and the hip and yum flavors that modern-day foodies know and love. Revelers can opt to dine in-house, or take their food and run. The basic drill is one that we’re all familiar with: you grab a tray, start at one end of the line, and work your way down. But instead of being served by scary old ladies with hair-nets and hairy moles on their faces, you have a slew of fellas coiffed in real-deal chef gear (yes, including those super cool chef hats) dishing out food that is not-at-all reminiscent of your high school lunch line. The menu includes several Cold Portions (purple potato/dill/sherry, quinoa/butternut squash/whole orange vinaigrette, seared ahi tuna/whole citrus ponzu), Sandwiches (braised chicken/mozzarella/pesto on ciabatta, tender beef/horseradish/arugula on ciabatta, grilled cheddar/smoked ham/quince on Millstone rye), and Hot Portions served in pots which could’ve almost been swiped from my mom’s own kitchen (short rib pot roast in red miso, lemongrass chicken, soup selections). The food is flavorful, and the servings are enough to prep you for the rest of your day at work. You won’t leave this lemonade stand feeling over-stuffed (that is, of course, unless you get your hands in the cookie jar).
Speaking of which, their dessert selection is yu-hummmm! You can choose from cookies and macaroons, buttercups and cream cheese bars, mini-cupcakes and brownies, and even a generous slice of cake (or cheesecake if you’re feeling nasty). There’s also a fridge of bottled sodas, water and juices… and the store’s main draw – the true stars of this corner-sideshow – the lemonade. Choose from four (4) freshly brewed and blended every day ---hand-shaken, not stirred.
The place itself is as inviting as can be. The décor is retro-chic, with bright “citrus”-based colors highlighting the interior. The outside patio of the West Hollywood location is made up of a wooden deck that makes you feel like you’re grabbing a bite at a café in the Outer Banks (the bad L.A. area drivers moseying along Beverly are notwithstanding, though). It isn’t until you’re done, and you’re headed back to the office, that you realize: “Oh. Still in
Once you blow this lemonade stand, however, you’ll more than likely find yourself coming back for more.
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Lemonade,
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1 comment:
i wanna go next time! YUMMY
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